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The best Nintendo Switch accessories include cases, charging stations, headsets, and more.
Amazon; Rachel Mendelson/Insider
The Nintendo Switch is nearly six years old, but it’s still one of the most popular video game consoles around, with more than 114 million units sold worldwide. Because the Switch is a portable console, there are a wide variety of accessories available for travel, along with the usual peripherals like controllers, headsets, and MicroSD cards for extra storage.
The Switch is also home to some of the most popular games around, with iconic exclusives like Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, Super Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
There are now three versions of the Switch to buy accessories for: the original model, the new Switch OLED, and the handheld-only Switch Lite. Accessories like controllers and MicroSD cards will work with all three Switch models, but external accessories, like cases and screen protectors, will likely only fit one version.
We’ve collected a list of essential Switch accessories with all three models in mind, but we’ll specify if one of our picks doesn’t work with Switch Lite or OLED.
8BitDo Pro 2 Bluetooth Controller for Switch
Amazon
If you don’t mind using a controller from a third-party company, the 8BitDo Pro 2 offers more features than Nintendo’s own Switch Pro controller, for $20 less. The look of the 8BitDo 2 resembles a classic Super Nintendo controller, though the layout is more similar to a PlayStation gamepad.
Compared to Nintendo’s Pro controller, the 8BitDo swaps the position of the left analog stick with the directional pad and adds two customizable buttons to the back. On the downside, it doesn’t have Amiibo support, but it does match the Switch Pro controller’s 20 hours of battery life.
The 8BitDo gamepad is also compatible with PC, MacOS, and Android if you want to use it with other devices.
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Nintendo
Nintendo’s official Pro Controller is more expensive than third-party choices for pro-grade gamepads, but comes with some advantages. The Pro Controller supports Nintendo’s Amiibo collectibles and the Switch’s enhanced HD rumble feature, in addition to USB-C support and a lengthy battery life.
Anker Powercore 13400 Power Bank
Anker
Anker’s Nintendo-approved power bank has the USB-C Power Delivery (PD) fast charging speed required to work with the Switch, delivering up to 10 extra hours of play time, and it has the Switch logo branded on one side. Other banks with PD fast charging will work too, but you won’t find a much better price.
Samsung Evo Select 256GB MicroSD Card
Amazon
Samsung’s Evo Select 256GB MicroSD card offers the best value for the amount of storage it provides. The Evo Select will reach the Switch’s maximum loading speed for MicroSD cards, and you can size up to 512GB if you want even more space. The few 1TB MicroSD cards available are too expensive to be considered “essential.”
RDS Nintendo Switch Carrying Case
Amazon
RDS Industries makes quality cases for the Switch, and they’re licensed by Nintendo so they can use official art from Nintendo games. There’s also a deluxe case for the Switch Lite, and smaller traveler cases with designs from Super Mario, Pokémon, Animal Crossing, and The Legend of Zelda.
Razer Barracuda X Headset
Amazon
Razer’s Barracuda X headset is wireless and includes a USB-C dongle that will work with the Nintendo Switch in handheld mode as well as a USB-A connector to use the headset while the Switch is docked. The wireless connection is better than Bluetooth, and the headset has a 20-hour battery life.
AmFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector
Amazon
A screen protector is fairly self explanatory. All Switch models use a touch screen that’s susceptible to scratches and fingerprints, so getting a screen protector is wise if you plan to travel with your Switch or let young children use it.
Ugreen Ethernet Adapter
Amazon
If you plan to play the Switch online, keep in mind that the original model does not have an Ethernet port for wired internet on it’s dock. You can use this USB LAN adapter to connect your Switch directly to your router via ethernet, and get significantly faster downloads and more consistent online play. The Switch OLED dock does have an Ethernet port, so this accessory isn’t necessary for that model.
MoKo Grip Joy-Con
Amazon
Using an individual Joy-Con controller can be difficult for adults or teenagers with large hands, but you can buy these affordable plastic handles that make it easier to grip the single Joy-Con and use the shoulder buttons.
Hori Nintendo Switch Split Pad Pro
Amazon
The Switch Joy-Cons are wonderfully innovative, but using them in handheld-mode is rarely as comfortable as a traditional controller. Hori’s Split Pad Pro gives you more robust controls to slide onto your Switch, but unfortunately it does not have wireless functionality to use when the Switch is docked. Hori also sells a $20 left Joy-Con replacement that features a more traditional directional pad, but it also lacks wireless play.
Note: While some third-party Joy-Cons do offer wireless support, we recommend paying a bit more for official Nintendo Joy-Cons to ensure they’re not damaging your Switch and they have the best possible connectivity. Hori’s Split Pad Pro is one of the few replacement options that actually makes the Switch more comfortable to use and improves on the Joy-Con’s layout.
PowerA Joy-Con and Pro Controller Charging Dock
Amazon
If you’ve got an extra pair of Joy-Cons or multiple Pro Controllers, it might be useful to invest in a dedicated charging dock for your spares. PowerA’s Switch controller dock has slots for a left and right Joy-Con and one Pro Controller, and uses LED lights to let you know when charging is complete.
