Imagine having Joy-Con drift during a global pandemic. It's a first-world problem to be sure, but one that has changed how I play Nintendo Switch games. Smash is unaffected thanks to the GameCube controller, thankfully, but I've had to incorporate a spinning camera into my Ninjala technique. My girlfriend has proven to be an elite gamer, as she's almost finished a 900-korok run in Breath of the Wild with drifting Joy-Cons. So when HORI released the Fighting Commander, I jumped at the chance to review it.
In Fighting Form
HORI's Nintendo Switch Fighting Commander is being promoted mainly for (surprise) fighting games, although it's also recommended for retro games. The idea is that its layout is reminiscent of both arcade cabinets with its six face buttons and retro controllers with its shape. This in and of itself isn't a novel idea - many specialty controllers take on old gamepad designs. The difference here is in how HORI customized the Fighting Commander.
A toggle switch at the bottom changes the D-Pad from acting as either a left Joy-Con stick, right Joy-Con stick, or just a D-pad. Likewise, the shoulder buttons can be reassigned to be something other than just L and R. None of these changes need to be remapped in software, they all just happen with a quick flick of a switch.
These functions give the Fighting Commander some amazing versatility. I gave it a good run with Smash online, and found myself liking the orientation of the face buttons for grabs and jumps. I also found the D-Pad to be precise and flexible when acting as a left joystick. Naturally, the controller performed perfectly with NES games. The biggest surprise was when I used it for Pokémon Shield. It made a solid ally as I wandered the Isle of Armor and checked on daily raids. I did have to constantly tap the shoulder button to re-orient the camera, but that's still better than the spinning camera of Joy-Con drift.
The Simple Genius Of The Blue Light Filter
Released alongside the Fighting Commander is HORI's Nintendo Switch Blue Light Filter. There's not much to explain - it's a protector for the Switch's touchscreen. The revelation is supposed to be that it reduces blue light, making things easier on your eyes. I haven't really noticed a major difference in that department, but I will say this: this filter is so easy to put on. HORI added numbered tabs with separate sections of film to peel off. There's even a link to a video included in the packaging in case you want to watch a tutorial. I put it on first try with zero bubbles. That alone is worth the price to me.
Nintendo is currently having some issues addressing Joy-Con repair requests, with a delay being the best many can hope for. Switch owners are probably better off looking for an alternative gamepad. HORI's Fighting Commander isn't the best Switch controller for every game, but at $39.99 it makes a good budget alternative to the Pro Controller. And if you haven't covered your Switch screen yet, get the Blue Light Filter and take care of that real quick.
HORI provided both a Fighting Commander and a Blue Light Filer for this review. Both are available now through most major retailers.