These Are the Most Important Nintendo Switch Accessories for Getting the Most Out of Your Console

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The Nintendo Switch has radically changed our idea of what a video game console can be. As a hybrid piece of tech built for both portable and home gaming, the Switch has not only been one of the most popular handheld consoles since its launch in 2017—it’s one of the best-selling devices Nintendo has ever made. This is obviously helped by the fact the console has some pretty great exclusive games, of course.

While the console is quite versatile straight out of the box, there are some Nintendo Switch accessories that improve the experience of owning Nintendo’s hybrid console. With our hand-picked recommendations, your Switch experience is about to get even better.

Looking for gaming accessories, games, and peripherals? Check out our picks for the best PS4 games, VR headsets, and Nintendo Switch controllers.

The Best Nintendo Switch Accessories

What to Consider

Console Type

Since the Switch’s debut, Nintendo has released two new versions of the console: the Nintendo Switch Lite and the Nintendo Switch OLED. The Switch Lite is a smaller, more compact version of the console that exclusively plays in handheld mode, while the Switch OLED features a bigger display and a docked output of 1880p resolution.

Some accessories on this list—like screen protectors and travel cases—fit just one variety of the Nintendo Switch, so be sure to double-check that the accessory is compatible with your model.

Protection

We have a few Nintendo Switch cases on this list for drop protection and easy carry solutions. If you’re considering a case for protection, reach for those made of rubber or thermoplastic polyurethane, as they can better withstand drops and impact.

If you need a case for carrying, most are made with hardshell protection and feature soft, fabric-like textures on the outside and hard plastic on the inside. While hardshell cases are great for high-impact drops, there’s still a chance of them getting crushed from pressure, so be mindful of where you store them when traveling.

Like most modern electronics, the screen is best protected by a custom fit tempered glass screen protector.

Storage

The digital size of a high-profile Nintendo Switch game can range from 12 to 20 gigabytes. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, for example, is 16.3 GB, while the Nintendo Switch’s storage space caps out at 32 GB. If you download games from the Nintendo eShop pretty often, consider grabbing a microSD card that can handle more. According to Nintendo, the Switch supports microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC—we recommend the latter.

Do you prefer buying physical games and accessories? Consider the storage space of the carrying case you’re eyeing. Some cases offer room for Nintendo Switch cartridges, while others have mesh pockets for additional Switch Joy-Cons and cords. If you’ll be traveling with plenty of goods, reach for a case with extra space.

How We Selected

Many of these recommendations come from hundreds of hours of in-house use. For the products we haven’t tried ourselves, we relied on our knowledge of reliable brands and high-quality specs, as well as reviews from online storefronts. As for the products themselves, we evaluated them on utility, design, longevity, and price.

128GB Nintendo microSDXC Switch Accessory

Far and away the most important accessory for your Nintendo Switch is a microSD card. Because the Switch’s internal memory capacity sits at an inadequate 32 GB, that space will fill up fast—especially if you like playing AAA Nintendo games.

With a blazingly fast read speed of up to 100 MB per second and a write speed of up to 90 MB per second, this SD card will easily max out your Switch’s speed and provide you with a smooth gaming experience, no matter what you throw at it.

This memory card is officially licensed for Nintendo, which makes it safe for all iterations of Nintendo Switch consoles. It’s also available in larger sizes, with Nintendo iconography imprinted on each card.

Tempered Glass Screen Protector Accessory for Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch is built for gaming on the go. Although it’s well-made, its screen is made of plastic, which can easily accumulate scratches if rubbed up against sharper and harder objects.

With AmFilm’s tempered glass screen protector, you can drop your Switch into your backpack and not have to worry about where your keys or pens are. It also doesn’t hinder the Switch’s responsive touch-screen controls.

Deputy Editor Zoë Hannah had this protector on her Switch for several years before dropping it face-down—the protector shattered, and her Switch did not. Many reviewers say this screen protector applies without any bubbles, too, and that it’s surprisingly durable for being so affordable.

Switch Pro Controller Accessory

The default Switch Joy-Con, while innovative, portable, and great for multiplayer, can become uncomfortable after a few hours of playing games. Cue the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, a fully loaded wireless controller in a much more comfortable and traditional form factor.

With large, deep buttons, a dedicated D-pad, and an ergonomic grip, the Switch Pro is the ultimate controller for the Nintendo Switch. With a built-in rumble, motion controls, and Amiibo support, you’ll never have to worry about switching back to the Joy-Cons.

Joy-Con Grips Nintendo Switch Accessories

Playing multiplayer games like Mario Kart 8 and Super Smash Bros. is convenient thanks to Nintendo’s splittable Joy-Cons. But playing these competitive games with one single horizontal Joy-Con gets uncomfortable fast.

These Joy-Con grips are a simple, no-fuss accessory that makes your controller instantly more comfortable for couch co-ops. Simply slot a Joy-Con into these rubberized controller-shaped molds. They’re perfect for pulling off tight turns and last-minute parries.

Carry Case Accessory for Nintendo Switch & Switch OLED

Naturally, a case makes perfect sense for a portable console like the Switch. This Orzly carry case gets the job done in a simple, functional, and affordable package—and it fits plenty of peripherals.

Besides securely housing your Switch, the Orzly case has dedicated slots for game cartridges, as well as a mesh pocket to slide cables, extra Joy-Cons, or a controller grip. The outer shell, while not the hardest on the market, can easily handle drops and spills.

The entire package is simple and slim, making it easy to slide into any bag.

Shop the Switch Lite

Playstand Nintendo Switch Accessory

The Switch is designed for easy, flexible, on-the-go play. While the long battery life, light form factor, and detachable Joy-Cons check all those boxes, the Switch and Switch Lite’s built-in kickstand checks none of them.

Unless you have the Switch OLED with its improved kickstand design, you’ll want something like the HORI Playstand if you plan on crushing some Kart at the airport. This accessory has a collapsable, angle-adjustable, rubberized grip stand that holds your Switch securely in place on any tabletop surface.

The added elevation means you can charge the Switch while playing, too. We also like this stand for entertainment purposes, since the Switch has apps like YouTube and Hulu.

Wired Internet Adapter Accessory for Nintendo Switch

While not exactly marketed towards the “pro gamer,” the Nintendo Switch has its fair share of competitive online games. While the Switch OLED features a built-in Ethernet port, the original Switch and Switch Lite rely on Wi-Fi, which can quickly be frustrating for fast paced games like Fortnite.

That’s why for Switch and Switch Lite users seeking serious competition, the HORI wired internet adapter is a must. The adapter enables Ethernet connectivity, meaning a smooth and steady connection during intense online competition.

Since it’s licensed by Nintendo, you can rest easy knowing it’ll work without a hitch with any of your Switch models.

Mario Kart Racing Wheel Nintendo Switch Accessory

If you’re a racing fan, look no further than the HORI Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe. Not only does the racing wheel sport a cool Mario Kart theme, but it’s also a steal for its price (though its cartoony look and lack of advanced features won’t appeal to pros looking for something a bit more premium).

You can program the back buttons, the pedals feel exceptionally responsive, and if you’re a die-hard Mario Kart player, you can even make use of the dedicated item button.

Split Pad Pro Accessory for Nintendo Switch

The Switch’s included Joy-Cons are neat controllers, but they’re not exactly ergonomic. If you spend a lot of time playing in handheld mode, you’ll want to grab the HORI Split Play Pro controllers instead, as you’ll likely find them far more comfortable for extended play times.

In addition to the improved ergonomics, you can remap the back paddles to any buttons you wish, and the Switch will fit on a dock even with the HORI Split Play Pro connected. The only major flaw here is the lack of rumble and NFC support, but if that doesn’t matter to you, this is a no-brainer.

Ultimate Bluetooth Controller for Nintendo Switch

If you’re not a fan of the official Nintendo Switch Pro Controller or are simply looking for something that can be used across multiple devices, check out the 8bitdo Ultimate Bluetooth controller. This excellent device looks and feels like a hybrid of the Pro Controller and an Xbox Series X controller, and it’s comfortable to use. It even sports remappable buttons and back paddles.

The two best parts about the 8bitdo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller are that it can also be paired with your PC and it comes with a charging station right out of the box!

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