How the Mobapad M12 HD makes the Switch 2 even better, plus Star Fox, 007 First Light, LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight and more.
When Nintendo released the Switch 2, it managed to make some pretty dramatic improvements to the aging hardware. But for the many benefits, the new Joy-Cons aren’t entirely one of them. There have been improvements to both size and rumble functionality, but there’s no escaping the fact that some potential improvements remain. Enter Mobapad, makers of the M6 HD, with their latest efforts for the Switch 2 – the Mobapad M12 HD.
Much like the M6 before it, the Mobapad M12 HD is packed full of features. Chief among them is the TMR glide joysticks. Operating on a liquid silicone rubber track, it allows for incredibly smooth operation which also does away with potential stick drift that has plagued the Switch hardware for years. The stick grip itself is also both beefier and concave, instantly providing substantially more thumb support than Nintendo’s convex Joy-Con. Add in tactile mechanical face buttons and an interchangeable D-pad and you’ve got a controller that ticks a lot of the right boxes.
That feeling extends to holding the M12 in the hands. There’s a bit of extra width and depth to the controllers, allowing for a more natural feeling grip, but it does mean your Switch 2 will cop a bit of extra heft. Whether that’s a worthy trade-off will likely vary from gamer to gamer, but I found it helped the system become far more ergonomic over longer play sessions. That said, it also means that, when connected, your Switch 2 won’t fit into any existing cases, which will force you to either carry the M12 HD portably or invest in Mobapad’s custom Switch 2 case (which I also tested and is pretty respectable for its $40 asking price.
Unlike the M6 HD though, the M12 HD isn’t quite as technically refined. That’s because the joy-con alternative still uses the original Nintendo Switch protocol instead of the newer Switch 2 protocol. As a result, your Switch 2 will actually recognise the Mobapads as USB controllers instead of replacement Joy-Cons.
But what does that mean for you? Unfortunately, that only allows the Mobapad M12 HD to charge when your Switch 2 is powered on. Docking the unit or having it in sleep mode will not provide additional charge, instead requiring you to connect the M12 HD to a central charging unit (now provided free with your purchase) and then to a USB-C connection. For some players, the having to constantly remember your charge level will be an instant deal-breaker, but if you’re a predominantly handheld gamer, this may be less of an issue.
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It’s also worth noting that the M12 HD lacks a dedicated Camera chat button (although one can be programmed, only has access to the original HD Rumble (not HD Rumble 2) and is limited to 6-axis gyro control instead of the Switch 2’s standard 9. Some of this functionality has been separated into Mobapad’s M12 HD, but it’s clear that the company does not yet possess a simple all-in-one offering.
But at the end of the day, when taken as a complete package, the Mobapad M12 HD is a solid offering that makes huge strides over Nintendo’s own Joy-Con. But by limiting iself to the original Switch protocol, you will need to make a few concessions. Accept those and you’ll have one of the nicest-feeling Switch 2’s around.
If you’re happy to embrace a little bit of extra work then the Mobapad M12 HD are an easy recommendation.
Also out now…
Star Fox (Switch 2)
After his big screen glow up, Nintendo’s favourite space barrel-rolling Fox McCloud makes his Switch 2 debut with Star Fox. Longtime fans might be disappointed at the discovery that this entry is yet another remake of the N64 classic, and there’s no shying away from that fact. Levels are almost entirely beat for beat the same game here – less déjà vu than going back to the same well for the umpteenth time.
Still, even when the muscle memory kicks in it’s hard to complain when the overall package looks and feels so darn good. Visuals have been completely overhauled alongside detailed cinematics, and unexpectedly realistic animal characters aside, it just brings a whole new vibe to the underlying experience. The properly orchestrated score also dramatically adds to the experience.
In action, Star Fox is incredibly smooth, and zipping around the battlefield is a treat. Just like the original, you can blast through the main campaign in around 45 minutes but much of the joy is finding new paths to take and new strategies to employ. There’s also a suite of multiplayer modes help enrichen the experience, as do some additional challenges, but the single player remains the bread and butter.
Yes, you may have played it again, but it’s still great to see Fox Mcloud back in the limelight, and hopefully that means we can be treated to a brand new star Fox adventure in the not too distant future.
007: First Light (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC)
It’s been over a decade since everybody’s favourite suave spy has taken centre stage in a mainline video game, so it’s an absolute boon that 007: First Light the success that it is. Developed by the team behind the exceptional Hitman series, it allows much of the Agent 47’s DNA to carry across here as well and it functions as well as you’d hope. Levels can be mini playgrounds designed to test Bond’s personal and technical talents, with a multitude of potential options to deal with a particular situation. But whether you’re smooth talking your way into a restricted area or employing some new gadget to sneak your way through, it all inherently feels like 007.
Setting its sights on the early days of Bond is an incredibly smart move, and it’s actually the early training sections that feel incredibly authentic as you learn Bond’s tricks of the trade at precisely the same time he does. Xxx also does an exceptional job of portraying a younger 007 and makes a compelling case for him to take on the big-screen mantle as well.
Boot up First Light on the PS5 Pro and it’s absolutely stunning to experience. It can feel like the game eventually loses some of its freedom in favour of more linear blockbuster-styled setpeices, but as a debut outing, much like James Bond himself, it’s an incredibly cool, calm and collected affair.
LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight (PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PC)
It’s been a little while since fans of the dark Knight gave had something to celebrate, but within minutes you’ll quickly realise LEGO Batman xxx is filled with a heavy dose of brick-based love.
Crafted by LEGO experts TT Games, the game takes its biggest swing by avoiding one singular story in its entirety. Instead, even though the game’s narrative tells a tale of Bruce Wayne’s transformation and career as the Dark Knight, it does so by splicing all manner of elements from the character’s illustrious career. That means whether it’s the 89’ Batman, Nolan Trilogy or event animated incarnation, each one is celebrated with reverence and it’s a treat never quite knowing what is around the next corner.
Combat meanwhile has been largely borrowed from the Arkham games, focusing on the deadly dance with foes as you focus on jumping between attacks and counters. As with most LEGO titles it’s never particularly challenging, but is a nice change of pace for the series.
The chunky open world is also a highlight, allowing you to jump around environments as you search for an overwhelming number of collectibles.
Forza Horizon 6 (Xbox Series X/S, PC)
The Forza Horizon series has been on something of a hot streak over the last few entries and Forza Horizon 6 manages to keep things well on track for this outing to Japan.
There’s a real thrill in blasting around famous locales such as Mt. Fuji and Shibuya Crossing, and the game does well to have a bit of fun with some of its cultural touchpoints as well – a race against a mammoth Gundam being a particular highlight.
But the fundamentally open nature of Forza Horizon remains firmly in place as well. That means as you work your way through the Horizon Festival, you’ll participate in various events, build up points and then use them to unlock special experiences just like that special Gundam race.
And in between it all, you’re free to galivant around town in an overwhelming amount of vehicles. From suburban car to sportscar, there’s a hell of a lot of variety and they’re all uniquely enjoyable to thrash around town.
If you’re an absolute lead-head, then Forza Horizon 6 is an easy must-buy and will go down as one of the best racers of the year.
Bluey’s Quest for The Gold Pen (Switch 2, Switch, PS5, PC)
Australia’s favourite blue heeler hasn’t had the best track record with her video game outings, but Bluey and the Quest for the Gold Pen manages to steer the ship back on course with a family friendly outing that’ll keep kids and parents happily engaged.
Originally released for mobile platforms, the story centres around Bluey and co jumping into her drawings in order to track down the titular gold pen that will allow Bluey to complete the drawing. Each level will see Bluey and Bingo engage in some light platforming, solve some simple puzzles or just explore around the environment. As expected, don’t expect any serious headscratchers, but should do well to keep youngsters engaged.
The sketch-like art style is also an inspired choice and does well to give the game its own identity. Coupled with proper voice acting for the cast, this is a well worth picking up for any serious Bluey fans.
Mina the Hollower (PC)
Launched as a Kickstarter in 2022, it’s been a lengthy wait for everybody awaiting Mina the Hollower’s arrival; an even longer wait considering this is Yacht Club Game’s first deviation from Shovel Knight in 12 years. The good news is that if you’re into old school adventures that don’t shy away from a challenge, then Mina the Hollower is well worth the price of admission. A nostalgic nod to The Legend of Zelda’s Gameboy outings, with a Dark Souls twist, you play as Mina as she works to rescue her home island that is plagued by an evil curse.
Mina’s most appealing element is its ambition: the game completely open in nature. Much like contemporaries like Tunic, excelling in Mina the Hollower does not occur by unlocking paths via upgrades, but by knowledge. Knowledge of how to best utilse certain weapons or movements – often best garnered by simply forging ahead and battling through.
That said, this is an approach that isn’t going to gel for everybody, so if you’re not prepared to endure a stiff learning curve, then you might find Mina to be a little too exhausting, even with a bunch of available modifiers.
If it does, you’ll also likely swoon over the game’s retro visuals and excellent soundtrack, both of which are display of the effort Yacht Club have sunk into this experience. That’s reason enough to give this one a chance.
