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.
More Than Just a Case
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.
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 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.
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.
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).
But Wait There’s More
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.