We recently reviewed a wireless EasySMX controller, and were offered a chance to check out their new S15 Split Pad.
If I’m honest, my Nintendo Switch has been gathering dust for far longer than I’d care to admit. After my Joy-Cons fell victim to the infamous stick drift, they were relegated to the dreaded “to fix later” pile—a pile I never actually seem to get around to. Sending them off for repair felt like a chore, and the console sat unloved.
So, when EasySMX offered a chance to try their upgraded controllers, I figured it was finally time to blow the cobwebs off my Switch and dive back into Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, Sociable Soccer 24 (and its free upgrade to 25!), and some other classics I’ve been itching to revisit.
Out of the box – First impressions
From the moment I unwrapped the S15 Split Pad, it was clear this was built with care. The full-sized grips immediately stood out, offering a heft and comfort that make the Joy-Cons feel like toys in comparison. Extended gaming sessions, which would usually leave my hands cramping, suddenly felt like a breeze. If handheld gaming is your jam, this alone is worth a second glance.
Then there’s the RGB lighting. It might not improve your gameplay, but it sure as hell makes the controllers look cooler. With three modes and eight colour combinations, it adds a dash of personality to your setup—because who doesn’t love a bit of flair?
Gameplay experience
Let’s talk buttons. The S15 Split Pad boasts clicky mechanical buttons, and honestly, they’re a game-changer. The tactile feedback feels immensely satisfying, and the shortened travel distance gives every press a snappy responsiveness. It’s the kind of improvement that’s hard to quantify until you’ve tried it, but once you do, you’ll never want to go back.
The anti-drift Hall Effect sticks are another big win. In a world where drift is a constant annoyance, knowing my controls will stay precise and smooth is a huge relief. Whether I was navigating the open world of Sinnoh or weaving through defenders in Sociable Soccer, the sticks performed flawlessly.
What really impressed me were the back buttons. With four mappable options, I could customise my setup for quick actions—perfect for pulling off those cheeky combos without moving my thumbs off the sticks.
But it’s not all sunshine and rainbows
While the S15 Split Pad is a massive upgrade in many ways, and coming in cheaper than new Joy-Cons as well, it’s not without its quirks. The glaring omission is the lack of an attachment to connect both halves into a single controller for docked play. Or at least a free one being included, because you can purchase one separately. Sure, these are designed for handheld mode, but being unable to seamlessly switch modes feels like a missed opportunity.
Then there’s the charging situation. Each controller has to be charged separately, and the included single USB-C cable feels like a logistical oversight. A dual-ended USB-C cable would’ve been a godsend, cutting the hassle in half.
Final thoughts on the EasySMX S15 Split Pad
The EasySMX S15 Split Pad has breathed new life into my Switch. It’s a substantial improvement over the stock Joy-Cons, particularly for handheld gaming. The ergonomic design, anti-drift sticks, and clicky buttons elevate the experience, making it hard to imagine going back to the old controllers.
However, the inability to connect the controllers without purchasing additional accessories for docked mode and the awkward charging setup are limitations that hold it back from being a flawless accessory.
But, if handheld mode is your go-to, the S15 Split Pad is a fantastic upgrade that just might reignite your love for the Switch—just like it did for me.
You can purchase these now for £51 from the official EasySMX website where you’ll also find further details about their specs, plus the additional attachment accessory for an extra £11. Did this controller win you over and you’re now waiting for yours to be delivered? Why not check out some of our other tech reviews in the meantime?