The First Mechanism Case for Switch 2 Is as Great as I Hoped
Most companies have slowed the release of new Switch 2 cases, but one of my favorite accessory makers has finally launched its first after several delays. Mechanism's $49 Basecase is a sturdy shell for the console that gives access to the company's modular base lineup. You can place the Switch 2 in several […]
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A $49 case that protects your console and offers customization through modularity.
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Basecase, seen here with 3D-printed handles and a backplate that offers (unofficial) compatibility with Lego blocks and minifigures.
is an editor that covers deals and gaming hardware. He joined in 2018 and rejoined The Verge in May 2025 after two years at Polygon.
Most companies have slowed down the release of new Switch 2 cases, but one of my favorite accessory makers recently released the first after several delays. The $49 Basecase from Mechanism is a sturdy shell for the console that accesses the company's collection of modular bases. You can mount the Switch 2 in a number of ways with the $19 Basegrip (to a wall, gaming pillow, monitor arm, etc.). The difference is that this new product protects your console, makes it easier to use the Joy-Con, and has interesting modularity.
The console shell allows full access to the Switch 2 base and access to all ports, buttons, and fan vents. Notably, it fits better than others I've tried, as it sits near the USB-C port on the bottom of the console. This is a good thing. You can unlock the back panel and replace it with a custom 3D printed version for added fun and/or utility. Mechanism sent over a couple of printed samples that hint at the possibilities - one that has Lego clips to attach some minifigures to, and another that has slots for game cartridges.
The basecase closes securely to prevent the backplate from bending when mounting and removing it from Mechanism accessories.
Each of the four grips includes a storage slot for a Switch game cartridge, which is a lovely touch.
The grips on the back of the Joy-Con shield are also modular. The set includes two sizes that add varying degrees of bulk, both of which make them easier to use. Remove any of the handles and there is room for a game cartridge. It's a fun way to bring in extra physical games. The mechanism includes some additional grip types that are not for sale to demonstrate what is possible with a 3D printer. I really liked the pair that have a little shelf on each side for your middle or ring fingers to rest on.
You cannot use the Switch 2 in its dock with the Basecase. So Mechanism includes a dock adapter that takes a different approach—not necessarily better or worse—than Dbrand did with its Killswitch. Instead of putting in a Switch 2, it's just a female-to-male USB-C cable that you have to maneuver over the dock's video-out port. It's not as easy to install as the marketing suggests, but I finally succeeded. Those using a third-party USB-C dock from Jsaux or Genki do not need to use this part.
This 3D printed grip that Mechanism sent made a night and day difference to my comfort when using the Switch 2 in manual mode.
Even if it sounds uncertain, the games are very convenient in their storage section on this printed back page.
Basecase appears to be designed to address several points of failure in previous Switch 2 cases released by Dbrand, Genki, and others, which unfortunately caused some quality control issues when trying to launch cases for the first time in the first Swtich 2 release.
For example, the Joy-Con Basecase handles have a small rubber lip that goes around the top of the controller's colored interior. After some users noticed that their consoles were holding the weight of the Switch 2 without support for the controller, Dbrand modified its convenient Killswitch grip to add this. Basecase does a good job of avoiding this problem.
I've tested the latest Switch 2 controllers and this one is the best
Also important: the interchangeable Joy-Con grips are easy to attach and require almost no effort to line up the latch pins to secure. I can never quite get a feel for the ones included in Genki's Attack Vector case (we'll see what Genki's future Grips look like). Also, while most competitors' thin plastic cases have awkward or flexible parts, the Basecase feels tougher.
If you're bought into the Mechanism mounts ecosystem and own a Switch 2, chances are you've been waiting for this release (and maybe already own this case). For gamers who haven't tried the company's base system yet, this is a really good place to start. You can get all the 3D printer files at Makerworld or Printables.
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