The Nintendo Switch 2 is finally here and on launch day I finally got hands on with the console and I tested the new Snakebyte accessories range too.
After seven long years, the Switch has finally been replaced by a new system, capable of 4K graphics, HDR and with much faster loading times, better graphics and more modern games.
And the first thing most of us will do when we get a new console – especially a handheld – is reach for all the key accessories. There are few Switch owners brave enough to try to survive without a carry case or screen protector, and with a shiny new Switch 2, that would be even more brave (read: crazy).
Snakebyte have released a range of new Switch 2 accessories for the console, and I had the chance to try the Snakebyte Starter Kit S2, the Travel Case S2 and the System Organiser Case S2 along with the Twin Charge S2 and the Power Charge S2.
The thing that really surprised me about the Snakebyte range is just how good the quality really is.
I have to admit, I’m usually pretty sceptical of third party accessories. I usually just stick rigidly to officially licensed Nintendo or Sony products, even though the range of choice on official stuff is usually more limited, and they tend to be a bit more expensive. I always kind of assumed that third party stuff wasn’t as good.
Well, having got hands on with the Snakebyte range I can honestly say I was wrong, and I’d heartily recommend the Snakebyte cases and starter kit to every Switch 2 owner.
Snakebyte Travel Case S2
This was my favourite of all the Snakebyte stuff I tested. The Travel Case S2 (S2 stands for Switch 2, I think I can safely assume) is much better than the official Pokemon one I was using for my Switch 1. As well as the lovely blue ink swirl/marble design, which I think is really smart, the case is actually really well designed. It’s smooth to the touch but it’s tough enough to drop without worrying about the Switch 2 breaking. It’s got sewn-in compartments for 10 physical Switch 2 cartridges – more than on my official case – a netted area to keep wires or spare bits in and two straps to hold the console in place. It’s also got a carry handle to make taking it with you easy. Inside, it’s got a soft lining so the case won’t mark or scratch the console either. It’s a genuinely great case.
Starter Kit S2
This is my other top pick from the range. The Starter Kit S2 is as you expect, an all-in-one starter kit. It has a screen protector, a dry and wet wipe to prepare to apply the protector and even stickers to clear dust with as well as guide the installation. It also comes with a screen cleaning cloth and a travel case, simple headphones, joycon grips and thumb grips. The case is a bit more simple than the Travel Case S2 – it lacks the cool marbled design or the carry handle of the standalone case – but inside also has space for 10 cartridges and is toughened against drops too, so is more than good enough to be the only case you own if you don’t opt for the Travel Case. It’s a solid package with all the key bits you need to start you off.
System Organiser Case S2
This one is a beast. This is a really large, deep case which also contains another case. In a neat design, the top part of the case unzips and comes away on its own, containing a very good case just for the Switch 2 console. But underneath, there’s a huge deep case designed, I assume, to take the entire system with you. If, for example, you wanted to unplug the dock and take it along with you to a friend’s house you can fit the entire dock in, plus space for spare joycons, the cables and even a Pro Controller on top. It’s a great all-in-one solution to moving your entire Switch 2 from place to place.
Twin Charge S2
This is a neat little dock that’s perfect for a pair of spare Joycons. It’s powered by a USB C cable, so you can plug the USB into a wall outlet with a USB port, or add a USB plug adapter or, easiest of all, just run it out of one of the dock’s USB ports and it will power up using the Switch 2’s power supply. Simply drop the L and R joycons into the charging station and they’ll always be charged and ready for next use. This is ideal if you have a spare pare of Joycons on the go. There’s nothing worse than trying to set up a game of four-player Mario Kart World and finding two of the Joycons have died and having to swap the ones attached to the system every 10 minutes to try to charge them, a problem handily solved here.
So, yes, I’d recommend the entire range of Snakebyte accessories I’ve tested so far – check back here for more as I get hands on with them and enjoy your new Switch 2 console, everyone.