HORI Switch Game Card Case 24 Review: Durable but Tight
A verified buyer on Amazon summed it up simply: “Perfect. Is exactly what I was looking for – compact, secure, simple and holds a decent amount.” The HORI Game Card Case 24 for Nintendo Switch earns an impressive 9.2/10 from aggregated feedback, ranking consistently in top spots for Switch storage solutions thanks to its officially licensed build, portability, and thoughtful slot design that appeals to physical game collectors.
Quick Verdict: Conditional – Highly recommended for physical game owners, but not ideal for those who swap cartridges very frequently.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Holds up to 24 Switch games | Slots can be very tight initially |
| Compact, portable size fits in bags & pockets | If lost, you lose many games at once |
| Includes removable micro SD card holder | Slight build variance between batches |
| Durable – survives drops and even dog bites | Separate accessory, not integrated into carrying case |
| Protects exposed cartridge pins from friction | Limited color/design options |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing promotes the HORI as “compact & portable” and “easy to pop game cards in and out.” While portability is universally confirmed—multiple users carry this case in coat pockets or Switch tote bags—ease of card removal has more mixed feedback.
A Reddit user said: “It holds 24 cards… best one I could find and it’s cheap.” However, several owners pointed out that slots can be tight. A verified buyer on Trustpilot noted: “Masukin dan cabut cartridge nya keras banget. Kayak terasa mau patah cartridge nya” (“Putting in and taking out cartridges is very tight, feels like they might break”). Amazon reviews echo this concern, with one saying they “always worry getting them out that I'll break something.”
Another core claim is protection. Marketing highlights prevention of damage to exposed pins. On Quora, a reviewer explained: “With the HORI case there’s no contact between the back plastic and the pins… friction from fabric in carrying cases may scratch or damage data.” Long-term owners back this up, reporting zero data issues even after years of use.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Across Amazon, Reddit, and Trustpilot, the standout appeal is capacity in a small footprint. Physical collectors benefit most: one Reddit user admitted, “If you have a lot of physical games, pick up one of these… they’re a life saver.” For parents, keeping cartridges safe from kids or pets resonates strongly; an Amazon buyer shared a story in which dogs chewed the case but “the games are fine – super impressed! Would 100% buy again.”
Durability under real conditions surfaces repeatedly. Whether tossed in a work bag or dropped outside, the rigid plastic shell maintains integrity. A Trustpilot reviewer said simply: “Material & kualitas casing terbaik!” (“Material and case quality are the best!”).
Its price also earns praise; several Reddit recommendations call it “the best case you can get for the money,” with many buying multiples to organize large collections chronologically.
Common Complaints
Tight slots are the most cited complaint, especially for frequent swappers. On ResetEra, one user admitted they “always kind of hated it because it’s weirdly difficult to pry the carts out,” preferring softer-lined alternatives. Trustpilot reports mention some units feeling “agak kendor pula” (slightly looser) than earlier purchases, hinting at possible batch variation.
The compact nature becomes a double-edged sword—while easy to carry, it means losing the case can wipe out access to up to 24 games. As one Redditor warned, “High risk high reward… if you lose this with a bunch of games in it, it would really hurt.”
Divisive Features
Design and aesthetics split opinions. Some praise the minimal, solid black look that “matches the rest of Nintendo things,” while others would prefer themed options. Functionally, a few buyers wish the micro SD holder didn’t consume one cartridge slot, but others appreciate its inclusion. There's also disagreement on portability: while most say it fits in coat pockets, one Reddit comment noted that “it doesn’t look as compact or thin as other cases” for ultra-minimalists.
Trust & Reliability
No significant scam concerns appear in reviews—buyers consistently receive the correct product in described condition. However, one Tokopedia customer noted build quality felt “less than the first” when buying a second unit, suggesting minor manufacturing tolerances.
Long-term durability stories reinforce trust. Owners report 6–8+ years of use without slot loosening or latch failure. The aforementioned “dog bite” story on Amazon serves as an extreme testament to resilience. Multiple Reddit users own five or more HORI cases, using them as core storage across consoles, further cementing it as a dependable tool rather than a novelty purchase.
Alternatives
Within its segment, community comparisons often mention AmazonBasics hard plastic cases and soft pouches like those from Butterfox. The former is cheaper but lacks the removable SD holder and has fewer slots; the latter offers easier card removal but sacrifices rigidity. On ResetEra, Unikeep’s 30-card case appears as a larger-capacity option, but it’s bulkier and less pocketable. Reddit discussion also mentions “RDS” cases that use multiple smaller slot trays, offering redundancy if one case gets lost.
Price & Value
Current market prices hover between $13–$15 USD on eBay for new units, occasionally dipping lower in sales. Some sellers list them far higher ($78) on rarer variants or bundled versions, so checking multiple sources is wise. Physical game collectors view this as low-cost insurance—one Amazon user flatly stated it’s “the best card case you can get,” not because it’s flashy, but because it maintains function and security over time.
Resale potential is limited; most owners keep multiples for organizational needs rather than selling. Buying tips from Reddit recommend grabbing two if your library is growing, and treating the case “like gold” to avoid catastrophic loss.
FAQ
Q: Does it really hold 24 game cards?
A: Yes—unless you use the included micro SD card holder, which occupies one slot and reduces game capacity to 23.
Q: Is removing cartridges difficult?
A: Many users find slots snug at first. This ensures cards stay secure during transit, but can make frequent swapping feel stiff.
Q: Does it protect game cards better than carrying cases with fabric slots?
A: Most reviewers agree it offers better pin protection by eliminating friction from fabric, which can scratch contacts over time.
Q: Is there a risk if the case is lost?
A: Absolutely. Losing it means losing up to 24 games at once, so some owners keep “travel” cases separate from full library storage.
Q: Are there themed or color variants?
A: Yes—HORI has released different colors and themed designs, but availability varies by market and retailer.
Final Verdict: Buy if you own a sizable physical Switch library and value compact, rigid protection; avoid if you swap cartridges constantly and dislike tight slots. Pro tip from Reddit: organize your games logically and keep the case in a dedicated pocket or bag to minimize loss risk.
