Hori Split Pad Compact Review – I don’t think I need my Joy-Cons anymore

On By Garmin Philip
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If the Joy-Cons of the Nintendo Switch are too small for you, the Hori Split Pad Compact is the perfect alternative!

When reviewing the Hori Split Pad Pro in 2020, Alex asked if this is the best controller for the Nintendo Switch? I had the good piece back then and was just as impressed with it. Now there is a successor with the Hori Split Pad Compact and it is even better! A worthwhile investment for around 50 to 60 euros?

Box & Accessories: The packaging is relatively small, but the Split Pad Compact is not a controller that comes with tons of additional material. Both halves of the controller are in the box, as well as a small manual, that’s it and nothing more is required here. It’s a shame that Hori, in contrast to other manufacturers who have switched to cardboard, still uses plastic elements for the packaging, as there is still room for improvement.

Processing: The workmanship is flawless and the price is reasonable. The Split Pad Compact feels good in the hands, the keys are nice to press and nothing about it feels cheap in any way. The advantage of the Split Pad Compact is that the controller as a whole (according to the name) is a bit more compact than the bulkier Split Pad Pro. The buttons and sticks are still regular-sized, such as on the Pro Controller for the Switch, but the controller halves aren’t as wide toward the back and sides as they are on the Split Pad Pro. I actually find it a step more comfortable than the Split Pad Pro, the Split Pad Compact is exactly what I’ve been waiting for.

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The Hori Split Pad Compact with Nintendo Switch from above.
The Split Pad Compact is more comfortable and pleasant to use than the Joy-Cons.

It’s just a pity that the console, including the Split Pad Compact, will no longer fit in your existing Switch carrying case. In this case, you have to take the controllers with you and stow them away, for example when you travel. Alternatively, Hori itself offers suitable bags in which you can store the Switch together with the Split Pad Compact.

Keys and typing feel: On the one hand, the Split Pad Compact brings with it the buttons that you would expect from a normal switch controller. On top of that, there is an additional button on each of the backs, to which you can assign one of the functions of the other buttons. And there is also a turbo function. Buttons and sticks feel good, appear properly installed and are easy to move or press. Hori uses rubber domes for the buttons.


The Hori Split Pad Compact with Nintendo Switch from below.
There are two additional buttons on the back.

Features & special functions: As with the Split Pad Pro, you also have to do without several features with the Split Pad Compact: The controllers do not support HD rumble, no motion sensors, have no NFC sensor and no IR camera. If you don’t need them anyway for the games you play, that’s no problem. If any of this is required, you just have to use a Joy-Con, for example with certain party games. In addition, the Split Pad Compact only works if it is connected directly to the console, the controller halves do not contain their own batteries.


The Hori Split Pad Compact without console.
The Split Pad Compact without console. However, if they are not connected to her, they will not work.

You can buy the Hori Split Pad Compact at Amazon.de in the colours Light gray and yellow as well as in the Pokémon designs Gengar and Pikachu/Mimigma. There is also a suitable one Pokemon themed tote bag available.

Hori Split Pad Compact – Conclusion

Whether you see non-existent features such as HD rumble, motion control, NFC IR camera on the Split Pad Compact as a disadvantage depends on your own needs. I can live without it for the way I play and for the majority of the games I play. On the other hand, I enjoy the significantly higher level of comfort when playing mobile games compared to the Joy-Con controllers, which leave a rather uncomfortable feeling over time and sometimes lead to cramped hands, especially in certain genres. A problem I don’t have with the Split Pad Compact. With what it aspires to be and its even more compact size compared to the Split Pad Pro, the Split Pad Compact is one of the best third-party switch controllers for me. Thanks to Hori’s controller, I no longer need the Joy-Cons unless the game in question requires otherwise.

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Hori Split Pad Compact – pros and cons

Per:

  • Much more comfortable than Nintendo’s Joy-Con controller
  • Good build quality

Cons:

  • Only work directly on the console
  • No HD rumble, no motion controls, no NFC and no IR camera

Manufacturer: Hori – Compatible with:nintendo switch release: 11/4/2022 – Price (RRP): 50 to 60€



Reference-www.eurogamer.de