Mobapad M6 HD Joycons Review
Why Nintendo designed their Joy-Con controllers the way they did comes down to versatility; they can be used in so many different ways. But if you focus less on that flexibility and more on pure ergonomics when they’re attached to your Nintendo Switch, you’d likely end up with something like the Mobapad M6 HD Joy-Cons. The question is: does that focus come with compromises?
Design
The Mobapad M6 HD Joy-Cons definitely take a noticeably more ergonomic approach than Nintendo’s standard Joy-Cons, with a wider design and rounded bottom portions on each controller which are finished with a textured grip; clearly designed to improve handling during longer gaming sessions. Meanwhile, the upper half transitions into a softer, matte texture that, ironically, feels quite similar to the Switch 2.
When slotted onto the Switch, the M6 Joy-Cons click in with reassuring smoothness and hold firmly in place. When playing, there’s no wobble or flex here; each side feels remarkably solid in hand, despite how much wider they are over the Nintendo version. In terms of aesthetics, the added bulk and reshaped edges give the Switch a silhouette that leans toward Steam Deck territory, with a chunkier build; and we’ll happily take this more substantial profile as it’s definitely more comfortable over longer stretches. One downside is that the M6 Joy-Cons are clearly designed with handheld play in mind, as there's no included bridge or grip to connect both sides into a single, solid controller for docked mode.
Battery & Charging
Each M6 Joy-Con is rechargeable via USB-C, though in reality, you’ll rarely need to use this method. They charge automatically when attached to the Switch, just like the standard Joy-Cons. Mobapad claims up to 15 hours of battery life if used independently, but given there’s no included bridge to connect the two sides into a standalone controller, most people will stick to handheld mode, making battery life largely a non-issue.
Playability
The Mobapad M6 HD Joycons pack in some thoughtful features that elevate the play experience above what you get with just Nintendo Joycons when playing handheld, though a little tinkering may be needed to get them just right. The standout oddity is the default flat ‘octagonal POM’ D-pad. While it’s fine for quick item selections in games like Zelda, it starts to show its limits in classic titles or games demanding more precision. Thankfully, Mobapad includes a more conventional D-pad in the box, which can be swapped in easily. This alternative has a more familiar feel and proves to be pleasantly responsive (mechanical keys) during play with retro platformers.
The ABXY buttons are matte in texture and also mechanical. They deliver a satisfyingly clicky response, but with a softer actuation compared to NYXI’s similarly styled Hyperion 2 controller. Notably, the buttons on the M6 HD are larger than those on Nintendo’s standard Joycons, making them easier to press and far more comfortable during fast-paced or prolonged play sessions. This added surface area, paired with the gentler tactile feedback, gives them a refined and less fatiguing feel, ideal for action-heavy games where rapid inputs are constant.
As for the joysticks, they’re fitted with Hall effect sensors, meaning they should avoid the dreaded ‘stick drift’ over time. They feel smooth in the centre and feature a heavily textured outer ring that provides excellent grip; this is a small detail, but one that really helps with quick directional flicks, especially for players who tend to use the upper pad of their thumbs for movement rather than the pad’s centre.
One disappointment is that the trigger buttons aren’t adjustable in travel depth, although they do offer a firm and clicky action that’s reminiscent of a good mouse; tight, deliberate and responsive. But we’d love the option of a shallower pull; games like Metroid would benefit greatly! HD vibration is powered by ALPS motors, and while it’s a bold and definitely noticeable effect, it lacks the nuanced finesse of Nintendo’s proprietary HD Rumble. Still, it adds enough feedback to enrich gameplay. Lastly, it’s worth noting that the M6 HD Joycons support gyro and Amiibo scanning, keeping compatibility with Nintendo’s accessory ecosystem intact; a welcome touch that is often forgotten in third-party controller designs.
Verdict
With an audibly clicky experience that is very tactile in feel, right from the buttons to the joysticks, these may not be the most versatile replacement for Nintendo’s Joycons, having no way to combine the two sides into a single controller for docked play, but for handheld gamers the Mobapad M6 HD Joycons offer a significant upgrade in comfort, control and responsiveness when gaming for prolonged periods. With Hall effect sticks, mechanical buttons and thoughtful ergonomics, they deliver a premium feel. A few quirks aside, these are among the most compelling third-party Joycon alternatives currently available for players who primarily game on the go.
