The Hori Split Pad Pro is a pair of detachable controllers that you can use in place of the much smaller standard Joy-Cons. These large gamepads significantly increase the bulk of the Switch, making them more comfortable for those with larger hands. They also have bigger… just about everything. The sticks, triggers, and buttons feel akin to other console controllers. However, they miss out on Joy-Con-exclusive functionality, like rumble, amiibo support, and the ability to operate while disconnected from the Switch; these only work when attached to it.
We praised the Split Pad Pro for working well with most games in our review, and we found it was especially helpful when playing games with complicated control schemes. The gamepads even have additional buttons on the back that you can assign to customize your experience.
If you prefer a smaller, more colorful alternative, Hori makes the $49.99 Split Pad Compact. I tested out that model for The Verge, and I prefer its smaller design over the standard model.
