Black and Red Hori PS4 Mini Wired Gamepads Received a U.S. Release Date

In mid-2019, Hori announced an expansion of its lineup for the officially licensed Mini Wired Gamepad for PlayStation 4, with new black and red color variations. Amazon product listings confirmed that the new models were set for release in the United States on August 30, 2019, making pre-orders available at the time.

This controller was marketed as a solution for a specific audience. Its main design principle is its compact size, which is approximately 40% smaller than the standard DualShock 4 controller. This makes it a suitable option for younger gamers or any players with smaller hands who might find the default PS4 controller cumbersome. The goal was to provide a more comfortable and accessible gaming experience for families.

Design and Core Features

The Hori Mini Wired Gamepad includes all the essential inputs needed to play most PS4 titles. It features two analog sticks, a directional pad, the four standard face buttons, and shoulder buttons (L1/R1, L2/R2). The controller also has a function to replicate touchpad inputs, which is a requirement for many games. Instead of a full touch-sensitive surface, it uses a button to emulate touchpad presses.

As a wired device, the controller connects directly to the PS4 via a 10-foot cable. This plug-and-play design eliminates the need for charging and pairing, offering immediate use right out of the box. The lack of an internal battery also contributes to the controller’s lightweight feel, further enhancing its suitability for younger players. Hori presented it as an ideal controller for local co-op and introducing new players to the PS4 ecosystem.

What’s Missing Compared to a DualShock 4

To achieve its smaller size and lower price point, the Hori Mini Wired Gamepad omits several features found in Sony’s standard DualShock 4. Prospective buyers should be aware of these limitations, as they can affect gameplay in certain titles.

The controller does not include:

• A light bar: The colored light on the front of the DualShock 4 is absent. This removes player identification cues and compatibility with games that use the light bar for gameplay mechanics or PlayStation VR tracking.
• A stereo headset jack: Users cannot plug a headset or headphones directly into the controller for game audio or voice chat.
• A built-in speaker: Games that use the controller’s speaker for supplementary audio, such as radio communications or sound effects, will have that audio rerouted to the television speakers.
• Vibration motors: The gamepad has no rumble or haptic feedback, which can reduce immersion in action-oriented games.
• Motion sensors: The controller lacks the gyroscope and accelerometer used for motion controls. Games that rely on motion for aiming, steering, or other inputs will not be fully playable with this device.