I used to be skeptical, however this $100 Change 2...

Every time I get my fingers 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 evening. So, naturally, once I determined to drag the set off on the dear Nintendo Switch 2, I knew I wanted to discover a solution to forestall it from getting broken when taking it on the go along with me. Fortunately, a couple of notable corporations reached out to ask if I used to be concerned about trying out their Change 2 circumstances. There’s Genki’s Attack Vector, which I am going to cowl at a later date due to issues with it fitting into the Change 2’s dock (a revision is presently 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’s kind of on the expensive facet at $100, however the safety and high quality it affords is unparalleled, and fortunately, the Change 2’s Killswitch case is a notable enchancment. So far as Change 2 circumstances obtainable at launch go, dbrand’s providing is by far the very best on the market.

That is the very best handheld console case I’ve ever used

dbrand’s case packages are fortunately customizable

I ended up going with the Extremely choice that offers 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 really want, nevertheless 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 Change 2 Killswitch case. There are cheaper choices, together with the Important package that ditches the display protectors and journey cowl, and the Journey tier, which affords every part however the display protector, however I discover each the duvet and protector necessary.

The glass display protector is simple 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 Change 2’s show is skinny, nevertheless it nonetheless feels prefer it affords 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 Change circumstances previously that incessantly carry and get particles beneath them (the bundle consists of additional adhesive strips). There’s even a stick-on cowl for the Kickstand. The cutouts for the Change 2’s energy, quantity, 3.5mm headphone port, Sport 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 very best on the market.

The Killswitch’s Pleasure-Con 2 safety is spectacular

They make it far simpler to carry the Change 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 all the time discovered the Change uncomfortable to play in handheld mode and that hasn’t modified with the Change 2. There’s simply nothing to grip behind the Pleasure-Con 2, making lengthy moveable play classes usually 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 properly it looks like they had been designed particularly for my fingers typically.

I have been utilizing the Killswitch on the Change 2 since I bought my fingers on the console and my fingers have not skilled any discomfort. Given the scale and weight of the Change 2 in comparison with its predecessor, this can be a testomony to how snug dbrand’s Pleasure-Con 2 covers truly are. Since they’re rubber, they pop on and off simply if that you must put the Pleasure-Con 2 within the Change 2’s Pleasure-Con 2 Grip, use them individually, or connect the Pleasure-Con 2 Straps. Throughout my time utilizing the Killswitch with the Change 2, I’ve eliminated them roughly 15-20 instances, and so they 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 simple to use and affords 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, nevertheless it’s truly a stable, distinctive telephone.

The USB-C dock adapter feels a bit odd at first, nevertheless it works properly

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

dbrand’s USB-C dock adapter for the Change 2’s Killswitch is slightly 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 for the reason that Killswitch case makes the Change 2 too thick to slip into Nintendo’s dock. As soon as I discovered that you must pull the Dock Adapter’s USB-C port ahead barely and that there are helpful alignment dots, it grew to become far simpler to make use of.

It is price noting that since Nintendo’s Change 2 dock solely options followers for the precise dock itself and never the hand held, dbrand’s adapter ought to, not less than in idea, enhance its cooling. Different notable options embody a snap-on cowl with a strap that attaches to a clasp. This felt slightly bizarre at first, however I now desire it over the ROG Ally X’s tighter cowl that pushes slightly too firmly on the Killswitch, typically ensuing within the pores and skin a part of the case being pushed out of place. Just like the ROG Ally X’s Killswitch case, I like with 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 fearful about dropping my Change 2 in a backpack as a result of I do know it is nonetheless very protected.

Lastly, there’s the Sport Card Holder and the Pleasure-Con 2 Stick Grips. I went almost completely digital a couple of years in the past, so I eliminated the Sport Card Holder from the Journey Cowl immediately, however if in case you have a number of bodily video games, I can see it being helpful. Whereas it will come down to private choice, I like the sensation of the Change 2’s joysticks, so I have never discovered a lot of a use for the Stick Grips.

If you happen to’re fearful about damaging your dear Change 2 like I’m, dbrand’s Change 2 Killswitch case actually is the most suitable choice on the market. It affords top-tier safety and, for the primary time since my first few months with the unique Change, I truly 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 value extra within the vary of $60, however on this case, I might argue the $100 price ticket is price it for what you get.

This case was offered 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 Change 2, I’ve a couple of key takeaways from the expertise.