Tech Up! Front Cover for Nintendo Switch

With a new console or handheld purchase, many will likely opt for some sort of accessory or two. With options ranging from essential memory cards or hard drives, to those plastic controller attachments to simulate sports better, there has never been a better range to choose from online or off. Nintendo's Switch is no exception, and being somewhat of a unique case given its hybrid nature of portable and home-based possibilities, it has already received all the screen protectors, cases, and skins anyone could want. The Front Cover for Nintendo Switch, made by Keys Factory, aims to protect the screen not with a direct layer, but a more clamshell result akin to the DS and 3DS line of systems. Fresh from the Land of the Rising Sun - and after taking a look at HORI's Playstand - Cubed3 takes the Front Cover for a test drive.

Much like the sleek tablet covers that have been popular since the iPad Smart variant, the Front Cover for Nintendo Switch attaches to the unit and spreads a thin overlay onto the screen. Branded with the console logo in the corner, the black cover looks fantastic on top of a standard grey Joy-Con setup, and likely retains its stylish look alongside the neon options, as well, although there is a purple-themed purchase choice for those hoping for something different.

The cover is easy to fold up and tuck behind the unit when in use, and comes complete with air vent holes along the top to allow the Switch's cooling to come through when tucked behind. This does tend to get a bit fidgety alongside any Joy-Con rumbling going on, but holding it back with the tips of the fingers when gripping the unit provides a surprising amount of comfort.

Covering only the screen and as little along the topside of the unit as possible, the Front Cover for Nintendo Switch allows easy access to the power and volume controls, and in no way impedes the USB-C slot on the bottom of the device. This includes using the device outside of handheld mode, for big screen gaming via the dock, as it can drape over or flip behind the unit.

It can also be easily taken off when desired, as it simply clips onto the top of the console. Even the Joy-Con rails have been designed around, so they can be easily taken off and reattached at will.

The only minor drawback of the Front Cover, besides its current exclusivity to Japan, is that it doesn't share the standing ability of its tablet brethren. Specifically, it doesn't have the length necessary to fold back over and around for a makeshift stand. Admittedly, the built-in kickstand on the Nintendo Switch makes this point somewhat moot, but many have voiced displeasure at the limited angle and fragility of said feature, and most covers with this kind of design on other devices have this ability. It is indeed a very minor issue, however, and the box in no way insinuates having this feature in the first place; it is simply an unspoken acceptance. The Front Cover for Nintendo Switch is a strong recommendation for Switch owners looking for that extra piece of mind with their new hardware, and to give an extra bit of flair to an already great looking device.

9/10

Exceptional - Gold Award

Slightly pricier than a regular applied screen protector, the Front Cover for Nintendo Switch justifies the extra cost (£15 on import via Play-Asia) with a sleek effective layer and excellent design. A tad less functional than the look may imply, the Front Cover is nonetheless  a smart option and entirely complementary to Nintendo's hybrid machine.