I used to be skeptical, however this $100 Cha...

Every time I get my palms 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 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 inquisitive about testing their Change 2 instances. There’s Genki’s Attack Vector, which I will 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 focus 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 aspect at $100, however the safety and high quality it presents is unparalleled, and fortunately, the Change 2’s Killswitch case is a notable enchancment. So far as Change 2 instances obtainable 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 possibility 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, nevertheless it’s included within the package deal possibility). This package deal options all-around safety and is fairly key for those who plan to choose 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 presents every thing however the display protector, however I discover each the duvet and protector vital.

The glass display protector is straightforward to put in and features a easy alignment information, just like cellphone display protectors from accent makers like Spigen. The glass feels high-quality and could 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 presents ample safety from scratches and scuffs. The decrease portion sticks to the console with a little bit of adhesive, which I respect as a result of I’ve used Change instances previously that incessantly raise and get particles below them (the package deal consists of further 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.

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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 at all times discovered the Change uncomfortable to play in handheld mode and that hasn’t modified with the Change 2. There’s simply nothing to grip in the back of 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 nicely it appears like they have been designed particularly for my palms generally.

I have been utilizing the Killswitch on the Change 2 since I obtained my palms on the console and my palms 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 you’ll want to 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, they usually nonetheless match completely. I additionally respect 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 presents further safety from scratches with out the pointless bulk (if solely the Pleasure-Con 2 triggers weren’t so simply scratched).

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

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

dbrand’s USB-C dock adapter for the Change 2’s Killswitch is a bit unusual and clunky. It slides on high 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 you’ll want to 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 value 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 principle, enhance its cooling. Different notable options embrace a snap-on cowl with a strap that attaches to a clasp. This felt a bit bizarre at first, however I now desire it over the ROG Ally X’s tighter cowl that pushes a bit too firmly on the Killswitch, generally 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 apprehensive 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 solely digital a couple of years in the past, so I eliminated the Sport Card Holder from the Journey Cowl straight away, however in case you have a number of bodily video games, I can see it being helpful. Whereas this can 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.

In case you’re apprehensive 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 presents 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 far more snug to make use of for lengthy durations 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 offered to Pocket-lint by dbrand.

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