Switch game cases are pretty unnecessary. If you have a clamshell case for your handheld, you likely already have some game storage at hand. Even then, it’s probably not advisable to take a large chunk of your library with you on the go, as you never know what could happen to them.
As unnecessary an accessory as the elago Switch Game Case is, that didn’t stop the $14.99 (Amazon) gadget from grabbing my attention. It’s shaped like the classic Game Boy, so instantly I was swayed by the nostalgia factor. Yet it’s the fact that storing your games in it allows its key art to appear as if you were playing the modern titles on this ’90s device that drove me to add it to my online shopping basket.
By default, the elago Switch Game Case includes a cardboard insert that mimics the classic handheld’s LCD. It’s basically a bit of paper with the brand’s logo printed on it to appear like the Nintendo text that scrolls down the screen when you turn on the real thing. It’s a simple feature, but a detail that I nevertheless appreciate as someone who grew up on the DMG-01 device.
It’s this simple insert that you’re intended to replace with your own games. Swapping them in place will have their stickered art appear as though a cut-out window of the tiny, silicone Game Boy, which is exactly what I did. I took Pokopia Pokopia, Donkey Kong Bananza, and the Super Mario Galaxy + Super Mario Galaxy 2 collection on the original Switch and gently placed them through the little slots, and the resulting effect was ridiculously cute.
In the case of the Switch 2 cartridges, you do see some red peaking through, but it’s not distracting enough to be a genuine issue. In the case of Pokopia, the game’s cartridge art fits almost perfectly on the replicated screen (bar the cut-off Nintendo logo) and looks absolutely adorable. I also tested out Donkey Kong Bananza, which looked even better, as the framing of DK and Pauline is better aligned with the cut-out window of the case.
As cute as it looks, I’d be very hesitant to actually store my games this way, as elago intends this to be a keychain that dangles off your backpack, or even your jeans. Neither Pokemon Pokopia nor Donkey Kong Bananza were very cheap, and they wouldn’t be cheap to replace if they were to fall off my jeans while out in public, so I instead keep this as a display piece for my desk. It’s honestly what I’d recommend for anyone else privy to this neat Game Boy-inspired accessory.
Yet, it’s still a unique take on Switch game cases, which can often just be boring, hard plastic accessories with some art stuck on top. Elago also went all out to make this tiny gadget full of detail, as the tiny d-pad, pink-red buttons, and the volume wheel are all 3-dimensional, though they naturally aren’t actually functional.
If you’re a fan of retro handhelds and want a funky way to store some of your new Switch 2 pickups, this is a neat piece to add to your desk, or add to your bag if you’re brave enough. Despite its low cost, it’s a surprisingly detailed and well-made accessory that has me hoping elago will give the Switch 2 more attention in the future.
- View all Nintendo Switch game cases at Amazon
New to Switch 2? Check out our guides to the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers, the best Nintendo Switch headsets, and the best Nintendo Switch 2 cameras.