I just found the perfect Switch 2 screen protector — and it's the first time I've ever installed one without issues
I am legendary at being bad at installing screen protectors, like Olympic-level awful.
When adding a protector to my Steam Deck OLED, I had to purchase a second set after fumbling three times in a row. When my partner (foolishly) asked me to sort one for her new iPhone, it took me four attempts, and there were still a few air bubbles and trapped dust underneath.
Even before obtaining my Nintendo Switch 2 on launch day, I was already dreading how many screen protectors I'd have to purchase just to have its display protected from the almost inevitable scratches that come with a portable device. Remarkably, I managed to install the protector for the first time.
It's not because I improved my installation skills, but rather because I discovered a screen protector that is truly 'idiot-proof.'
I'm talking about the Prism 2.0 from dbrand. If you're looking to protect your Switch 2, I can save you some time and hassle. Go pick up a Prism 2.0 screen protector from dbrand right now. I promise, it's worth the relatively high cost.
Prism 2.0 is the ultimate Nintendo Switch 2 screen protector. It comes with an "idiot proof" installation process, and is made from scratch-proof tempered glass. While it's comparatively pricey at $34, you do get two in the pack, and it's a worthwhile investment to ensure you Switch 2 remains protected when taking it on the go.
What makes the Prism 2.0 so effortless to install is a combination of two things: The installation tray and the fact that you don't place the protector onto the screen yourself.
In my experience, no matter how carefully I proceed, those brief seconds between cleaning the display and then placing down the screen protector, dust and dirt always materialize from seemingly nowhere.
However, with the Prism 2.0, you snap the installation tray to the Switch 2 display, and then yank a plastic pull tab, next firmly swipe along a printed dotted line, and the protector is instantly glued to the screen. Any air bubbles? Use the included squeegee to smooth them out. The process takes barely 30 seconds, and if I can do it, then anybody can.
Even better, dbrand includes two Prism 2.0 protectors in every package, but for the first time ever, I didn't even need another. I installed the screen protector on my Switch 2 flawlessly the very first time.
Of course, an easy-breezy installation process would be almost worthless if the protector itself wasn't up to snuff, but dbrand hasn't dropped the ball here either. The memey accessories manufacturer claims it's built from 'premium tempered glass' with a 7 rating on the Mohs scale of mineral hardness. I don't really know what that means, but it seems good enough for me.
Once installed, the protector is virtually impossible to detect, and hasn't robbed the Switch 2's stunning display of its vibrancy. Prism 2.0 really is the perfect protector for the $449 hybrid console.
Yes it comes at a relatively high price compared to some of the other options out there (you can pick up a Switch 2 screen protector from $5 on Amazon), but when you're spending hundreds of dollars on a gaming handheld sometimes it's worth spending the extra to get a screen protector that can be installed without any fuss.
I know in the future, if I'm ever looking to add a screen protector to a new device, dbrand will be the only place I go. The (in)famous company claims the Prism 2.0 is 'idiot proof,' and, as a complete idiot when it comes to installing screen protectors, I'm the living proof that this claim is indeed accurate.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tom's Guide
3 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
Nintendo Switch 2 hasn't fixed one of the biggest issues with the Switch — and my hands are not happy about it
Aside from the obvious issues with stick drift, the biggest issue with the original Nintendo Switch's Joy-Cons is that they had a tendency to be rather uncomfortable. More so in some games than others, but in the early days of the console I found my hands getting sore very quickly — to the point where I'd have to stop and take a break. The Nintendo Switch 2 has tweaked the design of the Joy-Cons ever so slightly, offering a smoother magnetic connection, a larger profile, mouse controls and more. Unfortunately, the same comfort problem still remains, and I actually think it might be worse this time around. Back in 2017 when I got the first Nintendo Switch, I spent a lot of time playing Mario Kart 8. It was one of the few games I had when I bought the console, and I put in a huge number of hours trying to 3-star all the Grands Prix in the different difficulties. I still haven't managed to get very far on 200cc, if anyone is wondering. The problem with playing Mario Kart on Joy-Cons, either in handheld or TV mode, was that my hands would get incredibly sore over extended periods of time. It may be something to do with the way I held my hand during the races, with my thumb pressed down on the acceleration button almost constantly. (You can enable auto acceleration, but that's cheating to me.) Maybe it's my big hands compared to the compact nature of the Joy-Cons or maybe it's the general design of the mini controllers — possibly both. But it felt like no matter what games I played, I'd need to take breaks far earlier than I would have done if I'd been using a full-size controller. Mario Kart was not the only offender. In those early days I had comfort problems with a variety of different Switch games, from Skyrim to Stardew Valley. But over the course of 8 years, I've slowly gotten used to the general shape of the Joy-Cons in my hands — to the point where discomfort is no longer an issue. Now that Nintendo has changed the design, even if it should be for the better, those issues have come back with a vengeance. And, of course, Mario Kart has been the key offender. It doesn't matter whether I'm playing in handheld mode, with loose Joy-Cons or attaching them to the official grip. After a while my hands start to ache while playing the game. Mario Kart is the worst offender so far, though I will admit that is what I have spent most of my time playing. Over an extended period I could almost feel what Chandler's hand on Friends must have been like when going for the Ms. Pac-Man record. I took a break from writing this to make sure that my experiences couldn't be written off as general fatigue, and I found that my right hand was starting to ache before I finished a single race on Mario Kart World. Feeling your hand slowly seizing up is not a fun thing, especially when you're in the middle of a race. Over an extended period I could almost feel what Chandler's hand must be like after an extended session of Ms. Pac-Man. Obviously I don't want to be stuck with my hand in a mis-shapen claw for however long it would take to relax, so I had to take a break. Medical experts are always telling us we need to take regular breaks from screens, so maybe that isn't such a bad thing. But the last thing I want when I'm feebly trying to outrun a blue shell is to have to contend with cramps in my hand. Especially when I still have 3 more races to go. The only reason I can think that it's suddenly so bad again is that the new Joy-con design is just subtly different enough that the muscle memory from the old Switch is now functionally useless. Which means I'm going to have to start over from scratch — hindered by the fact I'm now almost 8 years older and starting to fall apart. The comfort of Joy-Cons certainly isn't a dealbreaker for me, and I'm certainly not going to avoid playing my Switch 2 — especially once there are more exclusive games to play. But it does mean that I might have to bite the bullet and opt for a different kind of controller the majority of the time. That's either going to have to be a brand new controller, or some kind of grip to make the Switch 2 Joy-Cons a lot more comfortable to hold for extended periods of time. Ideally something a little more affordable than the Switch 2 Pro Controller. If I'm going to have to spend $80 on something for the Switch 2, I'd rather buy a game.
Tom's Guide
4 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
I tested the world's first mobile game controller with AR glasses support — and it completely transformed my 16-hour flight
Regardless of how hard I try, I'm never truly prepared for an ultra-long-haul flight even after doing them for years but this time, I had a feeling things would be different. Flying back and forth from North America to Asia without a layover is no easy feat, especially since you're going to spend at least 14 hours on a plane. Of course, I always come prepared with a tech bag full of gadgets and my last trip to Taiwan was no different. From one of the best Android tablets to my work laptop and even a mini PC, I pack as many electronics as possible to bring with me on the plane. This does make things awkward at airport security but I'd rather have too many devices than wish I had brought something I hadn't. While my trusty Nintendo Switch has gotten me through a bunch of extended flights, I decided to leave it at home this trip as there are plenty of games in my backlog that I've been itching to play on the Nintendo Switch 2. Instead, I decided to give mobile gaming a go with a few of the best Android games but with a twist. One of the best phone controllers can certainly give you a more console-like experience from your smartphone but you lose out on the big screen experience you get when playing on your TV at home. Fortunately though, I've been testing a new mobile game controller that gives you that same experience in a form factor that's small enough for your seat-back tray table. After a 16-hour flight there and then a 14-hour flight back home, I don't think I've ever had this much fun on an airplane and I owe it all to Viture and 8BitDo's new mobile game controller. This bundle gives you everything you need to start playing your favorite mobile games in the most immersive way possible. You get a pair of Viture Pro XR glasses, a carrying case and of course, the new Viture x 8Bitdo Mobile Gaming Controller. At first glance, Viture and 8BitDo's new collaboration looks quite a lot like the 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller that was released last year. Well, that's because it's essentially the same controller with a new translucent design and one major upgrade under the hood. Unlike with other, smaller mobile game controllers, this one features longer handles and full-sized, Hall Effect-equipped thumbsticks to prevent stick drift while offering a more comfortable feel overall. The Viture x 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller also has clicky bumpers and a D-pad that provide a nice tactile bump when pressed which is something I always look for in a pro controller. Around back, there are two remappable back buttons just like on the new Backbone Pro I recently tried out. After wearing out my right thumb from years of mashing buttons, these have become a must for me and they can really make or break a new controller in my eyes. Another thing that I really like about the Viture x 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller is that there's a bit of texture on the back of its handles which makes it easier to grip for long periods of time. Connectivity wise, you can slip any of the best phones with a centered USB-C port right into the middle of this controller to get everything set up. Not only is this fast and convenient but you don't have to worry about making sure the controller is charged, like before a long flight. Underneath its main USB-C connector, the Viture x 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller has another USB-C port on the inside of its right handle. While you can often find an extra USB-C port on a lot of mobile gaming controllers, they're usually just for passthrough charging so you can keep playing without having to take your phone out. That isn't the case here though as this USB-C port is special. Sure, it can be used to charge your phone at up to 45W but you can also use it to connect a pair of the best smart glasses, specifically the Viture One XR or the Viture Pro XR glasses. With a pair of Viture's XR glasses and your phone docked inside, the Viture x 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller takes gaming on the go to the next level. And better yet, nobody can peek at what you're currently playing. This wasn't my first time trying out a pair of specs like these as I recently got to spend some time with the Xreal One AR glasses and my favorite pocketable mini PC. While I really enjoyed that experience, I was a bit bummed out when I realized I couldn't use them simultaneously with my Lenovo Legion Tab Gen 3 as part of my ultimate remote play setup. So when Viture reached out to me about testing out its new Ultimate Mobile Gaming Pack, I couldn't pass up the opportunity. Besides the Viture x 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller, you also get a pair of Viture Pro XR glasses with the bundle. They're just as comfortable to wear for extended periods as the Xreal One glasses but in my opinion, they have more of a sporty look to them thanks to the orange accents on one side. One thing that I immediately liked after unboxing the Viture Pro XR glasses was the included case. It is slightly larger than the one that comes with the Xreal Ones but there's a separate compartment for storing the USB-C cable you use to connect them to your phone, tablet, laptop and other devices. Another key difference between the two is that Viture uses a magnetic connector on its glasses as opposed to a standard USB-C port. I do prefer non-proprietary cables but in this case, the magnetic connector makes it a cinch to quickly start using the Viture Pro XR glasses, and I love how the cable just snaps into place. And with my bags packed for Taiwan, that's exactly what I did the moment I made it through airport security. With 30 minutes or so to kill before my flight, I decided to break out the Viture x 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Pack and give everything a try before takeoff. I briefly tested them out at home but in preparation for my trip, I loaded up my phone with as many console-quality Android games as I could from Dead Cells and Stardew Valley to the game I was most excited about (and dreading) playing with AR glasses: Alien Isolation. It took me a minute or so to get my phone set up inside the controller and to connect the Viture Pro XR glasses and then, I jumped right back where I left off in my last Dead Cells run. Since I didn't want to miss when boarding started for my flight, I short pressed the smaller button on the front of the glasses to toggle their electrochromic film off. If you're unfamiliar with XR or AR glasses, changing this setting causes their display to go from blacked out like when you're wearing one of the best VR headsets to transparent. That way, you can see what's on their screen and the world around you at the same time. Since I've worn AR glasses before when out in public, I wasn't embarrassed at all. However, I did get a few looks here and there but that was likely because I had my camera set up on the other side of the table snapping pics. Even though I only got to play for 15 or so minutes before I had to find my seat, I had an absolute blast. And unlike with your standard mobile game controller, I didn't have to crane my neck forward to see what I was playing. Once on the plane, I waited till we reached cruising altitude before taking the Viture Pro glasses and 8BitDo controller back out. Compared to a laptop or even one of the best handheld gaming consoles, this setup felt a whole lot more compact and easy to stow away if my in-flight meal arrived or turbulence struck. I started my 16-hour flight's worth of mobile gaming slowly with some smaller, less intensive titles before ramping things up. Since I can't play my go-to game, the skateboarding sim Session, on mobile, I did the next best thing and loaded up The Ramp first. After a few rounds getting big airs and doing grabs on the game's virtual halfpipe, I raced around a few courses in the Art of Rally. Getting the controls set up and mapped to the Viture x 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Controller took some time though as the mobile version isn't as controller friendly as the PC or console one. Speaking of remapping controls, before I left I also downloaded 8BitDo's Ultimate Software V2 app along with Viture's GamePal launcher. In 8BitDo's app, I was able to remap the controller's two back buttons as well as set up separate profiles for individual games. This really came in handy and I'm glad I downloaded it beforehand. Meanwhile, Viture's GamePal gives you a more console-like experience as all of your installed games show up neatly in one place. I've been using the Nothing Phone 2 as my daily driver for almost two years now but during this trip, I left it behind. The reason being is that as a mid-range phone, it lacks the most important feature to make a setup like this one work: DisplayPort Alt Mode over USB-C. Without it, you won't see a thing when you plug in a pair of AR glasses, which sadly I learned after I took a chance on this lesser-known Android brand. Fortunately, my colleague John Velasco sent over a Samsung Galaxy S24 FE ahead of my trip and it did the trick and then some. One of the coolest features on the best Samsung phones by far is DeX. Once plugged into a portable monitor or in this case, a pair of AR glasses, you get access to an extended Desktop eXperience that makes using your phone a whole lot more like a computer. On the S24 FE with this particular setup, I really liked how I could use the phone's screen as a trackpad while seeing everything else in the Viture Pro XR glasses. This really came in handy when I started a new farm in Stardew Valley a few hours into my flight. I could harvest my crops and interact with the residents of Pelican Town using the controller while sending my character to and fro with the touchpad. As the overhead lights dimmed in the cabin during the part of the flight where you're supposed to be sleeping, I figured it would be the perfect time to give Alien Isolation a try. For this one, I switched the Viture Pro XR's electrochromic film on and found myself in complete darkness aboard Sevastopol Station. Even though Alien Isolation is over a decade old and I was playing on mobile, everything looked fantastic. I found myself getting lost in the details of the space station and playing a first-person game like this with AR glasses was a very unique experience. Before I knew it, my lengthy 16-hour flight was coming to an end and I had to pack up the Viture x 8BitDo Ultimate Mobile Gaming Pack. I don't know if I'd feel comfortable using this setup while traveling together with my family but while on my own on a work trip, it was the perfect way to get through a long flight while catching up on some of the better mobile games that have come to Android over the years. Compared to one of the best gaming laptops or a Steam Deck, slipping the Viture Pro XR glasses and this one-of-a-kind mobile game controller into a bag was a whole lot easier (and lighter). I hate to say it but part of me almost considered switching to one of the best iPhones for a second there so that I could play actual console games like Resident Evil 4 or even Death Stranding with this setup. Google certainly has some catching up to do when it comes to getting full-sized games on Android. After running around Taipei for a week at Computex 2025, I came down with a bad cold the minute I got home. However, instead of being upset I got sick, it gave me a chance to try out this setup at home and let me tell you, there's no better way to rest up than by playing your favorite games remotely on a 135-inch screen inches from your face while cosied up on the couch.
Tom's Guide
6 hours ago
- Tom's Guide
I've played 8 Nintendo Switch 2 launch games — here's the 3 I'd buy first (Mario Kart World isn't one of them)
The Nintendo Switch 2 is out in the wild, and the first question most early adopters will be asking themselves is 'Which launch games should I buy first?' The obvious answer is Mario Kart World, but I'm going to be controversial here and say that Mario's latest karting adventure isn't the most essential title on the Switch 2 at launch. Don't get me wrong, it's plenty of fun, but I'm not convinced some of its changes are for the better, and I currently prefer the familiar comforts of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. During my first 24 hours with Nintendo Switch 2, I have played more than half a dozen titles that have convinced me this hybrid system already has a pretty healthy library right out of the gate. From Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition to the surprisingly enjoyable console showcase Nintendo Switch Welcome Tour, there are plenty of great games on Switch 2. After testing eight different games on my first day with the Nintendo Switch 2, here are the three that I recommend you pick up first if you've just secured the hybrid console for yourself. And if you're struggling to score one, check out our Nintendo Switch 2 restocks live blog for the latest stock update. Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition was already a phenomenal game on platforms like PS5 and PC, so it's hardly a surprise that it's fantastic on Nintendo Switch 2. The open-world RPG from The Witcher 3 developer CD Projekt Red sees you play a mercenary named V in the dark sci-fi megalopolis Night City and is packed with intense missions to complete and memorable characters to meet. It's pretty widely considered one of the best RPGs of recent times for a reason. What makes it such a standout in the Switch 2's launch library is that it's a pretty demanding title. It infamously ran atrociously on PS4 and Xbox One at launch in 2020. The fact that it's running, and running seriously well on the Nintendo Switch 2 — even better than on the Steam Deck — is the first sign that Nintendo's new hardware has some serious horsepower under the hood. Yes, it's not as visually lush as on a top-end gaming PC, or a PS5 Pro, and you won't get a 60 fps framerate, but the graphical compromises on Switch 2 are surprisingly slight, and having such a vast experience on a handheld is still awesome even in an era of gaming where powerful portables are becoming pretty standard. Cyberpunk 2077 on Switch 2 is the definitive way to enjoy CDPR's critically acclaimed first-person open-world RPG on the go. You play a mercenary named V, completing missions in the dark city of the future, Night City, though your main aim is surviving the chaos that surrounds you. This Ultimate Edition also includes the essential Phantom Liberty DLC expansion, which opens up a new area of the map, the ruthless Dogtown. Am I cheating here by listing both The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom as a single list entry? You bet I am, but it's my list, I make the rules. Okay, if pushed for a single choice, I'd opt for Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, but the games are so closely linked that I think you can make the case for them being included in a single entry. Plus, Nintendo has been grouping them together in marketing materials, so don't @ me! Regardless of your first pick, these are two of the best games of all time, Breath of the Wild was my first ever Zelda game back in 2017 on the original Nintendo Switch and it's focus on largely unguided exploration, coupled with ingenious puzzles and surprisingly tricky combat resulted in an experience that very few titles since have managed to match in the past almost decades. Meanwhile, Tears of the Kingdom builds upon Breath of the Wild in seriously interesting ways by expanding your arsenal of abilities, and includes some of the most satisfying head-scratchers I've ever encountered in a video game. Just being able to manipulate objects and stick them together to create all sorts of inventions is pure Nintendo brilliance. The problem with these games was always the hardware they were confined to. The original Switch just wasn't powerful enough for such vast games, with so many physics-driven systems at its core. Blurry textures and framerate drops were an all too common problem. But thanks to their Nintendo Switch 2 Edition upgrades, both games now play with a near-perfect framerate and look better than ever. Frankly, Tears of the Kingdom is so good on Switch 2, I'm tempted to return to my 4.5 out of 5 review from 2023 and now bump it up to a perfect score. The original Switch's definitive launch game has returned for the Switch 2, and now it's been enhanced for Nintendo's new hardware. It's the masterpiece you (probably) know, but looking and running better than ever. If you've never played Breath of the Wild, there really isn't a better time to jump into Hyrule than via this Switch 2 Edition. Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is the incredible direct follow-up to Breath of the Wild, and sees Link once again exploring a vast open Hyrule, as he hunts for answers regarding the mysterious gloom infecting the lands. whereabouts. This Nintendo Switch 2 Edition boosts both image clarity and framerate, making it the definitive way to enjoy one of the best games of recent years. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour took a lot of punches when it was revealed during the Nintendo Direct event. This collection of tech demos and micro-games is designed to showcase the unique features of the Switch 2, like the Mouse Mode and Joy-Con 2 controllers' HD rumble 2. The internet (and to be honest, myself as well at the time) declared that it should have been a free pack-in title ala Astro's Playroom on PS5 or Wii Sports on the Nintendo Wii. I do still think Nintendo probably should have given this game away for free with each Switch 2 console. However, after playing it myself, I'm pleasantly surprised. Is it worth the $10 cost? I think so (just). The whole experience is set within a giant Nintendo Switch 2, which has been retrofitted to be a museum-like hub. You pick a basic avatar and then run around collecting stamps and medals by completing mini-games and acing quizzes that test you on a series of fact files you just read. Granted, the latter activity does feel quite a lot like completing a training module at work! One micro-game, which casts you as a mini UFO trying to avoid falling objects using the Joy-Con 2 Mouse Mode, had me hooked for a good 15 minutes, as I was eager to beat the preset high score. Yes, it's a simple experience, but the clean art style is appealing, and it's very novel in concept. I've also already found Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour to be a great game to pick up if you want to showcase the console to your non-gamer friends and family, as it can be picked up and enjoyed with basically zero familiarity with gaming and controller experience. The $10 price point also makes it appealing if you're looking for an extra launch game that won't cost you a full $60-70. Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour serves as a fantastic way to get familiar with the brand-new console. Set within a giant Switch 2, you walk around a Museum-like setting and complete micro-games and tech demos that showcase the console's new features, and also learn more about the technology that powers the Switch 2.
