Dbrand Joy-Lock improves Switch 2 comfort but not Pro

Dbrand released the Joy-Lock Controller Holder for the Switch 2 at $19.95. Matching Joy-Lock Grips are $19.95; a $5 bundle discount brings the combined price to $34.90. Dbrand presents the system as a lower-cost alternative to the standalone Pro Controller, which retails for about $90. The Joy-Lock items are available from Dbrand’s website.

The system has two parts: a hinged plastic holder that joins two Joy-Con and separate textured grips that slide over each controller. The holder is compact and made of rigid plastic. Its hinge offers six positions, from perpendicular down to roughly a 45-degree split. The holder’s design lets Joy-Con LEDs show through and includes magnetic interiors with color accents for the Switch 2’s default red and blue. Dbrand ships the parts in foam beds inside printed card slipcases.

Hands-on testing found the holder alone did not produce a pad-like feel. Comfort and control improved when the separate grips were attached. The grips add a coarse-textured surface and a curved ridge to support the middle fingers, which reduced slippage during intense play. With the grips fitted and the hinge opened one or two notches from perpendicular, the assembly approximated a conventional gamepad’s feel.

Test sessions included slower and more intense action titles. The holder and grips remained secure during varied gameplay and resisted accidental opening and closing. Reviewers noted the construction felt sturdy and comparable to Nintendo’s official peripherals. The product does not change the Joy-Con button or thumbstick placement and does not charge Joy-Con while docked.

Ergonomic limitations trace primarily to Joy-Con layout. The right analog stick sits much closer to the Joy-Con edge than on a true controller, which forces thumbs nearer the stick and moves palms away from the casing edge. That thumb and palm positioning affected grip for some testers. Hand size and finger length influenced comfort; smaller hands tended to find the setup more workable than larger hands.

Price influences choice between the Joy-Lock system and standalone controllers. At $34.90 with grips, the cost approaches lower- and mid-range third-party pads while remaining below the Pro Controller. The Switch 2 includes an official grip in the console box that performs a similar basic function.

Dbrand provided the sample used for testing. The Joy-Lock Controller Holder and Joy-Lock Grips are sold through Dbrand’s online store.