HORI Switch Split Pad Compact (Light Gray/Yellow)

Product Information

Some of that may be muscle memory, but trying to hold Y while hitting B with the base of my thumb was a lot more difficult.

Split Pad Compact is coming soon for the Nintendo Hori’s Split Pad Compact is coming soon for the Nintendo

The shoulder buttons don’t have the same levels of bounce as those on the Pro model and, for better or worse, some of the buttons that are rubber on the Pro (home, screenshot, plus, minus, and the “assign” and “turbo” buttons) are plastic on the Compact. Though the triggers have a bit more room to move, Hori stuck with non-analog ones that lack sensitivity. These do look odd on the front of the Split Pad Compact, and who in 2022 really uses a Turbo button? Unless you’re always playing in handheld mode, the PowerA Fusion Pro Wireless or 8BitDo Pro 2 are likely better picks for when you want to give the Joy-Con a rest. Comparing the controllers playing Hollow Knight (Trial of the Fool), it's just way easier on the Pros compared to the others.Ultimately, the Split Pad Compact is a nice upgrade and good value for playing on the go, but it’s not a well-rounded Switch controller. They provide larger shoulder buttons and triggers, and the thumbsticks are taller, bigger around, and textured.

Split Pad Compact, A New Switch - GameSpot Hori Reveals Split Pad Compact, A New Switch - GameSpot

For more recommendations for making you Switch gaming experience better, take a look at our roundup of the best Nintendo Switch controllers. That, and the type of games that I would desire a d-pad for aren't the type of games that I would need a gyro and camera for anyways. With diamond ridges in the plastic itself, there's far greater grip than the slightly bobbled plastic on the Compact model.Hori’s Split Pad Pro, allows handheld Switch users to have a more comfortable experience while gaming on the go. To me the Split Pad Pros are very comfortable, much closer to using something like an Xbox controller.

Hori Split Pad Compact Is An Incredible Switch Handheld

In Breath of the Wild, I was able to combine them with Turbo on the right controls to pull off the infinite running trick which normally entails holding down on the D-Pad and repeatedly tapping B – a maneuver that’s terribly tricky to accomplish normally without having to let go over the thumbsticks. Though the Switch is one of Nintendo's best gaming consoles ever, not everyone finds the default form factor very comfortable--especially when playing for hours in a row.Still, you're getting more conventional sticks, triggers, and a standard D-pad--all of which feel great. Meanwhile, the Trigger Grip mimics the feel of a conventional controller, with a contoured design that probably suits most Switch users. Also use Turbo Hold to set the button to continually activate Turbo without having to hold the button down. While the fully fledged Hori Split Pad Pro offers a snappy response in its ABXY and d-pad controls, thanks to the larger size and longer travel distance, the Compact's options feel a little mushy under the hand. The Hori Split Pad Compact is an excellent Joycon alternative for those who take their Switch on the go.