Ethan Crossfield 
As fighting games, retro shooters, and arcade-style releases continue to find a home on modern consoles, specialized controllers are becoming more than niche accessories. Hori has now introduced the Arcade Classic Pro, a Nintendo-licensed arcade stick for Nintendo Switch 2 and the original Nintendo Switch that gives players unusual control over both its hardware layout and input style.
A licensed arcade stick built for customization
The Arcade Classic Pro is designed around the controls found in traditional arcade cabinets, but its main distinction is the ability to swap the central input modules. Four options are included: a conventional Stick, a Trackball, a Paddle, and a Loop Lever. Each component can be installed on either side of the board, allowing users to arrange the controller around a preferred game type or personal setup.
The Stick supports either four-way or eight-way movement. The Trackball provides mouse-like control based on the direction and speed of the ball. The Paddle is a rotating wheel intended for turning left and right, while the Loop Lever combines stick and paddle functions through twisting and directional pushes. Extra buttons can also be assigned to individual preferences, making the device more flexible than a fixed-layout arcade controller.
Compatibility comes with important limitations
Hori lists the Arcade Classic Pro as compatible with Nintendo Switch, the Switch OLED model, and Nintendo Switch 2. It can also connect to some PCs, although computer users will need Windows 11. The controller uses a wired USB-A connection rather than wireless connectivity.
The device does not reproduce every feature associated with Joy-Con 2. Hori specifically notes the absence of a gyro sensor and vibration, and warns that some games on both Switch generations may not support the controller. Those limitations make the Arcade Classic Pro a focused accessory for compatible titles rather than a universal replacement for standard gamepads.
Rapid-fire options target retro shooters
The controller also includes a rapid-fire function with two settings. Rapid Fire allows a player to keep firing while holding a button, while Rapid Fire Hold automates repeated shots. The available firing rates are five, 10, or 20 shots per second.
That feature could be particularly useful in retro-style shooters, where repeated button presses can become part of the challenge. It is also a notable addition for an officially licensed Switch accessory, although how useful it is will depend on individual game compatibility and the rules of specific play environments.
Japan release plans and international uncertainty
Pre-orders are currently available in Japan through October 2. Hori plans to release the Arcade Classic Pro on February 28, 2027, at 39,980 yen, which is approximately $258 based on the exchange rate cited in the source material.
Hori's US website did not have availability information at the time of reporting. The company sells many products outside Japan, so an international release remains possible, but no overseas date or price has been confirmed. Buyers in other regions will need to wait for Hori to announce whether the controller will receive wider distribution.
Key points
- The Arcade Classic Pro works with Nintendo Switch, Switch OLED, and Nintendo Switch 2.
- Its Stick, Trackball, Paddle, and Loop Lever modules can be swapped and placed on either side.
- The wired USB-A controller supports Windows 11 PCs but lacks gyro and vibration features.
- Japan pre-orders run through October 2 ahead of the February 28, 2027 release.
Arcade Classic Pro module guide
| Module | Primary use |
|---|---|
| Stick | Four-way or eight-way movement |
| Trackball | Mouse-like movement through ball rotation |
| Paddle | Left-and-right turning through a rotating wheel |
| Loop Lever | Combined twisting and directional movement |
Expert View
The Arcade Classic Pro signals a push toward more specialized, modular accessories for Nintendo's expanding console ecosystem. Its design could appeal to retro enthusiasts and players who want arcade-style precision without committing to a single fixed layout. However, the wired connection, Windows 11 requirement, missing Joy-Con 2 features, and uncertain game support limit its role in broader competitive play. Its success will likely depend on international availability and whether Switch developers support the controller's distinctive inputs.
