This was one of the first things we noticed during our testing, and it certainly makes for a different experience overall. For one, good luck fitting your new Switch and Split Pad Compact combo into a Switch case if you already picked up a form-fitting one. It comes in a white design to match the white Joy-Cons that come with one of the Switch OLED models. Managing Editor of Hardware at GamesRadar+, I originally landed in hardware at our sister site TechRadar before moving over to GamesRadar.

Split Pad Compact (Gengar) for Nintendo Switch - HORI UK

While the fully fledged Hori Split Pad Pro offers a snappy response in its ABXY and d-pad controls, thanks to the larger size and longer travel distance, the Compact's options feel a little mushy under the hand. The Hori Split Pad Pro has become one of the most popular Switch grip options over the past few years. Notably, with the Split Pad Pro, you get a more traditional D-pad on the left controller (unlike the Joy-Cons' four directional buttons), which is soft to press and accurate. While the Compact will only work when directly attached to the Nintendo Switch system, the Pro is also available in an Attachment Set.The Split Pad Compact completely remedies this issue while still retaining a relatively small form factor.

Hori Split Pad Compact Review - IGN

The Hori Split Pad Compact is an excellent Joycon alternative for those who take their Switch on the go. ParadoxFawkes I also got something from china with gyro, rumble and wireless and a glowing light round the joysticks for some reason. The Compact is only available in red or gray, with only two special edition options, both of them Pokemon.Like the Pro version, the Compact has larger buttons and triggers as well as full-length analog sticks. With diamond ridges in the plastic itself, there's far greater grip than the slightly bobbled plastic on the Compact model. The cross-body style bag with adjustable shoulder strap holds your Nintendo Switch system in the main system.

Split Pad Compact (Gengar) for Nintendo Switch - HORI UK Split Pad Compact (Gengar) for Nintendo Switch - HORI UK

The Hori Split Pad Compact is a competent set of controls that offers a performance upgrade over the standard Joy-Con controls. There’s still room to go larger in my mind, (I’m 6-foot-3), but the size here will likely prove more comfortable for most adults and even teens. After spending the past month using the Split Pad Compact almost daily, I can say that I'll never go back to any other handheld-focused controllers or grips I own. The grips bring a bit of Switch Lite color to the standard Switch consoles, with an Apricot Red model as well as onel that combines a light gray front with what I can only describe as a kind of sickly yellow back.One change that I really like is that each analog stick has a textured center, making them grippier than the comparatively smooth sticks on the Pro.