I was skeptical, but this $100 Switch 2 case is ac...

Whenever I get my hands on a smartphone or handheld game console, I immediately put a screen protector and case on it. Maybe I’m broken inside, but scratches and scuffs keep me up at night. So, naturally, when I decided to pull the trigger on the pricey Nintendo Switch 2, I knew I needed to find a way to prevent it from getting damaged when taking it on the go with me. Thankfully, a few notable companies reached out to ask if I was interested in checking out their Switch 2 cases. There’s Genki’s Attack Vector, which I’ll cover at a later date due to issues with it fitting into the Switch 2’s dock (a revision is currently in the works), and the focus of this story, dbrand’s Killswitch case.

I really like the Killswitch for the ROG Ally X. It’s a bit on the costly side at $100, but the protection and quality it offers is unparalleled, and thankfully, the Switch 2’s Killswitch case is a notable improvement. As far as Switch 2 cases available at launch go, dbrand’s offering is by far the best out there.

This is the best handheld console case I’ve ever used

dbrand’s case packages are thankfully customizable

I ended up going with the Ultra option that gives you two screen protectors, dbrand’s Killswitch case, the dock adapter, a skin that covers the Joy-Con 2, the travel cover with the game cardholder, and two stick grips (which you don’t really need, but it’s included in the package option). This package features all-around protection and is pretty key if you plan to pick up dbrand’s Switch 2 Killswitch case. There are cheaper options, including the Essential kit that ditches the screen protectors and travel cover, and the Travel tier, which offers everything but the screen protector, but I find both the cover and protector important.

The glass screen protector is easy to install and includes a simple alignment guide, similar to phone screen protectors from accessory makers like Spigen. The glass feels high-quality and is very clear, too. The case portion of the Killswitch that attaches to the Switch 2’s display is thin, but it still feels like it offers ample protection from scratches and scuffs. The lower portion sticks to the console with a bit of adhesive, which I appreciate because I’ve used Switch cases in the past that frequently lift and get debris under them (the package includes extra adhesive strips). There’s even a stick-on cover for the Kickstand. The cutouts for the Switch 2’s power, volume, 3.5mm headphone port, Game Card slot, and USB-C ports, are precise and clean.

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As far as protecting your ROG Ally X goes, dbrand’s Killswitch case is by far the best out there.

The Killswitch’s Joy-Con 2 protection is impressive

They make it far easier to hold the Switch 2 in handheld mode

Then there’s the rubber Joy-Con 2 covers, which are by far my favorite part of the dbrand Killswitch case. I’ve always found the Switch uncomfortable to play in handheld mode and that hasn’t changed with the Switch 2. There’s just nothing to grip at the back of the Joy-Con 2, making long portable play sessions often a hand cramp-filled experience (this is part of why I’ve gravitated to using my Steam Deck OLED more over the past few years). With dbrand’s Killswitch case, that’s no longer a problem. The Joy-Con 2 covers feature extremely comfortable ergonomic grips that protrude from the back of the handheld. They work so well it feels like they were designed specifically for my hands sometimes.

I’ve been using the Killswitch on the Switch 2 since I got my hands on the console and my hands haven’t experienced any discomfort. Given the size and weight of the Switch 2 compared to its predecessor, this is a testament to how comfortable dbrand’s Joy-Con 2 covers actually are. Since they’re rubber, they pop on and off easily if you need to put the Joy-Con 2 in the Switch 2’s Joy-Con 2 Grip, use them individually, or attach the Joy-Con 2 Straps. During my time using the Killswitch with the Switch 2, I’ve removed them roughly 15-20 times, and they still fit perfectly. I also appreciate the vinyl skin cover that sticks to the top of the Joy-Con 2 because it’s easy to apply and offers additional protection from scratches without the unnecessary bulk (if only the Joy-Con 2 triggers weren’t so easily scratched).

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

Not taking the case off to use dock the Switch 2 is essential

dbrand’s USB-C dock adapter for the Switch 2’s Killswitch is a little strange and clunky. It slides on top of the USB-C port on Nintendo’s dock and features a slot that holds the console in front of it on a stand. The accessory maker needed to do this since the Killswitch case makes the Switch 2 too thick to slide into Nintendo’s dock. Once I figured out you need to pull the Dock Adapter’s USB-C port forward slightly and that there are useful alignment dots, it became far easier to use.

It’s worth noting that since Nintendo’s Switch 2 dock only features fans for the actual dock itself and not the handheld, dbrand’s adapter should, at least in theory, improve its cooling. Other notable features include a snap-on cover with a strap that attaches to a clasp. This felt a little weird at first, but I now prefer it over the ROG Ally X’s tighter cover that pushes a little too firmly on the Killswitch, sometimes resulting in the skin part of the case being pushed out of position. Similar to the ROG Ally X’s Killswitch case, I like being able to ditch the need for a more bulky carrying enclosure in favor of a plastic cover that snaps into place. With it on, I’m not worried about dropping my Switch 2 in a backpack because I know it’s still very protected.

Lastly, there’s the Game Card Holder and the Joy-Con 2 Stick Grips. I went nearly entirely digital a few years ago, so I removed the Game Card Holder from the Travel Cover right away, but if you have several physical games, I can see it being useful. While this will come down to personal preference, I like the feeling of the Switch 2’s joysticks, so I haven’t found much of a use for the Stick Grips.

If you’re worried about damaging your pricey Switch 2 like I am, dbrand’s Switch 2 Killswitch case really is the best option out there. It offers top-tier protection and, for the first time since my first few months with the original Switch, I actually find myself wanting to use the console in handheld mode — it really makes it much more comfortable to use for long periods of time.

I wish it cost more in the range of $60, but in this case, I’d argue the $100 price tag is worth it for what you get.

This case was provided to Pocket-lint by dbrand.

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