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the Nintendo Switch 2 It’s my favorite portable gaming device now, but battery life is still a weak point compared to the old Switches. Belkin’s new $100 battery pack and accessory combo called the Charging Grip solves some of the battery issues and evens out the convenience of the handheld. But it makes the Switch 2 a lot bigger in the process.
I’ve been trying out an early review sample of the charging handle over the past week, and there are things I appreciate. The 10,000 mAh battery has an LED display to show the amount of charge, and is generally similar to the battery that also comes in the Belkin Switch 2 box included in the battery pack that is already available.
This time, the battery sticks to Switch 2 itself. The plastic casing has a magnetic plate onto which the battery attaches, and then a micro USB cable pops up on top for 30W charging. The case I’m trying is black, but it also comes in purple and olive. Belkin promises to recharge the 1.5 Switch 2 with battery. So far, this has been a useful way to power down the Switch 2 over the course of a day without having to re-dock or plug it in.
With the charging grip on, the Switch 2 is basically the size of the Steam Deck.
The plastic shell feels a bit flimsy, though it at least provides more protection for the Switch 2’s body. There’s a hole in the back for the Switch 2’s kickstand to pop out.
Included in the package are two large Joy-Con controller grips, which can be easily slid on and locked in place. The rubbery feel and overall size make the Switch 2 more comfortable to hold for me, as is the larger size of the Switch 2. Steam surface And portable Windows gaming consoles.
I like it, but maybe not enough to keep it on all the time.
But the overall cosmetic change to the battery as well as the Switch 2’s grip adds a lot to its appeal. It can still be supported by a rest on a table, and it can technically slide narrowly into pavement without removing the handle tray. But it certainly won’t fit into regular Switch 2 carrying cases, although Belkin is selling a new shoulder-mounted travel case for this purpose.
One of my favorite parts of the Switch 2 versus Windows laptops is how secure it is, and unfortunately the Belkin grip case erases that advantage. But if you’re looking for a boosted battery and more comfortable grip regardless of cost or size, this could be for you.
