Pokémon HORI Switch 2 Controllers and Accessories Pre-Orders Live: What You Need to Know Before Buying

By Funlab Staff | June 30, 2026

TL;DR: HORI's Pokémon-themed Switch 2 accessory line, including wired controllers, carrying cases, and screen protectors, opened for pre-order on June 18, 2026. The collection features Fire-type Pokémon designs (Charizard, Arcanine, Typhlosion) and a Ditto-themed "Pokopia" series. Prices range from $24.99 for screen protectors to $59.99 for wired controllers. While these are officially licensed by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, wired-only controllers lack features like motion controls and HD Rumble. For players seeking full-featured wireless alternatives, third-party options like the FUNLAB Switch 2 Joy-Con Controller offer more versatility at a competitive price.

HORI Pokémon Switch 2 Accessories: Pre-Order Details and Pricing

On June 18, 2026, HORI opened pre-orders for a new line of Pokémon-themed Nintendo Switch 2 accessories, as reported by Nintendo Wire. The collection includes wired controllers, carrying cases, screen protectors, and microSD card holders, all featuring official Pokémon artwork. The Fire-type collection includes designs based on Charizard, Arcanine, and Typhlosion, while the Pokopia series features the ever-popular Ditto with a mischievous expression.

Pricing is as follows: wired controllers cost $59.99 each, carrying cases are $34.99, screen protectors (two-pack) are $24.99, and microSD card holders are $14.99. According to Nintendo Wire, pre-orders are available directly through HORI's website and select retailers, with an expected shipping date of August 2026. These accessories are officially licensed by Nintendo and The Pokémon Company, guaranteeing compatibility and build quality.

Who should care: Pokémon fans who want themed accessories for their Switch 2. Who should skip: Competitive players who need wireless functionality, motion controls, or advanced features like programmable back buttons.

Fire-Type Collection: Charizard, Arcanine, and Typhlosion Designs

The Fire-type collection features three distinct designs, each themed around a popular Fire-type Pokémon. The Charizard wired controller features the iconic orange-and-blue color scheme with Charizard's silhouette on the center panel. The Arcanine design uses a majestic orange-and-yellow palette, while the Typhlosion variant incorporates purple and blue flames. Each controller includes a 3-meter (10-foot) USB-C cable, a D-pad, and a headphone jack.

HORI's wired controllers for Switch 2 are known for their ergonomic design and textured grips, which reduce hand fatigue during long gaming sessions. However, they lack several features found in standard Joy-Con controllers: no wireless connectivity, no motion controls, no HD Rumble, and no NFC reader for amiibo support. This makes them suitable for casual play but less ideal for games that rely on motion inputs, such as Pokémon Let's Go titles or Nintendo Switch Sports.

For comparison, the FUNLAB Switch 2 Joy-Con Controller offers full wireless connectivity, motion controls, HD Rumble, and a built-in rechargeable battery, all for a similar price point. The FUNLAB controller also supports adjustable trigger sensitivity, making it a better choice for competitive Pokémon battles or other action games.

Ditto Pokopia Series: Versatile and Playful Designs

The Pokopia series, themed around Ditto, includes a wired controller, carrying case, and screen protector. The Ditto controller features a pink-and-purple color scheme with Ditto's signature smiley face on the center panel. The carrying case is designed to hold the Switch 2 console, Joy-Con controllers, and up to 10 game cards, with a Ditto-shaped zipper pull. The screen protector set includes two tempered glass protectors with anti-scratch and anti-fingerprint coatings.

The Ditto carrying case costs $34.99, which is competitive with other third-party cases. However, it lacks a dedicated pocket for a power bank or charging cable, which may be a dealbreaker for travelers. The screen protectors are a solid value at $24.99 for two, but they do not include an alignment tool, making installation trickier for first-time users.

For players who prefer wireless controllers, the FUNLAB Switch Pro Controller offers a similar price point ($49.99) with wireless connectivity, motion controls, and a 40-hour battery life. It also features customizable button mapping via the FUNLAB companion app, which is not available on HORI's wired controllers.

Wired vs. Wireless: Why HORI's Controllers May Not Be for Everyone

The key limitation of HORI's Pokémon controllers is that they are wired-only. While this eliminates input latency and battery anxiety, it also restricts movement and requires proximity to the console. For docked play, the 3-meter cable provides adequate reach, but for handheld or tabletop mode, a wired controller is impractical. Additionally, the lack of motion controls means games like Pokémon Legends: Z-A (announced for Summer 2026) or Splatoon 4 (Summer 2027) cannot be played with these controllers if they require gyro aiming.

Another missing feature is HD Rumble. Games like 1-2-Switch and Mario Party Superstars use HD Rumble for gameplay mechanics, and the absence of this feature can make some minigames unplayable. HORI's controllers also lack an NFC reader for amiibo, which is a standard feature on official Joy-Con and Pro Controllers.

For players who want the full Switch 2 experience, a wireless controller with motion controls and HD Rumble is essential. The FUNLAB Joy-Con Grip transforms your existing Joy-Con into a more comfortable pro-style controller while retaining all original features, including wireless connectivity, motion controls, and HD Rumble. At $19.99, it's a cost-effective solution that doesn't sacrifice functionality.

Alternatives to HORI Pokémon Controllers: Full-Featured Options for Switch 2

If you're looking for a controller that combines Pokémon aesthetics with full functionality, third-party options offer a compelling alternative. The FUNLAB Switch 2 Joy-Con Controller features a vibrant design with customizable LED lighting, wireless Bluetooth connectivity, and all standard features including motion controls, HD Rumble, and NFC. It retails for $49.99, $10 less than HORI's wired controller.

For players who want a dedicated charging solution, the FUNLAB Controller Charging Dock charges two controllers simultaneously and includes LED indicators for charging status. It's compatible with both Joy-Con and Pro Controller designs, making it a versatile addition to any Switch 2 setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do HORI Pokémon Switch 2 accessories ship?

Pre-orders opened June 18, 2026, with an expected shipping date of August 2026, according to Nintendo Wire.

Are HORI Pokémon controllers wireless?

No. All HORI Pokémon controllers in this lineup are wired-only, connecting via a 3-meter USB-C cable. They do not support Bluetooth or wireless operation.

Do HORI Pokémon controllers work with the original Nintendo Switch?

Yes, HORI's Switch 2 controllers are backward-compatible with the original Nintendo Switch, as they use the same USB-C connection. However, they are optimized for the Switch 2's larger form factor.

What Pokémon are featured in the Fire-type collection?

The Fire-type collection includes designs based on Charizard, Arcanine, and Typhlosion. Each controller has a unique color scheme and artwork.

Is there a wireless alternative to HORI's Pokémon controllers?

Yes. The FUNLAB Switch 2 Joy-Con Controller offers wireless connectivity, motion controls, HD Rumble, and NFC support for $49.99, making it a more feature-rich alternative at a lower price.

Sources

• Nintendo Wire - Pokémon Switch 2 controllers and accessories by HORI available to pre-order
• Nintendo Official Site - Nintendo Direct unveils new games and updates for Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch
• TechRadar - I'm getting Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake-ready by redesigning my Switch 2 game station