Nintendo Switch Thumb Grips Review: Honest Guide to Fit, Comfort & Durability
It’s been a damp sort of morning—light drizzle, the kind that doesn’t quite justify a coat but soaks through you all the same. I’d just come in from checking on the roses, which are doing their usual stubborn impression of survival, and settled down with a cup of tea while a bit of Miles Davis drifted through the room.
Now, I don’t play these modern video games myself, but my grandson does. He left his Nintendo Switch here last weekend, along with a set of Nintendo Switch Thumb Grips he insisted were “essential”. That word gets thrown about far too easily these days, so I thought I’d see what they’re actually like.
What They Don't Tell You in the Ads
Straight to the point—because these little bits of rubber aren’t as straightforward as they’re made out to be.
First: they don’t always stay put.
A common complaint, and I can see why. Some thumb grips slide about during use, especially cheaper ones. Poor adhesion is a real issue, which defeats the purpose entirely.
Second: fiddly installation.
You’d think slipping a rubber cap over a joystick would be simple. It mostly is—but if your fingers are a bit stiff, it can be a bit of a faff getting them on properly without stretching them awkwardly.
Third: not all grips fit equally well.
Despite claims of universal fit for the Nintendo Switch, some grips feel loose, others too tight. There’s a noticeable inconsistency across brands.
The Norfolk Stress Test
I gave these Nintendo Switch thumb grips a proper look over with the sort of patience one develops after 65 years of dealing with poorly designed items.
Installation:
Took a minute or two. Needed a firm push and a bit of careful stretching. Not difficult, but you’ll want decent finger strength.
Comfort and use:
According to my grandson—and I did have a brief go myself—they do improve grip. The textured surface makes the controls less slippery, particularly if your hands are warm.
Durability check:
Left the console by the window overnight—temperature dipped to around 8°C. By morning, the grips hadn’t cracked or hardened, which is a good sign. Cheaper rubber can go brittle, but these held up reasonably well.
The Annoyances
- Grips that slip during use. Quite irritating, especially mid-game.
- Dust and fluff sticking to the rubber. You’ll find yourself wiping them more than expected.
- Inconsistent sizing. Not all grips fit snugly, even when labelled for the same device.
Nothing catastrophic, but enough to make you question the quality of some options.
Sifting Through the Amazon Reviews
A quick browse through Amazon paints a familiar picture.
The 5-star reviews often say things like “comfortable” and “easy to install”. Fair enough, for the better ones.
But the more believable 3-star reviews mention:
- “Keeps slipping off”
- “Feels cheap”
- “Doesn’t fit properly”
And I’d say that’s about right. Some are decent, others are borderline useless.
The Brass Tacks (Questions You Lot Keep Asking)
Do these thumb grips stay on securely?
Some do, some don’t. Cheaper ones tend to slip, which is rather annoying.
Are they easy to install?
Mostly, yes—but if your hands aren’t as nimble as they once were, it can take a bit of effort.
Do they actually improve comfort?
They can. A good set makes the controls less slippery and easier to manage.
Are all brands the same?
Not at all. Quality varies quite a bit, so choose carefully.
Who Should Walk Away?
If you’re expecting something rock-solid that never moves, you may be disappointed—especially with lower-end options.
Also, if you’ve little patience for small, fiddly accessories, this might feel like more trouble than it’s worth.
The Pensioner’s Verdict
These Nintendo Switch Thumb Grips are a simple idea—and when done properly, they do what they say on the tin.
But the market is flooded with mediocre versions that slip, wear out, or don’t fit properly.
Worth it? Yes, if you pick a well-made set with good grip and fit.
Worth buying the cheapest pack you can find? Absolutely not.
Spend a few extra pounds and get something that actually stays put. Otherwise, you’re just adding another annoyance to the pile.
Right, the tea’s getting cold and I need to check on the tomatoes.
Cheers,
William
