We're no strangers to Hori's Split Pad Pro, having sampled both the original version and some of its more recent re-skins, but the Japanese accessory maker has given the product a fresh push in 2022 to coincide with the release of Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
Nintendo Life video producer Zion has been putting the pad through its paces recently and has come away very impressed indeed, save for one key feature: the Hori Split Pad Pro doesn't have motion controls, which means gyro aiming in Arceus is off the table. That's a big shame considering how much better gyro controls make the experience.
Check out the full video above and let us know your thoughts by posting a comment.
Please note that some external links on this page are affiliate links, which means if you click them and make a purchase we may receive a small percentage of the sale. Please read our FTC Disclosure for more information.
Comments 21
Yep, the lack of gyro functionality is my one big issue with these controllers, unfortunately. Very comfortable otherwise, but I simply won't play games like this and BotW without gyro.
These hefty joycons always looked comfortable... maybe I'll cop one in the future.
I messed around with gyro after beating the game and, just like Splatoon, it felt far too fast and loose, even on the lowest sensitivity, for me (I did manage to get a very funny clip out of it though so all is not lost). I actually might get one of these since gyro is not a big deal for me in PLA and other games of it's kind.
I just couldn't play Legends Arceus without Gyro Aiming so I might buy one of these in the near future. These look ideal for Let's Go Eevee/Pikachu as well.
But no NFC Amiibo reader so easy Pass.
I detest gyro controls and love my hori split pad pro! Highly recommend them fkr the larger hands out there lol
There is no way I'm playing the game without gyro. Aiming with a stick always suck.
I actually play Arceus with two separated Joy-Cons like Mario Odyssey, and use the right one to aim with the gyro.
I have the OG Deus Ex version of these and I use them all the time while playing handheld. Lack of vibration/gyro is a tradeoff. But it's still acceptable as they are so much more comfortable than joycons! When it comes to arcade and action games, I simply tend to get better scores playing with these. And my hands don't hurt during the longish sessions.
i wish gyro had simply been built into the switch itself rather than the joycons.
the whole joycon thing is bad anyway, nintendo should have released the switch lite in the first place, for 200, with an optional dock + pro con bundle for 100.
Just got a binbok pair exactly for this reason, they’re practically the same design plus motion controls
I had zero clue Legends even had motion controls, probably since I was playing it with a Split Pad Pro to begin with.
@-wc- : But the Switch itself does have a gyro sensor built in!
Maybe the short-sighted developers could patch the game so that motion from the console itself is tracked in handheld mode, rather than the Joy-Cons.
@Silly_G Are you talking seriously?
I wish Nintendo did that with Zelda BOTW. It's the only reason I haven't bought these Hori controllers. Otherwise, I'd already have bought several models
@Silly_G
wow so the joycons are truly redundant unless you actually like playing in "wii mode" or "tabletop mode." i just really dont like the joycons >< maybe if i were a child i would use them.
I've been using the midnight blue split pad for almost 2 years and I haven't looked back, The only change I made is fitting switch pro controller thumbsticks cause the original ones are a little oversized and look kinda ugly, I've never really been a fan of coloured thumbsticks tbf.
@Moonlessky i like my binboks just played thru bioshock infinite with them...much more accurate (and featured packed)then the horis which now collect dust
I honestly didn’t know this game had gyro aiming. I use the Hori Split Pad Pro and had no clue! 😆
The Binbok controller is fantastic, and has gyro. Get that instead.
@Lizuka or maybe cause you didn't look in the options.
Wait, what? PLA has gyro controls? I played it for about 65 hours and didn't notice (I don't usually use them, even in games like splatoon).
@Ralizah I wanted these forever but the lack of gyro also stopped me. But then I come across the Nyxi pad, reviewed here : https://youtu.be/7JdMWVqeV0o And I was very surprised how good they are You don't get the amibo support or HD rumble (you do get rumble tho) but beside that they are just perfect for me.
Tap here to load 21 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...