Dbrand Apologizes for Poor Response to Killswitch Joy-Con Issues
▼ Summary
– Dbrand will replace Killswitch Joy-Con Grips for the Switch 2 after admitting its poor response to complaints about detachment issues when held a certain way.
– The detachment occurs only under specific conditions: holding the console by one Joy-Con without supporting the main body and keeping it parallel to the ground.
– Dbrand identified the issue stems from the grips’ inner lip design, which creates leverage against the console, and adjusted production tolerances to address it.
– The company offered replacement grips to all customers, regardless of whether they experienced the issue, and acknowledged its initial response was flawed.
– Dbrand is developing two updated grip versions, with one expected to fully resolve the detachment issue, and will provide another update on July 10th.
Dbrand has issued an apology and promised free replacement Joy-Con grips for its Killswitch case after facing backlash over how it initially handled reports of controllers detaching from the Nintendo Switch 2. The company acknowledged its response was poorly handled and is now working on revised designs to address the problem.
Several users recently reported that when using the Killswitch case with attached grips, the Joy-Con controllers could unexpectedly detach if the console was held in a specific way. A demonstration video circulated online showing how applying pressure to the grips while holding the Switch 2 primarily by one Joy-Con could cause it to pop off.
In a lengthy Reddit post titled “Killswitch Joy-Con Detachment Update,” Dbrand initially defended the product, stating detachment only occurred under very specific conditions: holding the console by a single Joy-Con without supporting the main body, using one hand, and keeping the device nearly parallel to the ground. The company argued this wasn’t a typical way to handle the Switch 2.
The issue stems from the grip design, which features an inner lip that reduces the gap between the Joy-Cons and the main console. While this provides a snug fit, it also creates leverage that can force the controllers to detach under certain circumstances. Dbrand later admitted some grips had a slightly thicker lip than intended and adjusted manufacturing tolerances to prevent future defects.
Facing criticism for echoing Apple’s infamous “you’re holding it wrong” response to the iPhone 4 antenna issues, Dbrand backtracked in a follow-up post. The company pledged to send replacement grips to all customers, regardless of whether they experienced detachment, and acknowledged users should be able to hold their Switch 2 however they prefer without issues.
Two redesigned grip versions are in development: one with a thinner lip and another featuring a completely revised retention mechanism that eliminates the detachment risk entirely. The second option won’t enter mass production testing until July 10, after which Dbrand will decide which version to distribute as replacements. Customers can expect further updates by that date.
For now, affected users can contact Dbrand’s support team to request replacement grips, which will ship in July. The company has vowed to improve its communication, admitting its initial approach missed the mark. “You should be allowed to hold it however you want,” Dbrand stated, “and we’re fixing it.”
(Source: The Verge)
