Belkin Nintendo Switch 2 Charging Gaming Grip Review – Ergonomics On The Go

When Belkin comes to mind, you’d probably be thinking screen protectors, cables and phone cases, yet the gaming range has been quietly grown into a fairly impressive selection of console peripherals that feel unique in the space. After a year with the Nintendo Switch 2, the battery and the handheld feel over long periods have to be my main issues with the console, and Belkin might just have a solution for me. Among the new additions to the range is the Belkin Charging Grip. A snap-on piece of kit that complements the console experience surprisingly well.

It seems like a no-brainer that Belkin would be making gaming peripherals, but it was only around the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 that Belkin fully made the plunge into the space. Now a year into the console’s lifespan, they’ve launched a new iteration of the range featuring a specialised ergonomic grip designed with handheld play in mind.

I’ve been putting the Belkin Charging Grip for the Switch 2 through its paces over the last few weeks, and I have to say it’s surprised me a lot. While I was initially interested in the grips as a means to make handheld play more comfortable, the full case experience with the added power bank became just as convenient.

Installing the charging grip is also incredibly easy. While using it for this review, I never needed to take it off when moving from handheld to docked mode. The shell on the console slots into the dock nice and snug. The power bank features a magnet-style system that lets it lock into the back, and a braided cable that also fits nice and snug within the power bank till you need to plug it in.

Whether you’re chilling on the couch or on the train to work, the grip goes anywhere you go with ease. You can even still use the console docked with the gaming grip shell still on. This is arguably the best thing about it, as it removes that friction between the ways you’d usually be playing on the Switch 2.

And if you’re someone who detests boring accessories, then Belkin definitely has your back with the colour selection as well. The Charging Grip is available in Black, Lilac and Olive, which is uniform over the grip and power bank as well.

Ergonomically, the gaming grip feels really good in the palm. Thankfully, the grips also don’t feature a rubber-style coated grip but a textured finish instead. That makes them feel really easy to hold and avoids them slipping out of your hands as well. I was a big fan of this design, and it never felt like I was going to drop the console even with its bigger profile from the first Nintendo Switch.

When removing the Joy-Cons, despite this also being how the grips are attached doesn’t just allow them to slip off either. They fit really snug and have a nice lock-in design that makes them feel very sturdy on the console. You can also very easily use the Joy-Cons singularly with the

The only part of the grips I was disappointed with was something I found after longer sessions in handheld mode. Due to how the plastic grips conform to the console, they travel up the side of each Joy-Con till just under the shoulder buttons. Rather than conforming to the Joy-Cons on each side they have this weird lip that I found uncomfortable if you were resting your thumbs on the edge. While not a big deal, over longer sessions I did wonder if that design could be a little more uniform.

The magnetic power bank does however, feel right at home on the charging grip. Even when not in use, it’s designed to stay snug on the grip thanks to the magnetisation and small indents that stop it from sliding about at all. I really liked that it saves you having to balance a power bank and a long cable while travelling, something we’ve all done with a phone at one point in time. The little cable that hooks into the power bank is also very low profile. With the console’s battery in mind, the power bank also alleviates that fear of running out of charge on the go.

The power bank packs 5000mAh, so it’s not the biggest on the market, but if you’re looking to keep the console charged on a commute while playing something more graphically intense, then it will keep you out of mischief. I did test other sizes just to feel the weight comparison, and honestly anything higher than the included size was too heavy to hold for long periods, so I think it’s the best it can be. The screen on the battery was also very helpful in knowing how much charge was left.

It’s also important to note that no, you can’t leave the power bank on while docked. I will also note that the middle section of the grip does allow you to use the Switch 2’s kickstand with ease.

My only caveat of the Charging Grip is it definitely requires a special case that fit the shape of the grip. This is something that made travel a little bit harder. If you’re leaving the house with the Charging Grip, I opted for a simple pouch-style neoprene case that had just enough room for the power bank and grips attached. Belkin does also have several cases in the gaming range that aren’t suitable for anything more than the Switch 2. The Travel Bag, however fit the console with the Charging Grip perfectly, even with the power bank still attached.

I will also note that if you’re just looking for something purely to play around the house, the Charging Grip is also available without the power bank for a cheaper price.

While it’s a fairly simple piece of kit that clips on effortlessly, I see this as a good middle ground for anyone eager to improve their handheld experience on the Nintendo Switch 2. Not only does it feature great ergonomic design, but the power bank also keeps you playing longer. It’s a piece of kit I will definitely be continuing to use. Belkin’s experience in cases has clearly paid off.

If you’re someone who uses your Switch 2 in handheld mode a lot then the Charging Grip is definitely for you. With its focus on ergonomics, it’s an easy pick-up that will improve the play experience tenfold. While the Charging Grip does require its own case that fits, it’s a small price to pay for the comfort.