I bought these after my right joy con started to drift, a few months after the left one. I love these. Buying this made me remember everything I hated about the joy cons that I had actively tried to ignore for the sake of playing the games I wanted to play. For context, I play mainly Breath of the Wild, Muse Dash, and Project Diva. Most of my experience with these was while playing Project Diva, so that's going to reflect on what I think of the buttons, triggers, etc.
Firstly, the analog sticks. I'm not joking when I say these are the nicest analog sticks I have ever used, and I've used many. They're so, so, smooth, and the rubber is super nice feeling. It wasn't necessary at all to make them this nice, but they did anyway, and it really makes me feel good for the price.
The buttons are fine. They're somewhere button mushy and clicky, which is already an improvement over the flimsy click of the joy con's. My only wish is that the travel was shorter, at least on the XYAB buttons. But they get the job done just fine. I prefer the rubber buttons for the plus and minus buttons, and it no longer feels like I have to stretch awkwardly for them, as they're a lot easier to find and press. The d-pad is good too, I can hit diagonal inputs on it easily, but never on accident (a vital skill for rhythm games like PD). I like the triggers on this one the best out of any Switch controller I've tried. They're by no means clicky, but the travel is the right amount of short and they feel springy in a good way. It's like a soft rebound when you let go instead of a hard release.
As for the additional buttons....eh? I don't find the extra buttons on the back at all easy to press, but my hands aren't super large. The assign function works just fine. The turbo function also works, and setting both up is easy enough. I just personally don't have much use for either.
In terms of the design, I find that the sides aren't comparable to the grip you would get from a regular controller, so that's definitely something to note. And while they really aren't at all heavy, how you hold the weight of the Switch is distributed differently, so it took a second to get used to. Honestly though, the way these frame the screen gives this weird cinema effect that I actually kind of like. I doubt that was intentional, but it felt good to really see the screen.
Here's some make it or break it things:
- NOT good for smaller hands. I knew this when I bought it, and while my hands are on the smaller side, I eventually got used to it. But if you've got baby hands, this is definitely not for you.
- Only comfortable with some kind of support. This might just be me, I'm 100% guilty of playing in bed, but forget playing before you catch some shut eye while playing with these. If I'm playing on the couch or at a table, it's no problem, but you can't really play well unless you're in certain positions.
- It DOES drain battery, noticeably. I was already using Hori's left joycon replacement before these and didn't catch any difference, but I have noticed my play sessions getting cut shorter now that I use these. Considering I play mostly at home this isn't the biggest deal (I'll just throw it on the dock and keep playing), but I can imagine this being frustrating if you play handheld outside the house a lot. Though that brings me to my next point...
- Not very portable. They really are the size of a whole controller (I checked), and that means that's how much is added onto the sides of the console screen. This is WIDE. I adjusted to this just fine, but if you leave the house with these, good luck. I can't imagine it's easier to find a case for these either.
- No motion controls, NFC, or HD Rumble. It hasn't really made a difference for me at all, but if these things are a must for you, these probably aren't for you.
Overall, I don't regret buying these for a second. Haven't had anything else attached to my Switch since.
There is a newer version of this item:
Hori Nintendo Switch Split Pad Pro (Black) Ergonomic Controller for Handheld Mode - Officially Licensed By Nintendo
$29.99
(10,253)
Only 2 left in stock - order soon.
$29.99
(10,253)
Only 2 left in stock - order soon.
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From the manufacturer
Great product, but a little overpriced
Reading through the comments before purchasing this product made me almost not buy the product. I am glad I took the chance.First, the product is well built, but is super light weight since the controllers do not have rumble motors, motion, or batteries. These controls will not work detached from the switch. Light weight does not mean poor quality though. These are well built.Buttons: The sticks are better than the ones the original Joycons by far. They are larger and feel exactly like ps4 controller sticks. The analog sticks feel far more durable than the Joycons. All the face and programmable buttons work well and give good feedback and I also prefer them over the Joycons. The trigger buttons are okay, they are soft press and have less feedback than I prefer but it is not bad, just not as good as the joycons.Size and fit: These are the perfect size for average adult hands. Satisfye and other cases and grips do not compare. These feel like the Pro controller in my hand. My 4 and 8 year old prefer joycon due to their hand size.Other: These controllers do not have rumble. I would prefer HD rumble, but not many games I play make use of it. Not a big deal. When I feel I need it, I can attach Joycon. These controllers do not have battery or motion. Again, not a deal breaker since I use pro controllers and have joycon when docked.I have a first release Switch and 2 other newer Switch consoles for my children. I have repaired drifting joy con dozens of times. I carry stock of replacement analog sticks due to the low quality of the sitcks in the Joycon. That's why having this option of better analog sticks is so compelling.I would only change the price. Hori left out rumble, battery, motion and they did not have to fit components into a small form factor, the price should reflect that more. $35 seems like more of a fair price for this product comparing to the price of Joycon.
Top reviews from the United States
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Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2019
The hori split pad pro is a godsend for handheld gamers...It's unabashedly large and it's ergonomically sound. It is a little basic in it's overall design as it's only black with minor red accents on the thumbsticks but overall it looks okay. The construction is a bit anemic as it feels very cheap. The plastic appears to be very durable but since there is no internal goodies (rumble, batteries, nfc, etc) it feels very hollow and they are very light.
Using the split pad pro is a joy because the ergonomics are perfect, the thumbstick feels great and the large buttons have nice, deep key travel. The d-pad is satisfying as well.
There is a turbo function and an assignable button function as well and both work seamlessly. They are difficult to program and I had to consult the manual, but they work without any issues. I won't ever use the turbo function, but the assignable button has major potential.
One last thing to note: battery issues. I have zero. People have reported this controller drains their battery and that has not been the case for me. I got 2 hours and 45 minutes with the joycons and I'm still getting 2 hours and 45 minutes with these controllers. No issues there.
Overall I would recommend this in a heartbeat, especially if you find the original joycons to be small and uncomfortable for handheld gaming. These are near perfect.
Hori Split Pad Pro Controller - A Cut Above the Rest
Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2019
I have a full video review on Youtube with the same title if you want to watch instead. For those of you who want to read I'll continue forth.Reviewed in the United States on September 28, 2019
The hori split pad pro is a godsend for handheld gamers...It's unabashedly large and it's ergonomically sound. It is a little basic in it's overall design as it's only black with minor red accents on the thumbsticks but overall it looks okay. The construction is a bit anemic as it feels very cheap. The plastic appears to be very durable but since there is no internal goodies (rumble, batteries, nfc, etc) it feels very hollow and they are very light.
Using the split pad pro is a joy because the ergonomics are perfect, the thumbstick feels great and the large buttons have nice, deep key travel. The d-pad is satisfying as well.
There is a turbo function and an assignable button function as well and both work seamlessly. They are difficult to program and I had to consult the manual, but they work without any issues. I won't ever use the turbo function, but the assignable button has major potential.
One last thing to note: battery issues. I have zero. People have reported this controller drains their battery and that has not been the case for me. I got 2 hours and 45 minutes with the joycons and I'm still getting 2 hours and 45 minutes with these controllers. No issues there.
Overall I would recommend this in a heartbeat, especially if you find the original joycons to be small and uncomfortable for handheld gaming. These are near perfect.
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
B. Longo
Indispensável para quem usa muito em modo portátil.
Reviewed in Brazil on January 5, 2021Edgar Gallardo
Artículo totalmente recomendado, Amazon falló está vez
Reviewed in Mexico on August 18, 2020Farhan Malick
An amazing product with few issues
Reviewed in Canada on May 29, 2020ANUDEEP K JYOTINAGAR
Great! Absolutely great!
Reviewed in India on December 21, 2020
ANUDEEP K JYOTINAGAR
Reviewed in India on December 21, 2020
That being said:
To me, personally, these are fantastic! Incredibly comfortable and feel amazing! The back buttons are a nice addition. Buttons, sticks, triggers and bumpers are neat, the grip is fine. It is dock compatible; no need to remove these to dock the Switch!
Absolutely great for portable use, makes the Switch look wide, but you'll get used to it. Not sure about the dreaded, eventual stick drift; will update the review if I face any.
If HORI adds some missing features from the regular Joy-Cons and make wireless an option with a second generation of the Split Pad Pros, perhaps a "HORI Split Pad Pro V2", I'll gladly buy it! ( HORI, if you're reading this, please make it happen!)
I'm very satisfied with the product, Amazon's delivery & services and packaging!
Overall, an awesome product by HORI. I recommend it!
(NOTE: THE ANALOG STICKS IN MY PICTURE LOOK DIFFERENT BECAUSE I ADDED MY OWN THUMB GRIPS)
Images in this review
pirinto
Best attachment for playing FPS games, fighting games and platformers on switch
Reviewed in Sweden on December 12, 2020