Aside from a screen protector, the best accessory to keep your Switch 2 safe is a carrying case. And with the increased price of Nintendo’s latest console compared to the original, there are even more reasons (about $150 of them) to figure out a way to shelter your console. But why stop there? With one important tweak, Belkin engineered a great way to add extra utility to a basic travel case by allowing you to charge the Switch 2 while keeping it out of harm’s way.
Design
Belkin's Charging Case for the Switch 2 doesn't stray too far from the official Nintendo version, but there are a handful of subtle but welcome improvements. It features a polyester exterior (available in gray, green and tan) with reinforced sides and a soft velvet interior. There's a zipper that runs along the perimeter with Belkin thoughtfully including an inner liner to prevent any metal from coming in direct contact with the Switch 2. There are also cutouts and indents that allow the console to snuggle safely inside. Belkin did a good job of providing a secure fit without too much wiggle room.
The one small downside to this is that if you're planning on using a bulky skin or sleeve, things may be extra-tight (or might not fit at all). But for people like me who prefer to keep their devices naked, it's a great companion. As for durability, while I don't want to risk my Switch 2 by dropping it off a building, I did push the console off a table a few times while it was stashed inside the case without it suffering any damage.
Battery pack
OK, but what about the charging part? Instead of integrating the battery into the case itself, Belkin kept things incredibly straightforward. The kit comes with an included battery pack and a cutout with a strap to make sure it won't slide around in transit. Granted, this isn't the most elegant solution, but it's simple and effective while giving you the flexibility to charge other devices when needed.
Now, it's possible that if Belkin had opted for a battery that was built into the case, there may have been room to add more capacity. But at 10,000mAh, I feel like the kit strikes a good balance between size and longevity. With the Switch 2 having a 5,220mAh cell, Belkin's power pack has enough juice for almost two full recharges. Plus, because it's removable, if you ever need to top off something other than a Switch 2, you can simply grab the battery and leave the case behind.
I appreciate that Belkin didn’t cut too many corners either. The pack features two USB-C ports that support both charging and recharging. Speeds are decent too, with the battery capable of sending out up to 20 watts, which is similar to if the Switch 2 were plugged into the wall (though it's closer to 15 watts in real life). You can even recharge two devices simultaneously, but because you're splitting the output, things will take a bit longer. There’s even a handy built-in display, so you never have to guess how much juice is left in the tank. And thanks to an included cable with a right-angle connector and a little channel for the cable inside the case, it’s super easy to keep everything neat and orderly while charging.
Extra features
Some other small but useful details about Belkin's case include a mesh pocket for stashing small accessories like cables. Just don't stuff too much in there or else you may put extra pressure on the console. There's also a flap with elastic pockets that can store up to 12 game cartridges. But my favorite feature is the AirTag compartment hidden behind the mesh on the right, which allows you to put a tracker inside without it being super obvious.
Wrap-up
The Belkin Charging Case for the Switch 2 isn't very sophisticated. But considering it costs $70, that's just fine by me because it has everything you want from a basic case with a very handy bonus. It looks good, the Switch 2 fits well inside and short of being something like a beefy Pelican crate, it offers more than enough protection from everyday bumps and tumbles.
I kind of wish Belkin sold a version that doesn't come with a battery for anyone who wants to use their own power pack. The company’s non-charging version of this case isn’t an ideal alternative as it doesn't have much extra space inside. But even so, this kit offers a solid combination of price and practicality, which is all I'm ever really asking for.
This article originally appeared on Engadget at https://www.engadget.com/gaming/nintendo/belkin-charging-case-for-switch-2-review-simple-but-effective-140016952.html?src=rss
