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

Every time I get my palms on a smartphone or handheld recreation console, I instantly put a display screen protector and case on it. Possibly I am damaged inside, however scratches and scuffs maintain me up at evening. So, naturally, after I determined to tug the set off on the dear Nintendo Switch 2, I knew I wanted to discover a technique to forestall it from getting broken when taking it on the go along with me. Fortunately, a couple of notable firms reached out to ask if I used to be excited by trying out 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 at the moment 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 is a bit on the pricey facet at $100, however the safety and high quality it provides is unparalleled, and fortunately, the Change 2’s Killswitch case is a notable enchancment. So far as Change 2 instances accessible 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 possibility that provides you two display screen 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, but it surely’s included within the package deal possibility). This package deal options all-around safety and is fairly key in the event you plan to select up dbrand’s Change 2 Killswitch case. There are cheaper choices, together with the Important package that ditches the display screen protectors and journey cowl, and the Journey tier, which provides every part however the display screen protector, however I discover each the quilt and protector necessary.

The glass display screen protector is simple to put in and features a easy alignment information, much like cellphone display screen 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, but it surely nonetheless feels prefer it provides 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 up to now that regularly carry and get particles beneath 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, 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 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 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 now not an issue. The Pleasure-Con 2 covers function extraordinarily comfy ergonomic grips that protrude from the again of the hand-held. They work so effectively it appears like they had been designed particularly for my palms typically.

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, it is a testomony to how comfy dbrand’s Pleasure-Con 2 covers truly are. Since they’re rubber, they pop on and off simply if it’s essential 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 provides 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 vital of Samsung’s super-slim Galaxy S25 Edge in my hands-on preview protection, but it surely’s truly a stable, distinctive cellphone.

The USB-C dock adapter feels a bit odd at first, but it surely works effectively

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 somewhat unusual and clunky. It slides on prime of the USB-C port on Nintendo’s dock and encompasses 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 Change 2 too thick to slip into Nintendo’s dock. As soon as I found out it’s essential 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 Change 2 dock solely options followers for the precise dock itself and never the hand-held, dbrand’s adapter ought to, at the very least in idea, enhance its cooling. Different notable options embody a snap-on cowl with a strap that attaches to a clasp. This felt somewhat bizarre at first, however I now want it over the ROG Ally X’s tighter cowl that pushes somewhat 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 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 Change 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 solely digital a couple of years in the past, so I eliminated the Recreation Card Holder from the Journey Cowl immediately, however when you have a number of bodily video games, I can see it being helpful. Whereas this may come down to non-public desire, I like the sensation of the Change 2’s joysticks, so I have never discovered a lot of a use for the Stick Grips.

Should you’re nervous about damaging your dear Change 2 like I’m, dbrand’s Change 2 Killswitch case actually is the best choice on the market. It provides 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 comfy to make use of for lengthy intervals of time.

I want it value 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 Change 2, I’ve a couple of key takeaways from the expertise.