Dbrand Addresses Criticism over Switch 2 Issue, Vows to Provide a Solution
Revamped Article:
Dbrand, the infamous tech company known for its blunt wit and Sahara-like humor, found themselves in a pickle recently, dealing with an issue surrounding their Killswitch case for the Switch 2. Some users experienced a peculiar problem where the Joy-Cons would inexplicably detach under pressure applied to the magnetic connector. And as any Heat-level fan can expect, Dbrand's auto-response was a dismissive "you're holding it wrong."
However, the situation escalated faster than you can say 'TriHard'.
On the Reddit hot seat, Dbrand posted, "We get it – our initial response was a colossal facepalm to the issue at hand. We acknowledge that the complaints we received are pointing at a problem we alone are responsible for solving." Even some criticism that went way beyond reason didn't escape their attention – "literally death threats" being one example. But the company remained steadfast, stating that every complaint was grounded in a problem that needed serious addressed.
What's the Dealio?
The Dbrand Killswitch case for the Switch 2 is inspired by their Steam Deck case, offering an impressive upgrade to the Nintendo system with enhanced protection, texturized joystick pads, and superior grips for the Joy-Cons. But this post is all about those Joy-Con grips.
It appears that some of the units shipped with a slight hiccup in the manufacturing process, impacting the retaining lip that secures the Joy-Con grips. The gap between the Joy-Con connectors on the standard Switch 2 design allows for the necessary flexibility, even under stressful conditions. But the slightly beefy grip seemingly spreads things just a hair too far, throwing off the design's stability.
The excessively-thick grips on the Dbrand Killswitch have led to unexpected detachments for some users. Heavy-handed users, who hold the entire Switch 2 by a single Joy-Con and shake it, are most affected. This volatile shake, combined with the extra tension on the magnet, seems to trigger the Joy-Con detachment, sending the entire Switch 2 tumbling through the air.
During my testing, I noticed that the tooling on my prerelease copy had a slight raised edge when the Killswitch grip was fitted. This added a noticeable wiggle that wasn't present when the grip wasn't on the device.
While it may be a niche issue, Dbrand is of the belief that gamers should be able to hold their gear however they prefer – highlighted by the "freedom" mantra they proclaim.
Solving the Issue
Dbrand is on the hunt for a couple of solutions to the problem. They've pondered using adhesive, like some other Switch 2 accessory manufacturers, but they see this as a dead-end, leading to 100% failure over time.
Instead, they're focusing on innovative re-engineering of their grip solution. Their goal is to slim down the "lip" issue and develop what they call the "Holy Grail" solution for Joy-Con grip attachment. Both options won't be easy, with the "Holy Grail" solution potentially being too complex for mass production.
From their Reddit post:
"There's a strong possibility that the first prototype we create will get jammed on the tooling, turning it into an expensive paperweight. We're well beyond the feasibility limit of mass production with this design – the sole reason why we didn’t choose this route initially."
If Dbrand can pull off the "Holy Grail" solution, it will let users shake their Joy-Cons like a freestyle dance champion, providing attachment reliability comparable to a standard Switch 2 setup. The team is yet to share any details about the exact design changes but I, for one, am eagerly anticipating the final solution's form and functionality.
Even if the "Holy Grail" solution fails to make the cut, simply trimming down the lip on the Joy-Con grip isn't without its own set of challenges. To fix the problem, Dbrand is set to use "tiny electrostatic charges, repeated millions of times, over the course of two weeks", adjusting their grip design through minute modifications. They won't know if these changes will actually work until July 10th, when they attempt a production run. If the "Holy Grail" approach proves unfeasible, they will default to the lip reduction solution.
Do You Qualify for Replacements?
Adam Ijaz, Dbrand CEO, had some words on the recent brouhaha and response:
"When it comes to mass-producing physical goods, perfection is the unattainable ideal. While some companies might manage to address problems quietly and regret a handful of one-star reviews, we're a different breed. Our community is massive, active, and passionate, giving us a unique platform for broad discussions about our products. While this gift has its upsides, such as instant feedback and constructive criticism – when things go wrong, they seem way more damaging than they actually are."
Dbrand has promised to send free replacement sets of improved Joy-Con grips to all customers, regardless of whether they're experiencing the issue or not. Once a solution is decided upon on July 10th, Killswitch Switch 2 customers will receive an email explaining how to get their replacement grips.
I'm thrilled to see Dbrand stepping up to rectify their mistake. The Killswitch case is a game-changer for my beloved Nintendo Switch 2, turning it into an ideal travel companion. The superior grips, travel-friendly design, and screen protectors contribute to a device that's well-protected, looks great and feels even better. I can't wait to regain the freedom to shake my Switch 2 like M. Bison!
Keep an eye on the dbrand subreddit for further updates, or just stay tuned to your inbox for more information.
- Dbrand's current challenge lies in finding a solution for the issue affecting the Joy-Con grip on their Killswitch case for the Switch 2, which has resulted in unexpected detachments for some users.
- Despite the minor manufacturing hiccup, gadget enthusiasts and smartphone users alike can look forward to the promising "Holy Grail" solution that Dbrand is aiming to develop for improved Joy-Con grip attachment.
