Tech In-depth review

GeekShare Cat Paw Thumb Grips Review: The Original Cute Switch Joystick Caps

GeekShare's best-selling Cat Paw thumb grip caps are $9.99 silicone joystick covers for Switch, Lite, OLED and Switch 2, rated 4.9/5 on the store. Fit, install tips, colors, pros, cons and our 8.4/10 verdict.

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GeekShare Cat Paw Thumb Grip Caps

GeekShare

GeekShare Cat Paw Thumb Grip Caps

8.4/10 · Good
  • Cute upgrade for Joy-Con sticks
  • Protecting analog sticks from wear and dirt
  • Gifts for Switch players

Typical price$9.99

Check Price on GeekShare
Compare with alternatives in Best GeekShare Accessories

Our verdict

GeekShare's Cat Paw thumb grips are the product that made the brand famous, and they're still its #1 best seller. For $9.99 you get soft silicone joystick caps shaped like cat paws that feel soft, help protect your analog sticks and look adorable, with versions for the original Switch family and Switch 2. They're rated 4.9/5 on GeekShare's store. Just note that several colors are sold out at the time of writing, and caps like these must be fitted fully over the stick or they can pop off.

  • Design 9.6
  • Comfort 8.4
  • Value 9.0
  • Compatibility 8.2
  • Availability 6.6

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Iconic cat paw design, GeekShare's original since 2017
  • Soft silicone for a comfortable feel
  • Helps protect analog sticks from scratches and dirt
  • Versions for Switch / Lite / OLED and Switch 2
  • Only $9.99
  • Rated 4.9/5 on the GeekShare store

Cons

  • Many colors sold out at the time of writing
  • Can pop off if not pressed fully over the stick
  • Pack count isn't stated in the current listing
  • Only 21 reviews on GeekShare's own store

Overview

The Cat Paw Thumb Grip Caps are where GeekShare started: the brand says this design debuted in 2017 and quickly rose to the top of Amazon's thumb grip category. Years later, it's still #1 on GeekShare's best-seller list. The caps are soft silicone joystick covers shaped like cat paws, priced at $9.99, and rated 4.9/5 from 21 reviews on GeekShare's store.

We haven't used these ourselves; this review is based on GeekShare's listing, policies and ratings.

Design

Each cap is a little cat paw, with toe beans and a heart-shaped pad in a contrasting color, in pastel shades like pink, blue, grey, green, brown, yellow-pink and purple-green. Because they're silicone, they add a soft surface on top of the Joy-Con analog sticks.

What they do

GeekShare lists two practical benefits besides the looks:

  • Comfort: soft silicone for a comfortable feel during everyday gaming.
  • Protection: the caps help protect the analog sticks from scratches and dirt.

The raised paw shape also gives your thumb a slightly different surface to rest on than the stock stick.

They don't change how the joystick works internally; they're a cover, not a fix for stick drift.

Compatibility

GeekShare sells two versions:

Version Fits
For Switch/Lite/OLED Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, Switch OLED
For Switch2 Nintendo Switch 2

At the time of writing, pink and blue are in stock for the Switch/Lite/OLED version, and pink and brown for Switch 2; other colors are sold out.

Installing them

GeekShare's instructions: turn the cap inside out, align it with the joystick, then press it into place until it fully wraps the stick. If a cap isn't seated all the way around, it's more likely to pop off mid-game.

Who should buy them?

Buy them if you:

  • Want a cheap, cute upgrade for your Switch.
  • Want to keep your analog sticks cleaner and scratch-free.
  • Are looking for a small gift for a Switch player.

Skip them if you:

  • Prefer the bare feel of the stock sticks.
  • Want caps for a Pro Controller or other gamepads.

Buying from GeekShare

Orders over $40 ship free in most countries, so a $9.99 pack of grips on its own will usually carry a shipping fee. International delivery takes 3–20 business days. GeekShare offers a 6-month one-time exchange for the same style; read our GeekShare review for the full return terms and caveats. See more best sellers in our best GeekShare accessories guide.

The verdict

At $9.99, the Cat Paw thumb grips are an easy, charming add-on that also protects your sticks. Pick the right version for your console, grab your color while it's in stock, and press them on firmly.

Specifications

TypeSilicone thumb grip (joystick) caps
CompatibilityNintendo Switch, Switch Lite, Switch OLED (one version); Switch 2 (separate version)
MaterialSilicone
ColorsPink, brown, blue, grey, green, yellow-pink, purple-green (availability varies)
Rating4.9/5 (21 reviews on GeekShare)
Price$9.99

Frequently asked questions

Do the Cat Paw thumb grips fit the Switch 2?
Yes, but buy the 'For Switch2' version. GeekShare sells a separate version for Switch, Switch Lite and Switch OLED.
How do I install GeekShare thumb grips?
GeekShare says to turn the cap inside out, align it with the joystick, then press it into place until it completely wraps around the stick. A cap that isn't fully seated is more likely to pop off during play.
Do they work on Pro Controllers or PS5 controllers?
This listing is for Joy-Con and Switch Lite sticks. GeekShare's similar Cream Heart caps are explicitly not compatible with PS4, Switch Pro or Xbox One controllers, so don't assume other controllers will fit.
How many caps come in a pack?
The current listing doesn't state the count. An earlier GeekShare listing name for this product described a 4-piece set, but check the product photos or ask GeekShare before buying.

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