Switch 2 Accessories: Buy Protection First for Zelda Travel?
If you’re planning to take your Switch 2 on a trip to play Zelda, the first accessory you should buy is a protective case, not a new controller or screen protector. A hard-shell travel case with a screen cover and game cartridge slots is the single most important purchase to prevent damage during transit. This article explains why protection comes first, what to look for, and how to keep your console and game safe.
Why Protection Is the First Purchase
When you travel with a handheld console, the biggest risks are physical impact, scratches, and dust. A drop from a seat or a bump in a backpack can crack the screen or damage the Joy-Con rails. A protective case absorbs shock and keeps the console secure. For a game like Zelda, which you may play for hours on a plane or in a hotel, you want the console to survive the journey so you can actually play. Screen protectors are also cheap insurance against scratches from keys or coins in a bag. While a new game or controller is nice, it won’t help if the console itself is damaged.
What to Look for in a Travel Case
Not all cases are equal. The best travel cases for the Switch 2 share several features:
- Hard shell exterior: Rigid plastic or EVA foam that resists crushing.
- Interior padding: Soft lining that doesn’t scratch the screen or Joy-Cons.
- Screen cover: A flap or raised lip that protects the screen from pressure.
- Cartridge storage: Slots for 4–8 game cards, so you don’t lose them.
- Secure closure: A zipper or latch that stays closed during transit.
- Compact size: Fits in a backpack or carry-on without being bulky.
Some cases also have room for the dock, but that adds bulk. For travel, a slim case that holds the console and a few games is usually enough. If you plan to use the console in tabletop mode, look for a case that doubles as a stand.
Screen Protectors: Worth It or Not?
A screen protector is a thin layer of glass or plastic that sticks to the screen. It protects against scratches and, to a lesser extent, cracks. For a handheld you’ll toss into a bag, a tempered glass protector is a good idea. It’s cheap, easy to apply, and if it gets scratched, you replace it instead of the screen. However, a screen protector does not protect against drops—that’s the job of the case. So while a protector is useful, it’s not a substitute for a case. Many cases come with a screen cover built in, so you may not need a separate protector if the case has a rigid flap that touches the screen.
How to Pack Your Switch 2 for Travel
Even with a good case, how you pack matters. Follow these steps:
- Turn off the console completely, not just sleep mode, to save battery and prevent accidental wake-ups.
- Remove any game cartridges and store them in the case’s slots. Leaving a cartridge in the slot is fine, but it can pop out if the console is bumped.
- Place the console in the case with the screen facing the padded side, not the zipper.
- If your case has a strap or elastic band, use it to keep the console from shifting.
- Put the case in a separate compartment of your bag, not at the bottom under heavy items.
- If you’re carrying a power bank, keep it in a different pocket to avoid pressure on the console.
If you’re flying, keep the case in your personal item, not checked luggage. Checked bags are thrown around, and the temperature changes can affect the battery.
Common Mistakes That Damage Consoles
Many people damage their Switch 2 by making simple mistakes:
- Putting the console in a pocket with keys: Keys scratch the screen and the back of the console.
- Using a soft sleeve only: A cloth sleeve protects against scratches but not drops or pressure.
- Leaving the console in a hot car: Heat can warp the plastic and damage the battery. Never leave it in direct sunlight.
- Pulling the Joy-Cons off while the console is in a case: This can bend the rails. Remove them only when the console is out of the case.
- Charging with a third-party cable that doesn’t meet specs: This can damage the battery or the charging port. Use the official charger or a certified one.
If you avoid these, your console will last much longer.
Alternatives to a Dedicated Travel Case
If you don’t want to buy a dedicated case, you have a few options:
- Use the original box: The box the Switch 2 came in is sturdy and has a molded insert. It’s bulky, but it works for a short trip.
- Wrap in a soft cloth: A microfiber cloth around the console and then placed in a hard-sided pencil case can work, but it’s not as secure.
- Use a camera bag: Many camera bags have adjustable padded dividers that can hold a console and accessories.
None of these are as good as a proper case, but they’re better than nothing. If you’re on a budget, a hard-shell pencil case with foam padding is a decent DIY solution.
Cost and Value: Is Protection Worth It?
A quality hard-shell case typically costs between $15 and $30. A screen protector costs $10–$20. Compare that to the cost of replacing a screen (often $100–$200) or the whole console. For the price of a new game, you can protect your entire investment. If you travel even a few times a year, the case pays for itself. The peace of mind is also valuable—you won’t have to worry about your Zelda save file being lost if the console breaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a screen protector if I have a case?
Not necessarily. Many cases have a built-in screen cover that touches the screen, so a separate protector is redundant. However, if you often play in handheld mode and set the console down on rough surfaces, a screen protector adds an extra layer against scratches. It’s a personal choice, but a case is the essential item.
Can I use a Switch 1 case for the Switch 2?
No, the Switch 2 is larger than the original Switch. A Switch 1 case will not fit properly, and the console may move around, which defeats the purpose. You need a case designed specifically for the Switch 2 dimensions.
Is it safe to put the Switch 2 in checked luggage?
It’s not recommended. Checked luggage is subjected to rough handling and temperature extremes. The lithium-ion battery is also a fire risk if damaged. Always carry the console in your carry-on or personal item.
What’s the best way to clean a scratched screen?
You can’t remove scratches from a screen, but you can prevent them. If you already have a scratch, a screen protector may hide it. For cleaning, use a microfiber cloth slightly dampened with water. Never use alcohol or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the oleophobic coating.
Should I buy a case before or after the console?
Buy the case at the same time as the console, or even before. You’ll want protection from day one. If you order online, you can have the case ready when the console arrives. It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
Does the case affect the console’s cooling?
No, as long as you don’t play while the console is in the case. Cases are for storage and travel. When you play, take the console out. Playing in a closed case can block vents and cause overheating.
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