JSAUX Switch 2 Charging Grip: A Game-Changer for Docked Mode | Review

I’m all about handheld gaming, but the JSAUX Ergonomic Switch 2 Charging Grip has finally convinced me to give docked mode a shot.

This accessory functions similarly to the official grip that comes with every Switch, magnetically attaching to both Joy-Cons to create a single controller. While Nintendo offers its own charging grip for $39.99, JSAUX’s version is a steal at just $21.99 / £15.99. Plus, it includes optional ergonomic handles that elevate the comfort level, giving it a more premium feel akin to a Pro controller.

With the JSAUX Charging Grip in hand, I’ve logged countless hours playing Animal Crossing New Horizons in docked mode on my TV, fully enjoying the Switch 2 Edition’s visual splendor that I might have missed if I had stuck to handheld play.

JSAUX isn’t exactly known for flashy designs; instead, they focus on producing straightforward, all-black accessories that keep costs down and accessibility high compared to first-party options. True to form, the JSAUX Switch 2 Charging Grip sports a simple black aesthetic.

Without Joy-Cons attached, the grip resembles a basic rectangular base with the JSAUX logo on the matte surface and two plastic tongs underneath for magnetic connection to the controllers. On its own, it looks a bit bare.

Charging happens through a USB-C port on the top edge, with two status indicators below the logo. There are also four small cutouts for the Joy-Cons that light up according to your controller setup—both squares will glow yellow when the left and right Joy-Cons are connected.

Once everything is set up, the grip looks much more dynamic. Attaching the Joy-Cons is a breeze, just like with the Switch 2 itself. The ergonomic handles easily slide onto the back of each Joy-Con, complete with small silicone pads inside to prevent any movement. When attached, a thin black edge surrounds each Joy-Con, and the curved ergonomic grips provide a textured surface for better handling. While I would have preferred a rubberized finish, the grip is still a significant upgrade over the flat backs of the Joy-Cons or the official grip that comes with the console.

The features of the JSAUX Switch 2 Charging Grip are pretty straightforward. As a charging grip, it keeps your Joy-Cons powered up when not attached to the handheld. This is especially useful in docked mode, as there’s no official way to charge the Joy-Cons without putting them back on the console.

The Joy-Cons charge when clicked into the grip, provided the device has enough power. You can also charge it via the included cable through the USB-C port. The main selling point of this model, compared to Nintendo’s official version, is the optional grips. Nintendo’s are fixed in place, which may not suit everyone. Personally, I can’t stand the flat backs of the Joy-Cons, so I used the grips throughout my testing, and I’m glad they’re an option.

As someone who usually prefers handheld mode, I was genuinely surprised by how comfortable the JSAUX Ergonomic Charging Grip felt. I love lounging in bed with my Switch 2, and unless I’m testing a new accessory or battling friends in Super Mario Party Jamboree, I rarely use docked mode. Until now, it was never a comfortable experience, but this grip changed that.

Setting up the accessory was a breeze, from the magnetic connection of the Joy-Cons to the base to slipping on the ergonomic handles. I was pleasantly surprised by how well my hands fit around the grippy handles. Initially, I was concerned about their rough texture, but the grip felt like it was designed for my hands.

The small recesses between the shoulder buttons and the start of the handles are perfectly molded, making this the most comfortable experience I’ve had with any Switch 2 controller or accessory since trying out the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless controller last year. Comfort was essential, especially as I dove back into Animal Crossing New Horizons with the new Switch 2 Edition and the Version 3.0 content update.

Decorating the new Resort Hotel on my island of Fairdene was a joy with this grip in hand. The texture never irritated my hands, and I could finally stop worrying about my controllers’ battery life.

When playing in bed, I often scramble to find a charger since the official Joy-Cons last only 2-4 hours. With the Joy-Cons attached to the grip, I haven’t charged them in over a week, and I haven’t seen any low-battery notifications since.

I’m genuinely grateful that this charging grip arrived when it did, as it has enhanced my appreciation for the new visual updates in Animal Crossing. Experiencing the stunning graphics on my 55-inch TV has been a delight, allowing me to fully enjoy the game’s charm, which doesn’t quite translate in handheld mode.

The grip even made navigating the Nintendo Switch Online game libraries more comfortable, which is no small feat. I usually rely on the official Switch 2 N64 controller for emulated N64 games, but this grip has accompanied me through multiple dungeons in Ocarina of Time without a hitch.

The only downside is that the handles feel a bit fragile in certain areas, making me worry they might break during use. The sections around the shoulder buttons are particularly thin, and I’m not sure they can handle my clumsiness. However, the PC+ABS handles still look brand new after weeks of testing, so my concerns have been unfounded so far.

If you’re a docked mode enthusiast looking for a charging grip that won’t break the bank like Nintendo’s official version, I highly recommend the JSAUX option. It’s not only more affordable but also performs the same function while offering the added benefit of optional handles.

While most people might prefer to keep the handles attached, it’s nice to have the choice, especially since they can be easily removed. The only minor issue is that having three separate parts without a carrying case makes it easy to misplace the handles, especially if your space is as cluttered with gaming gear as mine. It’s not a major complaint, but a bag or case would have been a nice touch.

Honestly, once you experience the comfort of the fully assembled grip, you’ll likely find yourself using it with the handles attached all the time, making them hard to lose.

To thoroughly evaluate the JSAUX Ergonomic Charging Grip for the Nintendo Switch 2, I integrated it into my gaming setup for at least two weeks. During that time, I played a variety of titles, including Pokemon Legends Z-A, Animal Crossing New Horizons Switch 2 Edition, and The Legend of Zelda Ocarina of Time through the Nintendo 64 library, to see how it performed across different genres and games.