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

At any time when I get my fingers on a smartphone or handheld recreation console, I instantly put a display screen protector and case on it. Perhaps I am damaged inside, however scratches and scuffs preserve me up at night time. So, naturally, once I determined to drag the set off on the expensive Nintendo Switch 2, I knew I wanted to discover a method to forestall it from getting broken when taking it on the go along with me. Fortunately, just a few notable corporations reached out to ask if I used to be concerned with testing their Swap 2 instances. 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 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 is a bit on the pricey facet 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 instances 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 offers 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 actually need, but it surely’s included within the bundle choice). This bundle options all-around safety and is fairly key should you plan to choose up dbrand’s Swap 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 gives the whole lot however the display screen protector, however I discover each the duvet and protector essential.

The glass display screen protector is straightforward to put in and features a easy alignment information, just like telephone 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 Swap 2’s show is skinny, but it surely 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 instances up to now that continuously elevate and get particles beneath them (the bundle consists of 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, Sport Card slot, and USB-C ports, are exact and clear.

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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 in the back of the Pleasure-Con 2, making lengthy transportable play periods 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 characteristic 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 generally.

I have been utilizing the Killswitch on the Swap 2 since I received my fingers on the console and my fingers have not skilled any discomfort. Given the scale and weight of the Swap 2 in comparison with its predecessor, it is 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 to 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, 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 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).

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

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 somewhat unusual and clunky. It slides on high 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 for the reason that Killswitch case makes the Swap 2 too thick to slip into Nintendo’s dock. As soon as I found out it is advisable 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 price 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, a minimum of 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, 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 anxious about dropping my Swap 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 practically solely digital just a few years in the past, so I eliminated the Sport Card Holder from the Journey Cowl instantly, however when you have a number of bodily video games, I can see it being helpful. Whereas this can come down to private desire, I like the sensation of the Swap 2’s joysticks, so I have never discovered a lot of a use for the Stick Grips.

In the event you’re anxious about damaging your expensive Swap 2 like I’m, dbrand’s Swap 2 Killswitch case actually is the most suitable 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 rather more snug to make use of for lengthy durations 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 supplied to Pocket-lint by dbrand.

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