Most companies have slowed down the release of new Switch 2 cases, but one of my favorite accessory makers recently unveiled their first one, after some delays. Mechanism’s Basecase, $49, is a snap-on case for the console that takes advantage of the company’s modular line of stands. You can now mount the Switch 2 in many ways with its $19 Basegrip (on the wall, on your Gaming Pillow, on a monitor arm, etc.). The difference is that this new product protects your console, makes its Joy-Con more comfortable to use and has an interesting modularity.
The console case allows full reach of the Switch 2 stand and access to all ports, buttons and vents. In particular, it fits more snugly than others I’ve tested because it clips close to the console’s bottom USB-C port. This is a good thing. You can unlock its backplate and replace it with a custom 3D printed version for more fun and/or more utility. Mechanism sent a couple of printed examples that hint at the possibilities: one that has Lego pegs to stick some minifigures into, and another that has slots for game cartridges.
The grips that slide over the back of the Joy-Con protectors are also modular. The set includes two sizes that add varying degrees of bulk, making them more comfortable to wear. Remove either grip and there will be a place for a game cartridge. It’s a fun way to provide extra physical play. The mechanism included some additional grip types that are not for sale to show what is possible with a 3D printer. I really liked the pair that has a small shelf on each side to rest your middle or ring finger on.
You cannot use the Switch 2 in its dock with the Basecase. So Mechanism includes a base adapter that takes a different approach, not necessarily better or worse, than what Dbrand took with its Killswitch. Instead of holding the Switch 2, it’s simply a female-to-male USB-C cable that you maneuver into the dock’s video output port. Installing it is not as easy as its marketing indicates, but I finally got it working. Those using a third-party USB-C dock from Jsaux or Genki will not need to use this component.
The Basecase seems designed to address multiple points of failure in previous Switch 2 cases released by Dbrand, Genki, and others who unfortunately let some quality control issues slip through in an effort to release cases first when the Switch 2 debuted.
For example, the Basecase’s Joy-Con grips have a small rubber lip that fits around the top of the interior colored section of the controller. Dbrand revised its Killswitch Comfort Grip to add this after some users noticed their consoles falling to the ground when they grabbed them by the controller without supporting the weight of the Switch 2. Basecase does a good job of preventing this problem.
Also important: The interchangeable Joy-Con grips attach easily and require almost no effort to align the latch pins to fit. I could never quite get my head around the ones included with Genki’s Attack Vector case (we’ll see how the next Genki Grips fare). Additionally, while most competing slim plastic cases feature ill-fitting or flexible sections, the Basecase feels sturdier.
If you’re involved in the Mechanism mount ecosystem and own a Switch 2, there’s a good chance you’ve been waiting for this release (and, perhaps, already own this case). For players who haven’t yet tried out the company’s mount system, this is a very good place to start. You can get all the 3D printer files at Makerworld or Printables.
Photo by Cameron Faulkner/The Verge
