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

Each time I get my fingers on a smartphone or handheld sport console, I instantly put a display screen protector and case on it. Possibly 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 solution to stop it from getting broken when taking it on the go together with me. Fortunately, a couple of notable firms reached out to ask if I used to be excited about testing their Change 2 instances. 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 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 presents 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 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, however it’s included within the bundle possibility). This bundle options all-around safety and is fairly key in the event 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 presents every thing 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, just 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, however 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 admire as a result of I’ve used Change instances prior to now that incessantly raise and get particles below 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, 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 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 transportable 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 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 looks like they have been designed particularly for my fingers generally.

I have been utilizing the Killswitch on the Change 2 since I obtained my fingers on the console and my fingers have not skilled any discomfort. Given the dimensions and weight of the Change 2 in comparison with its predecessor, this can be a testomony to how comfy dbrand’s Pleasure-Con 2 covers really 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, and so they nonetheless match completely. I additionally admire 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 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, however it 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 a bit 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 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 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, at the least 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 bizarre at first, however I now want 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 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 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 Recreation 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 Recreation 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 this may come down to non-public 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 the event you’re apprehensive about damaging your expensive Change 2 like I’m, dbrand’s Change 2 Killswitch case actually is the best choice on the market. It presents top-tier safety and, for the primary time since my first few months with the unique Change, I really discover myself wanting to make use of the console in handheld mode — it actually makes it rather more comfy 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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