JSAUX Xbox Ally ModCase review: I used scissors to cut off my dbrand Killswitch case to replace it with this — ZERO regrets ✂️

Recently, I've found myself a bit irritated by my dbrand Xbox Ally Killswitch case. It's not bad, but its bulk and sandpaper-feeling finish made me wonder if there are viable alternatives out there. I found myself hitting up an old friend, JSAUX, who steered me right during my Steam Deck and ROG Ally days, to see what they had on offer.

I purchased the latest JSAUX ModCase from the company's website last week, and it arrived promptly a few days later. My dbrand case set me back $75 when I picked it up; this JSAUX option cost $38 on Amazon by comparison. Despite how much I'd paid for the dbrand case, it adheres so tightly to the chassis that removing it felt virtually impossible without scissors ... so I thought I'd go all in and risk it on JSAUX's option. Turns out that I have no regrets whatsoever.

The JSAUX ModCase for Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X is by a country mile far better value, with superior features and a far better feel in the hand than dbrand's apparently more "premium" offering. I would argue that this is, without a doubt, the best Xbox Ally accessory probably every owner should buy.

JSAUX Xbox Ally Modcase: $37.99 at Amazon

The Xbox Ally / X Modcase from JSAUX is easily the best option I've found so far, with a great feel, light weight, impressive array of features, and well-defined ergonomics. JSAUX continues to be a leader in this space.

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Better feel, features, and value

The JSAUX ModCase continues the firm's long-standing tradition of supporting handheld gaming PCs, with accessories for everything from the Steam Deck to the Nintendo Switch. At the time I'd purchased the dbrand option, JSAUX wasn't offering an Xbox Ally case, but since they've finally jumped on board, I thought I'd give it a try.

Immediately you'll notice the better feel here. The ModCase has smoother, less abrasive texturing on the grips. For some reason, dbrand insists on using a sandpaper-style finish on its grips, which feels very unpleasant. The JSAUX ModCase is also noticeably lighter, although that'll likely be because it uses more rubber over hard plastics. The dbrand Killswitch would probably win in a ballistics test, given that it has hard plastics at more pressure points within the shell, but I think the JSAUX option is more ergonomic.

The JSAUX option is by no means a slouch in the hardiness department, though. The back panel is hard plastic, rather than rubber, and the corners and grips adhere closely to the Xbox Ally's most vulnerable corners. It also comes with a detachable front cover shell to protect the screen in travel.

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Where the ModCase stands out as unique is its modular nature. There's a connector on the back of the case, which you can use to slide on a huge variety of attachments. In the box, there's a metal kickstand, which admittedly doesn't feel as sturdy as the tent-style stand attached to the dbrand Killswitch; it absolutely does the job without adding a ton of unnecessary weight. It can also be fully detached if you don't fancy it.

There's also a battery strap included as well. You can tie in battery expansion packs to the back of the device this way, to give yourself more juice in situations where you can't find a power outlet. I'm not a huge fan of this given how much weight a battery strap can add, but it's a great option for those who do like it. There's a myriad of 3D printable attachments too, including things like VESA mounts and the like. It's a great ecosystem that extends the hobby, and a smart play by JSAUX's designers.

The ModCase gives easy access to all of the Xbox Ally's ports, buttons, and functions. The fingerprint reader cutout is cleverly recessed for easy finger access, which shows an attention to detail that "value" options often miss. The vents are also well-catered for, and the case had no material impact on temperatures even under heavy use in my testing.

Simply put, JSAUX is the leader in this space for a reason, and should probably be your go-to pick for products like this for any PC gaming handheld.

If you have an Xbox Ally or Ally X, this is the case you should pick

The Xbox Ally's weird shape likely makes it odd to develop products for; it's definitely designed with ergonomics in mind above all, and that's ideally what a PC gaming handheld should do. However, it does have some somewhat irritating design flaws. The soft plastics creak and groan under strain, and although I've been using it for a year, I'm not exactly confident to take it on the go without some form of protection.

Given how expensive these devices can be, you absolutely should consider putting a case on it if you are a frequent user and heavy traveler/commuter. The JSAUX option is something I will personally guarantee to not disappoint. It simply has a better feel than alternative options; its modular nature makes for a lot of additional functionality for enthusiasts, and it's just simply better value. I'm not sure I could ever recommend alternatives that cost over 33% more for little to no discernible gain.

JSAUX has a banger here, and every Xbox Ally / Xbox Ally X owner should take note.

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