For gamers familiar with the Nintendo Switch platform, the brand Mobapad should ring a bell. Their previous models, HuBen, ChiTu, and the split-controller Gemini, have garnered widespread acclaim among the Switch gaming community. This isn't just because of their superior quality, but also because Mobapad, as a third-party controller brand, offers an experience that rivals both unauthorized (like Liangzhi) and authorized brands (like Hori) in terms of actual gameplay experience.

Let's dive into Mobapad's latest offering: the upgraded Gemini - Gemini 2 (Mobapad M6S). It's likely to be the last excellent third-party controller of the Switch era. No more beating around the bush, let's get into it.

I. Unboxing:
Whether it's the Mobapad M6S or the Mobapad M6 HD, the contents are the same: the controller itself, interchangeable faceplates, and interchangeable D-pad.

In terms of packaging, the Mobapad HD comes in a gift box, while the Mobapad M6S comes in an eco-friendly flip-top box.

The controller surface features a matte finish, with anti-slip patterns on the back, coupled with excellent molding, resulting in a great overall texture and grip. The joysticks are detachable and interchangeable, similar to HuBen and ChiTu, but Mobapad M6S does not come with different height joystick heads.

II. Mobapad M6S vs. Mobapad M6 HD Comparison:
The biggest difference between Mobapad M6S and Mobapad M6 HD lies in the motors and color schemes. Mobapad M6S features small rotary motors similar to Xbox controller triggers, while Mobapad M6 HD uses ALPS linear motors. Although the motors differ, the actual experience isn't vastly different. If anything, Mobapad M6S, with its sleek appearance and better price, is my preferred choice.

In terms of color, Mobapad M6S sports a light purple and light blue scheme, while Mobapad M6 HD opts for lime white. Personally, I prefer the Mobapad M6S's appearance. Apart from the color difference, the controller bodies of both versions are the same, so the faceplates of Mobapad M6S and Mobapad M6 HD are interchangeable.

Furthermore, according to official specifications, both versions use different brands of microswitch buttons: Mobapad M6 HD uses Omron, while Mobapad M6S uses Kailh. However, in terms of feel, I personally don't notice much difference; the pressing force and feel are very similar.

III. Compared to Joy-Con:
Many players, including myself, find Joy-Cons somewhat lacking in terms of comfort and quality. However, being the official controller, they're still more convenient when on the go compared to Pro controllers like NSPro. Mobapad M6 HD resolves this issue admirably. Whether it's the first generation or the second, its feel is vastly superior to Joy-Cons. This second generation upgrade is even better than the first, especially in terms of button and vibration adaptation. In my opinion, the Mobapad M6S/M6 HD is currently the only controller on the market that truly competes with Joy-Cons.

IV. Gaming Experience:
As I've mentioned before with ChiTu and HuBen, Mobapad's tuning for HD vibration is already very mature, achieving over 90% of the original controller's experience. The Gemini 2 (Mobapad M6S/M6 HD) offers a similar experience. After extensive testing with many first-party Nintendo games like Mario Odyssey, Mario Kart, Mario Party, and The Legend of Zelda series, the vibration adaptation of Gemini 2 (Mobapad M6S/M6 HD) is around 80% of Joy-Con's. In some intricate vibration scenes (such as surprise music blocks in Mario Odyssey, or water flow), the performance is average. Regarding motion control, although I personally never use it, during testing, I didn't notice any difference from the original controller. Overall, as a split-controller, Gemini 2 (Mobapad M6S/M6 HD) offers an unparalleled gaming experience.

V. Reasons for Recommendation:
1. Microswitch button feel is excellent, with a D-pad upgraded to a microswitch for better feel, and the best part is the trigger is designed without dead zones.

2. Comes with programmable back keys, and the accompanying software allows for freely changing buttons.
3. Excellent overall texture and grip, more than capable of replacing Joy-Cons.
4. Can be used not only with Switch but also as a mobile controller (compatible with Joy-Con's mobile bracket).

VI. Cons:
1. Back keys use potentiometers instead of microswitches, resulting in average feel.
2. Shoulder buttons are slightly small; a slightly larger size would provide a better feel.
3. The mold is relatively large, making it incompatible with most storage bags on the market. However, Mobapad has released dedicated storage bags.
4. The tightness of the controller rails on both sides is inconsistent (although both are tight and do not cause shaking).

VII. Conclusion:
I've always hoped for a third-party split controller that could truly replace Joy-Cons. However, whether it's Japan's authorized brand Hori or the once counterfeiting Japanese brand Liangzhi, their split controllers fail to meet my basic requirements (Hori lacks vibration, Liangzhi has poor vibration quality).

The Gemini 2 (Mobapad M6S/M6 HD), released towards the end of the Switch platform's lifecycle, came as a pleasant surprise. I've spent quite a long time experiencing it before discussing it. Personally, I believe it's a controller well worth purchasing. I hope to see more domestic brands like Mobapad, which care about player experience, and hope to offer a little help to players who are still hesitant or unfamiliar.