Villager 3UP Nintendo Switch case review: A unique bag that carries it all

Villager Supplies 3up Case Hero
(Image: © Christine Romero-Chan / iMore)

iMore Verdict

Bottom line: The 3UP case is a versatile bag that can be carried in three ways: clutch, sling, or shoulder bag. It's made from a tough and durable nylon material that protects it from the elements. It has a roomy main compartment for your Switch, a game card holder with 10 slots, and three pockets in the front for accessories. There's even a cutout in the middle allowing you to charge up your Switch from the front pockets if needed.

Pros

  • +

    Durable nylon material

  • +

    Soft, quilted lining for Nintendo Switch compartment

  • +

    Game card holder with 10 slots

  • +

    Multiple accessory pockets in the front compartment

  • +

    Allows charging while inside the case

  • +

    Multiple ways to carry

Cons

  • -

    A little expensive

  • -

    Front pocket compartments not customizable

You can always trust iMore. Our team of Apple experts have years of experience testing all kinds of tech and gadgets, so you can be sure our recommendations and criticisms are accurate and helpful. Find out more about how we test.

Whether you just got a Nintendo Switch over the holidays, or you've had one since the beginning, there's no doubt about it — it's one of the best portable consoles in a long time. And since it's made for taking with you everywhere, you're going to want one of the best travel cases for Nintendo Switch to keep it safe and sound.

I've gone through several different cases and bags for my Nintendo Switch, including the Waterfield Designs Nintendo Switch Sutter Sling Pouch and CitySlicker Case, tomtoc's Slim case, and Funlab's Animal Crossing Leather Carrying Cases, but one of my new favorites is the Villager Supplies' 3UP Nintendo Switch case. It's a super versatile bag for your Nintendo Switch, and it keeps everything safe and secure on your travels or commutes.

One of the most versatile cases for Nintendo Switch

Villager Supplies 3UP Nintendo Switch case: What I like

Villager Supplies 3up Case Front

Villager Supplies 3up Case Front (Image credit: Christine Romero-Chan / iMore)

Even though I haven't exactly traveled or commuted for the past year, I still like to take my Nintendo Switch with me when making the (now) rare visit to see family — you know, so I can pass the time if need be. I've been using the Villager Supplies' 3UP Case for the past few weeks, and it's one of my more versatile, all-around case options.

The 3UP case is made from 600D nylon, which is pretty tough and durable. So even if you use the 3UP case in less-than-pleasant weather, your Nintendo Switch should remain safe from the elements. Villager Supplies also uses premium YKK zippers, so nothing gets inside once it's closed. There is also a zippered pocket on the back of the case for other small items, such as a charging cable.

Villager Supplies 3up Case Full

Villager Supplies 3up Case Full (Image credit: Christine Romero-Chan / iMore)

With the 3UP case, the main compartment for the Nintendo Switch is the larger one, and it features a quilted fabric with padding to keep your console safe and sound. You'll also find a fabric flap in here that has 10 slots for game cards. Since the material is soft and has a bit of stretch to it, accessing your game cards is super easy, barely an inconvenience. I also found the flap useful as a divider between your console and something else, like one of the best extended battery packs for Nintendo Switch, since my Anker PowerCore 20100 Nintendo Switch Edition battery won't fit in the front pockets.

Speaking of the front pocket, it is divided up into three smaller compartments that are designed to hold accessories like a charging brick, cables, or even additional Joy-Cons. This section's lining isn't quilted like the Switch compartment, but more like nylon, including the little dividers. There is a cutout in the middle "divider" that allows you to charge your Switch while it's inside the 3UP case (thread the USB cable through the hole), as long as the external battery that you're using can fit in the front sections.

My favorite thing about the 3UP case, though, is the fact that it's so versatile when it comes down to how to carry it. Villager Supplies provides both a shoulder strap and a wrist strap so that you can pick your preferred method. For the shoulder strap, you'll need to make use of both the loop at one side of the case (or the front if you want it vertical), along with the detachable button on the other side. The button can be twisted on and off and is also where you attach the wrist strap if you so choose. I prefer to use the shoulder strap, and it's also adjustable, which is nice.

The Villager Supplies' 3UP Case is just a great overall bag for your Switch, especially if you prefer to take a few accessories along.

It's pricier than other options out there

ProductName: What I don't like

Villager Supplies 3up Case Interior

Villager Supplies 3up Case Interior (Image credit: Christine Romero-Chan / iMore)

While the front compartment sections are understandable, I sometimes wish that there weren't little dividers between each pocket. I would have preferred to stick my battery pack in there rather than right next to my Switch, but it's impossible to do with the separators. If they had done removable dividers or something, it would have been better.

I also noticed that this is a relatively pricey case compared to some of the other options out there. Of course, the case itself is pretty high quality and very versatile, so you do get more choice here. If you don't mind a small splurge, then this is a great case to consider.

The competition

Waterfield Designs Sutter Sling for Nintendo Switch

Waterfield Designs Sutter Sling for Nintendo Switch (Image credit: Christine Romero-Chan / iMore)

If you aren't a big fan of how nylon bags look, but still want something that's as versatile as the 3UP case, then I would consider the Waterfield Designs Sutter Sling for Nintendo Switch instead. It's made with waxed canvas and leather, so it's still tough and durable but looks more elegant. It also has plenty of space for all of your necessities, and it can be carried as an over-the-shoulder sling.

For those who want something slim and compact, while being able to hold some game cards too, then I would recommend checking out the tomtoc Slim Case for Nintendo Switch. It isn't bulky and easy to carry around with some games, but you won't be able to hold any extras.

Villager Supplies 3UP Nintendo Switch case: Should you buy

Villager Supplies 3up Case Main Compartment

Villager Supplies 3up Case Main Compartment (Image credit: Christine Romero-Chan / iMore)

You should buy this if ...

You want versatility

The 3UP case comes with both a shoulder strap and wrist strap, and there are two ways to attach the shoulder strap. It's great if you want to have options when it comes to carrying your Switch around.

You want to carry accessories with you

There's plenty of space for your Nintendo Switch, along with accessories like a charging brick, battery pack, cables, earbuds, and even additional Joy-Cons. If you need to bring extra accessories with you, the 3UP gives you plenty of room, and then some.

You want a case that holds games

You get a game card holder with enough slots for another 10 games. It's great if you like to change out what you're playing on-the-go.

You should not buy this if ...

You're on a budget

In terms of price, the 3UP case is a little on the higher side. However, it does provide a lot for the price, all things considered.

You don't carry a lot of accessories

If you just need a simple case for your Switch and some games, then the 3UP case may offer too much space for your needs.

You prefer larger compartments

The front pocket is split up into three smaller pockets. If you want to maximize space your way, then you may not care for the dividers. Unfortunately, there's no way to remove them if you don't want them.

If you are in the market for an adaptable case/bag for your Nintendo Switch, then the Villager Supplies 3UP Case is a fantastic option. It offers plenty of space for your Switch along with the most important accessories you may need, as well as a seamlessly integrated game card holder. You also have multiple ways to carry the 3UP case, making this a Nintendo Switch case for pretty much everyone.

However, the 3UP is a little expensive when you see other, more affordable cases. But again, this case/bag offers a lot and is worth getting if you can make the most out of it. Villager Supplies also only offers the 3UP in one size, so while this fits my regular Nintendo Switch perfectly, a Switch Lite should be able to fit without issue, though it may not be as snug.

Christine Chan

Christine Romero-Chan was formerly a Senior Editor for iMore. She has been writing about technology, specifically Apple, for over a decade at a variety of websites. She is currently part of the Digital Trends team, and has been using Apple’s smartphone since the original iPhone back in 2007. While her main speciality is the iPhone, she also covers Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac when needed. When she isn’t writing about Apple, Christine can often be found at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, as she is a passholder and obsessed with all things Disney, especially Star Wars. Christine also enjoys coffee, food, photography, mechanical keyboards, and spending as much time with her new daughter as possible.