Plenbo Family Pack Review
Back in the Nintendo Game Boy days, countless oversized add-ons were sold to overcome issues like its small screen size and lack of a backlight. With today’s displays, that’s no longer a concern, but there’s still one area that, despite monumental advancements everywhere else, hasn’t outpaced past systems, and that’s battery life.
The exponentially more powerful, and power hungry, Nintendo Switch, only lasts around three hours with intense gaming, while the slightly more efficient Nintendo Switch OLED only lasts around five. This is in stark contrast to the original Game Boy’s ability to last 12 hours or more on just four AA batteries.
Plenbo now offers an option to improve the Switch’s battery life, ergonomics, and some other aspects of Nintendo’s handheld with its G-case, which can be used individually or as part of a value-priced Family Pack of Switch accessories. It’s arguable whether some of the trade-offs, like extra bulk and price, undermine the positives, but for particularly active Switch owners, the Plenbo Family Pack should offer compelling value.
Plenbo Family Pack – What You Get and Why
The Family Pack includes the G-case, OneDock, USB Bluetooth adapter, carry case, USB-C to USB-C 3.2 Gen2 cable, and back-up battery. There are versions for the original Switch or Switch OLED in black or white.
The main attraction in the Family Pack is the G-case, which includes the mainbody, Joy-Con grip holder, three grips, and a magnetic modular battery. Instead of replacing the Joy-Cons, the mainbody wraps around the Switch and attempts to give a more ergonomic feel as it supplies up a big boost in battery life.
In a nice touch, the two interchangeable rear grips slide down to reveal an additional game card slot. Fortunately, the grips are easy to slide in and out. Although the three grips are classified as small, medium, and large, I didn’t notice much of a size difference between them. Nevertheless, for my hands, I preferred the flattest grips with the textured swirl pattern.
Besides protection, extended battery life, and ergonomics, the G-case provides one other feature, Bluetooth. Although Bluetooth is built into the Switch, only one audio device can be paired at once. With the G-case and its Qualcomm aptX Low Latency Bluetooth 5.0 technology, you can pair two headphones at once thanks to two independent pairing buttons on the back of the case. This works well and I had no issues with using two Apple AirPods Pros, although it’s important to note that there’s no microphone support. If you need to use the microphone, you’re still better off with the Switch’s internal Bluetooth functionality.
The OneDock is a universal 45W GaN charger with USB-C output of up to 40W, USB-A output of up to 5W, and HDMI output of up 4K 60hz, allowing it to not only work with the Switch, but other devices like the Steam Deck, laptops, and tablets. It connects via the USB port on the back of the G-case.
The USB Bluetooth adapter has a slide-out USB-A plug and works with not only the Switch, but also PCs and Android TV devices, allowing you to use PlayStation 3/4/5, Switch Pro, and Xbox One/X/S compatible wireless controllers. The primary use case with the Switch is to plug the USB Bluetooth adapter into the OneDock, connect the OneDock to the Switch, press the adapter’s button for three seconds to enter pairing mode, then set the controller you want to use to pairing mode. An indicator light provides connection status. In my testing, I had no issues with using it with various controllers, including the GameSir Cyclone Pro.
The flat magnetic battery pops in and out with ease, yet stays securely in place. It can be charged either in the case or independently since it has its own USB-C port, charge indicator lights, and power button. It’s a generous 5000 mAh of power and can easily extend the Switch or Switch OLED’s battery life by at least two hours for even the most demanding games, or as much as five hours for anything else. Add to the fact that the Family Pack includes a second battery and you’re looking at as much as 20 hours of portable usage, though more practically in the 12 plus hour range. The batteries can also be used as power banks to charge other USB-C-based devices.
The carry case holds all of the accessories included in the Family Pack, as well as the Switch and game cards. It’s a bit on the bulky side, but I have no doubt it will continue to keep everything safe thanks to its dedicated cut-outs and rigid outer shell.
Plenbo Family Pack – A Bulked Up Companion
The Switch OLED with Joy-Cons weighs roughly .71 lbs. When inserted into the G-case with magnetic battery attached, the weight balloons to around 1.75 lbs. While the G-case makes the Switch OLED feel more solid overall, you can really notice the more than doubling in weight. Propping the G-case’s kickstand against a tabletop definitely helps a bit in this area.
I will say that although I’m an overall fan of Nintendo’s Joy-Cons, the extra boost to their ergonomics provided by the G-case is a real boon. It adds about half an inch to the left and right of the controllers, and, in addition to my chosen grips, make the Switch sit particularly well in my hands. I’m not sure if the added weight is worth it for unsupported handheld play, but it does make a good case.
One of the downsides of the G-case is that it only works with Joy-Cons or physical clones. If you prefer alternative snap-on controllers, like the NYXI Hyperion Joy-Pads and their improved D-pad, you’re out of luck. Another issue is that there are streamlined, lower-priced alternatives to what Plenbo is offering, save for the extra battery life, like the NexiGo Hall Effect Gripcon with kickstand and HDMI out, that can provide more robust control options by completely eliminating the standard Joy-Cons from the equation. Of course, the fact that several of the accessories included in the Family Pack can be used with other devices is something that shouldn’t be overlooked.
Purchasing Guide
The Plenbo Family Pack carries a $229 MSRP, but frequently can be found on sale for 15-20% off. It’s available on Amazon and directly from Plenbo.
About Post Author
