Hori has been making licensed Nintendo accessories for years, but its new Horipad Turbo may be its most practical yet. As reported by Nintendo Life, the upcoming model lets players lock the Home, Capture, and + and – buttons entirely, preventing accidental presses that can interrupt gameplay or flood your gallery with screenshots.
That simple design tweak makes a surprising amount of sense for families and younger players. Anyone who has watched a kid accidentally close their game or spam hundreds of screenshots will immediately see the appeal.
Why the Button Lock Feature Matters
The Horipad Turbo includes a physical toggle on the back of the controller that disables key buttons when switched on. A hardware lock rather than a software restriction, this means the Home, Capture, and + and – buttons genuinely do nothing until the lock is released. It’s a small but clever inclusion for people who value uninterrupted gameplay. For adults, the feature helps avoid costly mistakes in games with limited save points. For kids, it prevents the most common frustration of all, suddenly returning to the Switch home screen in the middle of a boss fight. It also prevents taking accidental screenshots, which many parents find clog the console’s memory.
Beyond the lock feature, the controller includes Turbo and Turbo Hold modes that let players assign rapid-fire functions to most buttons, and supports button remapping, so you can tailor controls for specific games or accessibility needs. The build feels solid, with responsive triggers and a textured grip. Some variants also include TMR sticks, which resist analog drift much better than standard sticks, offering more durability over time. However, like many third-party controllers, it does not feature HD Rumble, NFC Amiibo scanning, or console wake functions, though these are considered fair trade-offs for players who prioritise durability, comfort, and price over the full set of Nintendo-exclusive features.
Australian Pricing and Availability
The Horipad Turbo is already listed by several Australian retailers, with prices typically ranging between $49.95 and $54.95, depending on colour and stock levels. The Gamesmen, EB Games Australia, and Big W list the black edition for $54.95. Woolworths Marketplace has a Zelda-themed version for $49.95, and eBay Australia lists various colours at prices starting around $40, and going up to and over $100 AUD.
The average price point for the Horipad Turbo undercuts Nintendo’s official Pro Controller by nearly half while offering features the Pro Controller lacks. For many buyers, especially parents setting up a family console, this makes this controller an appealing option.Nintendo’s consoles have always appealed to younger audiences, yet official controllers rarely include physical safeguards to prevent interruptions or clutter. Hori’s button lock addresses a real problem that most households simply endure. It’s not just a gimmick, it’s a practical improvement that makes the Switch experience smoother for everyone.
Whether you are a competitive player who hates accidental pauses or a parent tired of clearing 400 screenshots of Mario Kart menus, this is a controller worth considering. Hori has quietly built something that feels both affordable and intelligent. In a market full of flashy accessories, the Horipad Turbo is the rare product that actually solves a problem.
