Belkin Charging Case Pro for Switch 2 review: A more elegant solution

Last year, Belkin released a few cases for the Nintendo Switch 2 just in time for launch, including one that came with a handy battery. This one was simple and effective, but it seemed a bit crude as it was nothing more than a basic travel pouch with a generic power cell inside. Today, Belkin is back with a Pro version of its charging case for the Nintendo Switch 2, featuring a fancier battery and a higher price ($100 versus $70). So here’s the question for all Switch 2 owners who are still looking for a way to protect their console while keeping it looking its best: is a sleeker charging solution really worth the extra money?

Belkin / Engadget

The professional version of Belkin’s Switch 2 charging case is a more sophisticated and versatile power solution. But it’s also more expensive, so unless you’re comfortable shelling out $30 more for the same basic features, you’re probably better off sticking with the non-pro option.

Benefits

• 10,000 mAh battery included
• The battery also serves as a support
• Built-in game storage
• Solid construction
• Hidden AirTag pocket

Disadvantages

• Costs more than the non-Pro version
• A little bigger and heavier too
• USB-C cable not included

Housing design

Measuring 11.7 x 6.1 x 2.5 inches and weighing 1 pound 12 ounces, the Pro Charging Case is a bit larger and heavier than its non-Pro sibling. It also features a very similar design with the same color options and materials, including a tough polyester outer shell that’s balanced by a softer velor-like material and cutouts for your Switch 2 inside.

Once again, Belkin has done a good job providing a comfortable cabin to store your console while making it easy to get in and out of. That said, if your system also has a very thick protector or hard case like the Dbrand Killswitch, it may not fit. There’s also a padded flap that lowers to protect your Switch 2’s screen and also serves as a place to store up to 12 game cartridges, which is a very thoughtful touch.

However, the biggest change in the Pro Charging Case’s exterior design is a new cutout on the front edge, which lets you complement other gadgets (or a Switch) by plugging a USB-C cable into Belkin’s included battery. Unfortunately, the case doesn’t come with a cord, which seems a bit odd until you take a closer look at the PSU layout. Indeed, once the case is opened, you’ll see a second port designed to fit directly into the Switch 2’s bottom power jack without the need for a cable.

Other little touches of the Belkin Pro Charging Case include a mesh pocket for storing things like cables, Joy-Con straps, or cleaning cloths, which is very handy. However, my favorite might be the AirTag sleeve that’s also hidden in this pocket, which might give you a chance of recovering your system if lost or stolen (although I wouldn’t count on it).

Battery

Despite the increased size of the Pro Charging Case’s included battery, it has the same 10,000 mAh capacity as its cheaper sibling. This means you’ll typically have enough juice for just over 1.5 recharges for your Switch 2 and its built-in 5,220 mAh cell. Instead of relying on a simple external power supply like before, the Belkin-supplied battery comes with a second USB-C port and a kickstand. This makes it much easier to plug in your Switch 2 every time you put it in the case. This way you know the next time you turn it on it will be at 100%.

Alternatively, you can lift the kickstand to prop up the Switch 2 and play on it while it remains nestled inside the case. This might seem a bit redundant since Nintendo’s console already has its own kickstand, but Belkin’s allows you to continue charging the system while you play without the need for a cord. There’s even a handy display on the side of the battery, so it’s very easy to see how much juice is left, even when the case is closed. Plus, when you need to recharge the power brick, you can do so without removing it from the case or disconnecting your Switch thanks to that bonus USB-C port on the exterior. Compared to the previous model, this is certainly a sleeker solution that brings subtle quality of life improvements. The only downside is that the battery is somewhat oddly shaped, so you won’t really want to use it on its own.

Conclude

There’s no doubt that the new Pro Charging Case battery is a more premium solution that’s easier to use and manage. When you need to recharge it, you can do so from the outside without opening the pouch. It also lets you charge a Switch 2 without ever needing a cable. The built-in kickstand is another bonus that helps elevate the entire kit from a simple case to something closer to a small all-in-one gaming cabin.

That said, after using it for a few weeks, I’m still not sure the added convenience is worth $30 more than the original. Due to the new shape of the batteries, they are less useful as a stand-alone power cell and the rest of the case design remains largely unchanged. Of course, it’s always nice to have options, and if you’re the type of person who doesn’t mind spending a little more for simpler, more practical kit, Belkin’s Pro Charging Case for the Switch 2 is still worth considering.