REVIEW – Funlab LUMINOUS Switch Joypad – Scarlet & Violet

Recently, I’ve been playing my Nintendo Switch 6.2” LCD via the handheld mode and found that the Nintendo Joy-Con controllers are just too uncomfortable for me. They make sense for a portable system, but they’re not ergonomic and they’re definitely not for large hands. My hands, though, aren’t large by any means and yet I still can’t use the Joy-Con controllers for more than 30 minutes without my hands starting to cramp up and hurt.

So, in an attempt to find a split pad that works for me, I reached out to Funlab for their LUMINOUS Switch Joypad – Scarlet & Violet. I wasn’t expecting much since it’s a third-party controller, but, in all honesty, I am blown away—this controller is AMAZING! My hands fit the joypad perfectly! Plus, unlike some other 3rd party joycons, the Funlab one still has all the features of the original joycons, like the gyroscope motion control! I’ve been playing Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom since it came out, and I gotta say, the Funlab Luminous Joypad really makes handheld mode much more enjoyable than before. I have comfort, gyro, mappable buttons, AND super cool colors and lights! This controller is legit a gamechanger!

Here are the features I think are most important:

• Ergonomic – Took a little bit to get used to since it is larger than the standard joy-cons, but definitely worth it.

• Gyro motion sensor – Can still play BOTW, TOTK, etc without losing gyroscope function.

• Multiple modes – Can be used in handheld mode as a splitpad, in TV/Tabletop mode as a single joypad controller, or has two individual controllers for two players.

• Mappable buttons – There are two buttons that you can edit for quick access to a single button (like the +/- ones, which are a bit far for me) or a series of buttons (like moves for fighting games).

• Long battery life – I can play handheld mode for hours no problem before having to charge my Switch and controllers.

• Dockable while attached – You can still dock your Switch while they’re attached, unlike when using a grip cover.

Bonus features others might find important:

• Lights and colors – The split pad has seven different colors (blue, red, yellow, green, purple, orange, and white), four different brightness levels, a “breathing light mode” where the lights slowly and softly pulse, AND the side lights that can be different from the main lights. Plus, both controllers and their side lights can be changed independently so you can really customize the lights for really cool effects.

• Vibration – Three different vibration intensities for each joy-con.

• Turbo buttons – I don’t use these, but they’re great for hack-and-slash, fighting, and sports games.

• Charging ports – Each controller can be charged independently via their USB-C ports.

• Multiplatform compatibility – Can connect to Nintendo Switch, Microsoft Windows, Apple iOS, Steam, and Android. Possible PS4 and Xbox, but I haven’t tried.

• 1-year warranty – I haven’t needed to contact customer support (been using the controller for about two months now) so no idea how easy/difficult it is to get help or a new joypad.

Cons:

• Larger than standard joy-cons – I haven’t found a case that can accommodate these yet, but I’m still on the hunt!

• Lights – It’d be nice if the lights could be turned off completely sometimes, but this is a very small gripe considering the lights are one of the main features.

• Vibration – Vibration is LOUD even on the lowest setting, which bothered my wife so I had to turn the vibration off completely 🙁

• No amiibo functionality – I don’t use ambiibos often, but this would be nice to have.

• Expensive – Regularly $69.99 seems a bit steep, but, IMO, this controller is worth it.

Up for Debate:

• Pokemon design – If you like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, then the designs are cute. If you don’t like Pokemon, then the designs are weird lol

Okay, so that about sums it up. I tried to include everything I would want to know about the controller and everything I wanted in a split pad. I tried to be thorough! Hopefully this helps you decide if you want to purchase the controller or not. For me, it’s a great controller and I’m happy to recommend it. I haven’t tried other split pads, so I only have the original Nintendo Joy-Cons to compare this to. Good luck and great gaming!

Controller: LUMINOUS Switch Joypad – Scarlet & Violet

Model: FLJC004B (YS47)

Original Price: $69.99

Sale Price: $59.99

Funlab Link: [https://funlabswitch.com/products/switch-joypad—pokemon](https://funlabswitch.com/products/switch-joypad—pokemon)

Amazon Link: [https://www.amazon.com/FUNLAB-Controller-Compatible-Replacement-Rechargeable/dp/B0C14P7C4J/ref=sr\_1\_4?keywords=funlab+luminous+switch+controller&qid=1691183121&sprefix=funlab+lu%2Caps%2C170&sr=8-4](https://www.amazon.com/FUNLAB-Controller-Compatible-Replacement-Rechargeable/dp/B0C14P7C4J/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=funlab+luminous+switch+controller&qid=1691183121&sprefix=funlab+lu%2Caps%2C170&sr=8-4)

Cross-posted: r/gaming, r/NintendoSwitch, r/Switch

by Plastic-Bit3935