Life before the ChargePlay Clutch: a major bugbear of the Nintendo Switch was finding a solid option for long-term playtime whilst mobile. Charging banks aren’t practical for most commutes, enter HyperX to fill the void.
ChargePlay Clutch for Nintendo Switch
HyperX are well known for their high-quality third-party gaming accessories, primarily in the PC gaming sector. The ChargePlay Clutch charging case for Nintendo Case dwarfs the standard 4800mAh battery of Nintie’s flagship with a 6000mAh. Adding this to your Switch will more than double the standard playtime.
Initial impressions of the clutch are fuelled by 90s handheld accessories. We all had those ridiculous grips for our Game Boys that turned a beautiful brick into a mutated ninja death star. HyperX have decided to design a case around a sufficient battery, unlike other peripheral manufacturers. This yields a high performing battery alongside some interesting features.
Kick Back with the ChargePlay Clutch
Starting at the back of the case, players will find a much wider and stronger kickstand than Nintendo’s vanilla effort. This makes for an instant winner when it comes to tabletop play, allowing players to not worry about knocking over their console due to breathing, for example.
The rubber feet at the base of the case are angled specifically for tabletop play, which is a nice touch. The USB-C charging port is located nicely between the kickstands feet, allowing players to extend gameplay for even longer should the need arise. It’s also a great option for handheld players needing to top up, should they somehow run out of battery life on their bi-weekly visits to the Moon.
The Clutch features an up/down clip brace at the top of the case to secure the console. Its design is quite sturdy, granting even more confidence to protective Switch owners.
Specifiations
| Battery Capacity | 6000mAh |
| Weight | 400g |
| Dimensions | Length 273.9mm, Width 40.2mm, Height 114.1mm |
| Kickstand | Yes |
| Grips | Detachable, textured |
| Power I/O | Input 5V ⎓ 1.5A Max, Output 5V ⎓ 2.0A Max |
| Charging Cable | USB Type-C (Provided, 1.8m, 6ft.) |
Detach and Re-Attach
Nintendo switch slides nicely into the ChargePlay Clutch with Joy-Con naturally with HyperX has another ace up its sleeve. Both Joy-Con grips are detachable thanks to magnetised connecting blocks. They also combine and make a controller thanks to Joy-Con rails, it’s just a shame they don’t charge.
The overall ergonomics of ChargePlay Clutch are well thought-out, with textured soft plastic at the rear of the grips being a highlight. Ultimately, it’s a large case when compared to other non-charging options on the market. Players with smaller hands may find handheld play uncomfortable, which slashes its market potential. With that being said, HyperX has a target audience in its sights and have nailed it.
