Suppose you are looking for a way to make the Nintendo Switch a lot more portable-friendly. In that case, this new Kickstarter campaign might have the answer: an all-in-one modular case that makes Nintendo’s hybrid console more convenient as a companion gadget when traveling.
The G-Case by Plenbo is aimed to be the “all-in-one” solution for those that play their Switch primarily in handheld mode. Outside of adding additional protection to the back of the console, the G-Case includes a 5000mAh battery pack that provides up to 5 hours of additional battery life and the option to detach the battery pack and use it to charge other devices such as your smartphone or a tablet.
To minimize the number of items you are carrying, the G-Case also includes two cards slots: one on each side of the grip cases, allowing you to hold up to three Nintendo Switch games with the attachment.
The G-Case also allows you to detach the case and Joy-Cons themselves from the Switch. And the added option to connect the grips together is similar to Nintendo’s official Joy-Con grip. The grips on the Joy-Cons are also replaceable with three grip sizes to fit most hands.
Some of the more interesting features on the G-Case include one model that offers Bluetooth connectivity. While the Switch already has built-in Bluetooth, there is an issue of latency; Plenbo claims that the G-Case’s Bluetooth 5.0 will allow for a more seamless connection between the console and wireless headphones with audio latency down to 40 milliseconds. The G-Case also includes a kickstand, which might not be useful for OLED model owners, but is an added benefit for those that own the regular Nintendo Switch.
Case aside, Plenbo has also announced additional items that complement the G-Case, such as a carrying case and a wireless controller adapter designed for PC, an Android TV box, and the Switch compatible with other devices such as the PlayStation 5. This includes the OneDock, which includes one USB-C, USB-A, and HDMI 2.0 ports and allows players to connect the Switch to a TV without a docking station.
The project has already reached its funding goal, but if you are interested in preordering the device, you can pledge $79 to receive the case itself. Or $169 to receive the unit and additional accessories, such as the OneDock brick. Important to note, howver, if you decide to back the project, there may be some “unforseeable” issues as noted on the G-Case’s “Risks and challenges” section of the Kickstarter page.
Taylor is the Associate Tech Editor at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.