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I want to love the Switch 2 Belkin Charging Grip, but it’s so heavy that I might as well be playing my hefty Steam Deck
GamesRadar+ reviews the Belkin Charging Grip, an accessory for the Nintendo Switch 2 that combines a handheld grip with a built-in battery to extend play time away from a dock. The reviewer likes the concept but finds the added bulk and weight a serious drawback, arguing that the extra heft undermines the appeal of playing the Switch 2 in handheld mode.
The central complaint is that the grip makes the console so heavy that it feels comparable to holding a Steam Deck, a notably chunkier handheld PC. As a result, the writer concludes that the charging benefit is offset by reduced comfort during longer sessions, leaving them conflicted about an accessory they wanted to recommend. The piece frames it as a trade-off between battery convenience and the lightweight portability that makes the Switch 2 attractive in the first place.
In short
- Belkin's Switch 2 Charging Grip adds battery life but too much weight.
- The reviewer says it feels as heavy as a Steam Deck.
- Extra bulk undermines the Switch 2's handheld comfort.
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The case for
The Belkin Charging Grip addresses a genuine problem for portable gamers: limited battery life when away from power sources for extended periods. Extended play sessions on long journeys, commutes, or holidays become feasible with integrated charging, and the consolidated design offers convenience that a separate portable charger cannot match. For users who prioritise battery longevity over absolute minimalism, the added weight is a reasonable trade-off.
The case against
The Switch 2's principal appeal is lightweight portability and comfortable handheld play, which the grip's added bulk directly undermines. Users seeking extended battery life can employ thin external chargers without sacrificing the device's defining advantage, making the grip's weight penalty an unnecessary compromise that replicates easily replaceable functionality whilst eroding the console's core selling point of unencumbered handheld gaming.
Explained simply
The Nintendo Switch 2 is Nintendo's latest handheld gaming console, designed to be played either connected to a television or held in your hands on the go. One of its main appeals is that it remains relatively lightweight and portable compared to other gaming devices, making it convenient to play for extended periods without strain.
The Belkin Charging Grip is an aftermarket accessory that attaches to the Switch 2, adding a built-in battery and ergonomic grips to make handheld play more comfortable. Its purpose is to extend how long you can play away from a power outlet, solving a practical problem for gamers who want longer sessions without needing to dock the console to recharge.
However, accessories that add functionality often add weight, and reviewers have found that the combined battery and grip materials make the overall device significantly heavier. The central tension this creates is between gaining the convenience of extended battery life and losing the lightweight portability that makes handheld gaming appealing in the first place.