For gamers that tend to play their Switch more in handheld mode than docked, Switch OLED is an impressive upgrade that expands the size of the console's screen by reducing the size of the bezel. The console itself is almost the same size as the original — we say almost because the OLED unit is a teeny 0.1 of an inch longer than the regular Switch. It's a minor difference that is barely noticeable in the flesh or when you slide it into the dock, but one that you'll definitely notice if you try to put the newer console into a grip designed for the original.
It was with some disappointment that we found Switch OLED wouldn't fit in our existing grip accessory, but after casting aside fleeting notions of sanding down the sides of our Joy-Con controllers, we investigated alternative grips and found a couple of options, one of which is Skull & Co. Gaming's NeoGrip.
Why use a grip in the first place? you might ask. Well, the fact is that while the Joy-Con's form factor is convenient for brief portable play sessions, many players — this writer included — find them uncomfortable to use for an extended length of time, especially while supporting the weight of the console in handheld mode (and remember that the Switch OLED is 0.05lbs heavier than the standard model). Over the past few years we've noted more frequent aches and pains in our hands, and in the interests of taking care of ourselves to avoid long-term issues, an ergonomic grip is a simple and effective way to increase comfort while gaming on-the-go — or while enjoying the eye-searing OLED screen on the newest Switch.
So, what does the NeoGrip do that other grips don't? Well, for starters it comes with three pairs of interchangeable handles to suit various hand sizes. They slide on from the bottom and clip into place at the rear. There's the flatter 'Snap Grips' with an embossed pattern, the chunkiest 'Plus' pair for those with big hands/long fingers, and an in-between pair with a hard edge on the top that makes them easier to grip with your middle digits while your index fingers are free to hit the shoulder buttons.
We started with the latter 'Trigger Grip' variant, but ended up finding the largest ones most comfortable in our old-man mitts. The ability to slide on your preferred options — or mix and match at will — is definitely welcome.
Build quality is good, with the plastics used complimenting the materials of the console itself. A couple of our grips arrived in two halves but they snapped together perfectly. We were sent the white colour option to match the OLED's Joy-Con, but there's a red/black/blue version if you prefer the classic Switch scheme.
Installing it on your Switch is a simple matter of sliding the console in from the top with Joy-Con attached — secure it using the separate clip on the top and you're good to go. You can use the grip just fine without that little clicky tab, although the console will slowly slide out if it's turned upside down for any reason (inside a bag, for instance). The extra tab feels like a minor inconvenience with the potential to get lost fairly easily, but it holds everything appropriately secure. It's fine, we can just see it getting lost in the bottom of a bag or falling down the back of the sofa.
Comfort-wise, we played Metroid Dread for several hours using the NeoGrip and had absolutely no complaints whatsoever, even when we had to execute some of the more complicated control manoeuvres that game demands. You're never going to do better than a Pro Controller when it comes to extended gaming sessions, but this was a close second.
The design of this grip's body leaves the console's wide kickstand totally free and useable if you want to change to tabletop mode, although you'll have to lay the system pretty flat when using the larger 'Plus' or 'Trigger' grips. Other grips we've used stand up on their own, but the NeoGrip lays horizontal — better if you want to play some Clubhouse Games in two-player, perhaps.
One neat feature is NeoGrip's compatibility with your common or garden Switch. Yes, you can just slide the old console in and secure it with the tab (see Jon's video below), but the two-part body is held together with three screws and a small spacer which can be removed to make the grip fit perfectly with a regular Switch. It would be even better if you didn't have to crack out a tiny Phillips screwdriver to switch between Switches, but it's a secure design and another welcome feature.
Overall, if you find the Switch and Joy-Con controllers a tad uncomfortable to use in portable mode and need something more ergonomic, the NeoGrip is an easy recommendation, especially for longer play sessions or if you simply have to take better care of your hands. It makes handheld play infinitely more comfortable and its quality construction and materials are an admirable match for the console. Its flexibility in terms of interchangeable grips and interoperability with the regular and OLED models is a real boon, too. So as long as you keep track of that easy-to-lose top tab, you'll find portable play sessions using this more comfortable over the long haul while you're gently toasting your eyeballs with the OLED screen.
The NeoGrip is available now for $19.99 from Skull & Co.'s website. Thanks to them for providing a sample for this review.
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Comments 30
More plastic sh*t we don't really need. Great.
@Deanster101 Calm down, some of us big-handed people rely on these things. I'm literally waiting to transfer my ACNH island to my new OLED until I find a grip that works for my hands.
Thanks for this review! I'll be trying this one out. I wish RDS Industries would make an updated grip for the OLED. I love their grip on my OG Switch.
(edit) Thanks for the headsup @RCGamer. Ordered from Amazon.
I really hate this company made by thieves. I bought from them at their AliExpress store in June and never received anything. Neither them or AliExpress did anything to help and simply kept my money.
@Deanster101 Well, video game consoles aren't exactly essential goods, either.
How does this stack up against Satisfye’s grip? If this is comparable, I’ll cancel my preorder of the Satisfye…
No mention that having this grip on the switch (I have it myself) means that the Switch will not fit in the dock without bending out one of the walls of the dock. Seems like a not-minor detail of a review, but something that would be left out of an advertisement... hm.
@RCGamer I am currently in an argument with their "customer service" about the delivery of this very item from their website. The tracking site is in chinese, didn't inform me of which courier was delivering the parcel within UK once it got airmailed over from China and didn't let me know about a missed delivery (partly the fault of - one assumes - royal mail who didn't leave a calling card) which has now overrun its holding time at the local mail centre!!! Now demanding I pay a resending fee as its been returned to Hayes PD (where?!)... buy with caution folks!!
I’ve been using the grip for a couple weeks now, and really like it. It makes the switch feel sturdier overall (i.e., eliminates the joycon wiggle). I got mine with the case, which is a great place to store that top tab when not in use. Very happy! Recommended!
Mine arrived today but has gone away until Christmas so got a fun few weeks of waiting to go…
I ordered mine on the 2nd, it was dispatched on the 4th and it arrived today which is insanely fast for free shipping from China. I quite often by electronic components off Chinese sites and I’m used to waiting 4-6 weeks for their free shipping.
"the Switch OLED is 0.5lbs heavier than the standard model"
Wait, that can't be right... 8 ounces heavier? I thought it was more like 22 grams, or less than an ounce...
@VitaminDJ Ha, I missed a zero there - apologies! It's 0.93lbs versus 0.88lbs (with Joy-Cons attached). I've edited the zero in now.
@boatie Is there any grip on the market that can stay on the Switch while it’s docked? Never once crossed my mind that someone would try jamming it in their dock still attached.
It’s brilliant. A must have for OLED Switch.
@bherdm l’m actually very calm. It’s a debate I can’t be bothered getting into here anyway. Enjoy your plastic sh*t.
It looks nice but I'll wait for the Satisfye grip. Satisfye hasn't let me down with my OG Switches or Switch lite systems. Until then, I'll continue using my Hori Split Pad Pro with my Switch OLED!
@DTfeartheBEARD Yes I wanted to order the new version of the Satisfy grip when I got their email, but their current shipping prices are totally absurd at the moment. more than double the price of the grip itself. Nuts.
So will have to wait until their grips end up on Amazon somewhere with more reasonable shipping prices.
@Jeronan Exactly my case…
@Nontendo_4DS yes I wonder 😂
@Jeronan I'm sorry to hear that, I'm assuming you don't live in the US? Shipping fees for the grip are really cheap here. The grip should end up on Amazon soon enough! I ordered my other Satisfy grips from Amazon.
It is sad this type of product is even necessary. For a large game controller with a screen, the Wii U Gamepad is so much more comfortable to hold for long periods of time. When I use the Switch off screen (which is not often) I always wish that Nintendo would have made the ergonomics better. They obviously know how.
@Deanster101 more plastic sh*t you don't need maybe. For others having a more solid grip is pretty essential for longer play sessions.
It's no where near as good as their original grip. Had the original one for a couple years, tried this one out and have been nothing but disappointed.
The hand grip ergonomics aren't that great and worst of all, it "fits" into the dock only because it flexes the front panel pretty substantially.
Have these grips for regular Switch and Switch Lite. The grips for the switch lite are superb and more comfy than the normal Switch. Highly recommended 👌
While I still prefer the original Gripcase, the new one has been alright so far and obviously is now more of a direct competitor to the Satisfye grip.
I use the Satisfye grip for my standard Switch and it is amazing
Was going to get this from Amazon and it has a Jan 11th delivery date. Is there any other options that might have better availability?
@P-Man works with OLED?
I think so, but I’m not sure
I order thru their website. Tracking number and was deliver in a week and a half. Love the grip. Oled seems a little shaky but the grip holds everything together very nicely. It docks a little tight but does not have that front bend other comments have. Got it with the case. Case has little compartment. Just wish it had room to hold extra grips. Overall I love this product.
CA, USA
@RCGamer could this be a issue with Aliexpress?
I order my directly from the site, and received it here in the EU within 2 weeks.
I love the grip that my brother got me for last Christmas. It is the only way I play handheld mode, and it slides into the dock easy enough when I am not playing. It isn't a completely smooth transition but I don't have to force it. It just goes down only one particular way.
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