The Nintendo Switch 2 is a fantastic piece of hardware, though not without its drawbacks. Power drain in handheld mode can be real, especially on more demanding titles. Ergonomics for those of us with bigger hands could be better, as holding it for a while can definitely start to feel cumbersome. The FASTSNAIL Nintendo Switch 2 Charging Grip sets out to add more power and ergonomics, while adding in some extra protection as well. While it’s not perfect, as the materials can feel budget, the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks, especially at its budget price.
The FASTSNAIL Nintendo Switch 2 Charging Grip is a hard-shell case that goes around the entire system and Joy-Cons as well. It features dual-layer protection, with a TPU inner frame that absorbs shocks and an outer PC hard shell. There’s also a front shell that can easily be snapped on and off, which also doubles as a carrying case with 12 silicone game-card slots.
The quality of the actual case, though, can feel lower-end. The top band feels sturdy and secure, with the TPU backing feeling similarly solid, but the bottom band lowers the overall feel. It doesn’t run the full length of the screen and easily snaps back and forth, moving with very little effort. Because of that, it feels thinner and less secure than the rest of the case.
The thicker portions do feel like they’d keep your Switch 2 safe if it dropped, but the inner sections don’t carry the same sturdy feel. There’s also a cutout that lets you use the Switch 2 stand easily, which is welcome. The varying thickness isn’t all bad, though, as it also allows you to dock the Switch 2. It easily slides in and out without needing to take the case off every time you want to dock.
“The FASTSNAIL Nintendo Switch 2 Charging Grip sets out to add more power and ergonomics, while adding in some extra protection as well. “
These issues also extend to the Joy-Con grips. The fit isn’t as tight as it should be, and every time you take them off or try to snap them back on, the case moves. This means that the buttons, especially the button to detach the Joy-Con, get stuck and needs to be readjusted. While they’re connected to the screen, these issues aren’t prevalent, but taking the Joy-Cons on and off ends up meaning you need to refit the Joy-Cons.
Ergonomically, though, the Joy-Con grips are fantastic. They feature a bulkier and more rounded edge, feeling much more like a regular controller than the flat backs of regular Joy-Cons. As someone with bigger hands, these grips have greatly reduced my hand strain when playing for longer sessions handheld. The grips also have a non-slip finish to them that feel comfortable in your hands.
The other major area that the FASTSNAIL grip comes in clutch is the 10,000mAh battery. It easily attaches to the back of the case with a magnetic strip, a short USB-C cable running from the battery to the unit. It does add weight to the unit handheld, obviously, but it also adds hours of gaming to the battery life seamlessly. Depending on how intensive the game you’re playing is, it could add a full charge, if not more. It easily detaches and is small enough to comfortably fit in your pocket or bag when you need it.
That’s the thing with the FASTSNAIL Nintendo Switch 2 Charging Grip: it solves a lot of the issues it sets out to. The case, especially in handheld with the Joy-Cons connected, does offer more protection, even if there are parts that don’t feel as premium as others. Detaching the Joy-Cons can be annoying because of the case slips, but the ergonomic changes make the Joy-Cons so much more comfortable to use. The added battery gives you a nice boost in power when on the go for those longer gaming sessions. It’s slim and dockable, and while that might mean that there are parts that don’t work as well as others, it seems focused on being as travel friendly as possible.
There are bigger and bulkier options out there that’ll better protect your Switch 2, but the FASTSNAIL Nintendo Switch 2 Charging Grip covers more bases than just protection. Overall, the FASTSNAIL Nintendo Switch 2 Charging Grip is a great case that offers more power, ergonomics, and protection, at a price point that makes it hard to ignore.
