November 13, 2025
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I’ve tested a ton of ugly Switch 2 cases, but this $30 flip-to-reveal Mario hard shell passes the vibe check

I’ve tested a ton of ugly Switch 2 cases, but this $30 flip-to-reveal Mario hard shell passes the vibe check

By on November 12, 2025 0 7 Views
(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

Five months have passed since the Nintendo Switch 2 made its debut, and I have acquired a ridiculous number of cases in this duration. Softshell, hardshell, and those oversized all-in-one carrying items that can accommodate everything down to the dock, but they haven’t been as vibrant and unique as this PlayTrek Mario Bricks Travel Case.

Now available for $29.99 / £19.99, the Nintendo Switch 2 case is officially sanctioned by Nintendo and fully utilizes this advantage. The case is among the most vivid available, showcasing a Mario Brick motif, colorful straps, and complementary interior features. Turtle Beach could have simply stopped there, and I would have been delighted to carry my handheld in the convenient accessory, but they took an extra step by incorporating a “flip to reveal” lenticular design that displays a concealed Mario image – and I’m enthralled.

If you don’t quite grasp what I mean by “lenticular,” no worries. Our colleague Duncan Robertson wasn’t entirely certain when they penned their thoughts on the new Turtle Beach Switch 2 controllers either. The lenticular effect of this case essentially indicates that the depiction or image you see alters based on your vantage point.

Viewing the case from one angle will create the impression that it is merely adorned with a straightforward Mario brick motif, but shifting your perspective will uncover an adorable piece of Mario artwork instead. The bricks on this case transform to showcase our beloved mustachioed plumber as he leaps to vanquish some troublesome Goombas, as it’s as charming as it is impressive.

Turtle Beach could have easily retained the Mario art without additions, but the lenticular feature elevates it above the numerous cases currently on the market. While this effect is exclusively on the top outer half of the hardshell, the remainder is equally vibrant. The small silicone handle atop, which simplifies carrying from room to room, is a bright red and green, and there’s a red trimming on the zip to enhance its brightness.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

One aspect of its design that I particularly admire, which secures its status as the most visually appealing Switch 2 case I’ve tested thus far, is the rear of the case. You’ll seldom notice it when placed on your coffee table, yet it features this iconic Mario-red faux leather fabric, adorned with a large yellow ‘Super Mario’ emblem right in the center. Having played Mario games for over 30 years, it all feels completely on-brand, and something that complements my extensive collection of Mario merchandise and accessories nicely.

This case isn’t just visually striking. It’s constructed from a durable EVA molded hardshell and TPU-coated polyester exterior, ensuring that my Switch 2 feels exceptionally secure and safeguarded during the week I’ve had it by my side. Inside, it bears a close resemblance to the Belkin Carrying Case with its multitude of storage solutions, which was a pleasant revelation, as the Belkin alternative ranks among the best cases I’ve used thus far.

Upon unzipping the case (even the zip boasts a cheerful and colorful yellow and blue), there’s ample storage available, along with a protective flap situated in the center. The upper section of the flap houses storage for up to 12 games, consisting of two strips of blue elastic. In my case, the elastic is sewn just a tad too tightly, making it slightly more challenging to insert games compared to a case like the Belkin Charging Case. Nevertheless, upon closer inspection, it doesn’t feel so tight that I need to stress about the safety of my Switch and Switch 2 games.

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(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

The case also incorporates a small fabric mesh pouch, ideal for housing smaller accessories like an additional set of Switch 2 Joy-Con rails. Honestly, I suggest keeping a pair handy at all times as I managed to misplace my original so swiftly, which is why I was quite pleased to see the pouch included.

If Super Mario isn’t to your liking, Turtle Beach has also introduced a Donkey Kong variant featuring the same quirky ‘flip to reveal’ design. I was lucky enough to examine this case as well, but as a devoted Mario enthusiast, I was more drawn to the model I’ve been discussing today.

The style and materials are nearly identical, but the front showcases a jungle motif with DK and Diddy Kong traversing a group of trees. All the additional elements, such as game storage and zip trimmings, are now green instead of blue, aligning with the rest of the design.

Both the PlayTrek Mario Bricks and Donkey Kong Switch 2 Travel Cases can be purchased for $29.99 / £19.99 from Turtle Beach and selected retailers. If you’re interested, I recommend snagging them promptly, as they’ve already sold out entirely at the Turtle Beach store despite launching today – that’s quite a few shoppers with excellent taste, if I might say so.

(Image credit: Future/Rosalie Newcombe)

Our overview of the top Nintendo Switch 2 accessories is packed with the finest Nintendo Switch 2 controllers and the optimal Nintendo Switch 2 microSD Express cards that we propose incorporating into your new Ninty gaming arrangement.

From the moment I grasped a NES controller, I have been captivated by gaming and the devices it operates on. I could connect a NES and SNES to a television, without any guidance, before I even learned to walk. Even today, there’s nothing more thrilling than unboxing a console or handheld for the very first time and getting it set up. This passion grew into an appreciation for games and game music, leading me to pursue a degree in music and aspire to become the Scottish Nobuo Uematsu. After expressing my enthusiasm for games through music, I began sharing my passion with words on platforms like TechRadar and iMore. This journey led to a role as a Hardware staff writer for PCGamesN, and eventually to the position of Senior Tech Writer for Dexerto, focusing on everything related to Steam Deck, PlayStation, and Nintendo. With this background, I progressed to Hardware Editor for GamesRadar+, where my enthusiasm for Nintendo, PlayStation, and gaming technology remains as strong as ever.

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