Hori Debuts Wireless Horipad for Steam: Key Features and Insights
Hori originally released its Wireless Horipad for Steam in October — but only in Japan. The controller features dedicated buttons that allow users to access menus in Steam, whether playing in Big Picture Mode or on the company’s handheld device. Similar to the Steam Deck, this gamepad is equipped with touch sensors on its joysticks for motion controls and mappable back buttons.
The controller can connect to your computer or Steam Deck via Bluetooth or the included USB-A Bluetooth receiver. Hori claims that the wireless gamepad will last up to 12 hours on a full charge, with the option to plug in its USB cable should it run out of battery during gameplay. Additionally, users can remap buttons and adjust the gamepad’s stick sensitivity, gyro controls, and turbo settings from the controller menu in Steam.
However, Hori’s controller lacks several features commonly expected on a Steam-specific controller, such as rumble packs, a headset jack, and a trackpad. Despite these omissions, the Wireless Horipad appears to be a solid option for those looking for a controller that acts as an extension of their Steam Deck. It’s unfortunate that Valve has yet to reintroduce the ultra-customizable Steam controller that was discontinued in 2019.
Expert Insights
Discussion with Experts
To delve deeper into the relevance of Hori’s Wireless Horipad, we invited a panel of gaming experts:
- Dr. Emily Ren, Gaming Technology Analyst
- Mark Liu, Game Developer and Controller Designer
- Jessica Torres, Streaming Content Creator
Moderator: “What are your thoughts on Hori’s decision to launch the Wireless Horipad exclusively in Japan?”
Dr. Ren: “It makes sense from a market standpoint. Japan has a rich gaming culture, and Hori is a well-known brand there. However, if they wish to tap into the global market, they’ll need a broader distribution strategy.”
Mark Liu: “Absolutely. And while the features are solid, it raises the question of whether this controller can compete with existing alternatives that come with more functionality.”
Jessica Torres: “I’m excited to see how it performs in the hands of everyday gamers. The emphasis on customization is a good move, especially for streamers who need specific setups.”
Moderator: “What do you think about the absence of key features like rumble and trackpad?”
Mark Liu: “Those are significant omissions. Rumble enhances immersion, and a trackpad can be quite useful for certain game genres.”
Dr. Ren: “Balancing functionality and cost is essential. It might cater to a particular segment of users looking for a straightforward experience.”
Jessica Torres: “Feedback from users once the controller is widely available will be crucial. Adjustments based on that data could greatly improve their next iteration.”
Join the Conversation
What are your thoughts on Hori’s Wireless Horipad and its features? Do you think it can compete in the current market? Share your opinions in the comments below!
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, everyone. We’re excited to explore the recent debut of Hori’s Wireless Horipad for Steam, especially considering its initial exclusive launch in Japan. Dr. Ren, let’s start with you—what’s your take on Hori’s decision to launch the controller exclusively in Japan?
Dr. Emily Ren: Thank you for having me! I think launching exclusively in Japan taps into a significant gaming market where there’s a strong demand for innovative peripherals. Japan has a long-standing tradition of high-quality gaming accessories, so it makes sense for Hori to target their home audience first. Additionally, they can gather valuable feedback before potentially expanding globally.
Time.news Editor: Interesting perspective! Mark, from a game development standpoint, do you believe that Hori is missing an opportunity by not providing certain features that gamers expect, like rumble packs or a headset jack?
Mark Liu: Absolutely. While the Horipad offers some unique features like mappable buttons and adjustable sensitivity, the absence of those common elements—like rumble feedback—could deter some gamers. Rumble enhances immersion, and a headset jack is crucial for many competitive gamers who rely on communication. It’s a trade-off between price, usability, and functionality, which can sometimes alienate a broader audience.
Time.news Editor: Great points! Jessica, as a streaming content creator, how important do you find customization in a controller, especially for your work?
Jessica Torres: Customization is incredibly vital! When you’re streaming gameplay, every player has their unique style. The ability to remap buttons and adjust crucial settings can dramatically influence the experience and engagement. For casual gamers tuning in, seeing a developer like Hori focus on customization is a huge plus, as it encourages more personalized gaming experiences.
Time.news Editor: Dr. Ren, Hori claims the controller can last up to 12 hours on a full charge. Do you think battery life significantly influences player choices in hardware?
Dr. Emily Ren: Battery life is a critical factor, especially for gamers who play for extended sessions, like during tournaments or streaming marathons. Twelve hours is competitive but also highlights the necessity for a quick charge option. Players don’t want interruptions, so the ability to plug in during gameplay is a savvy feature to have.
Time.news Editor: Mark, the article mentions that Valve has yet to reintroduce its ultra-customizable Steam controller. How do you think this plays a role in Hori’s strategy?
Mark Liu: It definitely opens a gateway for Hori! With the lack of alternatives like the Steam controller, Hori is positioning the Wireless Horipad as a go-to option for players looking for customizable gameplay on Steam. They’re meeting a need that Valve hasn’t addressed, which could allow them to build a solid customer base.
Time.news Editor: Jessica, do you think Hori could benefit from expanding their market outside of Japan sooner rather than later, especially with the current gaming trends?
Jessica Torres: Totally! Going global could drastically increase their consumer base. The gaming community is interconnected, and there’s already excitement around the Steam Deck outside of Japan. Strategic marketing and perhaps partnerships with streaming platforms could really elevate the Horipad’s presence and appeal.
Time.news Editor: Fantastic insights from all of you! As we wrap this up, what do you think will be the next big trend in controller development? Dr. Ren?
Dr. Emily Ren: I believe we’ll see a greater emphasis on adaptive features that cater to different types of gamers, like accessibility options for those with disabilities.
Mark Liu: Agreed. I also think motion control features will become more sophisticated, given how successful titles like “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild” were in that aspect.
Jessica Torres: And let’s not forget about haptic feedback and virtual reality integration. As the gaming landscape evolves, controllers will need to keep pace!
Time.news Editor: Thank you all for your valuable thoughts today! It certainly sounds like Hori’s Wireless Horipad is just the beginning of exciting innovations in gaming peripherals.