Split Pad Pro Review: This is my favorite accessory for my Nintendo Switch. When playing handheld on the Nintendo Switch, the Hori Split Pad Pro is a joy to use. My Nintendo Switch’s handheld mode has always been a favorite of mine. Because of the convenience of portable gaming and the fact that I don’t have to hog the TV in my living room, I’ve been able to play more frequently.
When it comes to playing certain games, though, the handheld mode falls short. The shooters are very tough. Even with gyroscopic aiming, handheld shooting games necessitate the use of analog sticks that are small and cumbersome to use. In handheld mode, this makes it impossible to play a shooter. It’s not just 3D shooters like DOOM that I struggle with. After a few hours of playing a game that requires you to constantly adjust the right analog stick, your hands will begin to hurt. It’s one of the machine’s parts that aggravates me the most. One of the conceivable alternatives I’ve tested is Satisfye’s absurdly large plastic attachment.
When playing games that weren’t shooters or didn’t require regular use of the right analog stick, such as role-playing games and strategy games, the size of the solution was difficult to explain. I believe I’ve finally found something that is considered superior to all I had considered earlier. Curious minds desire to know what this strange object is. Finally, I made my decision based on the design. The black and gold Pickachu design is excellent, and it’s not just a small sticker or decal. Even though I’m not a huge lover of bright colors, the addition of electric-type Pokémon makes this a must-have for me.
With a Nintendo Joy-Con controller
Hori released the split pad pro DXM edition in 2019. It doesn’t matter that it came with a mediocre game given that it’s a standout among Nintendo Switch accessories. When playing portable mode, Switch Pro Controllers can be split in half and fitted into slots where Joy-Cons would normally be. That’s all there is to it, yet it makes a significant difference. Because of the ergonomics of a full-sized controller, the Split Pad Pro includes genuine grips.
Instead of pinching the Switch between your thumb and forefinger, you may now handle it like a regular controller with the redesigned grips. This is a tremendous improvement because it is much more at ease and natural in its execution. Full-sized analog sticks, face buttons, and triggers that replicate those on traditional controllers are among the easier-to-use features. My thumb no longer feels as if it’s fighting to stay on the right analog stick; instead, it feels as if it’s just where it should be. I had no hand strain or difficulty aiming while playing Borderlands: The Prequel on my Switch with this adapter.
It appeared that I was playing a game on my television set with a conventional controller in hand. Even in classics like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the accuracy of pointing and directing the camera has improved. It’s a godsend for anyone who suffers from hand fatigue from playing mobile games for long periods of time. You may also use the Split Pad Pro to assign back buttons so that you can keep your thumbs on the sticks while using a shooter’s reload button, for example. Any of the face buttons can be set to “Turbo” mode, which simulates pushing and holding the button repeatedly.
If you own a PlayStation 4, spending $29.99 on a new controller is well worth it
The third point to consider is that the Split Pad Pro controller attachment will make your Nintendo Switch look horribly out of place. There’s a catch: while the bigger controllers make games easier to play, they also make your Switch look even wackier. Functionally? The added weight isn’t an issue, and it even fits into the dock. It will, however, make your console look like a rip-off of a Batman device.
DEFICIENCIES EXIST, CONTRARY TO EXPECTATIONS
The Split Pad Pro, on the other hand, has a number of drawbacks. The new joycons will not work with the system without a connected connection. You can’t just snap these off and hand them out to your friends if you want to play Mario Kart with them. They’re merely pieces of plastic unless they’re linked together. They also don’t have rumble functions, so you won’t be able to feel any haptic feedback while playing games. However, I did not consider the loss of this feature to be a deal-breaker.
Some games, such as those that rely on rumble to communicate with the player, may be hard to play, but these are the exceptions. The controllers, which do not have their own batteries, are powered by the Switch console’s internal battery. Despite the fact that I haven’t done significant battery testing, I’m not concerned that this will prevent me from using the gear. It’s still a good idea to keep this in mind if you’re going on a long vacation and won’t have many locations to charge. (After all, who takes vacations these days?)
The Hori Split Pad Pro Pikachu Edition has the following features:
I usually dock my Nintendo Switch and play with the Pro Controller as my primary controller. It’s a good alternative if I don’t have access to a TV or if I’m traveling with my Switch, but I wouldn’t want to play in handheld mode for too long. The Split Pad Pro outperforms the previous design in terms of ergonomics. You can immediately detect the difference between the two controllers when you insert them into your Nintendo Switch right out of the box. You won’t have to carry much weight, and they’ve been ergonomically built to feel like a real controller.
Each pad fits nicely in your hand, in addition to the joystick, D-pad, back buttons, and every other function of the controller. It is simple to move around and there are no cramps. I felt minor hand cramping and almost no numbness in any posture, regardless of how upright, flat on my back, or stomach I sat. My fingers started to grow numb after approximately five or six hours of lying on my back with the controller held straight in front of my face. You did a fantastic job there!
Swivel and Toggle
Fortunately, the buttons and sticks on this system are extremely responsive. Even if the smooth-matte texture on the tops of the analog sticks isn’t my favorite, I can’t deny how great it feels to play with the face buttons. The D-pad, on the other hand, is genuinely fantastic. For 2D platformers and fighting games, I think it’s better than the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller’s incredibly stable D-pad – in fact, I prefer it.
The additional buttons on the Split Pad Pro are a great addition to an already comfortable design. The controller’s two Turbo buttons, D-pad, and back buttons may appeal to those who prefer competitive gaming. These buttons are easy to find and labeled, whereas the screenshot and Home buttons are a little more confusing. Also, don’t be concerned about them getting separated. They don’t need to be removed from your Switch. You can instantly place the console in the dock and keep playing.
Yes, I believe it should be yours
Hori’s Split Pad Pro isn’t for everyone, which is understandable. This attachment isn’t necessary if you spend most of your time playing games on the Switch when it’s docked. This will relieve most of your troubles at the cost of a rumble for people who frequently play in handheld mode and realize that select titles require more than their thumbs can handle. If you can get past the new Switch’s ridiculous aesthetics, your hands will undoubtedly appreciate it.
