Disclaimer: My review mainly focuses on comparing this controller with other third-party "GameCube"-like controllers. I will speak to its merit mostly within these comparisons.
I have the Hori, PDP and wireless PowerA GameCube-style controllers. This is my favorite of the bunch. I mostly play Smash Bros though all controllers are compatible with most of the Switch library. This is worth noting in case you want a controller that can play more games than Smash and don't prefer or want to pay the Pro controller price.
Further disclaimer: All three of these "GameCube" controllers feel more similar than different. The minor differences, however, are what make me prefer the Hori over the other two. If you really like the look of one over the other, it may be worth to buy on those grounds alone. (Or purchase all three like me.)
I prefer the button feel of the Hori over the other two. The Hori buttons are a bit more supple and don't "click" as much as those of the PDP and PowerA, rendering a more smooth and "less-cheap" plastic feel. The difference in feel isn't that noticeable, however.
The analog and C-sticks on the Hori also feel the best among the three. The travel distance on the PDP is WAY too long (probably its biggest knock) while the sticks on the PowerA are really tight, small and need to be broken into.
I prefer the "new" trigger types of the PDP and Hori over the "classic" GameCube-style triggers.
I like the weight of the Hori. It has the lightest weight of the three, which I also prefer. This does make it feel a bit more fragile than the other two. It still has a nice build quality, though. I would call it sleek.
I think the size of the Hori controller is perfect. I have adult man hands and the PDP feels slightly large while the PowerA definitely feels small. (The PDP didn't feel that way until I tried the other two, though.) The Hori definitely has the best fit in the palms.
All in all, the Hori gains my favor because I prefer all the minor characteristics that separate it from the other third-party GameCube-style controllers as described above. If you absolutely need wireless, go with PowerA. If you like a sturdier-feeling controller, go with PDP. If you prefer some of the characteristics I do, then definitely go with the Hori. (I also think the Hori has the best aesthetics.)
Just a few more comments specific to this controller:
My controller has always been responsive to button inputs. Not sure what that's about in others' experience. Perhaps a defective product or the controller wasn't taken care of properly. The Battle Pad is a bit more fragile-feeling than the others so one good drop may mess it up. Just speculation.
The only glaring con of the Hori Battle Pad is an annoying red light stays on while the triggers are swapped to match the trigger configuration of the Pro controller. I put a piece of electrical tape over it. Not enough to knock it a star but a nuisance enough to bring it up in case this is a major turnoff.
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From the manufacturer
Reviews with images
Triggers Improved, No Input Issues, Perfection
Just got through testing it out with classic and online and I love it.I don't notice trouble with travel or inputs but I don't use a GCc adapter I just go straight USB into the dock.The triggers aren't annoyingly deep like the original GCc , perfect fit for my small hands I could see how people with big hands might complain because it just feels so perfect for me.C stick is super responsive! I would buy this for any Smash player.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2019
I don't notice trouble with travel or inputs but I don't use a GCc adapter I just go straight USB into the dock.
The triggers aren't annoyingly deep like the original GCc , perfect fit for my small hands I could see how people with big hands might complain because it just feels so perfect for me.
C stick is super responsive! I would buy this for any Smash player.
Color: Princess PeachVerified Purchase
Triggers Improved, No Input Issues, Perfection
Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2019
Just got through testing it out with classic and online and I love it.Reviewed in the United States on December 14, 2019
I don't notice trouble with travel or inputs but I don't use a GCc adapter I just go straight USB into the dock.
The triggers aren't annoyingly deep like the original GCc , perfect fit for my small hands I could see how people with big hands might complain because it just feels so perfect for me.
C stick is super responsive! I would buy this for any Smash player.
Images in this review
Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2018
Color: Princess PeachVerified Purchase
Slick, responsive, and royal.
Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2018
It's a beautiful GameCube-style controller with the pallette inspired by Princess Peach, and it feels great with a textured grip in the back to make sure slipping of the hands is a rare occurrence and that gameplay is as optimal as can be. Feels great in the hands and looks great when not in use. HORI really knocked it out of the park with this one - especially with the translucent shell.
Reviewed in the United States on November 28, 2018
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
Estefania
Cómodo y a buen precio
Reviewed in Spain on July 21, 2021Color: Princess PeachVerified Purchase
Roboarcadia
Comfortable
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 9, 2020Color: LuigiVerified Purchase
Roboarcadia
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 9, 2020
Images in this review
