Hori Reveals The Split Pad Fit For Nintendo Switch, Pre-Orders Now Live

The price was always something holding me back from buying the original Split Pad Pro. Is this new version more expensive?

The Switch is a great console for 3rd party add-ons and customization. It's a shame Nintendo isn't doing more. Still waiting for the day we get official Game Cube Joycons

Pity that none of these ever come with the basic functions of a normal controller for the system. They have cool designs, and look to be improvements on what we have design-wise, but other than that, they're worthless due to the absence of HD rumble and amiibo scanning compatibility.

this is awesome! I have the og split pad pro so getting a sleeker upgrade that feels more modern? yes please!

Hmmm…what I loved about the OG is that it was easier to hold, due to its size, for bigger hands. Speaking personally, sliming it down just isn’t for me. Hand cramps is exactly why I got one in the first place, I imagine slimming it down may bring those back.

I don't mind the lack of HD Rumble. But the absence of gyro is a deal breaker

...that said I already have 2 pairs.

Ooh, those look like my kind of controller

This actually looks pretty neat. I turned down the regular Split Pads because I didn't want to play in handheld mode with the form factor of a Wii U Gamepad/Steam Deck, and these new pads look way less clunky.

I love my split pad pro, exclusively use the switch as a portable and I find them so much more comfortable, enough to outweigh the features they lack.
These new ones being less chunkly makes them less appealing to me personally, but they do still look like they'd be more comfortable than the stock joycons.

These look nice, I'll get a pair for my Switch OLED. I have 3 pairs of Split Pad Pro's which I like but don't really use anymore because I kinda replaced them with the Bin Bok Joy Con, which are more comfortable, plus they have gyro and standard rumble. I usually prefer to play in handheld mode but lately I've been playing my ACNH Switch docked to my LG C1 OLED tv with the Pro Controller. Mabey these will help me go back to playing handheld more often.

These look fantastic! I can turn my OLED model into a Super Gameboy Advance! I would like to see these in my area. But I think these will be distributed like the PSVita Slims in Japan. And most easily accessible on eBay. Where I get most of my imports from. I have a Sonic the Hedgehog SplitPad Pro and love it to bits. I will get these one way or another.

No rumble and no motion equals a no buy from me. Just get a pro controller

It's cool that the Switch is dockable while these are attached because you can't do that with the OG Split Pad Pro afaik.

I play a lot of hand held on my OLED and these look fantastic. Would definitely pay more if they included some kind of rumble, but I hope they come over to NA anyway. Love that there was some effort put into making them look nice and not so big and clunky like the precious effort. Will keep an eye them.

Was it really necessary to slim them down? So now little brownies not only sit on the Astro city mini stool but now have small joy cons.

Unless I missed something, this article doesn’t say anything about gyro. Does anybody know if this new one has gyro? The lack of it was the only thing keeping me from buying the first ones.

I don't care about rumble, but why can't they add motion?

Otherwise, I'd already have a lot of their controllers. If only they added motion.

This makes it impossible to play several games in some parts. Like BOTW in the motion shrines or shooting arrows.

Some games, I understand, use the own console's gyro for motion when in portable mode, but it's only 1 or 2 out of 100 that do that.

I got a different version of these online that have the rumble there amazing

@GameAndLuke you can I never detach my split pad pro and I use it docked about 50% of the time it just looks a bit ridiculous sticking out of the dock

Ahhh such a shame its slimmer! I got Pro as they match my giant hands lol

I'm not interested in any controller without wireless

I prefer the bulk on the Split Pad Pro personally but can get the appeal of these.

@GameAndLuke

You can dock it, you just need more space around the dock for the huge pads

@JJtheTexan I recommend BinBok RGB joy cons. They're pro controller size, they grips on the joysticks, they have a gyroscope and work wirelessly in addition to handheld mode, they even have rumble and rings around the joysticks that you can make light up different colours.

The Hori Split Pad Pro controllers are best accessory to any system, ever! I prefer them to the actual Switch Pro controller, meaning that I prefer to play handheld more often. I'm definitely interested in these new versions, as the one niggle with the current model is the top shoulder buttons are a bit flimsy. My left one requires a specific press to guarantee it register. While I'm used to it now, I wish it wasn't the case, as sometimes I still mess up.

If they added motion then yes, I'd trade in my original split pad pro, but it doesn't seem worth the investment. I'll stick thank you very much, though they do look nice.... 🤣

Hmm if these can fit in a regular size switch case I might bite. But I'm just wondering why hori never released a right wired joycon to go with their original dpad one. I love that thing for traveling. But I'm stuck with a regular right con when I use it...

I'll wait for some reviews. I already own the previous generation of Split Pad Pro and I really love it, but the buttons make a lot of noise compared to the regular Joy Cons, which is sometimes a bit of annoying. These look really comfy and I'd like to try them

@GameAndLuke You can. It's just a tight fit.

I'll import this if I have to. The split pad pro is probably the best accessory for Switch. This looks great.

@NeonPizza Nope.

@Nua they are certainly worth it. Playing handheld is just so much better with them

@romanista I'm one of the odd ones out that enjoy using the Joy-Cons, but usually detached from the console. I'm lucky that I haven't experienced stick drift yet, but I do get hand cramps if I use the attached Joy-Cons on the Switch in Handheld Mode. I have an OLED and love to use the Switch undocked. I've seriously considered buying these before, but I've also considered a grip for the system instead. I had one on the 3DS and that alleviated all hand issues for me. It's a bit of an expensive double edged sword, and I'll likely get both down the line.

@VoidofLight how often do you use those?
I mean - I usually turn Rumble off and I never use my 20 amiibo that I own
the hori split pad pro is perfect for me.

Binbok makes such great controllers. I've been unable to figure out why anyone would rather get a split pad pro.

@chiptoon Because they're cheap and awful Chinese crap? And a completely untrusted "brand" if you can even call it that. Hori has been around for decades and makes quality products on par with first parties. It's why they're so trusted. I have tons of Hori products going back to the 32-bit generation.

I like my split pads but i like my binbok Chinese joycons too since they are similar to the split pads but have gyro, rumble and wireless capabilities so i use those since i mostly play my switch oled in handheld

@Nua Why? It's excellent value, when you consider a single Joycon is more than half the cost. Honestly the best peripheral you can get for the system, completely changes it.

@Qphlat27 I literally just said the same thing. Amazing piece of kit. I'm not sure I want a smaller one though.

@BinaryMessiah I dunno. Given that most electronics are manufactured in China that's become pretty problematic label.

I've had a Binbok for nearly a year and haven't looked back. The only thing I'd like to see improved would be the rumble, which is basic.

The 'cheap and awful Chinese crap' joysticks are streets ahead of Nintendo's official sticks, and the controllers are super comfy to hold for long periods of time.

I felt like I was taking a huge risk importing one, but its brilliant.

@NeonPizza I don't believe you can tell the difference between something being off by 1/100 of a second. If I can play rhythm games on high difficulties with a Pro Controller, it's clearly not a big deal.

Nope not for me, the whole reason I use the hori pad is cuz it feels more like a controller. Shame they aren't updating the original design some. I don't want a thin back controller

I bought my SPP as a cheaper alternative to buying a new Joy-Con pair, to replace my drifting OG pair. It's probably the best video game accessory I've ever bought. The missing features are nothing compared to the comfort the SPP provides during long play sessions. Slimming them down seems like a step backward to me, but I guess they're a cheaper way to replace drifting JCs.

@ParadoxFawkes have u tried using fixture s1 or so if u got the oled? It allows u to use a pro controller while still playing handheld. Its by far the best way to play handheld imo. I have hori pads at the moment for my oled cuz im waiting for the fixture s2 for my oled

@NeonPizza I guess I just happen to have a really good TV despite it being 18 years old. The only game I ever had to put game mode on for was Smash Bros Ultimate, but that's because the online is pretty messed up.

@Dekudot I haven't I'll check it out , my only concern would be the weight

@NeonPizza I found it, it's a 16 year old Toshiba. It says it has a maximum of 7ms of latency with game mode bringing it to around 5ms.

I would have bought the original split pad pros or these ones if they simply added any rumble and wireless capabilities.

Introducing the new Split Pad Fit, with none of the missing features that you wanted and a new slimmer profile that is guaranteed to make your hands hurt again, negating the whole reason for buying it! Enjoy!

PASS 🥸

The Split Pad Pro is the only joy-con I've used that have lasted longer than six months without being inflicted with drift. I'll most likely grab a couple pairs of these just on general principle.

@YANDMAN Yeah, we'll see. Either way I'm down to at least try it out.

No HD rumble, no buy. Amazing how they still want to omit such a feature, but it's a deal breaker for me. Always has been, always will be.

They should really just come out with a rumble version of these, I would buy that.

@NeonPizza Totally agree. I forgot how much those joycons are! And it would be nice to have the thicker controller😵‍💫

I will definitely give these a shot. I already own the Hori Split Pad Pro, Fixture S2, Binbox Slim, and Skull & Co NeoGrip but I'm always looking for something better as these all have tradeoffs:

Hori Split Pad Pro - Good: full-size analog sticks and face buttons; Bad: No HD rumble, NFC, gyro, and wireless, makes the Switch extremely wide

Fixture S2 - Good: uses a Pro controller; Bad: it adds a lot of weight when in handheld mode

Binbok Slim - Good: comfortable grip with rumble, wireless, gyro, and d-pad; Bad: no NFC and HD rumble, analog sticks are taller but have smaller tops, hit or miss quality control, mediocre d-pad

Skull & Co NeoGrip - Good: 3 sets of grips to fit your needs; Bad: still uses joy-cons (small analog sticks and face buttons, joy-con drift, no d-pad)

I just ordered mine! It's going to be a fun ride!

@MJF I use the Rumble for every single game. It enhances the experience for me tbh.

I just want a GameCube styled split pad...

This looks fantastic but as others have said, this isn't for me. The OG is the best as it's literally a pro controller split into two. This should be able to cater to those with smaller hands though.

@AgentLA this is exactly how I feel. I love my split pad pros BECAUSE they're so big and fit my hands. These look cool but they seem to be smaller, which probably isn't for me

@NeonPizza My guy, are you really complaining about small sticks and buttons on a handheld device? You never had a Vita, did you?

@NikHogan I have the OG too. I like the look of this new one (the colors are great), but it looks like it has no gameplay advantages over the original. I might get it if it had rumble, but I don't know if I can get there with what amounts to a sidestep rather than a step forward.

Way too many missing features, but at least they look nice.

Since I already have the Split Pad Pro I would only get this if it had all the bells and whistles of the Switch joycons. It's just sad that 3rd party controllers can effectively eliminate the drift issue but Nintendon't.

Lacking in features - no means to disconnect and use as a separate controller (no wireless), no rumble, no motion controls.. ESSENTIAL FEATURES you can find in competitors products. They only remove these features to make more profit on the controllers..no other reason. You really shouldnt be promoting them Nintendolife

I'm almost definitely going to get these, as my Split Pad was amazing when I had tendonitis... but I hate that the copy describes them as "compact and fit for women and children" 🤢

I mean, I have tiny hands, but I'm not a CHILD

@ibookboyuk nah, I need the big green A button. I only use GameCube styled controllers on Wii U, Switch and my Steam Deck. Big green A , small B and those lovely kidney bean buttons!

@fun_mat The original product is actually really good, most Hori products are, had the same feature set and sold like crazy. Also Hori is an official Nintendo peripheral partner, so it's legit that it's here, honh honh

@WanzerAce They work ok - but do you think its right that they ship it lacking in features. You cant even use them as a second pro controller. Companies only get away with this because people wrongly defend the product and buy it when it could be so much better. If no one bought it - then theyd release one with the full feature set. Sick of people blindly defending Nintendo

The do look more in line with what the Switch looks like, but I don't know y that form factor translated into a good grip.

@VoidofLight I agree that the lack of that functionality is a major bummer, but "worthless" is a HUGE exaggeration. The impact of using the Split Pad Pro on the handheld experience is immense; not only does it relieve a LOT of the tension and discomfort in holding the Switch for long periods of time, the buttons, driftless sticks, and especially d-pad are all massive improvements, to the point of making some games that are pretty much unplayable with joy cons (read: any shmup or fighting game) fully playable.

The programmable back buttons and turbo function also don't get enough love.

I find myself yearning for HD rumble and NFC maybe once every 50 sessions. To be able to use them wirelessly in TV mode would be really killer though. But would certainly increase the price significantly.

@fun_mat Who's defending Nintendo? Nintendo didn't make these controllers lol. Hori did.

Missing that functionality does suck but also contributes hugely to the very low price. I do think it would be cool to offer a higher end model that doesn't lack these features but again it inevitably would be much more expensive, more than actual joycons almost certainly. Worth it, probably, but the really low price point results from excluding those and is very nice.

@InJeffable if it has rumble and wireless itd be an instant buy

I got mine ordered!

@HollowSpectre glad it's not just me! Why just do the left, I love me Zelda one

@antisumo I know! It's been more reliable than the official ones!

I was so hyped when I saw the controllers because I love the colors and the features with turbo and such but I was disappointed when I saw that it has no gyro controls. I could live without the rumble HD feature but gyro controls are a basic feature for me when I play with the Switch. Also they should add the wireless feature. That would make a real good alternative to the official controllers.

@MastaRedSnappa thanks a lot for typing all that out, very helpful comment. i've been looking at alternatives for handheld if joycons give out and thats a great rundown of all my options.

I don't understand the appeal of these at all. They've made something that looks like the existing joy con, that's more expensive and has less functionality. Err congrats? 👏

I really enjoyed the original ones paired with the oled but I play handheld mode 99% of the time. I don't mind the lack of rumble but I'm glad this new version is now more flush with the screen.

still infinitely better than the joycons. If I hadn't moved onto the Steamdeck, I might have considered giving these a try.

The buttons became unresponsive on mine. So stoped using it. Just have a satisfy grip now it’s great

The question pops up a lot when it comes to the use of gyro on handheld. IMHO it really depends on your usecase. If it's a game that you think gyro is critical to your style of play then regardless of the screen shifting/tilting you would still use it.

Honestly, even on handheld like in Splatoon, DxM, or BotW, I only ever use the gyro for precise aiming and not for wide camera control. So that slight screen tilt doesn't really impact my gameplay much, at least in my case. Gyro is the closest thing you can get to a mouse for precise aiming using controllers. I only bought the Split Pad Pro for games I prefer playing portably and for sure doesn't need Gyro controls.

No wireless? No purchase!

@chiptoon There's various quality to "cheap chinese crap" There's Aliexpress $5 controllers, BinBok, and then Hori (which is a Japanese brand) who have been around for a couple of decades. I trust Hori way more than "BinBok".

@demacho The Mobipad M6 is better than the Hori and has all those features.. Its a little bit more £ but not much. The binbok option also same - but the shoulder buttons were a little unresponsive for me. Yes the Hori is nice in handheld mode but there are better products out there. I personally use a pro controller with clip in handheld mode

@fun_mat hm, nice recs. i will say one big selling point of the hori split pad is the dpad is a significant upgrade from the pro controller's. i have no idea how nintendo ***** up the qc of their controllers so bad. remember when their ***** was basically indestructible?

@fun_mat .......yes that is my opinion lol. that is how these conversations work lmao

I've played too much tetris and super precise shmups and been burned by the pad inputting diagonals inappropriately. the hori split dpad does feel worse on the touch but I've never had issues with it confusing inputs

@ibookboyuk That's the exact reason why I use GameCube styled controllers on Wii U, Switch and Steam Deck. Last count I have about 25 ish in my house scattered in different rooms for the various platforms. No need in having to remember button placement, just grab a controller and go.