I used to be skeptical, however this $100 Change 2 case is definitely price it

Each time 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 hold me up at evening. 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 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 fascinated by 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 at present 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 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 out there 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 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 really want, however it’s included within the bundle possibility). This bundle options all-around safety and is fairly key should you plan to choose 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 all the things however the display screen protector, however I discover each the duvet and protector vital.

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 may be very clear, too. The case portion of the Killswitch that attaches to the Change 2’s show is skinny, however it 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 continuously carry 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 Change 2’s energy, quantity, 3.5mm headphone port, Recreation 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 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 transportable play periods 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 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 Change 2 since I acquired 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 it’s essential 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, and so they 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 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, however it works properly

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 of 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 discovered it’s essential to 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 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, a minimum of in principle, enhance its cooling. Different notable options embody a snap-on cowl with a strap that attaches to a clasp. This felt a bit of bizarre at first, however I now favor it over the ROG Ally X’s tighter cowl that pushes a bit of 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 frightened 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 in case 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 Change 2’s joysticks, so I have never discovered a lot of a use for the Stick Grips.

In case you’re frightened 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 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 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 might argue the $100 price ticket is price it for what you get.

This case was offered to Pocket-lint by dbrand.

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