Replacement Joy-Cons: The Hori Split Pad Pro or The Binbok Joy-Pad Controller? (2024)

As of many, I've finally been hit with Joy-con drift (happened sometime late last year, had the Joy-cons since summer 2017) and I'm in the market for replacements. Based on my research these two are the most highly rated ones/most talked about. If you have one of these what is your personal feelings towards it? IF you own both, which one is the better one? Personally, I'm looking for one with a REALLY good D-pad for fighting games/platformers and a good grip.

I've tried quite a few replacements for the Joy-Cons and Hori Split Pad Pro is THE substitute.

Zacro's grip is OK but the button layout is a bit uncomfortable for my liking. Maybe if you have bigger hands, that's the one I'd pick.

But if you are not sure, Hori is an assured and reliable pick.

I have the Hori split pad pro. Just to make sure you're aware, it only works for handheld...you can't use it in docked mode. Since I only play in handheld mode, this wasn't an issue for me. I haven't gone back to the standard joycons since then. The buttons and d-pad are solid, not the best but not the worst either. I played Celeste using the d-pad and it worked well enough.

It's also a lot lighter than you'd think given its bulky size, so that helps. I usually play for 30-60 min at a time and never felt fatigued or sore from it.

Oh, also there's no rumble feature if that's important to you.

Overall, I'd say it was very much worth the purchase to replace my joycons simply for the d-pad alone. It's a big improvement there. The ergonomics was a nice bonus and analog stick feels more "right".

I use the Hori ones. They are GREAT. No complaints and will probably pick up a second pair just incase something happens to my current ones.

Just keep in mind the Hori set are portable only. They have no wireless capabilites.

I have both.

Hori is better.

The D-pad on the hori ones is good

Mahaveer RaGOATnatan said:

i have big hands and i would rather play with the regular joycons than the hori pad

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This makes no sense though. Hori split pad joycons are objectively bulkier than regular joycons.

Spring-Loaded said:

This makes no sense though. Hori split pad joycons are objectively bulkier than regular joycons.

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Yeah.

But

Just something about he split pad that wasnt comfortable. Didnt like the feedback on the buttons too.

I personally own the Hori controller and I use that almost exclusively and had help mode I really like the grip and I can actually play until the battery runs out in monster Hunter without really a problem

I've seen a review for the other one and if you need like a wireless option that is definitely a way to go I got a pro controller for a good deal so I usually use that when I have it on the dock

dipship31 said:

I really like my Binbok joycons BUT you mention wanting a lot of use out of the D-pad. In my experience the D-pad on these has been inconsistent. Seems to miss inputs every now and then so that might be a deal breaker for you. I can't comment on the Split pad pros

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I haven't followed too closely, but Binbok is releasing (or has released?) An updated version of the joycons that specifically addresses the d-pad

chairhome said:

I haven't followed too closely, but Binbok is releasing (or has released?) An updated version of the joycons that specifically addresses the d-pad

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Ah maybe I got an early batch. If they have improved I may have to try out the new ones.

I really enjoy the Binbok controller, though I can't speak too much on the d-pad for fighting games. I can use handheld mode without my hand cramping up or falling asleep.

I've used the Horii split pad and like it, but not having wireless was a huge downside for me. Not having rumble or motion could also be a factor for you.

If there's a new version of the Binbok coming out, I'd say definitely wait for reviews on that first over buying either of them right now.

I've had both. Neither are perfect.

The bin bok ones feel better IMO but the d-pad is nearly unusable garbage. They also can double as a pro controller of sorts which is nice.

the Hori only works in handheld mode and are bulkier. Also there is a little tab on the back (hard to explain) that makes them nearly unusable with most switch cases.

Because of the case/tab issue with the Horis, if I had to recommend one it would be the Bin Bok.

A third option I would recommend more would be the EtchPower joy on replacements. I think there are a number of brands that create these but they do everything the BinBok does and the d-pad is great. And they are only $40. By far the better option IMO.

ECHTPower Wireless Controller for Nintendo Joycon Switch, Macro Button/Turbo/Vibration/Motion Functions, L/R Switch Controller Joypad, Wireless Controllers for Nintendo Switch (Black and Red) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08L77JHY4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_Z6CA5VFN3HADSGB2TDN2?psc=1

dipship31 said:

Ah maybe I got an early batch. If they have improved I may have to try out the new ones.

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Yeah, I have a batch from just before they took it off amazon and refreshed. The new one specifically says "updated version". Some mixed reviews saying the d-pad is fixed, one saying that it's bad in a different way now?