Screenshot by Bonus Action
When it comes to Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons, I am weak. Pastel, neon, themed – I want them all. I even exchanged my original OLED Switch for the Pokémon Scarlet & Violet exclusive just to get those Paldea controllers – but my collection was about to be made obsolete by one Eeveelution-inspired impulse purchase that changed my life.
I have always been a fan of HORI’s products. The Split Pad Pros have been my long-standing companions for years. I own a black set, a Charizard and Pikachu set, and a Legend of Zelda Set (which is actually my partner’s, but I love to look at them). Despite their lack of detached useability, I love the pro-feel and the ergonomic support while gaming, and often pick them over my colorful assortment of Joy-Cons.
The Big Boys Can Be Too Chunky For Travel
The Hori Split Pad Pro controllers are chunky, well made pro controllers that have the luxurious feel of a wireless full pro option. The analogue sticks are snappy, the programmable buttons offer more accessibility during gameplay, and the smooth grips fit snuggly into the palm, preventing cramps and tired fingers.
Despite my love for these stunning accessories, they do have one big flaw – they don’t travel well. No case I have is big enough to fit them, so they have to be detached and thrown into my backpack when I travel for work. I have an old headphone bag I put them in to keep them safe, but this doesn’t work particularly well, as they still get bounced around. This also leaves the tracks on the sides open for dust, fuzz, and lint to gum them up.
I refuse to be without the support they offer while I am working, but it really is a hassle to have to swap the Joy-Cons out with the Split Pad Pros on a plane. A particularly embarrassing instance on a trip to New York had half my backpack on the floor as I desperately attempted to locate the bag they were. It’s not ideal. It’s not good for on-the-go gameplay, and it’s not a bonus point for friendliness from airplane companions.
Thankfully, HORI has the perfect solution for my problem, and it has likely ended my controller impulse purchases for the foreseeable future.
The Warm Hug Of The HORI Split Pad Compact
I was at Target the first time I saw the HORI Split Pad Compact, and I won’t lie, I wanted them simply because they are covered in Eeveelutions. The 50 dollar price tag was enough to make me second guess my desire to get them. I had the Split Pad Pros at home. I’d just gotten a new set in New York at the Nintendo Store. I certainly didn’t need the silver and navy mini split.
Despite the rationalizing conversations with myself, I continued to linger at the display case in the tech isle every subsequent trip I made to Target. At one point, they were out of stock for months and I was sure I’d missed my chance entirely to get the adorable controllers.
One day, when we were picking out clothes for my son, we happened to go by the Nintendo Switch isle on our way to checkout and I saw them. The Split Pad Compacts were freshly stocked, and the Eeveelution set was sitting there in the harsh, electronic isle lighting. I grabbed them and tossed them in the cart. I’d sell some Pokémon cards or something, I wasn’t missing the chance to have them a second time.
I can say with enthusiasm, I am glad I didn’t pass the chance up. The Split Pad Compact is the best of both worlds. They fit in the zipper top of my Nintendo Switch case, but they offer the ergonomic comfort of the Split Pad Pros. The buttons are perfectly spaced for my long fingers – and the analogue stick cushions are small enough that my Eevee and Sylveon caps fit.
I love these controllers. They are my ride-or-die. I don’t care that they don’t connect when off the Switch, it just encourages me to play in hand-held. I love how well-made they are, how reactive the buttons and analogue sticks are, and how beautifully colored they are. The Split Pad Compact is the perfect Nintendo Switch accessory, and anyone who plays handheld needs to get a pair of these for the comfort and quality they impart on a gaming session.
While I do want to own every Pokémon controller HORI makes, the Eeveelution Split Pad Compact fills my heart and my carry case accessory pouch with joy. I am glad they broke my Joy-Con obsession, as I can’t imagine buying any other controllers when I have these bad boys waiting for me whenever I sit down to play.
**No HORI products were provided for this feature. All items were bought by the writer and written about following months of use**
About the Author
Discover more from Bonus Action
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
