Handheld gaming is a compromise. We all know it. You’re trading the raw power of a home console and the ergonomic bliss of a dedicated controller for the ability to play Monster Hunter or Zelda while sitting in a dentist's waiting room. But for years, the Nintendo Switch's greatest flaw wasn't its processor—it was those tiny, cramp-inducing Joy-Cons. Then came the Hori Split Pad Pro. It changed the game by basically glueing a full-sized controller to the sides of the tablet. Now that the successor console is finally here, everyone is asking the same thing: Does the Hori Split Pad Pro Switch 2 version keep that crown, or has Nintendo finally fixed their own hardware?
Honestly, the original Split Pad Pro was a lifesaver for anyone with adult-sized hands. It lacked rumble, gyro, and NFC, but it gave us actual joysticks that didn't drift after a week of heavy use. With the new hardware generation, expectations have shifted. We aren't just looking for "bigger" anymore; we're looking for "better."
What the Hori Split Pad Pro Switch 2 gets right (and wrong)
The first thing you notice when you slide these onto the new console is the girth. Hori didn't slim down. If anything, the Hori Split Pad Pro Switch 2 feels more substantial. The grips have a slightly more aggressive texture than the previous iteration, which helps if you’re the type of person whose hands get a bit clammy during a high-stakes Splatoon match.
But here is the kicker.
Nintendo actually improved the ergonomics of the base Switch 2 controllers this time around. Not by a lot, but enough to make the "mandatory" status of a Hori upgrade feel a little less urgent. Yet, the Split Pad Pro still wins on the sticks. They use a proprietary sensor tech that feels tension-heavy and precise. If you've ever tried to snipe someone in Apex Legends using a standard Joy-Con, you know the pain of that microscopic throw distance. Hori solves that.
The missing features conversation
Let's talk about the elephant in the room: the features Hori leaves out to hit that $50 price point. You're still not getting HD Rumble. You're still not getting an internal battery, meaning these only work when attached to the system (unless you buy the wired attachment kit). For a lot of people, the lack of gyro is the dealbreaker. Motion aiming has become a standard for Nintendo fans. Hori's refusal to integrate a gyro sensor in the standard Hori Split Pad Pro Switch 2 model feels like a relic of 2019.
Why do we keep buying them then? Because of the buttons.
The face buttons are huge. They have a tactile, clicky response that feels like a premium fight pad. The rear "FL" and "FR" buttons are also back, allowing you to map inputs like jump or reload so you never have to take your thumb off the right stick. It’s a competitive advantage that's hard to ignore.
Ergonomics vs. Portability: The Eternal Struggle
The Switch 2 is already a bigger device. Adding the Hori Split Pad Pro Switch 2 makes the footprint massive. It basically turns your sleek handheld into a Steam Deck-sized behemoth. You aren't sliding this into a standard carrying case. You're going to need a dedicated backpack or one of those oversized "taco shell" cases specifically designed for Hori products.
Is it worth the bulk?
If you play for more than an hour at a time, yes. Absolutely. The way the grips fill your palms prevents that "claw" tension that leads to carpal tunnel symptoms. I’ve spent entire cross-country flights with the original version, and the new Switch 2 iteration feels even more refined in terms of weight distribution. It doesn't feel like it's pulling down on the rails of the console as much as the old one did.
A note on the "Attachment Set"
Hori is pushing the attachment set harder this time. This is the central hub that lets you use the two halves as a single wired controller for your TV. It’s fine. It works. But if you’re playing on a TV, why aren't you just using a Pro Controller? The only real use case here is for people who want one single controller solution for both modes and don't mind a long USB cable trailing across their living room floor. It’s niche. Kinda weird, honestly.
Comparing the alternatives
You’ve got options now. Back when the first Switch launched, Hori was the only reputable name in town. Now? You have the Nitro Deck, the Mobapad M6 HD, and various Binbok clones.
- The Nitro Deck: Offers Hall Effect sticks (no drift, ever) and a solid backplate, but it's a "cradle" design. You drop the whole console into it. It feels sturdier than the Hori Split Pad Pro Switch 2, but it's also heavier.
- Mobapad M6 HD: This is the one Hori should be scared of. It actually includes rumble and gyro. It feels like a "Pro" Joy-Con. However, it's often harder to find in retail stores and lacks the official Nintendo licensing that Hori carries.
Hori’s biggest advantage is that "Official Licensed" seal. It means the firmware will never be blocked by a Nintendo system update. That peace of mind is worth the $10 premium for a lot of folks who don't want to mess with third-party syncing issues.
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The technical reality of the Switch 2 rails
There were rumors that the Switch 2 would use magnetic rails. Thankfully, that didn't happen, or at least, the physical locking mechanism is still compatible with sliding peripherals. The Hori Split Pad Pro Switch 2 slides on with a satisfying "thud." There is zero wiggle. One of the most annoying things about the old Switch was the "rail wobble" where the controllers felt like they might snap off if you moved too fast. Hori seems to have reinforced the mounting brackets here to account for the slightly heavier Switch 2 screen.
Turbo functions and mapping
The Turbo button is still there. Does anyone actually use Turbo anymore? Maybe for specific RPG grinding or if you're trying to win a button-mashing mini-game in Mario Party. It’s a bit of a legacy feature, but the button mapping is where the real value lies. Mapping the "B" button to the back paddle so you can dash in a platformer without moving your thumb is a literal game-changer.
Is it a "Must-Buy" for 2026?
We are in an era where handheld power is peaking. If you are playing the latest "Next-Gen" ports on your Switch 2, you need precision. You can't play a high-fidelity shooter or a complex soulslike with tiny buttons.
The Hori Split Pad Pro Switch 2 remains the gold standard for pure comfort. It’s not the most feature-rich. It’s not the most portable. But it is the most comfortable way to hold the console for long periods. If you can live without the vibration—and let's be real, most of us turn it off to save battery anyway—it’s a solid investment.
What’s interesting is how Hori has ignored the "Hall Effect" trend. Most high-end controllers now use magnets to detect stick movement, which prevents the dreaded "drift." Hori stuck with traditional ALPS sticks. They claim they’ve been tuned for better longevity, but only time will tell. If you’re a heavy user who burns through controllers every six months, this is something to keep an eye on.
Final Actionable Steps
If you're looking to upgrade your handheld experience, don't just buy the first thing you see on the shelf.
First, assess your playstyle. If you play 90% of the time in handheld mode, the Hori Split Pad Pro Switch 2 is a top-tier choice. If you switch between handheld and TV constantly, you might find the lack of wireless functionality annoying.
Second, check your case compatibility. If you already own a large carrying case for the original Split Pad Pro, measure your Switch 2. The new console is slightly wider, meaning your old "Hori-compatible" case might be a very tight squeeze or won't fit at all.
Finally, consider the "Compact" version if you have smaller hands. Hori usually releases a "Split Pad Compact" a few months after the Pro. It offers many of the same benefits but without the massive "batman-grip" wings. It’s a middle ground that fits in more bags while still offering better sticks than Nintendo’s stock options.
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Bottom line: The Hori Split Pad Pro Switch 2 is a tool for a specific job. It turns a tablet into a gaming rig. It’s not pretty, it’s not sleek, but your wrists will thank you after a three-hour session of Xenoblade.
Stop settling for hand cramps. Go for the bigger grips if you actually plan on finishing those 100-hour RPGs. The hardware is finally catching up to our expectations, and your controller should too.