Should You Buy the Nyko Thin Dockable Protective Case Kit for the Nintendo Switch

In this video, we check out and test the Nyko Thin Protective Case for the Nintendo Switch.Show more

From the early days of the Switch on concern many had was how to protect the system from damage, scratches and drops. Some had discovered that simply inserting and removing the Switch from the dock could cause scratches on the screen, and recently others have reporded their systems have been warping due to heat or other issues.

Accessory manufacturer Nyko has released a number of accessories for the Switch since it was released. From 3rd party docks, cases, charging stands for controllers and more, Nyko has definitely given the Switch a lot of love. Their latest release is a thin protective case for the Switch and Joy Cons that you can leave on the system while docked. This is especially interesting because not only does it protect the system in handheld mode but also when inserting the system into the dock.

The case comes with a slilcone red and blue Joy Con protector that, frankly, make the Joy Cons feel rather slick compared to stock. If they were somehow textured they would make them easier to hold and less slickery. Nyko includes a really nice tempered glass screen protector with the kit too. It's pretty thick, easy to install thanks to the included wipes, and adds an extra level of protection to your system. Finally, the case itself is SUPER thin, and while simple in design can be finicky to install. You'll need to not only snap the case together but you snap the tabs in on the system to make it lock into place. To ensure you have installed the case properly run your finger across the seam; if there's a high spot as you move your finger front-to-back across the seam you need to work to get things snapped together.

Compatibility was one of my biggest concerns. I was sure it would work with the stock dock, I mean it's advertised as such. I was curious whether or not it would work with other 3rd party docks. The stock dock worked perectly, no issues at all. It is a bit of a tight fit however it does fit well. It also protects the screen from getting scratched when inserting and removing the system into the dock. If you're only concerned with the stock Nintendo dock, consider this a win! I, however, was concerned with other docks too.

First up was the Insignia dock and, well, it didn't work. Like at all. It wasn't even close. Well that was rather disappointing as I think the Insignia dock is rather popular due to the price point. Up next, I tested Nyko's own Portable Switch Dock. Unsurprisingly this worked like a champ. Good to see that they verified cross-accessory compatibility! Finally I tested the CharJenPro SWITCHub and, just like the Insignia, it just didn't work. 50% incompatibility rate isn't good.

Why it RoX:

- Decent Price

- Works with stock and Nyko docks

- Tempered glass screen protector

What could be improved?

- Doesn't work with all docks

- Very slippery

- Does retain some heat

- Challenging to install

The footage used in this review are used under the Fair Use laws, referenced below:

https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/107

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The fact that a work is unpublished shall not itself bar a finding of fair use if such finding is made upon consideration of all the above factors.
(Pub. L. 94–553, title I, § 101, Oct. 19, 1976, 90 Stat. 2546; Pub. L. 101–650, title VI, § 607, Dec. 1, 1990, 104 Stat. 5132; Pub. L. 102–492, Oct. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 3145.)