A glass screen protector is one of a few essential accessories that I strongly recommend to every Switch 2 owner. In fact, it should be a priority to stick one onto the console’s screen as soon as possible to avoid accidental scratches. 

To test the candidates below, I installed and removed Switch 2 screen protectors on my console at an alarming rate, more than any sane person should, and here are the most important takeaways:

• Do not buy a flimsy plastic screen protector. They are a waste of money and won’t protect your Switch 2 enough.
• It’s impossible to tell different brands’ protectors apart once they’re on your screen; product packaging and the installation process are the biggest differences (as well as the key factors that increase cost).
• Some protectors are glossy and some are anti-reflective, each with its own tradeoffs. For my money, glossy is the way to go. The matte finish looks good, but it reduces the screen’s vivid quality and its viewing angles.

Of the options below, it’s easiest to recommend amFilm’s three-pack of glossy screen protectors. Not only is the pack affordable ($9.99 from Amazon), but the tray also allows for perfect alignment of the glass protector for easy, bubble-free installation. I’ve used this company’s screen protectors on various gadgets for years, and I particularly like its glossy option over the matte finish, since it lets the Switch 2’s screen fully shine through.

amFilm three-pack of glossy screen protectors

My go-to screen protector brand for years has been amFilm. Three glossy tempered glass sheets come in the box, and the tools make installation fairly simple. JSAUX’s model is just as good based on my testing, and just as affordable.

Where to Buy:

• $9.99 at Amazon

AmFilm OneTouch screen protectors (two-pack)

In keeping up with some brands that offer faster installations, amFilm offers a two-pack of glossy protectors that includes a “OneTouch” tray. Remove the protector’s bottom film, attach the tray to your device, and then press gently on the protector until it’s fully applied.

Where to Buy:

• $8.99 at Amazon

Dbrand Prism 2.0 two-pack of glossy screen protectors

Dbrand’s Prism 2.0 includes two glass protectors for the Switch 2, each nestled into plastic cases that fit perfectly around the edges of the console (with the Joy-Con 2 removed). $34.99 is expensive for two protectors, but if simplicity and elegant packaging trump value, then this is a good option.

Where to Buy:

• $34.95 at Best Buy
• $34.95 at Dbrand

Genki Aegis Shield two-pack of glossy screen protectors

Genki offers a cheaper alternative to Dbrand with the Aegis Shield. It includes two protectors, and the installation process is nearly identical: just align the plastic frame with the console, pull the tab, and run your finger across the exposed section of the frame. Spigen makes a similar product that costs $24.99 for a two-pack.

Where to Buy:

• $19.99 $15.99 at Amazon
• $19.99 at Genki

amFilm two-pack of matte screen protectors

Let’s start with one of the most affordable options if you want to go the matte-textured route. AmFilm sells a two-pack of protectors at Amazon for $8.99. The set includes a plastic frame that serves as a guide to align the protector just right. JSAUX makes a similar product that’s the same price.

Where to Buy:

• $9.99 at Amazon

amFilm OneTouch two-pack of matte screen protectors

AmFilm also sells a two-pack with a OneTouch frame for easier installation. Again, keep in mind that opting for matte over glossy will reduce glare, but at the cost of viewing angles as well as the full vivid quality of the Switch 2’s screen. That’ll be an acceptable tradeoff for some, but not all people.

Where to Buy:

• $12.99 at Amazon

Update, June 2nd: Adjusted prices as needed.

Get ready for some gaming news. It’s officially June, which means splashy new events from PlayStation, Xbox, and gaming hype man Geoff Keighley. But this season doesn’t just feature the big tentpole shows; there will be a bunch of smaller events, too, and they might feature some promising games as well.

But this year’s events are taking place at a difficult time for the industry. The prices of consoles and gaming hardware have skyrocketed, with all of the three major console players announcing price hikes and PC handheld makers jacking up hardware costs as well.

Game companies also have to work around the looming giant that is Grand Theft Auto VI, which is set to launch on November 19th. That time of year is usually a very busy one as studios launch their games to get ahead of the holiday shopping season, but we could see some of the industry’s biggest games give GTA VI a wide berth.

We’ll be tracking the biggest news of the June gaming events season right here.

• Your guide to June’s biggest gaming events
• Xbox and PlayStation have a lot to prove
• There won’t be Project Helix news at the Xbox Games Showcase.
• Microsoft delays Fable (again) to avoid GTA VI
• Lots of games to think about.