Tech Up! Hori Switch Compact Playstand Review

When you're clocking up hundreds of hours or more of Breath of the Wild, it's more than likely some of that was logged in tabletop or handheld mode. The Hori Switch Compact Playstand has certainly been useful during that time, largely because the stand keeps the system raised, with a gap between the two weight-bearing supports for the charging input to be used. This has been extremely useful just in a home setting, particularly when the main screen has been otherwise occupied with a TV show or something else. Not having to resign the system to the dock or abandon your Pro Controller for handheld mode when the system needs some juice is certainly a nice perk - though, of course, the system should really have the charging port on top in the first place to make things easier!

It's surprising how much of a difference the stand makes to playing the Switch in two-player multiplayer situations. The extra height in particular makes a significant difference, allowing both players a much better viewing angle. This also means both people can get closer to the screen, without straining necks or having to slouch. Despite its light construction, when holding the system, it's very durable. The stand seems sturdy and resistant to knocks, particularly as the base of the unit seems to have an impressive amount of grip. This is certainly useful for travel situations; for example, playing the Switch on a pull-down table on a train or plane.

7/10

Very Good - Bronze Award

The Hori Switch Compact Playstand is a very discrete and ergonomic stand, which is very reasonably priced. While there may be sleeker and perhaps even sturdier units out there, it seems certain that Hori's offering gets the best of both words, being both sturdy enough, but also portable thanks to its convenient fold-up design. Definitely a savvy choice of stand for the Nintendo Switch.