If you have a Nintendo Switch and, like me, are not really satisfied with the included Joy-Cons, fortunately there are now many good and affordable alternatives. The previous favorite controller of MeinMMO editor Maximilian Dettenthaler now has a successor with the Split Pad Compact. In this review, you’ll find out if the device is worth it for you.
On one hand, I am a big fan of innovative gamepads and on the other hand, I play a lot with my Switch in handheld mode. However, since I find Nintendo’s standard Joy-Cons really uncomfortable over time, I absolutely needed another controller.
That’s why I came across the company Hori some time ago, which manufactures licensed gamepads for the Switch among other things. Their Split Pad Pro quickly became my absolute favorite controller for the Nintendo Switch.
With the Split Pad Compact, it now officially has a successor since October 14, which the manufacturer promises will provide a Pro-Controller-like experience in handheld mode (via Hori).
To check if that’s really the case, I had to get a copy immediately, which I tested for you based on the following criteria:
This is the Split Pad Compact
Technical Details:
| Product Name | Split Pad Compact for Nintendo Switch |
| Manufacturer | Hori |
| Model Number | NSW-373 |
| Buttons | 24 |
| Analog Joysticks | 2 |
| Design | Apricot Red, Light Gray-Yellow |
| Compatible with | Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch OLED |
| Dimensions | 6.3 cm (Length) x 10.4 cm (Height) x 4.2 cm (Width) |
| Weight | Left and right controller each approx. 70 g |
| Price | 54.99 Euro (RRP) |
| Preview | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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HORI Nintendo Switch Split Pad Compact (Hellgrau x Gelb) Ergonomischer Controller für den... | Zu Amazon |
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Appearance and Size
The Split Pad Compact comes with a recommended retail price of 54.99 € and in two designs – Apricot Red and Light Gray-Yellow, of which I tried the latter. In the future, there should also be more designs. For example, you can already pre-order a controller with a Gengar design on Amazon. According to Amazon, the version is supposed to be released on November 4, 2022.
Aesthetically, I immediately notice that the Split Pad Compact has slimmed down significantly compared to its larger brother, the Split Pad Pro.
Since I have played with the predecessor for a long time, I personally find the Split Pad Compact a bit too small so far. However, this may also just be a matter of getting used to.
Fortunately, the grips of the controller are still larger than those of the standard Joy-Cons, which I really appreciate. Because after longer sessions, my hands occasionally hurt with the normal Switch controllers due to the cramped and uncomfortable position.
The gamepad is definitely suitable not only for children’s hands but also for adult hands.
Build Quality and Ergonomics
Besides the appearance, I really like how high-quality the device feels – especially for the price. It is stable and well-made, as one would expect from other Hori controllers.
With the many rounded edges, the new Split Pad feels noticeably more ergonomic to me. This is an immense improvement compared to Nintendo’s Joy-Cons, which are completely straight and therefore not ergonomic at all.
While the top of the Split Pad Compact is smooth, the bottom is somewhat rougher for better grip. Therefore, the grips fit well in the hand and feel really comfortable and compact. So the controller lives up to its name.
Functionality
Unlike the Joy-Cons included with the console, the Split Pad Compact has a real D-Pad on the left grip that feels fantastic.
However, since the Split Pad Compact does not have its own battery like the standard Joy-Cons, it draws power directly from the console itself. Nevertheless, I don’t notice a significant increase in my Switch’s power consumption.
This, however, also means that the Split Pad Compact is purely a handheld mode controller, with which you cannot play in docked or tabletop mode. Personally, this is not a problem for me, as I own a Switch Pro Controller for playing on the TV and do not use the Joy-Cons.
The buttons are not mostly made of rubber like the predecessor, but are all made of plastic. And especially with these, the Split Pad Compact stands out for me personally.
Because I have not played with any Joy-Con replacement for the Switch that felt as good as the buttons on the Split Pad Compact. From the important buttons on the right grip to the screenshot and home buttons to even the small plus and minus buttons – each individual button has perfect resistance and optimal height. To be honest, I even find them a good bit more comfortable than my previous favorite controller.
And also with the shoulder buttons, Hori has made significant progress. In the predecessor, the Split Pad Pro, they are somewhat larger, but in my opinion also a lot softer. The responsiveness of the shoulder triggers is therefore much better on the Split Pad Compact.
In my opinion, the biggest improvement is clearly the analog sticks of the Split Pad Compact. The textured rubber on the concave thumbsticks prevents slipping compared to the smooth surface of the predecessor and the regular Joy-Cons (which are convex, by the way).
Concave thumbsticks are indented downward. This is designed to reduce slipping on these control sticks.
But not only that, both analog sticks of the Split Pad Compact feel very precise and have a significantly larger range of motion than the standard Joy-Cons of the Switch. By the way, I found the sticks on those to be far too stiff, while the ones on the Split Pad Pro were almost too soft. So full marks for the Split Pad Compact here as well.
Additional Features
In addition to all these features, the Split Pad Compact also has three additional buttons on both sides of the controller that are not available on the standard Joy-Cons.
- For both grips, there is a button with a turbo function.
This can be assigned to any button, as well as the D-Pad. This effectively tells the controller that you are pressing the selected button in a high-frequency tempo or even holding it down continuously. The frequency of this turbo can be individually adjusted to your needs on both grips. - Additionally, both grips have another trigger button at the back of the controller that can also be manually assigned to a button using the assign button on the front. Many Pro controllers on other consoles now have this feature, and I find it incredibly practical.
Missing Features
Unfortunately, the Split Pad Compact is also missing a few features of the normal Joy-Cons. For example, it does not have gyrosensors and thus no motion control. Since this is not used in many games anyway, I find this generally acceptable.
However, I find the complete absence of vibration much more unfortunate. Especially from playing with the PS5, I am now used to HD rumble features and wouldn’t want to miss it – except for competitive shooters. I simply find that good vibration can make the gaming experience feel much more immersive.
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Conclusion
If you are looking for a good alternative to the normal Joy-Cons of the Switch for handheld mode, I can highly recommend the Split Pad Compact. With its good build quality, ergonomics, precision, and great additional features, Hori has really developed an outstanding gamepad that clearly puts the standard Joy-Cons in the shade for me personally. Purchasing the controller also makes sense from a financial perspective.
The only small downsides for me are the missing gyrosensors, the lack of vibration, and the size, which may not fit everyone. But even so, in my opinion, it is an almost perfect Joy-Con replacement that gives my previous favorite controller solid competition.
More recommendations around the Nintendo Switch: Are you looking for more tips around the Nintendo Switch? Then take a look at the following article: Here we explain how you can significantly improve your console for around 15 euros:
For 15 euros, I greatly improved the Nintendo Switch – You should do it too
