Most companies have slowed down the release of new Switch 2 cases, but one of my favorite accessory makers recently released its first, after some delays. Mechanism’s $49 base case is a snap-on shell for the console that leverages the company’s modular line of stands. You can already mount the Switch 2 in plenty of ways with its $19 Basegrip (on your wall, on its gaming pillow, on a monitor arm, etc.). The difference is that this new product protects your console, makes its Joy-Con more comfortable to use and has interesting modularity.
The console shell provides access to the entire Switch 2 kickstand range and access to all ports, buttons and fan vents. Notably, it fits better than others I’ve tried because it attaches near the console’s bottom USB-C port. That’s a good thing. You can unlock its backplate and replace it with a custom 3D printed version for more fun and/or more utility. Mechanism sent over a few printed examples that hint at the possibilities – one that features Lego pegs for sticking certain figures together, and another that has nooks for game cartridges.
The grips that slide on the back of the Joy-Con protectors are also modular. The set includes two sizes that add varying degrees of bulk, making them both more comfortable to use. Remove one of the handles and there’s a slot for a game cartridge. It’s a fun way to bring in additional physical games. The mechanism included additional handle types that are not for sale to show what is possible with a 3D printer. I really liked the pair that has a little shelf on each side to rest your middle or ring finger.
You cannot use the Switch 2 in its dock with the Basecase. So, Mechanism includes a dock adapter that takes a different approach – not necessarily better or worse – than Dbrand with its Killswitch. Instead of cradling the Switch 2, it’s simply a female-to-male USB-C cable that you have to maneuver over the dock’s video-out port. Setting it up isn’t as easy as its marketing suggests, but I eventually got it working. Those using a third-party USB-C dock from Jsaux or Genki will not need to use this component.
The base case seems designed to address several failure points in previous Switch 2 cases released by Dbrand, Genki, and others who unfortunately let some quality control issues slip in an attempt to launch the cases first during the Switch 2 debut.
For example, the Basecase’s Joy-Con grips have a small rubber lip that fits around the top of the interior colored section of the controller. Dbrand revised its Killswitch Comfort Grip to add it after some users noticed their consoles falling to the ground when they grabbed it by the controller without supporting the weight of the Switch 2. The Basecase does a good job of avoiding this problem.
Also important: The replaceable Joy-Con grips attach easily, requiring almost no effort to line up the locking pins to snap them into place. I could never really figure out the ones included in Genki’s Attack Vector case (we’ll see how Genki’s next Grips perform). Additionally, while most competitors’ thin plastic cases have poorly fitted sections or flex, the base case feels more durable.
If you’re a fan of Mechanism’s mount ecosystem and own a Switch 2, chances are you’ve been waiting for this release (and, perhaps, you already own this case). For players who haven’t yet tried the company’s mount system, this is a great place to start. You can grab all the 3D printer files from Makerworld or Printables.
Photography by Cameron Faulkner/The Verge
Gn tech
