While Hello Kitty might be the true mascot for Sanrio, it’s inarguable that Kuromi’s popularity has vastly increased in recent years. Now, the goth rabbit is playing a different kind of game courtesy of Nintendo and HORI.
HORI is releasing a set of Kuromi-themed accessories for the Nintendo Switch 2, with these also bringing Kuromi’s best friend along for the ride. Chief among these items is a wireless controller, upgrading a previous release from the company. There’s even a special plush item for the collaboration, making gaming a lot more kawaii in the process.
Sanrio Makes Gaming Kawaii With New Nintendo Switch Wireless Controller & More
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Image via HORI -
Image via HORI -
Image via HORI
The Kuromi Wireless HORIPAD TURBO is the perfect gaming accessory for Nintendo fans, especially those with a Nintendo Switch 2. It uses a translucent body that changes imagery as buttons are mashed and sticks are moved, with Kuromi’s friend Baku hiding in the images.
The new controller has two analog sticks and contactless magnets that help to prevent “stick drift.” Gyro and acceleration sensors are also part of the package, along with a dedicated C button for GameChat (on the Switch 2) and programmable rear buttons. The Turbo and Turbo Hold buttons trigger inputs at 5, 10 or 20 presses per second, with the modularity of these features giving ultimate control to players.
Two button combinations can be assigned to a single input, while the button-lock system can prevent accidentally pressing the wrong button during gameplay. It’s compatible with the entire Nintendo Switch family, with the “Decoration Kit with Plush Toy” making things even more kawaii. This has decoration sheets of Kuromi that can be applied to the back of the Switch 2, as well as a set of Joy-Cons featuring Kuromi and Baku. A small Kuromi plushie doubles as a screen-cleaning cloth, included in the mix.
Now available to pre-order on the HORI website, the Kuromi Wireless HORIPAD TURBO is set to be sold for approximately US$58 and release in Japan in October 2026, as will the decoration kit, which retails for roughly US$20. The same items will also become available internationally via retailers such as Hobby Genki. Fellow Sanrio characters Cinnamoroll and Pompompurin are also receiving their own similar sets, with the latter also celebrating his 30th birthday in 2026.
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