Hori Unveils Affordable Switch 2 Pro Controller Alternative Featuring Advanced Customization

Accessory manufacturer Hori has expanded its line of Nintendo Switch accessories with the introduction of the Horipad Turbo, an affordable alternative to the official Switch 2 Pro Controller.

The new gamepad, currently announced for the Japanese market, becomes available at a price point equivalent to approximately $54 USD (based on the current exchange rate from Japanese yen), offering a notable cost-saving compared to Nintendo's official Switch 2 Pro Controller, which retails for $89.99 USD. While the Horipad Turbo undercuts the official Nintendo offering on price, it omits several premium features to keep costs down.

Unlike the first-party controller, Hori’s model cannot remotely wake the Nintendo Switch 2 console, does not include a headphone jack, and lacks support for NFC functionality, making it incompatible with amiibo figures.

Despite these omissions, the Horipad Turbo integrates a variety of practical features appealing to competitive and casual players alike. An innovative inclusion is the ability to lock the home, capture, plus, and minus buttons via a physical switch on the back of the controller.

This feature mirrors the tournament lock functionality present in many modern arcade and fighting game controllers, allowing players to disable non-essential inputs and prevent accidental presses during intense gameplay sessions.

This approach demonstrates Hori’s attention to specialized gaming needs, even if the controller is more broadly designed. Hori has also incorporated TMR (Touch Magnetic Resistance) technology into the Horipad Turbo's analog joysticks.

This innovation is aimed at minimizing joystick drift—a common concern among the gaming community—ensuring greater reliability and longevity.

Additional programmable buttons located on the back further distinguish the controller, offering customization options that rival those of Nintendo’s official Pro Controller.

Moreover, users can remap nearly every button on the device, catering to those who want to tailor their gameplay experience down to the last detail. Currently, Hori has not announced plans to release the Horipad Turbo controller outside of Japan.

However, the accessory’s blend of affordability and robust feature set is likely to appeal to a broad segment of the Nintendo Switch 2 user base, particularly those seeking customization without the full expense of the official controller.

At a time when controller pricing continues to rise, the arrival of budget-friendly and innovative alternatives like Hori’s new offering is welcome news for Nintendo fans worldwide.

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