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I'm not loving the Nintendo Switch's kickstand

You probably won't have to worry about breaking it, though!

Sean Hollister Senior Editor / Reviews
When his parents denied him a Super NES, he got mad. When they traded a prize Sega Genesis for a 2400 baud modem, he got even. Years of Internet shareware, eBay'd possessions and video game testing jobs after that, he joined Engadget. He helped found The Verge, and later served as Gizmodo's reviews editor. When he's not madly testing laptops, apps, virtual reality experiences, and whatever new gadget will supposedly change the world, he likes to kick back with some games, a good Nerf blaster, and a bottle of Tejava.
Sean Hollister
2 min read


I love kickstands. Adore how they can prop up tablets and phones, so I can watch hands-free.

And the Nintendo Switch kickstand seemed like something particularly special: a way to play a big-screen handheld game system without having to hold that big 6.2-inch screen. Flip out the kickstand, set it on a tabletop (or even a cramped airplane tray table) and use the slide-out wireless controllers as if you have a miniature TV.

Thing is, the Switch's kickstand isn't great. It's easy to tip. I've only been playing around with a Switch for a couple of days, and I've easily knocked it over a dozen times already.

That's why we made the video above. Consider it a "dramatic reenactment" -- these things didn't happen all at once, but they definitely all happened.

Editor's note:I've heard from a lot of readers that the video I used to try to illustrate the problems with the Switch kickstand...let's just say it fell flat. My intention was to try to reenact real problems I had, but I see now that the video comes across as forced or cheeky -- like a bad '90s infomercial! While I love the comparison, that wasn't my intention. In the future, I'll be illustrating this type of opinion with testsinstead of recreations.

Up close with the Nintendo Switch

See all photos

Can't or won't watch? Here's the basic jist:

  • The kickstand is small and isn't centered in the back of the tablet, so it's not particularly balanced or steady on its feet. It doesn't take much to knock it over.
  • The foot only opens to a single angle -- no adjustable hinge like you'd find on a Microsoft Surface tablet.
  • The kickstand can pop off entirely if the Switch falls over, or if you press too hard.

To be fair, the Switch doesn't wobble if you set it down on a level surface, and you cansnap the kickstand back on if it gets detached. ("Don't do that too often or it will weaken the stand," warns a Nintendo user guide, however.)

The kickstand works, at a very basic level. But am I wrong to wish it were a little more robust? At least it won't lead into any accidental injuries like the console's safety straps.

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