Dbrand Launches Switch 2 Joy-Con Holder: A More Comfortable, Cheaper Alternative to the Pro Controller

By Powkong Staff | May 2, 2026

The Announcement: Dbrand's New Joy-Con Holder

On May 1, 2026, Dbrand officially launched a new Nintendo Switch 2 accessory that's already generating significant buzz in the gaming community. The company, best known for its premium device skins and cases, has introduced a Joy-Con holder that the company claims is "more comfortable than a Pro controller" but far cheaper. This is a bold statement, especially considering that the official Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller retails for around $70. Dbrand's offering aims to bridge the gap between the free, bare-bones Joy-Con grip included with the console and the premium, all-in-one Pro Controller experience.

The holder is designed to transform the two detachable Joy-Con 2 controllers into a single, unified gamepad. According to Dbrand, the key innovation lies in the ergonomics. The company says it has spent months refining the grip angle, button placement, and overall feel to ensure that gamers can enjoy extended play sessions without the hand fatigue that often accompanies the standard Joy-Con grip. The announcement comes at a time when the Switch 2 ecosystem is rapidly expanding, with third-party accessories becoming increasingly important for enhancing the user experience.

Ergonomics vs. the Pro Controller: What's Different?

The biggest selling point of Dbrand's new holder is its claim to rival the Pro Controller's comfort. The official Pro Controller is widely praised for its full-size grips, textured surfaces, and balanced weight distribution. However, it comes at a significant cost. Dbrand's holder, by contrast, allows you to use the Joy-Con 2 controllers you already own, effectively turning them into a Pro Controller-like device without the need for a separate, expensive peripheral.

Early impressions from the announcement suggest that Dbrand has focused on three key areas: grip depth, trigger access, and palm support. The holder features contoured handles that are significantly deeper than the standard grip, allowing your fingers to wrap around naturally. This is a critical improvement for games that require constant trigger use, such as Metroid Prime 4: Beyond or Splatoon 4. The holder also includes a textured finish on the back, which Dbrand says reduces slippage during intense gameplay.

For gamers who prefer a more traditional controller feel, this could be a game-changer. The official Joy-Con grip has been criticized for being too flat and narrow, forcing hands into an unnatural position. Dbrand's design aims to fix that by adding bulk where it matters most. If you're looking for a way to improve your handheld or tabletop experience without breaking the bank, this holder is worth considering. For those who want a complete charging and docking solution, the POWKONG Plantdock 2 Piranha - Switch Dock & Joy-Con Charger offers a different approach, combining a dock with a Joy-Con charger for a seamless setup.

Design and Build Quality: More Than Just Plastic

Dbrand has built a reputation for high-quality materials, and the new Joy-Con holder appears to be no exception. The holder is constructed from a durable, matte-finish polycarbonate that resists fingerprints and scratches. This is a welcome change from the glossy, easily smudged plastic of the official grip. The holder also features a subtle Dbrand logo on the front, but it's not overly branded, keeping the design clean and minimalist.

One of the most interesting design choices is the inclusion of a USB-C passthrough port. This allows you to charge the Joy-Con 2 controllers while they are attached to the holder, a feature that the standard grip lacks. This is particularly useful for tabletop mode, where you might be playing while the console is docked or charging. The passthrough port is located at the bottom of the holder, making it easy to plug in a charging cable without interfering with your grip.

Dbrand has also paid attention to the weight and balance of the holder. At just under 100 grams, it adds minimal heft to the Joy-Con pair, keeping the overall weight manageable for long sessions. The holder is also designed to be compatible with the Switch 2's unique rail system, ensuring a snug fit without any wobble. For those who prefer a more portable charging solution, the POWKONG Cubedock 2 - Portable Dock & Charging Block for Switch 2 is an excellent companion, offering a compact way to charge and dock your console on the go.

How It Compares to the Official Grip

The official Joy-Con grip that comes with the Nintendo Switch 2 is functional but basic. It's essentially a plastic frame that holds the two Joy-Con together, with no ergonomic shaping or additional features. While it gets the job done for casual play, it's not designed for extended use. Dbrand's holder addresses these shortcomings head-on.

First, the official grip lacks any grip texture, which can lead to slipping during intense gameplay. Dbrand's holder has a textured back and slightly rubberized sides, providing a secure hold. Second, the official grip is completely flat on the back, forcing your fingers to rest awkwardly. Dbrand's holder has a contoured back that supports your palms, reducing strain on your wrists. Third, the official grip has no charging capability, meaning you have to remove the Joy-Con to charge them. Dbrand's holder includes the USB-C passthrough, allowing for convenient charging.

In terms of price, Dbrand's holder is expected to retail for around $25-30, which is significantly less than the $70 Pro Controller. This makes it an attractive option for gamers who want a better controller experience without the premium price tag. The holder is also more portable than a full-size Pro Controller, making it ideal for travel. For a complete travel setup, consider the POWKONG Pipedock - Portable Switch Dock & Charging Block, which combines a dock and charger in a compact form factor.

Pricing and Availability: A Steal at This Price?

Dbrand has confirmed that the Joy-Con holder is available for pre-order starting May 1, 2026, with shipping expected to begin in mid-May. The price is set at $24.95, which is a fraction of the cost of a Pro Controller. For that price, you're getting a well-designed, ergonomic holder that addresses many of the complaints about the official grip. Dbrand is also offering a limited-time bundle that includes the holder and a set of Dbrand's signature skins for the Joy-Con 2, priced at $39.95.

The timing of the launch is strategic. With the Switch 2 now approaching its one-year anniversary, the accessory market is maturing, and gamers are looking for ways to personalize and improve their experience. Dbrand's holder is a direct response to the demand for affordable, high-quality accessories. The company has a strong track record with its phone cases and device skins, so the holder is likely to be well-received by the community.

Our Take: Should You Buy It?

If you're a Switch 2 owner who plays in handheld or tabletop mode frequently, Dbrand's Joy-Con holder is a no-brainer. It offers a significant ergonomic improvement over the official grip at a very reasonable price. The USB-C passthrough is a thoughtful addition that adds convenience, and the build quality is in line with Dbrand's reputation for premium materials.

However, it's worth noting that the holder is not a replacement for a full Pro Controller. It still uses the Joy-Con's smaller buttons and analog sticks, which may not appeal to everyone. If you prefer the larger, more tactile buttons of a traditional controller, the Pro Controller is still the better choice. But for those who want to get the most out of their Joy-Con 2 controllers, this holder is an excellent investment.

The Switch 2 accessory landscape is more competitive than ever, and Dbrand's entry into the space is a welcome one. With its focus on comfort, affordability, and quality, this Joy-Con holder is likely to become a popular choice among gamers. Whether you're diving into Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom or competing in Mario Kart 9, this holder will make your play sessions more comfortable and enjoyable.