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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 NintendoSwitch 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’sGenki’s Attack Vector, which I’ll cover at alater date due to issues with it fittinginto 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 theKillswitch 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.
UPDATE: 2025-06-30 22:42 EST BY PATRICK O’ROURKE
dbrand has redesigned the Switch 2 Killswitch’s grip and is launching a free Joy-Lock replacement program. It’s also releasing silicon pads for the Dock Adapter to prevent it from popping off when you remove the Switch 2 from it. You can check out the company’s full Reddit posthere.
UPDATE: 2025-08-16 11:40 EST BY PATRICK O’ROURKE
Severalreports have surfacedregarding the Killswitch Switch 2 Joy-Con 2 covers causing the controllers to detach from the console. dbrand says that the problem is caused by a “manufacturing tolerance issue on the retaining lip that keeps the Joy-Con Grip attached to the Joy-Con.”
The accessory maker states that anyone experiencing this issue can contact the company for a replacement set of Joy-Con 2 covers, which will ship in July. More information on the problem can be found in this post ondbrand’s official subreddit(the company also made an initialReddit post that wasn’t well-received).
While it’s still a bit unclear, the Joy-Con 2 popping off the Killswitch case seems to be related to an air gap that’s required for the controllers' magnets to attach firmly. This isn’t a problem I encountered with the Killswitch Switch 2 case dbrand sent me ahead of its official release.
It’s unclear how many Killswitch Switch 2 cases are affected by the flaw, but unless you’re in a rush to get your hands on the case, it likely makes sense to wait for the revision dbrand is working on that’s set to arrive at some point in July.
dbrand Project Killswitch for Switch 2
If you can swallow the expensive price tag, the combination of dbrand’s Killswitch Case, Skin, Dock Adapter, Travel Cover, Stick Grips, and Screen Protector, is the best option out there for protecting Nintendo’s Switch 2
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This is the best handheld console case I’ve ever used
dbrand’s case packages are thankfully customizable
The glass screen protector is easy to install and includes a simple alignment guide, similar to phone screen protectors from accessory makers likeSpigen. 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.
This $95 ROG Ally X accessory is expensive, but I promise it’s worth it
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 mySteam Deck OLEDmore 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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