For gamers on a tight budget, the idea of repurposing an old Steam controller into a modern, affordable gamepad can be very tempting. The Horipad, a third‑party adapter that claims to turn a Steam controller into a versatile gamepad for PC and consoles, promised a simple solution. However, after extensive testing, the verdict is clear: the Horipad falls short of its lofty expectations, offering more disappointment than delight.
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the Horipad looks like a sleek, low‑cost device. Its compact shape and matte finish give it a professional appearance, and the assembly process is surprisingly quick—just a few minutes to clip it onto the controller. Yet, the cheap feel shows up immediately. The plastic housing feels flimsy, and the mounting mechanism that clamps onto the Steam controller is a bit loose, causing a subtle wobble that can be distracting during intense gaming sessions. If you’re used to the solid, rubber‑coated grips of standard controllers, you’ll notice the lack of tactile feedback right away.
Compatibility and Setup
One of the Horipad’s biggest selling points is its promise of wide compatibility. In theory, it should work with any Steam controller, Xbox, or PlayStation button layout. The setup process is straightforward: connect the adapter, launch the companion software, and map your buttons. Unfortunately, the experience is more glitchy than smooth. Users report frequent disconnections, especially when the controller is moved or tilted. The software itself feels outdated, with a clunky interface that makes it hard to troubleshoot issues or tweak settings.
Performance and Responsiveness
Gameplay performance is where the Horipad truly stumbles. In fast‑paced titles such as first‑person shooters or racing games, the button inputs feel delayed and inconsistent. The analog sticks, which are crucial for precise control, often register jittery movements or lag. Even in slower, casual games, the lack of responsiveness can be frustrating. The adapter’s drivers, which are supposed to translate the Steam controller’s signals into gamepad actions, seem to introduce a noticeable latency that can cost you in competitive scenarios.
Battery Life and Power Management
Battery life is another area where the Horipad disappoints. The adapter draws power from the Steam controller’s battery, and users report a significant drop in overall usage time. In a typical gaming session, the controller’s battery may last only a fraction of what it normally would. For gamers who rely on wireless play, this is a serious drawback, especially when the adapter itself adds extra weight to an already large controller.
Price Point vs Value
The Horipad is marketed as an affordable alternative to more expensive gamepad options, and at first glance, the price tag seems attractive. However, when you factor in the subpar build quality, unreliable performance, and the hassle of dealing with bugs, the value proposition evaporates. In many cases, spending a bit more on a dedicated gamepad—such as a budget Xbox or PlayStation controller—provides a significantly better experience. Plus, those alternatives come with proven durability and support that the Horipad lacks.
Conclusion
In the end, the Horipad may look promising on paper, but its execution leaves a lot to be desired. The cheap construction, inconsistent performance, and buggy software make it a risky purchase for gamers who need a reliable input device. If you’re looking for a cost‑effective way to enjoy PC gaming, it’s wiser to invest in a well‑built, dedicated controller instead of a makeshift adapter that promises more than it delivers.
For those still curious about the Horipad, you can read a full review on TechRadar to see the detailed testing and comparisons. If you’re on the hunt for a budget-friendly controller that truly works, consider exploring the latest deals on official Xbox or PlayStation controllers—they’re a safer bet for performance and longevity.
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