Skull & Co MaxCarry Case for Nintendo Switch Review

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A while back, I took a look at the Skull & Co GripCase, and, besides finding it to be a competent, strong and aesthetically pleasing skin case for my Switch, the side grips did leave me feeling a little bulky with my previous travel case. Granted, I’ve had that case literally since the Switch’s launch, but still, I didn’t find anything that really did whatever else I needed, so that was good enough. Well, thankfully, the good people at Skull & Co decided I should take a better look at how the GripCase could function in a world with a proper carrying case, and, now, I’ve had a chance to look at their multipurpose travel case, the Maxcarry case. My conclusion? A shockingly roomy and hardy travel case for all needs and purposes.

The first thing you notice when you look at the Maxcarry Case is that it’s much thicker than a lot of simpler cases available on the market, and this could be a deterrent for many people. For me, I travel to work everyday by train, and having my Switch on me is a must, carrying case and all. While the Maxcarry might be a tad large to fit into a briefcase and certainly not a handbag, it’s more than slim enough to sit merrily inside my backpack, alongside my normal travel items (change of clothes, papers, my laptop, etc.). The careful molding creates something that is still almost the same shape as the Switch, but with a bit of additional overhead and underhead. Just a cursory look at the outside would cause you to think that the inside is merely massive padding and a place for your Switch, but that’s certainly not the case.

Upon opening the Maxcarry Case, you’re greeted by a series of compartments that all serve different purposes and functions. The double lipped mesh pocket at the very top is perfect for storing various accessories (earbuds, styluses, bluetooth adapters) without having them shake and move all over the case. The design of the opening allows for things to be safely tucked in, the mesh holds them in place while still allowing for breathability, and they won’t simply go falling out when you open it up. The double level lining cards serve a dual purpose of additional protection and holding up to ten game cards in a convenient set of elastic slots. The reason they exist as two different cards isn’t just additional protection, though: the secondary card has a foldable kink that allows it to create a back easel for the Switch, which, along with the slotted ridges within, make for a multi-angle stand for your Switch wherever you are. Though I primarily enjoy playing in handheld mode when on the go, I tested the functionality of the “stand,” and it worked perfectly fine, so it’s certainly an option when you want to play undocked and keep both hands free for a lot of JoyCon action.

The bottom level of the Maxcarry Case serves as both the resting location for the Switch as well as a fair number of accessories. From my own experience, you can comfortably put in the OEM power adapter, one additional set of JoyCons, and an extra USB cord for charging, which is a terrific amount of room considering I still need to fit the Switch in there. While the contours of the case can hold a Switch in any condition, it’s really designed best to work in tandem with the GripCase, and that makes perfect sense. Since the GripCase does create a whole new dimension to the Switch, making sure their signature case works with their signature skin is simple math, and I appreciate it. Within the GripCase, the Switch sits snugly, with no wiggle room whatsoever, but still quite easy to take in and out without any effort. Less so when the GripCase is removed, but it’s far from “loose” without a GripCase. In any condition, the Maxcarry has your Switch covered.

The hard shell of the Maxcarry Case isn’t meant to stop bullets or oncoming vehicles, but it will work wonders to keep your Switch safe in almost all normal situations. The corners of the case have clearly been reinforced, providing a much stronger and denser protection from potential drops and bumps that could otherwise spell doom for your machine. The case will bend when enough pressure is applied, but springs back to its original form, allowing the soft interior and different layers to keep the screen of the Switch protected should there be a shift in your luggage and things get a bit tight for your machine. Again, normal amount of sane protection need to be exercised: you cannot sit on it, you should not rest several textbooks on it, and it should not be used to try and fight off a would-be mugger. But, if you’re trusting your child to bring it to a friend’s house and they drop it, or you’re trying to just get home from a long day and someone whacks your case with a careless kick, the Switch is going to be just fine, and your investment stays safe.

There is a world of cases out there for the Nintendo Switch, but they all seem to gravitate towards one direction or another. You have these ultra sleek cases that might possibly protect against an errant breeze that blows dust at your Switch, but not much else. You have these kevlar level cases that weigh a couple kilos and will save your Switch from a rhinoceros, but you’re sacrificing space, mobility and accessibility. The Maxcarry Case is the best of both worlds, taking up a minimal amount of room, offering additional slots for your gear (not your dock, but everything in between) and providing peace of mind that, if you get shoved from behind or you have to throw something hastily into your bag, you won’t have doomed your Switch to a cracked screen and doomed your wallet to another 300 dollars. The Maxcarry Case is, simply put, one of the best values for a travel container out there. You’re already rocking a hybrid console: why not put it in a hybrid case?

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Skull & Co MaxCarry Case for Nintendo Switch Review
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  • Graphics - 10/10
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  • Sound - 10/10
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  • Replay Value - 10/10
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User Review
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Summary

A beautiful, functional and form fitting case, the Maxcarry is a recommended without the GripCase, and an absolute must with.


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