Hori Split Pad Compact review 2024: comfortable to hold

Nintendo has made it tough for third-party Switch controllers to shine, as they will struggle to work in the various scenarios that the Switch system itself can find itself in. This was done on purpose. Others may attempt to imitate the Joy-Con controllers that come with the Switch, while others will try to offer more flexibility or rely only on a wireless connection. The new Split Pad Compact controllers that Hori has released are of the later variety. They also come out with an updated version of the Hori Split Pad Pro that has a more colourful look and is smaller. In the end, they serve as an upgrade to the Joy-Con in terms of both their size and its capabilities while coming in at a reduced price. Regrettably, there are a few compromises that need to be made, and as a result, they cannot serve as an adequate replacement for Nintendo’s original controllers.

Hori Split Pad Compact Specifications

Available for Nintendo Switch, so those who are experiencing the dreaded drift or are just searching for a different gamepad won’t have to go very far to find Hori’s selection.

Hori Split Pad Compact: Design

At its most fundamental level, the Hori Split Pad Compact performs the same functions as Joy-Con. They may be attached to the sides of a Nintendo Switch in the same way that you would attach Joy-Con, and they get their power directly from the Switch itself. The grips give the conventional Switch consoles a touch of the Switch Lite colour, with an Apricot Red model as well as one that combines a light grey front with what we can only describe as a type of sickly yellow back. Additionally, there is a model that combines a light grey front with an apricot red model.

However, the word “compact” in the title should not be taken at face value. These controllers provide a significant amount more space for those with larger hands compared to the genuine Joy-Con. They come with shoulder buttons and triggers that are significantly larger, and the thumbsticks are taller, larger all the way around, and textured. You can buy this game controller from its official website

Hori Split Pad Compact: Performance

When considered alone, we found the Hori Split Pad Compact to have a satisfying feel and reaction. The Pro model’s improved thumbsticks and triggers made my little time with Wolfenstein: Youngblood more enjoyable than it would have been with the Joy-Con. These feel much more like the sticks on the Pro Controller, with their responsiveness and ability to lock into place, than the often slippery Joy-Con generation. However, the Split Pad Compact’s d-pad and face buttons seemed unusually soft when I first turned it on.

My previous experience was with the Pro, which has more robust button travel and a more pleasant click. The Compact, on the other hand, yields easily to thumb pressure. This disappointingly low standard has little effect on reaction times. The overall lack of grip from the smaller buttons made for more accidental button mashing during Super Mario Sunshine’s more frenetic moments.

Final Words

When it comes to portability and value, the Split Pad Compact is hard to beat, yet it still falls short of being a fully featured Switch controller. The PowerA Fusion Pro Wireless or 8BitDo Pro 2 are excellent alternatives to the Joy-Con if you don’t constantly play in portable mode. Even with the Split Pad Compact, you’ll need a Joy-Con at all times to ensure compatibility with every Switch game.

Hori Split Pad Compact review: The good and The bad

The Split Pad Compact can only be used for playing while handheld, but this limitation is not actually a drawback.

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