Latest news with #Killswitch
The Verge
3 days ago
- The Verge
Dbrand's Killswitch is the best all-around Switch 2 case
I've been checking out a lot of new Switch 2 accessories recently, almost all of which were produced before the companies that made them ever touched a real Switch 2. Even a millimeter's difference in dimensions could completely throw off a design, and some products I've tried lack a perfect fit. For example, Genki's Attack Vector has problems, which the company is now reworking. It's probably not the only one. However, Dbrand's Killswitch kit offers the best fit and best protection right out of the gate. I adored the kit when I tested it on my Steam Deck, and this one doesn't mess with the winning formula. Dbrand had to engineer its own USB-C dock adapter since a Killswitch-equipped console doesn't fit in Nintendo's dock. Its adapter is included, with no cutbacks to visual fidelity in docked mode. It's a little clunky, but I'm mainly just happy that it works, so I don't have to take the Killswitch off every time I want to dock the Switch 2. The most basic 'Essentials' kit is $59.95 and includes a grippy, form-fitting shell that latches around the Switch 2's back, slightly latching around the front. It can be secured to your console with some small adhesive strips. A separate, adhesive-backed strip of protection for the kickstand comes with the kit, too. Dbrand includes two Joy-Con 2 shells that have thick, textured grips that make them significantly more comfortable to use without adding too much weight. Unlike Joy-Con shells from other accessory makers, these were as easy to install as I hoped they would be, sliding securely into place thanks to the Killswitch's tough, but just-malleable-enough materials. The $79.85 'Travel' option adds a tough latch-on cover that protects the front of your Switch 2, and a tray that fits within it for storing up to 10 game cartridges. Of the cases I've tried so far, I have the fewest reservations about putting my Switch 2 in this one. With the front cover on, it provides hard case protection. When detached, it offers solid protection with an understated look for the parts of the Switch 2 that are most vulnerable to damage. The most expensive $99.80 'Ultra' kit includes everything mentioned above, plus additional stick grips and two glass screen protectors. The added cost isn't outrageous if you still need a screen protector. The Killswitch is great. I often forget that it's installed. I thought I'd miss the console's slim design, arguably one of its biggest selling points compared to chunkier handhelds like the Steam Deck. But, after mainly using a Deck instead of the aging Switch, I'm spoiled by big grips, and the Killswitch turns the Switch 2 into something that I want to use in handheld mode.
Tom's Guide
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
I canceled my Nintendo Switch 2 case pre-order for this third-party alternative — and I love it (but with one big catch)
I've been rocking the official Nintendo Switch carry case since the console launched in 2017, and I had planned to do the same with the Nintendo Switch 2. I even had my case pre-ordered ahead of the console's launch last week. That was until the folks over at dbrand offered me the chance to try out their new (and somewhat infamous) Killswitch alternative. And after a few days of use with my shiny new Switch 2, consider me a convert. This case is pretty slick. You can pick up a dbrand Killswitch case for $59, which nets you the Essential package. For $79, you get the Travel bundle, which includes the standard case alongside a travel cover and a pair of Joy-Con 2 stick grips. Finally, there's the uber premium Killswitch Ultra set, which packs all of the above plus a set of Prisom 2.0 screen protectors, which are equally excellent. Oh, and whichever option you pick also includes a Dock Adapter, but we'll get to that. The Nintendo Switch 2 Killswitch from dbrand both protects your console and elevates your gaming experience by making the hybrid even more comfortable to hold in handheld mode. It comes in three bundles starting from $59, but those looking to take their Switch 2 on the road will want to consider the Travel bundle for $79. Naturally, the core of the Killswitch is the case itself, which is made from 'impact-resistant and structurally rigid thermoplastics.' the accessory manufacturer notes it's 'It's engineered to absorb shock, diffuse force, and dramatically improve your odds of walking away from a drop with both your console and dignity intact.' But this is one claim that I haven't tested. In my Nintendo Switch 2 review, I noted that the console in handheld mode lacks the ergonomic grips found on rivals like Steam Deck OLED, which can make it uncomfortable to hold for extended periods. Fortunately, the Killswitch resolves this issue by adding grips to each of the Joy-Con 2 controllers, making the Switch 2 feel seriously amazing when played portably. Even better, unlike some third-party cases, the Joy-Con 2s remain fully detachable, as the Killswitch comes in three separate parts (one for each Joy-Con 2, one for the main console unit). So, you don't need to remove the case if you want to switch to tabletop play mode and make use of the built-in stand. If you want the Killswitch to be your all-situations case, then you're going to need to invest in at least the Travel bundle, because the protective plastic cover is a must-have to protect the console's stunning 7.9-inch display. I don't love the way it attaches via a hanging bungee cord, but on the flipside, this does make it extremely secure and easy to slot into place in just seconds. There's really only one thing about the Killswitch that prevents me from recommending it without any caveats, and that is the need for a dock adapter. Because the case adds an extra layer of bulk to the console — though dbrand notes it's a mere 2.5mm total — it won't fit into the Nintendo Switch 2 dock. That's why each Killswitch ships with a Dock Adapter, which allows you to connect your console to the TV without having to remove the case each time. dbrand has gone the extra mile, ensuring the dock adapter doesn't rob the console of any functionality, you still get 4K 60 fps gaming on your TV (in supported games), and the cooling features of the official Switch 2 dock are also maintained, but still it's an extra requirement that might put some Switch 2 owners off a purchase. Personally, I do generally prefer using the manufacturer-supplied dock as standard. On the bright side, the dock adapter allows you to display your Switch 2 more prominently in your entertainment center, which may appeal to some prospective purchasers of the Killswitch set-up. Either way, it's certainly not a deal breaker, and after just under a week of use, I've found the Killswitch a seriously great option. Particularly because I plan to use my Nintendo Switch 2 mostly in handheld mode (I typically reserve my big-screen gaming for my trusty PS5 Pro). There are cheaper options on the market, with Switch 2 cases on Amazon starting from just $9, but if you're looking for a mixture of functionality and well-considered design, dbrand's Killswitch is an option that you really should consider. So long as you don't mind the adapter.
Forbes
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
This dbrand Killswitch Case Should Be Your Next Switch 2 Pre-Order
Switch 2 Killswitch case with detachable JoyCons dbrand Thursday's Switch 2 pre-orders were the very definition of "a hot mess." Every retailer that offered the Switch 2 for pre-order at midnight had issues handling traffic or accurately reflecting pre-order status. For instance, I found out that my Target pre-order had gone through in the morning when I woke up and saw a confirmation email that'd arrived 30 minutes after I'd given up clicking the unresponsive Checkout button and gone to bed. GameStop wasn't much better when their site completely crashed upon the 11 AM ET pre-order launch. If you're one of the lucky ones that did manage to get a pre-order in (or you're hopeful for Nintendo's email system) it's time to start thinking about accessories. And while there are plenty of JoyCons, Pro Controllers, Piranha Plant cameras, and JoyCon wheels to buy, equally important is protection for your new system. Usually I'm not a case guy — I prefer to put my trust (however misplaced) in the engineering prowess of a company. But then dbrand revealed a case system so intriguing that it shot to the top of my accessories budget. Since dbrand launched their Killswitch line in 2022, they've been extremely popular, especially the Steam Deck version which The Verge dubbed the one accessory everyone should buy. And it's easy to see why! The grips are textured and grippy, the case itself offers military-level drop protection, and the cover is perfect for protecting your screen when you're on the go. Killswitch case with JoyCons attached dbrand For the new Switch 2 version, dbrand's taken everything they've learned with their other offerings and improved them. First off, despite the name, the Switch 2 Killswitch won't kill your Switch. In fact the drop-protection provided by the case should keep it protected from most incidental falls. What's nice is that the case is modular, so that the JoyCons are still detachable. The JoyCon covers add an ergonomic grip dbrand The JoyCon covers are particularly interesting. Not only are they textured, but they add an ergonomic grip that the controllers lack on their own. As someone who's spent many an hour hunched over their Switch OLED playing Hades, I can tell you that JoyCons are not comfortable to grip. The fact that this will make holding the Switch 2 more Steam Deck-like is quite welcome. It also adds a USB docking system that can be used as a display stand for your Switch 2. I'll admit, I don't entirely see the vision here? If I'm going to tabletop game with my Switch 2, I'll use the kickstand (which the Killswitch is compatible with) and if I'm going to dock it, I'm playing on my TV. But I like that this gives people options for continuing to comfortably play and charge their device at the same time. Travel cover with game collection dbrand Like the Steam Deck version, the Switch 2 Killswitch has a travel cover. Though it's oddly clear — but there's a method to dbrand's madness. That clear cover is compatible with the included game card holder! Given that the rumors of physical game cartridges costing more were completely baseless, those gameless game carts are going to be more common than you think. This gives you a place to display your collection while you take it with you on the road. It's a smart, contained solution and I love smart, contained solutions. Grippier than your standard joystick dbrand Finally, the Switch 2 Killswitch will come with rubberized joystick covers. They're molded and nubbly to ensure precise control even when you're on your 10th Mario Kart World race in a row. Pricing hasn't yet been provided, but I imagine it will be in the $70-$100 range, based on the pricing of the company's other Killswitch offerings. For now, you can pay $3 to secure early access for the June launch. That $3 will be credited towards your purchase (or you can get a refund if you change your mind). FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder Checking out the dbrand Nintendo Switch 2 page reveals that they've got additional products coming to market to coincide with the June 5 launch. In addition to the Killswitch, they'll have a version of their "idiot proof" Prism 2.0 display protector. This has intrigued me for a while, as applying glass protectors are phenomenally difficult to do correctly. Their unique dust-eliminating applicator seems to have it all figured out. If you don't want a full protection package but want to add some funky style to your Switch 2, dbrand will have a wide array of skins available at launch as well. In addition to cool designs like Area 51 and glow-in-the-dark circuits, the company is creating Switch 2-specific skins. Given the quality of their previous designs, I'm looking forward to seeing what they come up with. You can register your email to get notified when they're available.
