Verdict: The Hori Split Pad Pro requires gamers to sacrifice rumble, gyroscopic control, and the Switch’s low-profile. In exchange, the Split Pad offers comfort and accuracy, an offset stick layout, and streamlining programmable keys. In short, an exchange worth making.
Hori Split Pad Pro Controller - Daemon X Machina Edition
1 of 1Hori Split Pad Pro Controller - Daemon X Machina Edition
The Review
The Rundown
The Hori Split Pad Pro is an officially licensed third-party peripheral for the Nintendo Switch console, providing players with an increased grip size and similar to that of the official Switch Pro controller. Hori's controller, which can only be used in handheld mode, was initially designed as a promotional item for the Daemon X Machina video game, though has since grown into a popular peripheral for player of all stripes. The Split Pad Pro also offers programmable rear buttons and a turbo mode.
The Experience
Initially, the Split Pro controller feels huge. It’s more than twice the width of the standard mounted Joy-Cons, and the curved-bellied back grips are in stark contrast to the usual flat-backed feel. However, once you jump into a game, you quickly become accustomed to the wider stance and realise the benefits that the controller brings.
Everything is larger on the pad. The action, shoulder and trigger buttons are all increased in size, delivering an in-hand feel that, though still very light, is much closer to the traditional console gaming experience. The solid d-pad is also a great improvement over the occasionally awkward directional buttons of the Joy-Con. Overall, the layout and sizing choices made by Hori work well together and bring a new sense of accuracy and reliability to handheld mode.
This sense of accuracy is also present in the analogue sticks, which offer a firm and responsive operation. Thanks to their offset position, access to the action keys and d-pad is vastly improved over the up-and-over design of the Joy-Con, which can be both cramp-inducing and inefficient.
On the underside of the grips hide two additional and programmable triggers, marked FL and FR. These buttons can be quickly and easily assigned controls in order to streamline a gamer’s experience. We found that assigning Link’s sprint command in Breath Of The Wild to one of these hidden keys did free up our hands for other operations, and scrolling items during intense battles in Moonlighter was a more efficient process. In addition to the standard Switch function keys and two Assign key for the programmable keys, there’s also a Turbo button, allowing a quick fire mode to be activated.
So, it’s comfortable and well designed. The question is, is there anything not to like? Well, no, as long as you’re aware ahead of purchase that the Split Pro lacks rumble, gyroscopic control, and ammibo support.
For most players, it’s likely that the lack of motion control will be the main point of contention, especially if you’re used to relying on the feature to fine tune your shots in games like Warface and Astral Chain. However, given time and a little boost in the X- and Y-axis sensitivity, the flaw can be rectified to a degree (unless, of course, a game requires motion control).
The larger size does mean that the portability is reduced somewhat, making it more cumbersome to take with you on your travels. However, this is no real issue if you intend to keep play in and around the house.
Four Features
Increased grip size
The increased grip size helps you get a good hold on the Switch, improving hand position and sense of security. The Switch can still be docked, too.
Offset controls
The offset controls greatly increases the controllers accuracy by improving the buttons access and thumb ergonomics, much like the Nintendo Switch Pro controller. With the Pro Controller for docked mode, and the Hori for handheld, the Switch truly reveals its formidable gaming credentials.
Programmable triggers
While we didn’t find these hidden triggers to be revolutionary, we did find that they helped us streamline some in-game actions.
No battery, no syncing
The controller works right from the box. Unpack, clip in, and game away. There’s no syncing, and they don’t need charging as they have no batteries. We haven’t noticed them taking any toll on the Switch’s battery life, either.
Daemon X Machina aesthetics
The Daemon X Machina references really are kept to a minimum. There’s a stylised “X” button, and red analogue sticks – and that’s it! Simple but effective, and not too OTT for those who are after the controller for the benefits, rather than the fandom.
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