The Fastsnail Switch 2 Case: A Budget-Friendly Alternative to dbrand’s Premium Option | Review

Fastsnail’s Switch 2 accessories have caught my attention for a while now, and it’s not just because of the charming name that sparks my imagination.

Much like JSAUX, Fastsnail specializes in budget-friendly accessories for handhelds, sticking to sleek, all-black designs that help keep costs down while still offering some premium features found in pricier options. The three-part case they offer is reminiscent of the dbrand Switch 2 Killswitch but comes in at a wallet-friendly $26.99 / £20.99, making it a solid choice for those watching their budget.

As long as you install it correctly—though it can be a bit tricky—this case is a fantastic addition. The grips are comfortable, the lid protects the Switch 2 display, and the game storage is super convenient. While it does make some buttons less accessible, it’s a great dock-friendly option for anyone not looking to spend over $79.99 on pricier alternatives.

The first component is the frame that attaches to the console’s middle section. This part extends over the top edge and is crafted from a durable all-black TPU material. The middle section features transparent plastic, allowing the Switch 2 branding to shine through.

This design choice is one of my favorites. Fastsnail could have easily hidden the Switch 2 logo behind their own branding, but instead, they’ve added silver accents that highlight the official Nintendo logo. The frame also ensures full access to the kickstand and all ports and vents on the console.

Next up are the ergonomic TPU grips. These slip over the Switch 2 Joy-Con controllers, replacing the flat backs with easy-to-hold handles. Each grip has a textured line pattern and remains fully compatible even when the controllers are detached.

The final piece is the protective cover, which features matching silver markings on the front and back, giving it a vibe reminiscent of the iconic 90s anime Neon Genesis Evangelion. If it came in a green and purple color scheme, it could easily pass for licensed anime tech.

The underside of this cover includes storage for up to 12 Switch and Switch 2 games and microSD Express cards, thanks to a foam insert. Unlike other cases, such as the Hori Gengar and Mimikyu Switch 2 case, this one lacks additional protection to keep the games securely in place. If you’re a bit clumsy like me, a hard drop could pop the carts out, but the foam is sturdy enough to do its job if handled carefully.

The Fastsnail Switch 2 Protective Case isn’t your typical carrying case; it’s designed to slip onto the console for protection while slightly altering its form for better comfort.

The main section doesn’t obstruct most ports, including vents, charging ports, and the game card slot, and it adds its own power and volume buttons on top of the originals. With full access to the kickstand, the case primarily serves as protection, covering the back to prevent any cosmetic damage.

The grips are the standout feature. When attached, they make holding the Switch 2 feel more akin to the Steam Deck in terms of comfort and weight. The larger grips provide a natural curve for your hands, eliminating the pins and needles sensation that can occur with traditional Joy-Con use.

The case is also available with an attachable 10,000mAh power bank that secures to the back of the device, though I didn’t have that version for this review.

Fastsnail includes an installation guide with images, which is a lifesaver. Misplacing them could lead to some uncomfortable situations.

The embossed edges of the grips need to align perfectly with the frame’s edges. If not, the cut-out recesses can dig into your skin, which I learned the hard way during my initial unboxing. Thankfully, once I followed the installation instructions, that issue was resolved.

My only other concern was with the buttons. The frame has cut-outs for the vents and charging, but the added bulk over the power and volume buttons means you have to press harder than you would with a bare console. The volume buttons, in particular, were frustratingly difficult to use. As someone with joint issues, adjusting the volume became a challenge, especially when trying to silence my villagers in Animal Crossing New Horizons.

To manage this, I had to remove the frame each time I wanted to adjust the volume. Eventually, I just set it to a comfortable level and hoped for the best during my gaming sessions. It wasn’t ideal, but it’s a minor trade-off for such an affordable accessory. Fortunately, the case is fully dockable, as long as you remember to take off the front cover.

The Joy-Con grips are definitely the highlight of this case. They add weight to the controllers, but I quickly adapted, especially since I switch between the Switch and the heavier Steam Deck regularly. The added weight is easy to overlook once you experience the comfort of the grips, which fit perfectly in my hands without causing discomfort.

The case, with or without the cover, didn’t cause any damage to my handheld. While I usually prefer a compact carrying case, the cover means I don’t have to worry about the display’s condition when taking the Switch 2 on the go—something not all slip-on cases offer.

At $26.99 / £20.99, the Fastsnail Switch 2 Protective Case feels more premium than its price suggests.

It shares many features with the dbrand KillSwitch, including grips, a protective cover with game and microSD storage, and a frame that shields the back of the console, but without the hefty $79.99 price tag.

While it’s not perfect—no matter how well you install it, the added bulk makes the controls harder to press, especially the volume buttons—it’s easy to overlook these flaws when the case is so comfortable to hold, doesn’t need to be removed for docked play, and boasts a simple yet stylish design. Plus, it often goes on sale for around $20. If you’re looking for an affordable case that stays on the Switch 2 and you can’t stretch your budget for the dbrand version, this is a solid recommendation—just be prepared to adjust the volume through the system settings.

During two weeks of testing, the Fastsnail Switch 2 Protective Case became my go-to for my Nintendo handheld. I used it while playing a variety of games, including Animal Crossing New Horizons Switch 2 Edition, Pokemon Legends Z-A, and titles from the Nintendo Switch Online library, like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team.

I took the case everywhere—from room to room in my house, playing in docked mode in my living room, to out in the city to see how it held up on the go.