Third-party Switch pads can be hard to compare to Nintendo’s official offering. The problem is that the Pro Controller has so many features that it feels like something is missing as soon as we play without them.
Motion controls, HD rumble, built-in NFC amiibo reader, 40 hour battery life. Quite an enviable list, isn’t it? However, one thing the Pro Controller doesn’t offer is a new grip figurine. This is the category in which PDPs REALMz wireless controller triumphs. It’s accidental only category in which this third-party option wins.
PDP’s ‘Pikmin Clover Patch’ variant from the REALMz range is undeniably a beautiful image, one that we can see taking pride of place in any Pikmin collection, but in practice it leaves a lot to be desired. Those looking for something cute for the shelf and/or to give to a younger sibling while playing co-op will find plenty to like here. However, those who want a good, feature-rich controller to continue gaming would be better off leaving this recording buried in the ground.
Starting with the obvious: Pikmin’s REALMz controller is a sight to behold. Adorned with Pikmin paraphernalia on three different levels, the design has real depth and uses its transparent casing to really bring the inhabitants of PNF-404 to life. Of course, the Red Pikmin “collectible figure” in the left grip is the star of the show (even if it does give off all the vibes of a mosquito trapped in amber from Jurassic Park
While we only got our hands on the Pikmin model, the REALMz line also offers designs featuring them Sonic the Hedgehog and transformers. Both of these alternatives also provide a wired option, though the Pikmin version is exclusively wireless — a welcome decision if you ask us.
By flipping the base, the transparent housing reveals the inner workings of the controller. True, this design may not be to everyone’s taste, but it still provoked ‘oohs‘and’Ahhh‘ from those of us who enjoy poring over GBC’s ‘Atomic Purple’ plastic in an attempt to fathom its technical secrets.
Staying on the back, the controller also features two built-in LED lights. This isn’t quite the neon light show of the Lumectra Power A controller (these two only glow warm white), but they can be programmed to four different settings to stay on, off, or react to your button presses in different ways. It’s not something we’ve particularly noticed while playing — we know the buttons on the front well enough by now, removing the need to look down at the controller often — but it’s a nice touch for those looking to add a little pizzazz or, we suppose, level up their collection. .
Unfortunately, all those beautiful petals cannot hide the weak roots underneath. Compared to most other third-party offerings, REALMz’s feature list is lacking. Compared to Nintendo’s Pro Controller, it’s practically barren. In typical PDP style, the controller offers no motion controls, no HD rumble, and no NFC support. To its credit, the battery life lasts 40 hours on a full charge, but with so many features missing, the gaming experience will be vastly different from that of this pad.
And it’s not like the controller comes at a significant discount to accommodate its reduced features. With an RRP of £44.99 / $59.99this comes right in £15 / $10 cheaper than Nintendo’s official offer. It is a cheaper alternative, but the difference seems like a small price to pay when you consider how much is missing.
Even in the hand, the REALMz wireless controller has its pitfalls. The buttons on the front feel like they click, the analog sticks lack grip (a pain at times when your palms are particularly sweaty), and the super-lightweight construction makes the whole thing feel flimsy in a way that just didn’t sit well with us — at around 87g it’s lighter than Pro Controller, according to our standard kitchen scales.
It’s all a matter of personal preference, of course. One thing that isn’t is how the + / – and Home / Screenshot buttons are positioned. We turned to the controller in a recent playthrough of Hollow Knight (a game that requires regular ‘-‘ key presses to access the winding Hallownest map) and our gallery was quickly flooded with rows of unintentional screenshots. Changing button positions is something us gamers are used to — tell us you never did something like that when you switched from Switch to PlayStation/Xbox — but when every other controller in the system opts for one layout, it’s a real pain to unlearn the muscle memory.
PDP Pikmin Clover Patch REALMz Wireless Controller – Verdict
Those looking for a neat addition to their Pikmin collection need look no further than PDP’s REALMz Wireless Controller. The multi-layered design is pleasing to the eye, and the LED lights are a fun addition for anyone who wants something extra. However, in almost every other way, this is a disappointment. The lack of features for the price is the REALMz’s biggest downfall, but the controller’s lightweight design and clicky buttons don’t help matters. It’s a nice bud, but this bud is only worth plucking if you’re absolutely sure you want what’s on the other end.
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