The Nintendo Switch is one of the most versatile and enjoyable gaming consoles ever created. Its hybrid design allows you to seamlessly transition between playing on your TV and taking your gaming on the go. While the Switch provides an incredible gaming experience right out of the box, the right accessories can greatly enhance your enjoyment and allow you to get even more out of this amazing device.
As a computer expert and avid gamer, I‘ve tested dozens of Switch accessories over the years. I‘m excited to share my top recommendations for must-have accessories that every Switch owner should consider. Whether you primarily play your Switch docked, as a portable, or enjoy multiplayer gaming, there are accessories that can upgrade your setup and provide extra functionality. The goal is to highlight the absolute best accessories that provide the most value for Switch owners.
Let‘s start with the essentials that I believe every Switch owner needs:
-
A high-quality carrying case. The portability of the Switch is one of its biggest selling points. To keep your console protected while traveling, invest in a sturdy carrying case. Look for a hard shell case with a soft interior, space for game cartridges and accessories, and a design that isn‘t too bulky. Some great options are the Orzly Carry Case, the Mumba Carrying Case, and the Butterfox Deluxe Carrying Case.
-
A tempered glass screen protector. The Switch‘s plastic screen is prone to scratches, especially if you travel with it frequently. Tempered glass screen protectors are very affordable and can keep your screen looking pristine. They are also easy to install and don‘t impact the touch screen functionality. The amFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector is the gold standard and comes with everything you need for a bubble-free installation.
-
A portable charger. The Switch‘s battery life ranges from 3-9 hours depending on the game. For extended play sessions away from an outlet, a high-capacity portable battery pack is a must-have. I recommend power banks with at least 20,000mAh, multiple USB ports, and a USB-C port for fast charging. The Anker PowerCore Essential and RAVPower PD Pioneer are two excellent options that provide enough juice to fully recharge your Switch multiple times.
Now let‘s look at some accessories that can enhance your gameplay experience:
-
A pro controller. While the Joy-Cons are great for portable play, many gamers prefer a more traditional controller, especially for longer play sessions. The official Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is an excellent choice with precise analog sticks, large face buttons, and impressive 40-hour battery life. It feels great in the hand for extended gameplay. If you‘re looking for a more affordable option, the 8BitDo SN30 Pro+ is also fantastic.
-
A satisfye gaming grip. If you want to make your Switch more comfortable for portable play, the satisfye ZenGrip Pro is a game-changer. This ergonomic grip features rubberized handles, large grips for your palms, and repositionable game card slots. It makes the Switch much more pleasant to hold for long stretches and virtually eliminates hand cramps. There‘s even a version designed to work with the Switch Lite.
-
A headset with a built-in microphone. Nintendo Switch Online now offers voice chat for select games. To talk with your friends while you play, you‘ll need a gaming headset with a microphone. The Razer Barracuda X is a fantastic wireless option designed for the Switch with a USB-C dongle and detachable mic. It delivers rich, immersive game audio and works great for chatting with your buddies in games like Splatoon and Mario Kart.
If you play a lot of multiplayer games, here are some must-have accessories:
-
Extra Joy-Cons or pro controllers. For couch multiplayer, you‘ll need extra controllers so everyone can get in on the action. You can either purchase an extra set of Joy-Cons or pro controllers depending on your preference. If you opt for Joy-Cons, I highly recommend getting different colors to keep track of which ones are yours. There are also some fun themed options like the Fortnite Fleet Force Bundle.
-
A Joy-Con charging grip. With extra controllers comes the need for extra charging solutions. The PowerA Joy-Con Charging Dock can charge up to 4 Joy-Cons simultaneously. It has a weighted base for stability, LEDs that indicate charging status, and a USB-C input. It‘s perfect for making sure all your controllers are charged up and ready for your next gaming session with friends.
-
A multi-USB playstand. The Switch‘s built-in kickstand gets the job done in a pinch but it‘s far from ideal. For tabletop multiplayer, a sturdier playstand with better viewing angles is a smart upgrade. The HORI Compact Playstand fits the bill nicely. It holds the Switch securely, offers multiple viewing angles, and features a USB port for charging while you play. It folds up flat for easy portability too.
Next are some premium accessories for crafting the ultimate Switch setup:
-
A high-end controller. If money is no object and you want the very best controller for your Switch, there are some pricey but phenomenal options. The Hori Split Pad Pro gives you full-size grips and precision controls in portable mode. The 8BitDo SN30 Pro+ has exceptional build quality, button mapping, and thumbsticks. But the king has to be the Xbox Elite Series 2 Controller which works flawlessly with the Switch and is the last word in premium, pro-level gamepads.
-
A top-tier carrying case with built-in storage. Earlier I mentioned some great slim carrying cases for basic protection. But if you want the ultimate in protection and organization, it‘s worth splurging on a feature-packed carrying case. The Waterfield Switch Case has a ballistic nylon shell, padded interior, waterproof zippers, and ample internal pockets for accessories. It‘s pricey but virtually indestructible. The Mumba Hard Carrying Case also deserves mention for its all-in-one design, large accessory compartment, and hardshell exterior.
-
An audiophile-grade gaming headset. Most Switch gaming headsets will do the trick for game audio and voice chat. But if you want to experience your game audio in the highest fidelity, a premium gaming headset will be a revelation. The SteelSeries Arctis Pro Wireless works beautifully with the Switch and delivers uncompromising audio quality, comfort, and features. It‘s an investment but the sound profile is a massive step up from entry-level headsets.
Here are a couple lesser-known accessories that provide unique benefits:
-
Skull & Co GripCase: If you like to alternate between docked and handheld modes frequently, you‘ll love this slim case. It has interchangeable ergonomic grips for handheld mode that snap on in seconds. Simply pop them off when you want to dock your Switch – no need to remove the entire case. Clever design and makes switching between modes a breeze.
-
Genki Covert Dock: Nintendo‘s official dock gets the job done but it‘s bulky and not exactly portable. The Genki Covert Dock gives you all the functionality of the full-size dock in a tiny package that‘s perfect for travel. It includes USB-C Power Delivery passthrough, an HDMI port, and a USB 3.1 port. Dock your Switch on the go without taking up barely any space in your bag. Just remember to bring an HDMI cable.
Some parting advice when shopping for Switch accessories:
- Focus on your specific needs and playstyle. You likely don‘t need every accessory, just the ones that fit how you like to play.
- Stick with respected brands that specialize in gaming peripherals. Some good names to look for are 8BitDo, Satisfye, Hori, PowerA, and Anker.
- Read plenty of reviews before purchasing. Reviewer feedback and photos can give you a clearer picture of a product‘s quality, durability, and potential quirks.
- Remember the Switch has USB-C ports so any high-quality USB-C cable, power bank, or dongle should work great. You don‘t always need a Switch-specific version.
- Feel free to purchase cheaply where it makes sense (USB-C cables, screen protectors) but invest in quality for things like controllers, headsets, and cases.
With the right carefully chosen accessories, you can dramatically improve your Switch gaming experience. Whether that means increasing your playtime, upping your multiplayer game, or simply making your Switch more comfortable and enjoyable to use. Accessories let you craft your ideal Switch setup personalized perfectly to your needs and preferences. Hopefully this guide has given you some inspiration to take your Switch to the next level. Happy gaming!
