HORI to release Nintendo Switch Split Pad Pro controller attachment accessory

Written by. Nick Mosier based on the original Japanese article (original article’s publication date: 2022-04-27 19:35 JST)

Game accessory maker HORI has announced a standalone version of the special attachment for their Split Pad Pro controller that will be launching this May in Japan. The Split Pad Pro is a controller designed for use with the Nintendo Switch and PC, and the attachment will be available for 2,980 yen (roughly $23) exclusively on the HORI STORE. Preorders for the item are now open.

The new connector is meant for use with HORI’s Split Pad Pro controller for the Nintendo Switch, which is like a full-size controller split in half that can attach to a Nintendo Switch like Joy-Con would. It features full-size analog sticks, larger grips compared to Joy-Con, assignable rear triggers, and even turbo functionality. It basically gives players a normal-size controller experience while playing in handheld mode.

It’s a popular split controller for the Nintendo Switch with lots of color variations, but it only functions when directly connected to the rails of the hybrid console. For that reason, the controllers can’t be removed and used when playing in TV mode. The Split Pad Pro Attachment was made to solve that problem.

The attachment itself is similar to the Joy-Con grip where you slide the controllers onto a piece of plastic that sits in the middle, functionally making it a regular controller. It also allows the controller to be used with a PC through XInput support. However, it doesn’t look like Joy-Con will be able to attach to HORI’s controller connector.

The attachment also has a headphone and mic input, allowing players to use voice chat in games that support it. Mic volume can be adjusted or toggled on and off via buttons on the device, but these buttons do not function when connected to a PC.

This attachment was already sold in a set with the Split Pad Pro, but for those that only own the Split Pad Pro, this standalone version may be worth checking out. See the official website for more details.