I used to be skeptical, however this $100 Swap 2 case is definitely value it

Each time I get my arms on a smartphone or handheld sport console, I instantly put a display protector and case on it. Possibly I am damaged inside, however scratches and scuffs preserve me up at night time. So, naturally, after I determined to drag the set off on the dear Nintendo Switch 2, I knew I wanted to discover a strategy to stop it from getting broken when taking it on the go together with me. Fortunately, a number of notable firms reached out to ask if I used to be all for testing their Swap 2 circumstances. There’s Genki’s Attack Vector, which I will cowl at a later date due to issues with it fitting into the Swap 2’s dock (a revision is at present within the works), and the main target of this story, dbrand’s Killswitch case.

I actually just like the Killswitch for the ROG Ally X. It is a bit on the pricey aspect at $100, however the safety and high quality it gives is unparalleled, and fortunately, the Swap 2’s Killswitch case is a notable enchancment. So far as Swap 2 circumstances accessible at launch go, dbrand’s providing is by far the perfect on the market.

That is the perfect handheld console case I’ve ever used

dbrand’s case packages are fortunately customizable

I ended up going with the Extremely choice that provides you two display protectors, dbrand’s Killswitch case, the dock adapter, a pores and skin that covers the Pleasure-Con 2, the journey cowl with the sport cardholder, and two stick grips (which you do not actually need, however it’s included within the bundle choice). This bundle options all-around safety and is fairly key if you happen to plan to select up dbrand’s Swap 2 Killswitch case. There are cheaper choices, together with the Important equipment that ditches the display protectors and journey cowl, and the Journey tier, which gives every part however the display protector, however I discover each the quilt and protector vital.

The glass display protector is straightforward to put in and features a easy alignment information, just like telephone display protectors from accent makers like Spigen. The glass feels high-quality and may be very clear, too. The case portion of the Killswitch that attaches to the Swap 2’s show is skinny, however it nonetheless feels prefer it gives ample safety from scratches and scuffs. The decrease portion sticks to the console with a little bit of adhesive, which I recognize as a result of I’ve used Swap circumstances up to now that incessantly elevate and get particles underneath them (the bundle contains further adhesive strips). There’s even a stick-on cowl for the Kickstand. The cutouts for the Swap 2’s energy, quantity, 3.5mm headphone port, Recreation Card slot, and USB-C ports, are exact and clear.

Associated

This $95 ROG Ally X accessory is expensive, but I promise it’s worth it

So far as defending your ROG Ally X goes, dbrand’s Killswitch case is by far the perfect on the market.

The Killswitch’s Pleasure-Con 2 safety is spectacular

They make it far simpler to carry the Swap 2 in handheld mode

Then there’s the rubber Pleasure-Con 2 covers, that are by far my favourite a part of the dbrand Killswitch case. I’ve at all times discovered the Swap uncomfortable to play in handheld mode and that hasn’t modified with the Swap 2. There’s simply nothing to grip behind the Pleasure-Con 2, making lengthy transportable play classes typically a hand cramp-filled expertise (that is a part of why I’ve gravitated to utilizing my Steam Deck OLED extra over the previous few years). With dbrand’s Killswitch case, that is not an issue. The Pleasure-Con 2 covers function extraordinarily snug ergonomic grips that protrude from the again of the hand-held. They work so nicely it looks like they have been designed particularly for my arms generally.

I have been utilizing the Killswitch on the Swap 2 since I obtained my arms on the console and my arms have not skilled any discomfort. Given the scale and weight of the Swap 2 in comparison with its predecessor, this can be a testomony to how snug dbrand’s Pleasure-Con 2 covers really are. Since they’re rubber, they pop on and off simply if it is advisable put the Pleasure-Con 2 within the Swap 2’s Pleasure-Con 2 Grip, use them individually, or connect the Pleasure-Con 2 Straps. Throughout my time utilizing the Killswitch with the Swap 2, I’ve eliminated them roughly 15-20 occasions, they usually nonetheless match completely. I additionally recognize the vinyl pores and skin cowl that sticks to the highest of the Pleasure-Con 2 as a result of it is easy to use and gives extra safety from scratches with out the pointless bulk (if solely the Pleasure-Con 2 triggers weren’t so simply scratched).

Associated

I was wrong about the super-thin Galaxy S25 Edge (it doesn’t suck)

I used to be fairly important of Samsung’s super-slim Galaxy S25 Edge in my hands-on preview protection, however it’s really a strong, distinctive telephone.

The USB-C dock adapter feels a bit odd at first, however it works nicely

Not taking the case off to make use of dock the Swap 2 is crucial

dbrand’s USB-C dock adapter for the Swap 2’s Killswitch is a little bit unusual and clunky. It slides on prime of the USB-C port on Nintendo’s dock and includes a slot that holds the console in entrance of it on a stand. The accent maker wanted to do that because the Killswitch case makes the Swap 2 too thick to slip into Nintendo’s dock. As soon as I found out it is advisable pull the Dock Adapter’s USB-C port ahead barely and that there are helpful alignment dots, it turned far simpler to make use of.

It is value noting that since Nintendo’s Swap 2 dock solely options followers for the precise dock itself and never the hand-held, dbrand’s adapter ought to, at the least in concept, enhance its cooling. Different notable options embody a snap-on cowl with a strap that attaches to a clasp. This felt a little bit bizarre at first, however I now desire it over the ROG Ally X’s tighter cowl that pushes a little bit too firmly on the Killswitch, generally ensuing within the pores and skin a part of the case being pushed out of place. Much like the ROG Ally X’s Killswitch case, I like having the ability to ditch the necessity for a extra cumbersome carrying enclosure in favor of a plastic cowl that snaps into place. With it on, I am not nervous about dropping my Swap 2 in a backpack as a result of I do know it is nonetheless very protected.

Lastly, there’s the Recreation Card Holder and the Pleasure-Con 2 Stick Grips. I went practically fully digital a number of years in the past, so I eliminated the Recreation Card Holder from the Journey Cowl instantly, however if in case you have a number of bodily video games, I can see it being helpful. Whereas it will come down to non-public desire, I like the sensation of the Swap 2’s joysticks, so I have not discovered a lot of a use for the Stick Grips.

In the event you’re nervous about damaging your dear Swap 2 like I’m, dbrand’s Swap 2 Killswitch case actually is the best choice on the market. It gives top-tier safety and, for the primary time since my first few months with the unique Swap, I really discover myself wanting to make use of the console in handheld mode — it actually makes it way more snug to make use of for lengthy intervals of time.

I want it price extra within the vary of $60, however on this case, I would argue the $100 price ticket is value it for what you get.

This case was supplied to Pocket-lint by dbrand.

Associated

Is the Switch 2 really worth $450? I played it myself and here’s 5 things to consider

After going hands-on with the Swap 2, I’ve a number of key takeaways from the expertise.