In this episode, we unbox and test out the NeoGrip case and MaxCarry case from Skull&Co for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch OLED.
I'm not the biggest fan of playing the Nintendo Switch or Switch OLED in handheld mode. I think it is too thin, too slippery, and uncomfortable. One of the early solutions I found for the original Nintendo Switch was the Skull&Co GripCase Crystal, and next to the Fixture Gaming S1, it was my favorite way to play the Switch handheld mode. These cases don't quite fit the Switch. OLED, but thankfully, Skull&Co has turned their expertise to this new model and released an all-new design. We had a chance to test one out, and I was pretty excited.
Whereas earlier Skull&Co cases utilized a TPU style back that stretched around your Switch, the NeoGrip is a molded plastic design. It does not encapsulate the entire back of the Switch, you actually have access to be able to flip out the kickstand if so desired. Three different grips are included so you can tailor your experience. There's a minimalist grip, the standard trigger grip which the NeoGrip ships with, and the Plus grip in between these two. Installation and removal of grips are super easy, so if you are looking for a change, you can do so quickly and easily. You can also get the NeoGrip in a number of different colors, I chose the white ones that you see here, but there's also an Animal Crossing Limited Edition Version, red and blue, and a number of different colors.
One of the really cool things about the NeoGrip is the fact that it's actually compatible with both the original Nintendo Switch and now the Switch OLED. Towards the right-hand side of the grip, there are three screws that hold the left and the right parts together. If you remove these screws, the right-hand side comes off, and you can remove an approximately 1 and 1/2 mm spacer. From here, install the right-hand side of the grip on the leftmost posts and it narrows up the grip so you can use it with your original Switch. It's a simple but elegant design.
I initially tested it with my Switch OLED and followed their directions for installation. There is a capture clip on the top back part of the NeoGrip that you have to remove to install your system. This is there to help keep everything in place during gameplay and travel. They recommend you remove one of the two Joy-Cons, place your Switch in the grip, and then slide the Joy-Con in place. I will tell you the Switch will slide in and out without removing a Joy-Con, however, the anti-slip foam pads will provide a bit of resistance. Once in the grip case, I played around with all of the different grips. I found myself coming back to the Plus size grip repeatedly, as for me, it was the most comfortable, but your mileage may vary.
The gameplay was super comfortable with the NeoGrip case. I loved that it felt lightweight and didn't add any significant bulk as I already think the Switch is a bit large and handheld mode. I played through several levels on Super Mario 3D World and had no issues, which is important for me. I do have a touch of arthritis in my right hand, getting old sucks, but I never had any issues whatsoever while playing.
In addition to the NeoGrip, they've also redesigned their MaxCarry case and offer it as a combo. The redesigned case features a much deeper storage area under the Switch itself, which can accommodate an AC adapter and certain portable Switch docks. That was one of my biggest complaints about the original one is you could not fit an AC adapter in it. You can now. It also has storage for 10 individual cartridges, headphones, and HDMI cable, and overall does a good job to protect and transport your Switch or Switch OLED.
Why it RoX:
- Available separately or with a MaxCarry case
- Multiple color options
- Three separate grips included
- Does not add bulk to your Switch or Switch OLED
- Compatible with both the original Switch and the Switch OLED
- Reasonably priced
- Deeper storage in the MaxCarry case
What could be improved:
- I'm not the biggest fan of the retainer clip
- I wish the trigger grips were at less of an angle
Should you buy one?
At the time of this filming, the Switch OLED has been out for about 5 months, and I'm a bit surprised that more manufacturers have not produced grip style cases for this new model. That being said, even compared to cases and grips I've tested out for the original Switch, This is one of the finest handheld grips I have ever used. It's lightweight without feeling cheap, it offers multiple grip options, the color choices are terrific, and overall this is a brilliant and simple design. Add in the fact that you can even use it with the original Switch, and you get some terrific value. Tweaked the MaxCarry case to provide even more storage for docs and power supplies. This is simply one of the finest grips that I've used for the Nintendo Switch, and one I will be using for the foreseeable future.
#NintendoSwitch #SwitchOLED #Skull&Co