DBrand Killswitch Nintendo Switch 2 review

The DBrand Killswitch for Nintendo Switch 2 is the ultimate protective solution for your shiny new hybrid system. Rather than being a traditional carrying case, it acts as a permanent protective shell for your system, keeping it shielded at all times. I’ve spent a few days gaming with the Killswitch for Switch 2 now, so here’s how I’d rate it.

First of all, I have to applaud the ease of setup. The main case is incredibly easy to pop on. I just had to remove a couple of adhesive strips on the case, push it onto my system, and bam — it was done. The Joy-Con 2 controllers also slot into individual cases, and there’s a protective cover for the system’s kickstand that sticks on seamlessly.

The case has gaps for all of the crucial elements like volume controls, the power button, the USB-C slots, and vents. I also appreciated how slim the protective case felt — sure, it adds a bit of depth, but it doesn’t make the console feel too broad.

Like a lot of the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories, the Killswitch feels very high in quality, and plenty durable. It also offers great ergonomics, with the textured case and its curved feel making the system incredibly comfortable to use in handheld mode. I tried playing a wide variety of games, including Mario Kart World and Yoshi and the Mysterious Book, and whether I was turning tight corners or exploring a mystical area, the system never felt unwieldy or chunky.

Although the case adds some bulk to the Switch 2, you’re still easily able to use it in docked mode. That’s because the Killswitch comes with a dock adapter. Just place it onto the Switch 2’s usual dock, and you’re good to go. It has 4K 60Hz passthrough, so you can still enjoy the best Nintendo Switch 2 games without compromise, meaning it serves as a super-convenient solution.

You get a few extras depending on the Killswitch variant that you select. I went for the Travel pack, which also includes stick grips and a travel cover. The grips push on without difficulty, and they have a tactile, secure feel that makes gaming feel as easy as ever. The travel cover is a neat inclusion too, and has ten slots for Nintendo Switch 2 or Nintendo Switch games.

So, it’s safe to say that I’m a big fan of the Killswitch for Switch 2. But there’s one thing worth considering. It’s pretty pricey. The Killswitch starts at just under $60 for the Essential package, which comes with the main case, a skin, and the dock adapter. But if you get the Everything variant, which also adds the stick grips, travel cover, two screen protectors, and a Joy-Con 2 controller holder, it's just under $155. That’s an awful lot to pay for the fully protective package any way you shake it.

One other minor thing worth noting is that the protective case and stick grips are a little susceptible to picking up dust and fibers. This didn’t bother me all too much, but I did realize the grips were a little grimy after an hour's worth of use. Not a dealbreaker, but worth pointing out.

But I’ll be clear. The DBrand Killswitch for Switch 2 is an excellent protective option for your console, and I won’t be taking it off my system any time soon. If you want excellent durability, seamless setup, and flexibility for handheld and docked play, it’s a top-class choice.

DBrand Killswitch Nintendo Switch 2 review: price & release date

• Prices start at $59.95
• Released in June 2025

The price you’ll pay for the Nintendo Switch 2 variant of the Killswitch will vary depending on the model you select. Typically, it’s $59.95 for the Essential pack, $99.85 for the Travel option, $134.80 for the Ultra variant, and $154.75 for the Everything package. I have seen the Killswitch go on sale at times, though, so it’s worth checking DBrand’s site for discounts. The Killswitch for Switch 2 was released in June 2025.

Should I buy the DBrand Killswitch Nintendo Switch 2?

Buy it if…

Don’t buy it if…

DBrand Killswitch Nintendo Switch 2 review: also consider

How I tested the DBrand Killswitch Nintendo Switch 2

• Spent a week testing the Travel bundle
• Made use of all the accessories
• One of a vast number of Switch 2 accessories I’ve tested

I spent a week testing the DBrand Killswitch for Nintendo Switch 2, and kept it on my system everywhere I went.

I tried dropping my system from a controlled height to judge its durability, and made use of all of the accessories in the Travel package, including the dock adapter, game card holder, and stick grips.

More generally, I’ve spent years testing gadgets here at TechRadar, where I serve as a Senior Reviews Writer. I’ve reviewed a vast amount of Switch 2 accessories, from cases like the Hori Adventure Pack to controllers such as the Turtle Beach Rematch Wireless Controller, and have been a Switch 2 owner from day one.

• Read TechRadar’s reviews guarantee
• First reviewed: August 2026

Pokemon’s Lego Smart Play sets couldn’t be more perfect, even if you hate the Smart Brick. I was convinced of this when I first saw them ahead of their launch, and since their public debut, I’ve only grown more in love with the builds now that I have them in my home.

When Lego first debuted its Pokémon sets, it showcased a few display-focused builds — designs aimed at older audiences to be shown off on a shelf more than to be actively played with. This meant relatively high prices to account for the massive brick counts and complex building techniques applied.

At first glance, the dozen Smart Play sets the duo just launched are the exact opposite. They’re built for play — with two of the sets coming with a Smart Brick (or two) to bring the Pokémon models to life — and generally cheaper and simpler build-wise. But like the Smart Brick, they’re so much more than meets the eye.

From a play perspective, thanks to tiles hidden in each Pokémon’s belly, the Smart Brick can know which creature it is and make distinctive sounds when the critter is being fed, training, sleeping, driving a vehicle, or hiding in the tall grass waiting to be captured by a trainer.

Importantly, two pokémon can know when they’re near each other and engage in a battle — which cleverly takes into account if the Pokémon was recently trained, which types it’s weak or strong against, what innate power it has (third-stage and legendary Pokémon will be stronger than first-stage starters), and what health it has (plus if it has been healed by something like a potion).

It’s very sophisticated but also so incredibly intuitive. Moving the Pokémon like action figures — shaking to charge up attacks, lunging forward to strike, moving away to dodge, and lying down to rest after a busy day — enables every single action the Smart Brick is programmed for. I gave my wife the Pikachu to play with without telling her anything, and she instantly knew what to do.

Smart and simple

At the same time, so many play features don’t require a Smart Brick at all.

While the actions will lack sound effects, Pikachu can still lie down in his fold-down bed, emerge from the tall grass when a pokéball hits the target, battle with the spinning target, and be played with in whatever way you can imagine.

So when you’re waiting for the Smart Brick to recharge, or if you simply decide not to pick up one of the All-in-one sets that comes with a Smart Brick in the box and opt for a merely Compatible set instead, you’ll still have a play set that feels complete — something I couldn’t say for Lego’s first Star Wars Smart Play models.

My only caveat is that the battle-focused sets — Charizard vs. Jolteon Ultimate Battle and Umbreon vs. Garchomp Championship Battle — are a little more dependent on the smart brick to create engaging fights between the blocky pocket monsters.

Perfect for play doesn’t mean perfect for everyone, but as a display build, these models again have so much potential.

Not necessarily out of the box — the background scene elements are always the most visually stunning — but with some creativity and time to build your own, these blocky figures could easily be posed as part of beautiful dioramas.

If you prefer minifig scale designs, you’ll be disappointed, but if you don’t mind something that’ll take up more room on your shelf, I think these sets have so much potential — especially as each Pokémon’s design is so distinct and accurate to its in-game version.

Lastly, I can’t round things off without talking about their best aspect: price.

Simpler, play-focused sets come with fewer pieces and therefore a more affordable price. For kids who love Pokémon but for whom you can’t fork out a lot of cash for a set that’ll sit on a shelf, these Smart Play sets are perfect.

Plus, for the same price as the Eevee build, which was previously the most affordable option, you can grab two or three of the cheaper Smart Play compatible sets that just dropped.

Whether you buy one or all twelve of the new sets, I’m certain Pokémon and Lego won’t disappoint. These sets show how Smart Brick integration should be done, and I’m hoping we’ll see dozens more sets just like these down the line.

All-in-one sets

Smart Play compatible