MOBAPAD S1 HD Review: Silent Buttons, Smooth Sticks – All for Just $35!

Nintendo Switch gamers are always on the lookout for controllers that feel good, work well, and don’t break the bank. Enter the MOBAPAD S1 HD, a pair of Joycons that promise to deliver a solid gaming experience at an affordable price of just $35. But here’s the big question: can these budget-friendly controllers really hold their own against the more expensive options out there, or are they just a backup for when your main Joycons need a break?

In this review, we’ll talk about how they feel in your hands, how they perform in different types of games, and whether they’re a good fit for casual gamers, kids, or even more serious players. Spoiler alert: they’re not perfect, but they do have some surprising features that might make them a great addition to your gaming setup.

Design and Build Quality

First, the MOBAPAD S1 HD has a sleek, modern, eye-catching look. The controllers come in a compact design that’s noticeably thinner than the MOBAPAD M6 HD, which is their more premium offering. This thinner profile makes the S1 HD feel lighter and easier to handle, especially if you prefer a more minimalist grip. The curves on the back of the controllers are designed to fit snugly in your hands, and there’s a pronounced bump that gives your fingers a place to rest. It’s a small detail, but it makes a big difference in terms of comfort, especially during longer gaming sessions.

The MOBAPAD S1 HD features smaller buttons compared to its big brother, the M6 HD, but don’t let the size fool you—they’re still very functional. One of the first things you’ll notice is how quiet they are. If you’ve ever been in a situation where the clicky noise of your Joycons was driving you (or someone else) crazy, you’ll appreciate how muted these buttons are. They’re perfect for late-night gaming sessions or when you just don’t want to disturb anyone around you.

The buttons have a nice tactile feel to them, and they’re responsive without being too stiff. When you press them, there’s a satisfying click, but it’s not overly loud or distracting. The travel distance—how far the button moves when you press it—is just right. It’s not too shallow, so you don’t feel like you’re tapping on a flat surface, but it’s also not so deep that it feels sluggish. Overall, the buttons are a win for casual gaming, though they might not be the best choice for fast-paced games where split-second reactions are key.

One of the standout features of the S1 HD is its ergonomic design. The controllers are designed to fit comfortably in your hands, and the thinner profile makes them feel less bulky than some other Joycon alternatives. However, this design choice does come with a trade-off. The S1 HD sticks are a bit smaller than what you’d find on the M6 HD or even the original Switch Joycons. They also have a slightly convex shape, which is different from the concave sticks on the M6 HD. At first glance, this might seem like a minor detail, but it can make a difference in how they feel during gameplay.

The good news is that the sticks glide very smoothly. They’re responsive and have a nice, fluid feel to them, which is great for games that require precise movements, like shooters or action-adventure games. They also have an anti-idle ring, which helps prevent wear and tear over time. However, the smaller size and convex shape might take some getting used to, especially if you’re coming from a controller with larger, concave sticks.

One thing to note is that the sticks are vertically aligned, which is a bit different from the offset sticks on the M6 HD. This vertical alignment can feel a bit awkward, especially if you’re used to bouncing between sticks quickly in fast-paced games. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re a competitive gamer or play many games that require quick stick movements.

In terms of build quality, the S1 HD feels solid and well-made. The materials used are durable, and the controllers have a nice weight, making them feel premium despite their affordable price tag. One thing to note is that the face plates on the S1 HD are not removable, which means you can’t swap them out for different colors or designs like you can with the M6 HD. This might be a downside for gamers who like to customize their controllers, but it’s a minor gripe in the grand scheme of things.

Now, let’s talk about the D-pad. The S1 HD uses a silent membrane design, which means it’s super quiet—great for keeping the peace in your gaming space. However, this design comes with a bit of a trade-off. While the D-pad feels responsive for basic inputs, it struggles with diagonal movements. You might find it a bit frustrating if you’re playing a game that requires precise diagonal inputs, like a fighting game or a platformer. The D-pad works fine for simpler games or RPGs where you’re not relying on quick, precise movements, but it’s not the best option for more intense gameplay.

The function buttons—like the home and capture buttons—are tactile and responsive. They have a nice click to them, and they’re easy to press without feeling too stiff or too loose. The pairing button is also easy to access, which is always a plus when you’re setting up your controllers.

Features and Functionality

Now that we’ve covered the design, build quality, and button/stick performance, let’s dive into the features and functionality of the MOBAPAD S1 HD. After all, a good controller isn’t just about how it feels in your hands—it’s also about what it can do. So, what does the S1 HD offer, and how does it stack up against other Joycon alternatives?

Note: While the S1 HD has a lot of great features, there are a few things it’s missing compared to the more premium M6 HD. like No Extra Back Buttons or No Removable Face Plates.

Turbo Function

One of the standout features of the S1 HD is the turbo function. If you’ve ever played a game where you need to mash buttons repeatedly (think old-school platformers or shooters), you know how tiring it can get. The turbo function takes care of that for you. With just a press of a button, you can set any button to fire repeatedly, saving your fingers from unnecessary strain. It’s a small feature, but it’s one that can make a big difference in certain games. Plus, it’s easy to use—no complicated setup required.

NFC Support

For Nintendo fans, NFC support is a big deal. The S1 HD has built-in NFC, which means you can use your Amiibo figures with these controllers. Like unlocking special content in Super Smash Bros. or scanning Amiibo in Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the S1 HD has you covered. The NFC reader is located in the buttons, and it works just as well as the original Joycons.

HD Rumble

The S1 HD also features HD Rumble, which is Nintendo’s fancy way of saying the controllers can provide precise, immersive vibration feedback. In theory, this is great—it adds an extra layer of immersion to games that support it. However, the implementation on the S1 HD is a bit hit-or-miss. While the rumble works, it can feel inconsistent at times. Some vibration patterns don’t always match what’s happening on-screen, which can be a bit jarring.

That said, there’s a fix for this. If you’re experiencing inconsistent rumble, you can use the MOBAPAD app to adjust the vibration strength. Cranking it up to the highest setting seems to resolve most of the issues, so it’s not a dealbreaker—just something to keep in mind.

App Support

Speaking of the app, the S1 HD has software support for iOS, Android, and PC. This is where things get interesting. The app allows you to customize various aspects of the controller, including:

• Button Remapping: You can remap the buttons, though there’s a catch—you can only remap buttons on the same side. For example, you can’t map the “B” button to the left Joycon. It’s a bit limiting, but it’s still a nice feature to have.
• Joystick Dead Zones: If you’re picky about joystick sensitivity, you’ll appreciate the ability to adjust the dead zones. This can be a game-changer for shooters or other precision-based games.
• Turbo Settings: The app also lets you fine-tune the turbo function, so you can set it up exactly how you like it.
• Firmware Updates: The app allows you to update the controller’s firmware, which is always a plus. It means MOBAPAD can roll out improvements and bug fixes over time.

While the app is a great addition, it’s not without its quirks. Some error messages when trying to access certain features, so it’s not the most polished experience. Still, it’s a nice bonus that adds a layer of customization to the S1 HD.

Gyro Controls

If you’re a fan of motion controls, you’ll be happy to know that the S1 HD has gyro controls that work just as well as the original Joycons.

Powering the Switch

One of the most basic but essential features of any Joycon alternative is the ability to power on the Switch. Thankfully, the S1 HD handles this without any issues. You can wake up your Switch from sleep mode using these controllers, which is a must-have feature for convenience.

Gaming Experience

If you’re into casual gaming—think Animal Crossing, Stardew Valley, or Pokémon—the MOBAPAD S1 HD is a great fit. The quiet buttons and smooth sticks make for a relaxing gaming experience, especially if you’re playing in a shared space or late at night. The ergonomic design is comfortable for long sessions, and the lighter weight of the controllers means you won’t feel fatigued even after hours of play.

The D-pad, while not perfect for diagonal inputs, works just fine for simpler games where precision isn’t as critical. And if you enjoy scanning Amiibo in games like Zelda: Breath of the Wild or Super Smash Bros., the built-in NFC support is a nice bonus. Overall, the S1 HD is a solid choice for casual gamers that won’t disappoint you.

When it comes to RPGs, the S1 HD shines. Games like Xenoblade Chronicles or Fire Emblem: Three Houses don’t require lightning-fast reflexes, so the slightly smaller sticks and quieter buttons aren’t a problem. In fact, the smooth stick movement and responsive buttons make exploring vast worlds and navigating menus a breeze.

The gyro controls also come in handy for certain RPGs that use motion controls for aiming or puzzle-solving. And if you’re the type of gamer who likes to take it slow and enjoy the story, the comfortable grip and lightweight design make the S1 HD a great companion for those long, immersive gaming sessions.

Platformers like Super Mario Odyssey or Celeste are where the S1 HD starts to show some weaknesses. The D-pad’s issues with diagonal inputs can be frustrating in games that require precise movements. If you’re trying to pull off tricky jumps or navigate tight spaces, you might find yourself missing inputs or struggling with the D-pad’s responsiveness.

That said, the sticks work well for platformers that rely more on analog movement. They’re smooth and responsive, so if you’re playing a game that doesn’t require heavy use of the D-pad, you’ll likely have a good experience. But if you’re a platformer purist who relies on the D-pad for precision, the S1 HD might not be the best choice.

For shooters like Splatoon 2 or Fortnite, the S1 HD is a bit of a mixed bag. The gyro controls are excellent—they’re smooth and responsive, making it easy to aim and shoot with precision. However, the vertically aligned sticks can feel awkward, especially if you’re used to the offset sticks on the M6 HD or the original Joycons. This alignment can make it harder to quickly switch between sticks, which is crucial in fast-paced shooters.

The smaller, convex sticks might also take some getting used to, especially if you’re playing for long periods. While they’re smooth and responsive, they’re not as comfortable for extended use as larger, concave sticks. If you’re a casual shooter fan, the S1 HD will get the job done, but competitive players might want to look elsewhere.

If you’re into fighting games like Super Smash Bros. or Street Fighter, the S1 HD might not be the best choice. The D-pad’s struggles with diagonal inputs can make it difficult to pull off special moves or combos, and the vertically aligned sticks can feel cramped during intense matches.

That said, if you’re more of a casual player who just wants to have fun with friends, the S1 HD will work fine. But if you’re serious about fighting games and need precise inputs, you’ll likely find the S1 HD’s limitations frustrating.

Pros and Cons

Final Verdict

After spending time with the MOBAPAD S1 HD, it’s clear that these controllers are a solid option for certain types of gamers, but they’re not without their flaws. The MOBAPAD S1 HD is a budget Joycon alternative that offers a lot of value for its $35 price tag. It’s comfortable to hold, quiet to use, and packed with features like turbo function, NFC support, and gyro controls. For casual gamers, kids, or anyone looking for a secondary controller for multiplayer sessions, the S1 HD is a great choice.

However, it’s not perfect. The D-pad struggles with diagonal inputs, the vertically aligned sticks can feel awkward in fast-paced games, and the HD Rumble is sometimes inconsistent. If you’re a competitive gamer or need precise controls for shooters or fighting games, the S1 HD might not be the best fit.

In the end, the MOBAPAD S1 HD is a great second controller or a solid choice for casual play, but it’s not quite ready to replace your primary Joycons—especially if you’re a hardcore gamer. If you’re okay with its quirks and just want a reliable, affordable option, the S1 HD won’t let you down.

Thanks for reading, and happy gaming! If you have any questions or thoughts, drop them in the comments below. Peace! 🎮