Summary
- My Killswitch 2 worked flawlessly, but many early units suffered from Joy-Con 2 detachment issues.
- dbrand redesigned Joy-Lock grips, Dock Adapter, and USB skin (replacements are available now).
- It’s a pricey Swich 2 case, but it’s still my top pick for Switch 2 protection, despite early hiccups.
My experience with dbrand’s Killswitch Switch 2 case over the past several weeks has been flawless — but that hasn’t been the case for everyone.
Numerous early buyers encountered a problem that causes the Switch 2’s Joy-Con 2 to detach from the console when they’re holding it, especially when using it with just one hand. This means that your expensive new handheld can potentially plummet to its doom, defeating the purpose of putting it in the pricey case. While dbrand’s initial response was far from great (especially considering the Killswitch 2 can cost $100 depending on your package), suggesting owners were just holding their Switch 2 wrong, the attitude-filled accessory maker eventually admitted it needed to solve the problem.
Fast-forward a few weeks, and dbrand is back with its updated Joy-Lock Joy-Con 2 grips. The accessory maker says that the updated grips fix the detachment issue the previous version of the Killswitch 2’s grips suffered from. Anyone that purchased the first-run Killswitch can get this updated version, too (you can find the replacement program here), and all shipments that haven’t gone out yet feature the redesigned Joy-Locks. So, while dbrand should have gotten it right the first time, to its credit, the company is taking this issue seriously and, at least so far, is doing right by buyers.
I didn’t experience issues with the first-generation Killswitch Switch 2 Joy-Con 2 grips. It didn’t matter how much I shook the Joy-Con 2, they just didn’t fall off. That said, a quick glance at Reddit over the past few weeks suggests that the issue is at least somewhat common, although it doesn’t appear to affect all first-run Killswitch Switch 2 cases.
The redesigned Joy-Lock grips feel more secure
There’s also a revamped Dock Adapter and a new skin for the USB port
dbrand says it made three key changes with the Joy-Lock Switch 2 Joy-Con grips. First, it removed the retaining lip along the side of the Joy-Con 2, alongside extending the top retaining lip downwards. The retaining lip on the bottom has also been extended upwards, creating a small flap. I immediately noticed this when putting them on my Switch 2 Joy-Con 2. This creates a small gap between the Joy-Con 2 and the actual Switch 2, which is required for a secure connection to the console, while extending the top and the bottom of the grips for more support. I’ve been using the new Joy-Lock grips for a few weeks, and even when I’m intentionally trying to make the Switch 2 tumble to the ground — above my couch, of course — they stay secure (check out the video below).
There are a few other subtle changes with the new package, including upgrades to the Dock adapter. One of the key issues some have had with the Dock Adapter is the fact that it lifts from the Switch 2’s official dock when you lift the console out. This means that you often need to use one hand to hold it in place while lifting the console. The new version of the Dock Adapter features two grips underneath it that are designed to keep it more securely in place. In my experience, this works better, but it isn’t perfect — a few times it lifted slightly when I pulled the Switch 2 out of the Dock Adapter, causing me to use my other hand to keep it firmly in place. As far as I’m concerned, this isn’t a big issue, but it’s still worth mentioning if you have dreams of one-handed docking. There are some reports of Dock Adapter connectivity issues, too, but those also appear to have been resolved with this new version of the accessory.
There’s also a new color-matched skin for the Switch 2’s bottom USB port. The idea is that it prevents potential unwanted scratches if you happen not to line up the Dock Adapters USB plug perfectly. While docking the Switch 2 on the Dock Adapter can be a little finicky, I haven’t noticed any scratches around the handheld’s USB port. A great tip is to always make sure you have the USB-C port pulled forward on the Dock Adapter (this makes lining it up way easier).
Still, this tiny skin offers additional peace of mind, especially as someone who hates scratching their tech devices. And finally, dbrand is also offering a cool-looking retro skin with the replacement package (I haven’t tried it yet, but it looks pretty cool).
Should you buy the Killswitch Switch 2 case?
I still think it’s one of the best cases out there
dbrand’s Killswitch Switch 2 case is undeniably expensive, especially when compared to similar cases, but I continue to really like it. It makes the Switch 2 an absolute joy to hold thanks to the Joy-Locks’ rear grips that make the handheld far more comfortable. I also really like that I can just pop the Killswitch’s cover on and throw the Switch 2 in a bag, all without worrying about it getting damaged.
Given its manufacturing inconsistencies, dbrand obviously shouldn’t have rushed the Killswitch case’s release to coincide with the Switch 2’s drop, but at least the company is owning up to its mistake. If you don’t mind its premium price tag, I still feel that the Killswitch is the best Switch 2 case you can buy right now.
