The Best Nintendo Switch Accessories
The Nintendo Switch is the kind of console that, once it's in your hands, becomes your new best friend. Unlike the home-bound PS5 and Xbox Series X, they're portable, personal, and packed with incredible exclusives like the recent Metroid Dread. Because you can play the Switch at home or on the road, there's a ton of extra accessories you might not usually need for a console. from batteries to keep playing, to extra storage or a protective case.
The new Switch OLED is a fine improvement over the original. The accessories on this list should work with the OLED version unless otherwise noted in the text or buy links, though we have not tested them all on it. Some are even suitable for Nintendo's Switch Lite, the Switch's mobile-only sibling that cannot dock to a TV.
If you're still shopping for a Switch, check out our roundup of the best Switch deals. Need new games? Our best Switch games guide can help, and read our Switch tips and tricks to get the most out of your system.
Updated November 2021: We've added Switch OLED links when relevant and swapped out headphone options to reflect the Switch's new Bluetooth update. Jess Grey and Jeffrey Van Camp also contributed to this guide.
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- Photograph: Amazon
For More Protection
AmFilm Tempered Glass Screen ProtectorThis is must-have item number one. The Switch is a handheld machine, so you’re going to take it with you on a trip at some point. When you do, its screen will scratch, and you’ll hate yourself just a little every time you see that blemish as you play.
We’ve used this screen protector, and it doesn’t bubble. It will also protect your screen from the Switch TV Dock, which has scratched some Switch owners' displays. It has protected my (Jeffrey's) Switch for more than four years now, and it's still holding up. This is one of the rare accessories that isn't interchangeable between the Switch and Switch OLED, so make sure you get the one that's correct for whichever model you have.
- Photograph: Sandisk
For More Space
SanDisk 128 GB High-Speed MicroSD CardDon’t skimp on a good MicroSD card. Grab one with at least 128 gigabytes of storage, so it lasts for a few years. You can still buy games on cartridges for the Switch, but some titles need extra storage, and indie games on Nintendo’s eShop are available only via download. Pop it in, forget about it, and download tons of games. If you find one on sale, make sure it’s marked as Class 10 and at least XC 1.
- Photograph: SteelSeries
For Wireless Audio
SteelSeries Arctis 1 WirelessIf you don't plan to use Nintendo's phone-based chat app, the Arctis 1 Wireless (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is a more flexible headset to buy, and one of our favorites. While the Switch finally supports Bluetooth audio, the wireless dongle that comes with the Arctis 1 works with nearly any device (including phones) that has a USB-C port and will result in less latency and audio quality problems. Plus, it produces rich, atmospheric sound and is just generally a great headset on its own.
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- Photograph: SteelSeries
For Online Voice Chat
SteelSeries Arctis 3 (with Bluetooth)The SteelSeries Arctis series are some of our favorite gaming headsets, and the Arctis 3 Bluetooth is the perfect match for Switch. Since Nintendo uses a mobile app for online chat, it can be complicated getting both game and voice audio. The Arctis 3 can connect directly to the Switch with a 3.5-mm headphone jack for games like Fortnite (or just for listening), and it has an optional Bluetooth connection that can pair with your phone at the same time, so you get the best of both worlds. If you don't care about online conversation, then you can still pair the Arctis 3 directly to the Switch via Bluetooth for regular game audio.
- Photograph: Nyko
For Easier Charging
Nyko Charge Block ProJoy-Con controllers conveniently charge when they're attached to the Switch, but if you have extras, it can be a pain, say nothing of the Pro Controllers. The Nyko Charge Block Pro solves this in a modular way by letting you buy individual blocks for each controller or pair of Joy-Cons. You can connect up to four blocks of any type together, so whether you need to charge eight Joy-Cons, four Pro Controllers, or any combo in between, you're covered.
- Photograph: Bionik
For the Outdoors (Bag + Battery)
Bionik Power Commuter BagThanks to Covid-19, it's easy to feel sun-starved when stuck indoors. Sometimes walking to a park, putting on some headphones, and playing Super Mario 3D World under a shady tree is the perfect way to relax. However, the more lovely the game, the more power it consumes. That's where the Bionik Power Commuter bag comes in. It isn't just a Switch carrying case; it comes with a 10,000-mAh battery (that's two full charges for a standard-sized Switch) to keep your console (and other devices) topped up.
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- Photograph: Orzly
For Extra Durability
Orzly Protective Case (Handheld Only)If you use your Switch primarily in handheld mode, this Orzly case is a cheap and easy way to give it some durability and extra grip. Made of thermoplastic polyurethane, it has a hard, rubberized feel and fits tightly over the Switch. It adds some drop protection and has a nice lip on the front that helps protect the screen upon impact. You cannot easily take the Joy-Cons off or dock the Switch with it on, but you can pull the case off without too much hassle.
- Photograph: Amazon
For Better Organization
Orzly Carry Case - Photograph: RLSOCO
For Docking Outside Your Home
RLSOCO Carrying Case
- Photograph: Amazon
For Better Ergonomics
FastSnail Grips Joy-Con Controller HandlesSome games, like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, let you tilt each Joy-Con on its side and hold it like a traditional controller—a truly tiny controller. This accessory isn’t anything special, but it adds some size to each Joy-Con and makes the shoulder buttons far easier to press. It shows its worth anytime you break into a multiplayer Mario Kart race.
- Photograph: Hyper
For a Battery and TV Dock in One
HyperDrive 60W USB-C HubThe HyperDrive 60-watt USB-C hub for Nintendo Switch is more than just a power hub. It can replace your Switch dock entirely, and it’s a fraction of the size. This tiny little power brick can be used to dock your Switch or you can use it to charge and provide HDMI output for any other USB-C device, like your phone or iPad. It’s a versatile dongle and one of my (Jess) favorite additions to my gaming setup.
- Photograph: Nimble
For Continued Play
Nimble Champ Pro Portable ChargerThis Champ portable battery can charge your Switch while you play it, which makes it a must-have. It puts out 18 watts, using the USB Power Delivery standard that the Switch needs. It packs a respectable 10,000 mAh capacity, so you could charge the Switch multiple times without needing to refill the battery, making it perfect for playing over long trips, or just a really chill weekend.
- Photograph: Nintendo
For Pro Gamers
Nintendo Switch Pro ControllerIf yoU plan to kick back and fully immerse yourself in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Nintendo's first-party option is the best wireless controller you can buy. The Pro Controller is comfortable to hold for extended periods, and it reliably registers every tap. Pronounced face buttons and satisfyingly contoured grips make it a luxurious upgrade. It’s one of the most comfortable controllers we’ve used (on any console).
- Photograph: 8Bitdo
For the Nostalgic
8Bitdo SN30 Pro ControllerIf you want every button that comes on a Pro controller, but like the classic feel of the SNES pad, 8Bitdo’s SN30 is for you. It’s lightweight, with precise buttons and analog sticks that feel incredibly accurate. It even has motion control. The only snag is that it lacks NFC, so you cannot scan Amiibo figurines in supported games. On the plus side, it will pair with any Bluetooth-capable device, like your PC or smartphone.
- Photograph: Nintendo
For More Joy-Cons
Nintendo Joy-ConsExtra Joy-Cons bring extra joy! Nintendo is known for its killer couch co-op games, and spare Joy-Cons will let you play four-player Mario Kart or ARMS at a moment's notice. When it's time to get off the sofa, these tiny detachable controllers are small enough to take with you. Included with each Joy-Con is a wrist strap, so you can flail away without worrying about your controller turning into a TV-shattering projectile.
- Photograph: TFY
For Long Rides
TFY Car Headrest Mount for SwitchThis is a pretty basic elastic and velcro strap that holds the Switch to the back of a car seat. Just wrap the elastic around the headrest—or a tray on an airplane if it fits—and slide off your Joy-Con controllers to fit the Switch display in the grips. Some owners report that a small tablet may fit as well.
- Photograph: HORI
For a Smarter Kickstand
Hori Compact PlaystandThe Switch has a built-in kickstand, but it has a fatal flaw: You cannot charge your Switch while using it, because the charging port is on the bottom. This stand allowed us to play Pac-Man Vs., Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and other multiplayer games while keeping the Switch plugged in. It also elevates the console nicely, and the angle is adjustable.
- Photograph: Nintendo
Another Good Kickstand
Nintendo Switch Adjustable Charging StandIf you have a set spot where you like to play your Switch, and that setup doesn't include a TV, you may want to pick up Nintendo's Adjustable Charging Stand. It connects to the USB-C AC adapter that comes with your Switch and will charge the system as you play. You can angle it however you like, and it's stable enough that you can remove the Joy-Cons without hassle.
- Photograph: Amazon
For Charging on the Road
PowerA Switch Car ChargerIf you're on a road trip and need a top-up, sometimes there's no option but a good cigarette-lighter charging adapter. Newer cars don't even acknowledge that these ports used to be for cigarettes, but either way, this USB-C car charger should work great. It's 6 feet long, so you can charge while in the backseat too.
- Photograph: Nintendo
For Charging Joy-Cons
Nintendo Joy-Con Charging GripThe Switch always needs a recharge, and that's why a good portion of this list is dedicated to batteries and cables. The Joy-Con controllers are a little easier on the juice, but if you regularly use them separately from your Switch, you will want to find a charging solution. You can pick up a Joy-Con charger or just plug your Joy-Cons into your Switch for charging. Or buy this alternative Joy-Con grip. It doesn't have a battery, but it can plug in via USB to recharge your controllers while they're docked in it.
- Photograph: Nintendo
For Builders
Nintendo Labo Cardboard KitsNo, the Nintendo Labo is not technically an accessory, but it's not a straight-up game, either. You basically build cardboard gadgets like Legos and then play with them. We love it, so we're including it! The Labo Vehicle Kit is our favorite and comes with a steering wheel, pilot joystick, and a very fun game to play. The Labo Variety Kit comes with five cardboard accessories to build and is a fun beginner package. If you have kids, this is a great game/accessory to play with them.
- Photograph: Logitech
A Pair of Gaming Earbuds
Logitech G333 In-Ear Gaming MonitorsGreat for the Switch or the Switch Lite, Logitech's G333 earbuds are ideal for gaming on the go. They're well-built, with a solid metal body and a flat, tangle-resistant cable, but most important, they deliver much bigger sound than you might expect. The soundstage on these earbuds is surprisingly expansive. Plugging them in and dropping into Breath of the Wild was like having a surround sound system plugged directly into my ears.
It even has a USB-C plug and will work as a microphone for some online Switch games. I say some, because the Switch is still a bit finicky when it comes to voice chat. If there's a particular game you have in mind, check that it doesn't need to be connected to the Nintendo Switch Online app. If it does, these earbuds won't work for online voice chat in that game.
- Photograph: Pelican
For Keeping Your Games Safe
Pelican Micro Memory Card CaseThis product isn't specifically for Nintendo Switch games. It's for SD cards of all kinds, whether you're using them for photography, data storage, or gaming. Switch games fit perfectly in the little SD card-sized depressions in the protective foam. Not to mention it's made by Pelican, a company with a reputation for making robust protective gear for all your devices. This case will keep your games safe and sound no matter where you take them.
