You may discover it type of unhappy to place your hard-earned Change 2 right into a protecting case. To me, it’s releasing. Utilizing a case relieves me of the fear that it’ll accumulate tons of little scratches, or worse. I’ve examined a number of kinds of instances on the Nintendo Change 2 since its June 2025 debut, together with flimsy shells that snap or slide onto the Change 2 to offer a easy, aesthetically pleasing barrier from scratches to the console and its Pleasure-Cons. I’ve additionally examined carrying instances that shield the console when it isn’t in use.
It didn’t take lengthy for me to seek out one which I feel is the very best, however that hasn’t stopped me from attempting new choices from manufacturers which are acquainted, in addition to from corporations that aren’t family names. There’s one thing for everybody — and each funds — under.
What I search for in a Change 2 case
How we check
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We use every Change 2 case because it was designed for use. We observe the directions to get the very best match and safety, noting alongside the way in which when a characteristic works higher than anticipated, or worse. We don’t carry out drop exams (I’m utilizing my private, and thus treasured, Change 2), however we strive our greatest to seek out weak factors in every case.
Foolproof set up
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Putting in a case needs to be simple, not cumbersome. Given the Change 2’s hybrid design, a multi-step course of is predicted, but it surely needs to be simple to put in the case each time with little effort.
An ideal match
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Since many gadget instances are made earlier than stated expertise is publicly out there, I be sure the instances that I check truly match the Change 2. Even a millimeter’s distinction isn’t adequate for me otherwise you.
Ideally, it doesn’t diminish the Change 2’s distinctive options
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Some protecting instances include compromises, like stopping you from detaching the Change 2’s Pleasure-Con 2 controllers. Others block the kickstand, and/or stop the console from becoming into its dock for enjoying on a TV. Compromises are tremendous so long as you realize what they’re beforehand. I feel most individuals need a case that doesn’t block the Change 2’s distinctive options, so I’ve targeted totally on picks that retain them, besides the place famous in any other case.
I simply listed my excessive requirements for form-fitting instances made to suit the Change 2 whereas it’s in use. Nonetheless, the bar for carrying instances is decrease. They only want to guard the console and, ideally, present some further worth, like a pocket for cables, cartridge storage, or ideally each.
As for my favourite case, I didn’t wish to make any main compromises; I wished one which’s simply nearly as good for handheld mode as when docked, which is why I feel the Dbrand Killswitch is the very best mannequin total. I revealed a full evaluation of the Killswitch, however the skinny is that whereas it’s maybe dearer than some might hope to pay, the extent of safety and flexibility it affords is price the associated fee.
One of the best Change 2 case for each handheld and docked play
$60
The Good
- Very safe match
- Makes the Change 2 really feel extra like a Steam Deck (in the very best methods)
- Intelligent dock adapter
The Dangerous
- Chunky dock adapter
- Not probably the most inexpensive case
- Entrance safety solely comes within the $80 tier
The least costly Killswitch tier prices $59.95 and features a set of Pleasure-Con 2 grips, a rear cowl for the console and a small matching piece to stick to its kickstand, all of which securely latch onto every part. It additionally contains considered one of Dbrand’s skins. There’s no piece of the Killswitch that feels prefer it’ll by the way wiggle off.
Sadly, the protecting case makes it unattainable to suit the Change 2 into the dock. Nonetheless, Dbrand contains its workaround adapter that matches into the dock, basically appearing as a USB-C extender. It’s a reasonably elegant answer that works as meant. The one draw back is that it leaves your Change 2’s display uncovered as a substitute of hid by the dock’s plastic wall. It’s slightly clunky, however I’m prepared to forgive it as a result of it permits the Change 2 to retain its docking performance.
1/5Picture: Cameron Faulkner / The Verge
The tier I like to recommend for many Change 2 gamers (particularly those that will typically throw their console right into a bag) is the $79.85 “Journey” tier, which features a semi-transparent cowl that protects the entrance of your console if you aren’t utilizing it. The quilt matches across the entrance of your Killswitch-equipped console, securing across the again with a tricky bungee twine latch. This tier additionally features a pair of analog stick grips and a tray that holds 10 Change cartridges and matches neatly inside the journey cowl.
When this information was first revealed, Dbrand was within the midst of updating its Killswitch in order that it wouldn’t permit the Pleasure-Con 2s’ magnets to interrupt away with out you urgent their launch buttons. Mainly, in the event you held your Killswitch-equipped Change 2 parallel to the bottom solely by both of the Pleasure-Con 2 controllers and provides it a shake, the whole console portion was more likely to detach, doubtlessly inflicting critical injury to the console. Dbrand redesigned the Pleasure-Con 2 grips to repair the difficulty, and former patrons can request a alternative freed from cost. Future patrons will obtain the Killswitch with the up to date, improved grips. We’ve acquired the tweaked items and may verify that they repair the difficulty.
Learn my full evaluation of the Dbrand Killswitch case for the Nintendo Change 2
The Jsaux Cut up Protecting Case is an inexpensive different to Dbrand’s Killswitch, costing $29.99 however with most of the identical traits. It contains two Pleasure-Con 2 grips that allow you to detach them from the system at will, and a clear shell to clip across the again and the highest and backside edges of the Change 2. In contrast to the Killswitch, nonetheless, the Jsaux shell is so skinny that the console can nonetheless match into the dock. It additionally comes with a tough entrance cowl that shield the display throughout transit (or simply for safekeeping), and it has storage for 10 Change cartridges on its underside.
I’ve acquired minor qualms with Jsaux’s case, which I can overlook given its low worth (and might not be a difficulty for you, anyway); the Pleasure-Con 2 grips are smaller, and don’t add as a lot bulk or grip as Dbrand’s Killswitch, however they’re nonetheless serviceable. Additionally, its construct high quality isn’t nearly as good (as an illustration, on my evaluation unit, there was slightly little bit of warped plastic that appears like a raised eyebrow close to the facility and quantity buttons, although it’s arduous to say if this impacts a number of items).
Lastly, the design of its Pleasure-Con 2 grips exhibit the identical edge case concern that Dbrand’s mannequin initially confronted earlier than it issued a free repair to all house owners. When you maintain the Change 2 by both Pleasure-Con and shake the console’s full weight downward, the power could also be sufficient to utterly detach it, sending the console right down to the bottom. In my testing, it was actually tough to get the Change 2 to fall, so this hopefully shouldn’t influence many individuals, but it surely’s price mentioning however.
One of the best carrying instances for the Change 2
Tomtoc’s FancyCase Slim case has lately develop into my favourite Change 2 zip-up case. Beginning at round $33 and going as much as $39 relying on the type that fits you greatest, it’s not probably the most inexpensive choice. But it surely’s price the associated fee in order for you higher safety than both the PowerA or Belkin instances under can present. It has much less give in its center part by comparability. One other factor that units it aside are the bulbous sections on the outer cowl, which supply extra vertical clearance above the Pleasure-Con 2’s analog sticks, guaranteeing they don’t get pressed whereas your console’s inside. Oh, and it contains coloration choices that appear to be ice cream sandwiches.
The FancyCase Slim case is the most suitable choice I’ve tried not only for sturdiness but additionally for a splash of favor. That stated, it’s quick on different perks to justify the worth. Whereas Belkin’s Change 2 carrying case includes a pocket for storing microSD Categorical playing cards, a cable, or another small trinket like an AirTag to trace its location, the one factor inside this one is a comfortable screen-protecting flap that may maintain 12 Change cartridges on the opposite aspect.
WaterField Designs has been making tweaks to its beloved, however expensive CitySlicker case for each main handheld to return alongside. For followers of the case, or those that are searching for a extra premium choice, the $129 Change 2 model doesn’t change what isn’t damaged. The Metropolis Slicker hugs the console’s curves carefully sufficient to make sure a comfortable match with a fleece inside, flanked by two pockets for cables and small equipment — one in entrance of the place the Change 2 sits, and one behind it. There’s a bigger zip-up mesh pocket on its again.
Excessive-quality supplies set this case aside from the others on this checklist, and unsurprisingly are what drives up the associated fee. It options leather-based on the flap masking the system and across the entrance of the case. For the secondary materials, you’ve got the choice of waxed canvas or ballistic nylon. If you’d like your Change 2 to sleep in type, this could make for an awesome reward to your self or to a different sport. Nonetheless, the Metropolis Slicker doubtless gained’t shield your console as a lot as a more durable zip-up or cowl case can. To not point out, you might desire a case with extra cartridge slots than the 5 which are punched out of this case’s luxe leather-based.
The subsequent alternative to pre-order the case might be on September eleventh at 11:00am ET.
Energy A’s slim zip-up case for the Change 2 is a straightforward and cheap option to maintain your console protected if you aren’t utilizing it. It’s not a tough case, so it gained’t survive catastrophic injury, but it surely’s a tremendous selection in the event you don’t wish to add a bunch of heft. To that finish, it’s one of many slimmest instances that I’ve tried.
At simply $19.99 (half the price of Nintendo’s official carrying case), baseline safety alone can be enough, but it surely affords protected storage for as much as 10 Change cartridges, too. The cartridge holder has a comfortable backside that protects the display, and it will probably additionally fold right into a tent, permitting the Change 2 to relaxation in opposition to it (the Change 2 already has a kickstand for this).
This case doesn’t endure from a detrimental trait that’s frequent amongst different slim instances (a few of that are pricier than PowerA’s): with the ability to press on the Pleasure-Con 2 joysticks from the skin. Different instances may permit your Change 2 to endure some joystick injury unbeknownst to you, however not this one, in addition to the others included on this part.
For $10 extra ($29.99), Belkin’s slim case is better-looking than PowerA’s and is made with higher supplies. It has a carrying strap, a big mesh pocket, and a secret compartment for an Apple AirTag or related Bluetooth tracker, all of which the PowerA case lacks. Belkin’s case can carry 12 cartridges, and it’s solely barely thicker than the PowerA case, more likely to compensate for no matter cables or small gizmos you may stuff into its pocket. It options deep grooves to suit the Pleasure-Con 2’s triggers, and its outer shell it robust sufficient to stop most unintentional presses on the joysticks. It is available in darkish grey, cream, and a enjoyable inexperienced shade.
Belkin sells a $69.99 model of its slim case that options every little thing above and features a 10,000mAh 20W battery for retaining the Change 2 charged whereas it’s contained in the case. The corporate says the battery can totally cost the console 1.5 instances. The battery ends in a thicker case, and its bespoke compartment solely holds the precise Belkin mannequin that’s included, so that you gained’t have the ability to swap in a distinct, faster-charging battery. Neither of these could also be deal-breakers for you, however are price retaining in thoughts.
One of the best grip case for the Change 2’s handheld mode
The Killswitch is the very best case for handheld mode as a result of it means that you can take away the Pleasure-Con 2 controllers and contains an adapter to simply hook up with the dock. Plus, it affords kickstand entry.
When you don’t ever plan to attach your Change 2 to its dock or detach its Pleasure-Cons, or it’ll be a uncommon incidence, you may decide an all-in-one shell that matches utterly across the console. It’s going to shield each angle of your Change 2 from dings and scratches, and will even maintain it protected within the occasion of a drop.
The $29.99 Spigen Rugged Armor is an acceptable choice. It matches round practically each nook of the Change 2, leaving entry to its headphone jack, USB-C ports, and audio system (it doesn’t cowl up the air vents both as a result of that’d be foolish). It will get bonus factors for becoming across the edges of the Pleasure-Con 2 whereas offering extra pronounced grips, which can be a boon for many who expertise hand or wrist ache whereas holding the console in handheld mode. Nonetheless, as famous, you’ll must take away the case to be able to set up the Change 2 into its dock.
Replace, September 4th: Verified costs and inventory for merchandise talked about on this put up.
Disclosure: In 2023, The Verge collaborated with Dbrand on a collection of skins and instances.
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