Bread Pitt
Member
The Nintendo Switch was born without a directional cross, the four directions being provided by the analog stick or by four separate buttons. This is where the Hori D-Pad Controller comes in, a module that replaces the left JoyCon by incorporating a directional cross worthy of the name. But does the result live up to our expectations?
With just 30 grams on the scale , this D-Pad Controller is probably the lightest accessory we have ever tested. Indeed, the JoyCon alternative may share the dimensions of the original, to within a few half millimeters, it is far from the weight of about 50 grams that we expected. And if for 20 grams of difference the balance of the Switch is not really changed, this is what this weight loss has a real impact on the gameplay. Indeed, as we regretted for the Split Pad Pro and for all the controllers for Switch from the manufacturer Hori, what is sorely lacking in the data sheet of this D-Pad Controller can be summed up in two words: vibration and battery.
No vibrations, it is certainly annoying, even if we imagine being able to still enjoy those of the right JoyCon. Except that the effect is not great. On the one hand, most games combine the two modules, reducing all of the functions to those of the module that does the least . No more vibrations in Zelda: Breath Of The Wild , in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe , in Pokemon Sword and Shield , and in all of the games we tested, unless you reactivate them directly in the console menu. Then, vibrations to the right and not to the left, it's not very pleasant and we finally come to the first solution: total deactivation.
Hori D-Pad Controller
The absence of a battery also has a major impact on the possibilities of using the accessory. If it slightly decreases the battery life, in proportions that are still acceptable, it especially prevents any use of the D-Pad Controller as a stand-alone controller . No question of using it with a wrist strap for a second player and impossible to use it attached with the right JoyCon to the support supplied with the console. The only way to play with this D-Pad Controller is when it is glued to the console and powered live.
With just 30 grams on the scale , this D-Pad Controller is probably the lightest accessory we have ever tested. Indeed, the JoyCon alternative may share the dimensions of the original, to within a few half millimeters, it is far from the weight of about 50 grams that we expected. And if for 20 grams of difference the balance of the Switch is not really changed, this is what this weight loss has a real impact on the gameplay. Indeed, as we regretted for the Split Pad Pro and for all the controllers for Switch from the manufacturer Hori, what is sorely lacking in the data sheet of this D-Pad Controller can be summed up in two words: vibration and battery.
No vibrations, it is certainly annoying, even if we imagine being able to still enjoy those of the right JoyCon. Except that the effect is not great. On the one hand, most games combine the two modules, reducing all of the functions to those of the module that does the least . No more vibrations in Zelda: Breath Of The Wild , in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe , in Pokemon Sword and Shield , and in all of the games we tested, unless you reactivate them directly in the console menu. Then, vibrations to the right and not to the left, it's not very pleasant and we finally come to the first solution: total deactivation.
Hori D-Pad Controller
| Hori D-Pad Controller | Specifications |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | Switch |
| Connection type | Direct |
| Action buttons | 2 |
| Analog sticks | 1 |
| Touch pad | No |
| Vibrations | No |
| Drums | No |
| Weight | 30 g without cable |
The absence of a battery also has a major impact on the possibilities of using the accessory. If it slightly decreases the battery life, in proportions that are still acceptable, it especially prevents any use of the D-Pad Controller as a stand-alone controller . No question of using it with a wrist strap for a second player and impossible to use it attached with the right JoyCon to the support supplied with the console. The only way to play with this D-Pad Controller is when it is glued to the console and powered live.
