The Switch’s Joy-Con controllers are incredible pieces of hardware. Packing a Gyro Sensor, NFC Reader, HD Rumble, IR Camera and a battery into such a tiny device – while keeping portability in mind – couldn’t have been an easy feat. However, some find the Switch’s Joy-Con a little too small and cramped for their liking. While some companies have tried to alleviate the space issue by releasing larger, more ergonomic control grips, it seems no one has thought to release a larger Joy-Con style controller, until now.
Accessory manufacturer Hori is well known for releasing unique and reliable alternatives to Nintendo’s own Switch accessories. Last year it released the D-Pad Joy-Con, a singular left Joy-Con that looked nearly identical to Nintendo’s version but exchanged the directional buttons for a D-Pad, while removing a few key features and weighing in at a much lower price. Now, Hori has come back with a new controller, catering once again to the Switch’s Handheld player market: the Split Pad Pro. A larger, more ergonomic Joy-Con style controller that intends to give you the feeling of playing with a Pro Controller, but in handheld mode.
The biggest appeal of the Split Pad Pro is definitely its size, nearly doubling that of the standard Joy-Con. The controllers have these wing-like grips that give your hands more to grab onto, and the buttons and analogue sticks are also larger and further apart, allowing your thumbs a bit more room to breathe. However, it's size isn't the only thing that makes it different from its competitors.
The Split Pad Pro comes equipped with an additional button on the rear side of each controller that you can assign to function as any of the same buttons that already exist on that side. This can really come in handy in a game like Breath of the Wild or Daemon X Machina, as you can assign the sprint/boost button to the back of the controller to free up your thumb for other actions.
In smaller hands, the rear Assign buttons may be less convenient to use than the standard buttons, but they're positioned so they don't get in the way of your grip. So, if you assign them to a specific button and decide not to use them, you shouldn't have to stress about accidentally tapping them. The controller also includes a turbo function on each side as well, but unless you're playing a shooter it might not be as relevant to your needs.
These controllers do, however, have a few drawbacks, as they lack some of the main features that make Nintendo's Joy-Con so special. To keep the price down, Hori sacrificed HD Rumble, motion control and NFC. The lack of a built-in battery also means these controllers are only useable in Handheld mode with the original model Switch (Sorry Switch Lite owners!) The lack of extra features makes these controllers fairly lightweight, but when attached to the Switch, it actually feels like a match made in heaven. The controllers stay locked tight to the system, the analogue sticks (dare we say) feel better than the official Pro Controllers, and there's even a little stand on the backside of each controller that help keep the system stable when placing it down on a table.
The Split Pad Pro may not be a replacement for the Joy-Con, but we don't think Hori designed it as one, either. Even though it lacks some of the main features you expect from a set of Joy-Con, there is definitely a market for this controller. So if you find yourself with cramped hands after extended play sessions with your Switch – or feel you could use a bit more grip – these may just do the trick.
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Comments 79
Is it just me, or does that thing look uncomfortable? Yeah I know it’s suppose to be for big hands, but i’m honestly getting some Duke Xbox controller vibes from this.
The feel and D-Pad are pretty decent. It's too big for my liking, though. Makes the Switch even more absurdly long in handheld mode than it already was.
Comfort-wise, though, I thought it was on-point.
The gamepad for the Wii U is an exceptionally ergonomic and perfectly weighted controller for my hand size. I love my Switch, but Joy-Cons + screen have not matched that. I don't know if this gets it there, but a gamepad size/weight option for the Switch remains the gold standard I'm looking for.
No gyro, odd choice.
What’s the point to be comfortable to let’s say smacks some nazi testicle, aiming like animals ??!
I got mine, Love them. Use them first time on a 4:30hr trip from NY to Boston last week and they were a dream! Zero hand cramps.
I use my Switch 100% as a handheld. And it still fits perfectly in my Laptop Bag front pouch and the dock.
Also gave me a chance to send my JoyCon for repair. I'll just leave them as my Home Controller for when my Niece visits.
@SpicyBurrito16 I have it and I have I don't know...slightly larger or atleast longer hands and fingers than the average person and it didn't feel huge at all. It basically feels exactly like you're using a pro controller split in half and attached to the switch.
So anyone who actually wants one and is worried about the size or about it making the switch too large it's not a problem. Unless you have small hands I guess. If you can use the pro controller no problem, which I imagine most can, than you can use this. The only downsides besides the obvious no wireless (which would be great if they could attach together), rumble or nfc is the fact that it won't fit in many portable switch cases. Even one of my bigger ones I can put the official anker battery in plus 2 joycons these wouldn't fit.
I would only buy these if you play a lot at home handheld (which I do) in front of the tv or laying down on the couch. Cause lugging them around aint easy unless you already have a big bag for switch stuff or nice laptop case that has room for extra things. Like I can put my switch, laptop, these controllers, both ac adapters etc all in the one bag.
So there you go, the essential addon to this review for this addon.
Why couldn't they just make this a wireless pro controller/joy con side rail thing? Charge more - I don't care but give me a universal controller with Rear paddles.
BTW can we assign L3 R3 to the rear buttons? That wasn't clarified
@SenseiDje Yeah, some of us do not fly 1st or business class and ACELA seats are really not that wide.
Really can't be "that guy" flapping around with Gyro controls on a 4hr trip 😉
Love mine. The sticks feel way better. I do miss the rumble and I'd say right now I use them about 50% of the time, split with my reg joy cons.
@MagnaRoader Yes, just tested it with Ys8
You do mini map size and center camera. Same as pressing down on L Stick and R Sick do.
@Joker13z Well that’s great to hear. I think i’ll buy a pair. I was worried if they weren’t that comfortable or not. Now that I know, i’ll keep an eye on them.
Why the heck is it $60 - nearly the same price as a pair of Joycon which have HD Rumble, NFC, IR camera, batteries, and bluetooth - if they are basically just empty pieces of plastic. It's just 1 of those cheap $15 wired faux Pros cut in half, and they didn't even add the wire.
It's not even Nintendo tax as it's 3rd party. $60 is insane. $30 seems about right for cutting a $15 controller in half and adding on the attachment bars. $30 tops.
What am I missing?
Ah man, another joycon with a dpad that won't work with my FlipGrip. Starting to wish that the FlipGrip itself wired the left-hand Switch contacts out to the left rail of the FlipGrip.
@rjejr they know they are the only one who delivers these so why not make advantage of people? People will still buy it. It's all about business people. They don't care if they have less features than other companies.. you buy or not
@Agramonte wait just to be clear, you mean you can map the rear buttons to L3 and R3 right? If so, thanks so much for the info!
@Alucard83 Thanks. I looked and it's only $50 in the US, so $10 less is a little better. A similar, albeit 1 pace, style controller for $30 is getting bad reviews so I suppose I could see this going for $40 anyway. I still wouldn't consider it until $30 when you can get a wireless faux Pro for $30, though I suppose for people who mostly game in handheld mode this is the way to go. I only game on the TV so it isn't really marketed towards me anyway, just seemed like a lot of money for what you get at $60.
Funny side-note, I thought I had closed this page before posting, I stopped caring after seeing the lower price on Amazon, but I guess I posted before looking on Amazon.
@rjejr Mine was 49.99... but yeah a bit expensive.
I was looking at one for 29.99 But not sure I could keep using the dock as a desk charger. Also thought if this one was to big I could store the controllers and switch separately in my bag.
https://www.amazon.com/PG-9163-Tomahawk-Switch-Gamepad-Nintendo/dp/B07WJGP9WT/ref=sr_1_50?keywords=switch+pad&qid=1570026473&s=videogames&sr=1-50
Received my pair over a week ago and I think it's cool. I have big hands so it works well for me.
@rjejr why is it so hard for 3rd party manufacturers to add HD rumble and gyro? none of them do it, puts me well off.
@SpicyBurrito16 Just you, it's super comfortable. best way i have played it in handheld to date.
"The lack of a built-in battery also means these controllers are only useable in Handheld mode..."
Fail.
It's a shame it only seems to be Amazon stocking them in the UK, and as mentioned earlier they delayed the delivery date on the day they were meant to be delivered! I have seen a fair number of reviews of these on YouTube but very difficult to get hold of. I was gonna import a set but delivery charges makes it not worth it
@MagnaRoader Yep, just tested it on the Oninaki Demo also
1. L3 and R3 (clicking in the L Stick and R Stick)
2. L3 changes the mini map in Oninaki
3. I press "assign" and click down on L3 and the back button (FL) started doing the MiniMap size also.
NP!
That price ruins it for me. Especially for a handheld only controller set.
Kinda left out the most appealing part of these controllers - NO JOY-CON DRIFT!
@Agramonte I looked up that horrible "one piece" after my 1st post. I decided at $50 this was probably almost worth it, yes $10 matters to me, so I THOUGHT I had closed this window before posting. Apparently I posted first.
@huyi I'm guessing HD rumble is a more expensive new Nintnedo tech, but I'd settle for normal old rumble that's been around for at least 20 years since the Dualshock. Gyro seems easy as well. NFC may be 100% amiibo now so probably most people don't miss it. (I know you didn't mention amiibo but the 3 go together in my head.)
I'm not bothered these 3rd party controllers don't have the tech, but much like the Xbox 1 SAD, if you are going to remove the tech, lower the price to reflect it.
This PowerA is $50, on sale for $45, my son bought it for $28 a few months back in a Lightning deal when we were looking for a new controller b/c Joy-Con drift (not hyperbole, it's the truth). No NFC or rumble but it has gyro. For $28 I also like AA battery usage, always keep a spare set in the Switch case.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07GVY1WXF/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
I wouldn't have let my son purchase it for $50 though, just get a real Pro at that price. $45 is pushing it.
I've gotten too spoiled with controller vibration to use something without it.
@SenseiDje Wait. What?!
"The Switch’s Joy-Con controllers are incredible pieces of hardware"
Incredible...all that drifting!!
I have two of these and it is fantastic. It is so much better for shooters than the normal joycon.
Ordered these on Amazon 2 weeks ago, said they were available on the 30th of September. so hopefully not long now waiting. i'm not bothered with not having hd rumble and all the bells and whistles, just once there comfortable.
My complaint with the original Switch was how it always felt too big and bulky to use portable... this definitely doesn't fix that.
@rjejr Hori controllers aren't cheap because they're a go-to for competitive fight pads and such. Their wired controllers are very cheap. I think I paid $15 or 20 for a Hori wired Switch controller (same sticks and buttons and dpad.) But most of their other stuff is pricy. The Onyx wireless for PS4 is $90 - feels the same as the $17 wired Switch controller (albeit, nice), but has horrid input lag. Their fight sticks are $100 (nice, but not as nice as Razer's at $160 enough to justify the price...)
Hori just makes expensive peripherals because they're a name brand of their own at this point, and generally known as quality. (They also make the official ethernet adapter that's $30 for a $12 adapter.)
@Ralizah I always thought the width of Switch in handheld mode was a major perk. Wider might be better. With a narrow device, you're kind of hunching your shoulders forward to keep your elbows awkwardly centered to hold it (3DS) to every chiropractor's dismay. Wider means keeping your elbows (and shoulders) and a somewhat more natural stance. It's no replacement for split joycons but it's somewhat more ergonomic. Wider is better.
BOI this like there trying to redeem there selfs from the drift before.
@NEStalgia "Wider is better"
That's what... oh nvm.
Thanks for the Hori history lesson. What you'd think I'd realize by now is that after half a dozen recessions and a great depression - companies charge what they can get, not what's it's worth. Though I do realize that from Sony's heyday and Apple now, I just never put Hori in that category. Now I will when it comes time for extra 3rd party controllers. Even this 1 when I see it for $30.
Ordered. I've got a few switches and am always looking for new ways to funk them up. Rumble is no issue for me.
Totally random, but I just found @Ziondood 's band Constance on Spotify. Pretty cool!
This is my preferred way to play in handheld now. I really enjoy the large grip. It's still pretty flat but it's big enough for me to grasp. In addition the joysticks feel amazing, the dpad is solid as well!
If anyone is looking for a case for this the satisfye elite case fits this very well! I also have space for my SN30 Pro in there as well! So if you want a controller with all of the features you can put it in there as well!
@rjejr My business sense is still rooted in "charge cost plus margin." I don't know when and how this "charge what the market will sustain" and that "cost plus margin = failure" mentality began and how it became accepted. It's like everything else accepted as "normal" in the modern world, most of which I simply don't, never have, and never will understand. I'll always just be the little urchin looking into the soot covered window of the world wondering how everyone inside actually lives, but it will always be a different world than mine, like I'm from a long lost civilization in a different time.
Hori's not quite Apple/Sony levels of gratuity...but they're definitely a very premium peripheral company. Even if the product doesn't always feel it. (Their shells feel cheap, but the thumb sticks actually top quality though...usually better than the OEM stick modules. But they sell the same sticks, wired, for $15-20.....)
@NEStalgia I've never hunched over my 3DS. Anyway, I've always found the wideness of the Switch in handheld mode to be uncomfortable. It keeps my arms too stretched apart. The decrease in tallness of the Lite is also nice, as it allows me fingers to curl around it more comfortably. OG Switch is too big to be comfortable without a grip.
Also, the Lite's slightly decreased weight is surprisingly noticeable. Much easier to hold for extended periods of time.
The only handheld I've ever found to be cramped is the GBA SP, which is horrible. I have to curl my hands into tight little claws to access all the buttons.
Does anyone know if these eat more battery than normal joycon play? Not sure if because joycons have a battery if the system has to do less work. But maybe since the extra features arent there it doesnt matter? My battery life is already poor. I want these but not if I have to sacrifice battery. Would really love a side by side real use battery test.
No Motion and Rumble are a deal breaker. I use motion control in everything. I will just stick with my Hori D-Pad joy con and the Satisfye Pro-Grip.
Definitely snagging this. The lack of features like gyro is a letdown,but I dig the DxM theme, the form factor and the different analog sticks.
Have them for a week, altough its missing some features , I can't go back to these "driftcons" and the sticks are so much better and more acurate
@NEStalgia Oh you're gonna love this.
Guess what I ordered 2 years ago for $20.99, and have been playing on nearly every day since?
The Horipad.
https://smile.amazon.com/Nintendo-Switch-HORIPAD-Controller-Officially-Licensed/dp/B01NAUATSM/ref=sxin_1_ac_d_rm?ac_md=0-0-aG9yaSBzd2l0Y2g%3D-ac_d_rm&keywords=Hori%2BSwitch&pd_rd_i=B01NAUATSM&pd_rd_r=9b432e5f-cec5-47bd-ac0f-adf13b83bac9&pd_rd_w=zy4Lf&pd_rd_wg=AFmlb&pf_rd_p=2938a786-9bec-4d37-8c06-456e3edce5d1&pf_rd_r=RRARDMAD9X5PYF1FKB00&qid=1570037027&s=gateway&th=1
I guess they decided if they cut this in half they should charge twice the price for 2 parts. Capitalism logic.
They're charging $33 for this stand. That doesn't include the charger.
So I'll keep Hori in mind, and also keep in mind to only buy their stuff when it's on sale for half price. My capitalism.
@Ralizah This is going to become one of those "tiny hands" conversations, isn't it?
Your shoulders are likely not 5" across. Holding a device narrower than the breadth of your shoulders is inherently curving your shoulders inward, and thus hunching your spine. The wider the device the closer to the natural stance of your posture. That's why split joycons are more comfortable than a standard controller.
I think "comfort" at the narrower device probably comes more from being trained to be comfortable with it from years of having used such a device.
@rjejr LOL yep, Horipad, that's the wired one I was talking about! Great little controller. Great sticks. Somehow it's the only time they priced something well.
Their game cart cases are very nice as well and reasonably priced. They're a bit inconsistent I guess.
@NEStalgia I mean, books are far narrower than my shoulders as well, and I've never experienced any discomfort holding those. Actually, my shoulders only shift a bit when I'm holding a handheld. And I don't naturally just sit with my arms at my sides at all times. They're usually in front of me, like if I was holding a book or a 3DS.
Holding something longer feels far more unnatural to me. Thus the discomfort. I prefer split joycons because I don't need to have my arms anywhere near each other. Usually, one is near my lap, and the other is slung behind the couch or chair that I'm sitting on. It's comfy, and has nothing to do with not bending my shoulders.
@Ralizah You know you're going to be one of those people hunched and shriveled like Gollum when you're 80, right?
You're enjoying not hunching your shoulders with the split joycons...you just don't realize it. It's a more natural posture.
Wait, do you hold the Switch up to your face/chest-height when playing handheld or do you hold it low? Wider is more natural if holding it up. Maybe if holding it low I can see how it could make the thumb angle to the sticks troublesome.
@DrDaisy
It was nicely worded here:
https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/sniper_elite_3_ultimate_edition
(Last paragraph)
And I was blown by the impact of the suggestion
@SpicyBurrito16 I find it great!
@benchan I've had it for 2 days, nothing so far. XD
@NEStalgia Dude, I'm a digital native. I'm going to be blind and have brain cancer by the time I'm 80 anyway. Just add it onto the list.
I wouldn't call the slight inward curve my shoulders adopt when I'm holding a controller/book/handheld "hunching over." Like I said, my natural inclination is for my arms to be in front of me anyway. I think a lot of people are like that.
I hold my handhelds... I dunno, maybe a foot away. Usually around my belly area. I sometimes hold the 3DS closer if I'm playing in 3D, but otherwise, below the chest. I actually find the Switch MORE uncomfortable to hold than my slimmer handhelds when it's higher up, though.
These are fantastic with the paddles and turbo. I can't work out if there's a way to have it with out holding the button set to turbo down, but I got past this by using the paddle set as the button I wanted, then setting turbo to that paddle, then putting some small object between a flat surface and the controller, constantly pressing the button.
@Ralizah LOL well, there's that
I think a lot of people have terrible posture is more like it. Not that I'm a paragon of posture, far from it. But at least I'm aware of it My back likes to remind of of that now and again though...
Huh, well if you hold it that low, I can see the big issue would you then end up contorting your wrists for the thumb sticks if it's wide, so I can see somewhat where that's an issue. I hold mine up higher. I wouldn't be able to see the screen otherwise
Lite would still be interesting if not for the tiny screen. Full switch is already too small a screen for many games IMO.
While I'd like bigger Joycons, these sacrifice too much for me.
I have big hands so I can't wait to try this. I only portable game on my Swtich and the Hori left joycon I use has been sturdy. Definitely a purchase for me.
Finally I can comfortably play Smash Online in handheld mode in areas where I am unable to bring a Pro Controller
@SpicyBurrito16 those controllers look like both sides of the sega Game Gear hahaha
I'm fine with most of the missing features, except for possibly motion controls. Using motion for aiming in games like Breath of the Wild is extremely helpful, and I'd miss that.
The better joysticks in handheld mode is reason enough for me to bite. I play almost exclusively in handheld mode, so a more comfortable grip will be nice as well.
I’m getting a lot of replies from my comment. So I just wanted to say thanks to the people that replied to my comment. I use the pro controller a lot, and I was interested in buying these. But I was worried if they were comfortable or not due to how big they looked in the picture. Since some people are telling me they are comfortable, I will buy a pair. Not right away, but i’ll buy them in the future.
I've had mine since launch and I love it. I use it whenever I'm playing in handheld for an extended amount of time. It makes the Switch as comfortable to hold as the Wii U gamepad was. It really feels every bit as good a pro controller. It has an excellent dpad. The analog sticks and buttons feel great. I'd highly recommend it to anyone who spends a significant amount of time playing handheld.
I love these, but the lack of gyro means I will need the Joycon for certain situations (e.g. BOTW's gyro puzzle shrines, FPS games with gyro aiming). If Nintendo were to come up with their own version but with gyro, I'd replace my Split Pad Pros immediately.
Not for me, but I am sure there is a Hariyama out there who is very pleased this exists!
@rjejr I tend to agree third party products should be cheaper than first party ones. On the other hand my first party joy cons are failing as often as my original Rrod xbox 360.
I wanted these... I told my wife I wanted these right before our anniversary... She bought be a $15 snap on comfort grip 😟
Hmm, I was really opposed to this at first reading it has no gyro but I'm starting to come around with some thought. I personally only use gyro when my Switch is docked, and when it is undocked, I'm usually travelling which means sitting on trains, on planes, in cars, etc. Places where gyro becomes a bit difficult to utilise. Thus, I often find myself playing games that don't require gyro while out and about (ARPGs, platformers, fighters, etc). The JoyCon ergonomics are a little too uncomfortable for me for extended periods of time so this could be a nice workaround.
"Well maybe we wouldn't need the split pad if some people didn't have big meaty claws!"
"What did you say, punk?"
"BIG. MEATY. CLAWS!"
"Well, these claws ain't just fer attracting mates!"
I've been using the split pad for over a week now. I originally purchased it for longer portable sessions while I'm at home, but still use the standard joycons on the go. I haven't used the the normal joycons once since I first attached these. I've even made room in my bag just so I can always have them with me. Playing games like Tetris 99, Astral Chain and Links Awakening are so much more enjoyable now. My hands don't cramp playing my switch anymore.
I do have to say that I do have large hands, so keep that in mind.
@sixrings I tried to use my very old and very dusty PS3 Slim today to watch Netflix, and after having to update both the OS and the Netflix app both of my PS3 controllers were "drifting" all over the place. And both of those were first party, the 1 that came with the system, and the red 1 from a God of War 3 bundle.
Though I take it back, nto so much drifting as once I put it down pressure on the triggers causes the triggers to trigger. Though there may also be drift. Kinda sucks.
@Agramonte What do you need the dock for if you use your Switch 100% handheld?
hmmm, I don't think these would last. My Joy-cons already wiggle in my switch. I think these would outright bend the slots.
@Santoria You'd be surprised, they fit extremely snug within the switch. Mine barely wiggle at all compared to the official joy cons. These joycons are more for comfort in my experience.
I would say these joycons are a supplement for the official but not a replacement. I wouldn't get them if you're a huge fan of the gyro, hd rumble, and portability. I only use them since I hate (I mean HATE) the feel of the original joy cons. In addition the Dpad is better than the pro-controller and it is a Godsend since SNES games released. These are good for a game like astral chain imo
Using them for a while now and found no problems. They are way better than the Joycons and best thing is, proper D-Pad and no Stick drift. This alone makes these worth it for me. It also feels like its quality made, not like most of these 30 Euro replacements. I dont mind paying 50 Euro for this. The Joycons are 70 Euro so that is just fine for me. But I agree. If they released a Plus version with Gyro and such stuff, I would gladly pay 70 Euro for it. That is the only thing that keeps them from being perfect. I can finally enjoy playing handheld again. The joycons were unusable to me due to cramps and constant drift. Yes, several Joycons drifted after a few weeks. Unacceptable! Hope Nintendo gets their act together with the joycons once. With the lite consoles its even more unacceptable! I dont know about this extra buttons and turbo function. I personally dont need them and wouldnt mind these buttons removed.
@NambanRonin Charging stand on my home office computer desk.
I always use charging stands for my mobile devices. Keeps it cleaner looking than having them lying around with a wire plugged into it.
Additional info: this controller works splendidly with shooters. The analog sticks have just enough resistance to make aiming feel more natural than the Pro Controller or Joycons.
@DAHstroy Hey, thanks for checking us out!!
@SenseiDje I’m finding it very difficult to adjust from the Joy Con purely because of the Lack of Gyro.
@Linnybhoy
My sorry ass will stick with the pro game pad... kudos for your input!!
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