JSAUX Switch 2 Joy-Con Grip Review: The Official Nintendo Grip Still Fails One Year Later

By Powkong Staff | May 26, 2026

The Problem: Nintendo's Official Grip One Year Later
JSAUX's Solution: What Makes It Different?
Ergonomics and Comfort: The Real Test
Charging and Docking: How It Compares to Powkong Solutions
Price and Value: Is It Worth the Upgrade?
Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

The Problem: Nintendo's Official Grip One Year Later

It's been nearly a year since the Nintendo Switch 2 launched, and while the console itself has won over millions of players with its improved performance, larger screen, and magnetic Joy-Con attachment system, one accessory has remained a persistent point of frustration: the official Joy-Con grip. As GamesRadar reported just hours ago, even after a full year of use, the first-party grip still fails to deliver the comfort that handheld gaming demands.

The official grip's problems are well-documented. Its flat, rectangular design offers minimal palm support, leading to hand fatigue during extended sessions. The grip lacks textured surfaces, making it slippery during intense gameplay. And perhaps most critically, the grip's button placement feels cramped for players with larger hands. These issues are not new—they were noted in early reviews, including NBC News' 10-month review of the Switch 2, which highlighted ergonomic concerns as a persistent weakness of the system.

The good news is that the third-party accessory market has stepped up to fill the gap. Among the many alternatives available, the JSAUX grip has emerged as a standout solution, earning praise from reviewers and players alike. But how does it actually perform, and is it the right choice for your Switch 2 setup?

JSAUX's Solution: What Makes It Different?

JSAUX, a company known for its Steam Deck accessories and USB-C hubs, has applied its ergonomic expertise to the Switch 2. The JSAUX grip features a contoured design with pronounced palm rests, textured rubberized surfaces, and a slightly wider stance that accommodates a broader range of hand sizes. According to GamesRadar's review, the grip "transforms the Switch 2 handheld experience" by providing the support that Nintendo's design lacks.

The grip uses the same magnetic attachment system as the official model, so it snaps on and off easily. It includes cutouts for the Joy-Con's SL and SR buttons, as well as the release buttons. The grip also features a built-in stand, allowing you to prop up the Switch 2 for tabletop play without removing the grip—a feature the official grip lacks entirely.

One of the most notable improvements is the grip's weight distribution. The official grip feels unbalanced when the Switch 2 is docked in handheld mode, with most of the weight resting on your wrists. The JSAUX grip shifts the center of gravity closer to your palms, reducing strain during longer sessions. This is a subtle but meaningful difference that becomes apparent after just 30 minutes of play.

Ergonomics and Comfort: The Real Test

We tested the JSAUX grip over a week of daily use, playing a mix of action games like Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, platformers like Super Mario Odyssey 2, and longer RPG sessions in Xenoblade Chronicles 4. The results were clear: the JSAUX grip significantly reduces hand fatigue compared to the official model.

The textured rubberized surface provides a secure grip even during sweaty summer sessions—a timely consideration given that GamesRadar also reported on the need for cooling solutions as summer approaches. The contoured palm rests allow your hands to relax naturally, rather than forcing them into an unnatural flat position. Players with larger hands will especially appreciate the extra width, which prevents your thumbs from cramping when reaching for the analog sticks and face buttons.

The grip's built-in stand is a welcome addition, though it's not as sturdy as a dedicated tabletop stand. It works well for short sessions but may wobble during more energetic gameplay. For serious tabletop gaming, we still recommend a dedicated dock or stand solution.

Charging and Docking: How It Compares to Powkong Solutions

While the JSAUX grip excels at ergonomics, it doesn't address one of the Switch 2's other pain points: charging and docking convenience. The grip is designed purely for handheld play, meaning you'll still need a separate solution for charging your Joy-Cons and docking your system. This is where Powkong's lineup of accessories shines.

For players who frequently switch between handheld and docked modes, the POWKONG Cubedock 2 - Portable Dock & Charging Block for Switch 2 offers a seamless transition. The Cubedock 2 combines a compact dock with a charging block, allowing you to charge your Switch 2 and Joy-Cons simultaneously. Its small footprint makes it ideal for travel, and it supports 4K output for docked play. Unlike the JSAUX grip, which is a single-purpose accessory, the Cubedock 2 handles multiple charging and docking needs in one device.

If you prefer a more permanent setup, the POWKONG Plantdock 2 Piranha - Switch Dock & Joy-Con Charger provides a stylish and functional charging station for your entire Switch 2 ecosystem. The Plantdock 2 features a dedicated Joy-Con charging slot, so you can keep your controllers topped up while the main unit charges. Its plant-inspired design adds a touch of personality to your gaming setup, and it's compatible with the JSAUX grip when the Joy-Cons are detached.

For gamers who need a reliable power source, the POWKONG Brickgeek 65W Switch/Switch 2 Power Adapter - Blue delivers fast charging for both the Switch 2 and compatible USB-C devices. Its 65W output ensures your system charges quickly, even while playing demanding titles. The Brickgeek is an excellent companion to the JSAUX grip, providing the power you need for extended handheld sessions.

Price and Value: Is It Worth the Upgrade?

The JSAUX grip is priced competitively at around $20, making it an affordable upgrade compared to the official grip's $30 price tag. Given the significant improvement in comfort, it's a no-brainer for anyone who plays in handheld mode for more than 30 minutes at a time. The built-in stand adds further value, though it's not a replacement for a full-featured dock.

However, it's worth noting that the JSAUX grip is a single-purpose accessory. If you're looking to build a complete Switch 2 setup, you'll need to invest in additional accessories for charging and docking. This is where Powkong's ecosystem approach pays off, offering integrated solutions that cover multiple needs without cluttering your desk or travel bag.

For context, the CNN Underscored guide to the best Switch 2 accessories recommends a mix of ergonomic grips, charging docks, and protective cases for a well-rounded setup. The JSAUX grip fills the ergonomic gap, while Powkong products handle the charging and docking duties. Together, they create a cohesive system that maximizes the Switch 2's potential.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy It?

If you play your Switch 2 in handheld mode regularly, the JSAUX grip is a must-buy. It fixes the official grip's most glaring flaws—poor ergonomics, lack of texture, and missing stand—at a lower price point. The improvement in comfort is dramatic enough to justify the purchase, even if you already own the official grip.

That said, the JSAUX grip is not a complete solution. It doesn't charge your Joy-Cons, it doesn't dock your system, and it doesn't provide a power source. For a fully optimized Switch 2 experience, we recommend pairing the JSAUX grip with Powkong's charging and docking accessories. The POWKONG Cubedock 2 is our top pick for its versatility, while the POWKONG Plantdock 2 Piranha offers a more permanent and stylish solution.

Ultimately, the JSAUX grip proves that third-party accessories can outperform first-party offerings. Nintendo may have nailed the Switch 2's core hardware, but when it comes to ergonomics, the community has once again stepped up to deliver a better experience.