Whether you own a Nintendo Switch, a Switch Lite, or a Switch OLED, you know how versatile and fun this console can be. To make the most of your gaming experience, investing in a few accessories can take things to the next level. From Switch controllers allowing better control (and less cramping) during intense gameplay, to screen protectors keeping your Switch safe from any scratches, the right accessories enhance performance and protection.
TL;DR – These are the Best Nintendo Switch Accessories:
As you grow your Switch game library, a Switch SD card can expand your storage so you’ll never have to worry about running out of room. Whether you’re aiming for convenience, comfort, or a better overall gaming experience, these compatible accessories for the Nintendo Switch can make all the difference.
1. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Best Switch Controller
The small thumbsticks and triggers available on Nintendo Switch's Joy-Con controllers can be a pain, so unless you're gaming exclusively on the go, you owe it to yourself to play with something bigger and better. The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is a welcome solution. This gamepad offers all the controls you need for a Nintendo Switch with a familiar and far more ergonomic design.
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller works wireless and charges using a USB-C cable. Boasting a 40-hour battery life, you’re all set for an all-day gaming marathon. The larger, easier-to-use controls and real D-pad provide undeniable improvement to your gameplay, while HD Rumble should immerse you further into the action. It even supports Amiibo with its NFC chip. Best of all, this controller should last the duration of your Switch's life cycle, making it a very sound investment.
See more of our picks for the best Switch controllers.
2. amFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector
Best Nintendo Switch Screen Protector
If you spend far too much time in a state of panic when you accidentally drop your Nintendo Switch, maybe it's time to make a tiny investment in a screen protector. The amFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector goes right over your Nintendo Switch's display, keeping it safe and giving you a little peace of mind when the device starts to slip from your grasp.
The screen protector is built to take the brunt of an impact, so you don't have to live with your Switch permanently in docked mode. At under ten bucks for a two-pack and an installation kit, it’s hard to come up with an excuse not to buy this. A cracked display on a Nintendo Switch will set you back a lot more than this economical solution, and the device's touchscreen capabilities and screen clarity remain the same.
3. RDS Carry Case
Best Nintendo Switch Case
When taking your Switch on the go, you want a hardy case to protect it from the elements, possible scratches, and the inevitable drop. The RDS Carry Case does just that, thanks to its hard-shelled exterior and fitted linen interior with a padded screen protector. There’s even a handy rubber handle to make toting it around easy.
Beyond that, inside the case is a pair of hard clamshell cases for games that slot into a recessed panel, while a small attached zipper pocket provides a place to store cables or even more games. There's a built-in adjustable stand, too, which makes for easy playing or viewing on the go. If you’ve got the Switch Lite or OLED, those devices can also fit comfortably in this case.
See more of our picks for the best Switch cases including Nintendo Switch battery cases.
4. SanDisk 128GB Ultra
Best Nintendo Switch Memory Card
Unless you're comfortable carrying around a bunch of game cartridges, you’ll want your favorite games installed directly on your Nintendo Switch. However, there's a little hitch in that plan, given how little storage the Switch actually has for games. So, it's worth it to pony up for a Switch microSD card, especially if you're going to shop several game deals. It can dramatically increase the storage capacity for your Nintendo Switch and do it for an affordable price.
The SanDisk 128GB Ultra drive hits a sweet spot. You can pick it up for under $20, which means it's cheaper than even a so-so controller but provides serious utility. That 128GB offers plenty of room for games, and you can always grab another later if you end up needing more room for your game library. With 120MB/s read speeds, the card ensures you don't run into painfully slow loading times for games stored on it. SanDisk also backs it up with a 10-year warranty, which should be more than enough time for Nintendo to launch its next console.
5. CRKD Nitro Deck
Best Switch Deck
Don’t love the Switch’s traditional Joy-Cons? Well, the CRKD Nitro Deck upgrades the controllers and offers a slew of other features to make your gaming experience on the device even better. Rather than attaching Joy-Cons to either side of the Switch, the Nitro Deck lets you slide the screen into it, connecting via USB-C, providing a sturdy, secure, and more comfortable-to-hold option. It is noticeably heftier than the Joy-Cons, but the weight is distributed evenly.
However, the quality controls will be the main reason you grab the Nitro Deck. There are Hall effect thumbsticks, so you can say goodbye to that pesky drift that plagues the Joy-Cons. All the rest of Switch's traditional controls are accounted for with clicky buttons and a good amount of tension in the D-pad, while the four shoulder buttons are longer with more travel. You also get four programmable back buttons, which, beyond shooters, we found handy in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.
6. Satisfye ZenGrip Pro Gen 3
Best Nintendo Switch Grip
The Nintendo Switch's almost entirely flat form-factor can be a pain to hold, literally, and the small size of the Joy-Cons also isn't fun for users with large hands. The Satisfye ZenGrip Pro helps prevent your hands from cramping up and provides a more ergonomic hold on the console, making you a lot more comfortable during your gaming marathons.
The Satisfye ZenGrip Pro is all about giving your hands a pair of simple, grips to hold onto. With them, your fingers and thumb can properly wrap around rather than dig in at the bottom of the Joy-Cons. The handles are diagonally arranged, so your wrists sit at a more natural angle, while the plastic frame can also act as a stand. It even features silicone tabs to prevent the Switch from getting scratched. The only real fault with this grip is it makes your device a bit less portable when attached. Though, if you're looking to add a little extra comfort to your Switch gameplay, the Satisfye ZenGrip Pro is a good place to start.
7. Hori Split Pad Pro
Better Joy-Cons
The joy-cons your Switch comes with are great, but sometimes you want a better grip and larger controls. With the Hori Split Pad Pro, you get just that, plus some convenient extras. Everything on this controller is scaled up. You get a bigger, textured grip to help distribute weight better, and in turn, makes your Switch more comfortable to hold even during your longest gaming sessions. You’ll find the larger analog sticks, triggers, and D-pad provides more accuracy in your games and decreases cramping when pulling off combos. Unfortunately, there is no motion control, rumble, or NFC reader on this joy-con alternative.
On top of experiencing a full-size controller in handheld mode on the Hori Split Pad Pro, you also get the option to use the joy-cons as a separate wired controller. With this Split Pad Pro Attachment Set, you dock each one in and get a quality standard controller. You even get a mic input for gaming audio and voice chat. Two additional rear paddles are also included, which can be remapped, but only the right-side buttons can be mapped to the right rear paddle, and vice versa.
8. GENKI Covert Dock Mini
Best Nintendo Switch Portable Dock
Given the Nintendo Switch is ultra-portable, one would’ve thought its dock would be too, but that’s not the case. It’s clunky and prone to damage, so you’ll want to find something else to take on the go. Luckily, the GENKI Covert Dock Mini measures just 1.35 x 1.66 x 1.3 inches and has foldable prongs, making for a super compact, pocketable device that has the ability to increase your screen size.
This mini dock isn’t equipped with a bunch of extras or the fastest charging speeds. However, it has exactly what you need; a USB-C port and an HDMI output. The USB-C offers 20W charging speeds to keep your Switch topped up as you play; a USB-C cable is even included with the dock. After the Switch is plugged into the USB-C, an HDMI port transfers video signals at up to 4K/30Hz, exceeding the Switch’s 1080p max output. You aren’t limited to only using the Switch with the GENKI Covert Dock Mini either, it works seamlessly with the best laptops, iPads, and the Steam Deck.
9. Nintendo Joy-Con Wheel
Best Nintendo Switch Steering Wheel
The Nintendo Joy-Con Wheel is a simple yet effective Switch accessory that brings a more hands-on feel to your racing games, particularly when playing titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. While it’s not as advanced as a fully-fledged racing wheel, it’s a great option for casual gamers and younger players who want to get more involved in the action.
With its easy setup (just insert a Joy-Con into the wheel) you’ll feel like you’re right behind the wheel, making it a fun and engaging way to race. The Joy-Con Wheel is especially useful for kids, offering them better control and an intuitive way to steer through races. Plus, the package comes with two wheels, making it great for multiplayer sessions.
Though basic in design, it’s excellent value for money, providing a simple way to enhance your gaming experience without breaking the bank. It’s a practical and enjoyable accessory that turns every race into a more interactive and enjoyable experience!
10. 8BitDo Arcade Stick
Best Nintendo Switch Fight Stick
Want more precise control for fighting games? Using a fight stick helps you dominate your competition. The 8BitDo Arcade Stick has you covered when it comes to the Switch, featuring the typical joystick and eight buttons found on most fight sticks and two additional macro buttons. A simple switch lets you change the function of the joystick to serve as the left thumbstick, right thumbstick, or D-Pad. And, if you want to mod it, it's compatible with other arcade parts, including Sanwa's. Pulling off combos and different attacks will be a breeze with this controller.
The 8BitDo Arcade Stick connects to your Switch over Bluetooth, USB-C, or a 2.5GHz wireless receiver. As a bonus, it connects to a PC, too. The fight stick’s look and feel should take you back in time to a less complicated life but with all the modern features you need.
See more of the best fight sticks for fighting games.
11. HyperX ChargePlay Quad 2
Best Joy-Con Charger
The way Nintendo designed the Joy-Cons to charge when connected to the Switch was ingenious. But, if you're hosting a big Mario Party or Smash Bros. Ultimate tournament, this becomes a huge headache. These are the exact scenarios that call for a dedicated Joy-Con charger, like the HyperX ChargePlay Quad 2. Rather than just being able to juice up only two Joy-Cons with your Nintendo Switch, you can charge up to four simultaneously.
HyperX ChargePlay Quad allows each Joy-Con to slide easily into the sturdy base, and indicator lights let you know when they're all charged up. The long USB-C cord for power means you can keep the charging station close. It also makes it easy to hot-swap controllers, so you barely miss a moment of a game’s action. The Pokeball look also adds to the charger's aesthetic.
12. Marseille mClassic
Best Nintendo Switch Upscaler
Nintendo isn’t known for chasing the most stunning graphics despite how beautiful its games end up being. Sharp-eyed gamers are likely to spot some jagged edges here and there, and the Switch could benefit from some extra anti-aliasing. Its resolution limit can also result in a blurrier experience when you pair it with a higher-res display. Enter the mClassic adapter. This unit sits between your Nintendo Switch and display, connecting via HDMI, and adds a bit of post-processing magic to your video feed.
The mClassic upscales gameplay to a higher resolution, applies extra anti-aliasing to smooth out pixelation and jaggies, and can add depth of field effects and image sharpening. It performs this processing with negligible lag, too, so you can continue to tackle even the hardest games. The mClassic is particularly handy for retro games on consoles like Nintendo 64, where you want to see smoother visuals, but you can apply it to anything coming out of the Switch. There’s even a special 4K upscaler mode to enhance 1080p video content.
13. Emperor of Gadgets Portable Power Bank
Best Nintendo Switch Power Bank
Grabbing one of the top portable chargers is the most simple and effective way to extend the battery life of your Switch. Its stock battery will only last about nine hours, and you’ll be lucky to get that much playtime. So during long travel days or time away from an outlet, a portable charger, like our favorite, Emperor of Gadgets Portable Power Bank, can be a lifesaver. Unlike your typical power bank, this one straps onto the console, adding a little extra bulk to the device but still providing an enjoyable playing experience.
With the Emperor of Gadgets Portable Power Bank comes 10,000mAh of extra juice, which should effectively double the battery life of your Switch. A 15-watt power delivery ensures a quick fill-up, while a built-in USB-C cable means you don’t need to worry about bringing your own along. You aren’t limited to just charging your Switch either, as it comes with an additional USB-A and USB-C port ready to charge up your gaming phone, wireless earbuds, and more.
Where to Get the Best Nintendo Switch Accessories in the UK
How to Choose Switch Accessories
As accessories are add-ons for your Switch, you probably don't want to spend too much money on them. Luckily, the basics we'd recommend are normally under $50 for all three products; a case, a screen protector, and an SD card. These items immediately ensure protection and allow you to store more games, making it a great place to start.
Three must-haves:
- Switch case
- Screen protector
- SD card
From there, you’ll want to focus on quality-of-life products based on your lifestyle and needs:
For comfort: If the Joy-Cons are uncomfortable for you, we'd recommend investing in another controller for a more ergonomic hold. Tip: Take it to the next level with a mount for your Switch OLED and a Pro controller so you can game on-the-go when you're not connected to your TV. The Fixture S2 monitor and Pro controller mount is a must-have for playing in handheld mode.
For on-the-go charging: Get a power bank to extend playtime in general or while on-the-go.
For more immersive gaming: Consider getting one of the best Nintendo Switch headsets we've researched and/or tested. When it comes to performance with the Switch, nothing beats the Razer Barracuda X right now.
As for other accessories like upscalers, docks, or printers, you can grab these down the road depending on your needs. No matter which accessories you decide to purchase, do the research to ensure the accessory is compatible for your Switch model.
Nintendo Switch Accessories FAQ
Which Nintendo Switch accessories should you buy first?
There are several Switch accessories you can buy, but if you've just purchased the console, there are a few things you should get first. The most essential accessories are a carrying case, an SD card, and a screen protector. These items will allow you to protect your Switch and also download more games to the console. You may also want to look into getting a more comfortable Pro controller or a nicer set of Joy-Cons since the base set is not ergonomic for long-term gameplay.
What accessories normally come with a Nintendo Switch?
When you purchase the Switch, it offers all the basic accessories you need to get gaming.
The original 6.2-inch LCD touchscreen console comes with an AC adapter for power, while a Nintendo Switch dock and HDMI are included for displaying your games on your gaming TV. Beyond that, there are left and right Joy-Cons, along with straps for individual Joy-Con use and a grip for using the two controllers together detached from the gaming device.
With the seven-inch OLED model, you get all the same accessories as the original, but there’s a LAN port on the Switch dock for a wired internet connection.
As for the Switch Lite, it’s also light on accessories. There’s no dock or HDMI, as you can’t connect it to your TV. The Joy-Cons are also not detachable, so you’ll only find the console and USB-C charger in the box.
When do Nintendo Switch accessories go on sale?
Although the Switch itself doesn't go on sale very often, Nintendo Switch accessories will often see discounts throughout the year. The general rule of thumb is that the best times to buy a Nintendo Switch are also the best times to buy Switch accessories. Some of the more popular events where you're guaranteed to find discounts on gaming accessories are Amazon Prime Day in July and Black Friday in November.
Danielle Abraham is a tech freelance writer and unpaid music historian.
Georgie Peru is a freelance writer and also contributed to this article.
