Hori Split Pad Compact: Review and Comparison

[@luckylucario]

The split pad pro just felt too large in my hand. It cramped my hand.

[@switchunboxing]

Why’s everybody hating on the rubber! 😭

[@HowToGameDifferently]

Because it feels wrong!.... Out of context, this could be seen as a dodgy conversation 🤣

[@ShinyTechThings]

Yeah, Japan almost always gets all the Shiny Tech Things before the rest of the world. I remember back with console games they got them a LOT earlier in some cases on the Super and original Famicom over the (S)NES here.

[@HowToGameDifferently]

Yeah which makes sense with them making the games/products over there. Import of them have gotten a lot better now which I'm so thankful for.

[@ushuaia6284]

I use the back button to run in botw. Also wish they added some weight to these so they didn’t feel so cheap

[@HowToGameDifferently]

That's a good use for them. If only it had gyro to use the bow with. I have found the weight to be alright once it's actually attached to the Switch, but still not ideal.

[@Sky0fLov3]

I use the back buttons for stick clicks, very handy.

[@InJeffable]

I never use the back buttons on controllers like these, although I have heard that the right side one can be useful as an alternative jump button for Doom 2016 and Doom Eternal (making it so that you never have to take your right thumb off the analog stick). As much as I like my Split Pad Pro, the analog sticks are too tall and smooth. Both of those issues seem to have been fixed in the Split Pad Compact. Also, I like the overall look of the Compact. I think it looks nicer than the Pro. I'll be getting the Light Gray & Yellow version because I think it has kind of a retro look (like something out of the late '70s or early '80s). But I think the "Apricot" one looks good too.

[@AdultsHaveToysToo]

The compact definitely seems like a great upgrade over the pro. As for back buttons, I rarely use them. I do use them on my Steam Deck with emulators to pull up the menu though since all the other buttons are assigned.

[@HowToGameDifferently]

I hadn't even thought about them being used for menu's! That's a really good use for them.

[@Ty-douken]

I just picked up the pro as it was on sale & Pac-man themed, but looks like this is oupdve been a nice option too. I did use the back buttons on the Steam Controller I got years ago, but I'm also one to adjust controls in games from time to time. The yellow reminds me of my SNES with half of it yellowing. I've become so accustomed to the normal switch Pro controller that I think I made the right call, I don't take my switch portable other than out the backyard. If I do end up playing more portablebwith traveling I may need to pick these up though, joy-cons just suck. I almost bought switch sports to play with the wife, but I can't justify buying another set of joy-cons.

[@HowToGameDifferently]

Having an extra set of regular joycon can be useful, specially for games like Mario party and like you mention switch sports. The split pad pro is probably closest to the switch pro, but still a way off. The compact is a happy in-between from the regular joycon to pro controller in my opinion.

[@emilianomontanari283]

the Pro stay docked in charge with the Swirch?

[@switchunboxing]

I agree I think + and - are a little too flat for my liking but honestly I never thought about it until you said something! I’m just glad the home and capture buttons are down below so it all works out. My issue with Nintendo’s Pro Controller is that they’re all flush so I’m always accidentally pressing screenshot when trying to hit that - button. As far as asking if we use the back buttons, I never have. But since getting these, I mapped it to ZR because it felt like too much of a chore in Disney Dreamlight Valley to hold that button to change tools. And you gotta love that turbo! Been on 3rd party controllers since the 90s haha

[@HowToGameDifferently]

Haha I have started getting use to the plus and minus after a few more gaming sessions. Someone in the comments did give a good suggestion of using the back buttons for the plus and minus. Is Disney Dreamlight Valley any good on Switch? I had heard there was issues on the Switch version, so was holding out for a patch for it. Also how are you finding the controller in general?

[@switchunboxing]

@@HowToGameDifferently It's good man really refined version of the Pro! Only weird thing is the dead zone on the sticks but really I dont notice it anymore. Disney is good! I just make sure to not decorate lol in case that messes with performance. Also you gotta clear out the stones that spawn and the night thorns. Then it gets smoother. I dont notice any immersion breakinng issues now. except crashes but it auto saves

[@mAcroFaze]

I think I'd actually end up using the assignable buttons and reprogram to - and + simply because the joycon versions I find so close to the actual joystick, and not needing to reach over them and simply have an alternate way of doing this would be very handy!

[@HowToGameDifferently]

Nice suggestion! Hadn't even considered that. Made me think, I might start using it for the capture button for the same reason.

[@selias4]

Very useful information, thank you.

[@kennY_72]

Which one do you recommend for a bigger? I mean, I need a new pair of joy cons for a flight on next week and a never bought Nintendo 2nd party controllers

[@HowToGameDifferently]

I would personally say go with the Split Pad Compact. It's build quality is just much better than the previous one and more comfortable.

[@kennY_72]

@@HowToGameDifferently I bought the Pro ones 2 days ago I was asking to get an 2nd opinion but anyway. Thank you for your response bro.

[@dnnisamn6886]

Is this less noisy the sticks and buttons compared original split pad?

[@HowToGameDifferently]

Really sorry for the late reply. I wouldn't say they were less noisy the sticks, but the buttons are. I do notice a slightly clicky sound on the left stick when it goes right, but that might be just my ones.

[@devencastrillo568]

I got those things only work for the OLED model?

[@HowToGameDifferently]

These work for the regular and OLED models. They just don't work for the Switch Lite.

[@GeekExplorers]

Was curious about these, look like they’d be a better buy that the pro, the compact size is nice plus but be a shame to miss out on the rumble features. Cheers

[@HowToGameDifferently]

Yeah it's definitely a way for Hori to reduce the cost by not having all the features, but still a good alternative.

[@EdTzani]

@@HowToGameDifferently not just that nintendo did not want their joycons to be overshadow by Hori split pads in a way hahaha... Nintendo should have just collab in making new complete joycons with Hori for the new Switch in the future.. Their original Joycon to be honest sucks hahaha

[@mikegenesis7732]

Wait a minute… no rumble.? No gyro.? Come on guys, no rumble.? I mean, I have the rumble feature since the Nintendo 64 with lylatwars.

[@Himoooo]

yes sadly no rumble

[@tobysceptiman7058]

Does it have drift after some months?

[@HowToGameDifferently]

So far, I've had no issues with it. My original Split Pad Pro did get drift after around 9 months though, so time will tell. Oh, and Merry Christmas!

[@buster5661]

They feel third party and are not worth the price gunna have to return em