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A Total Handheld Overhaul
CRKD Nitro Deck
More Space for More Games
SanDisk Micro SD Card for Nintendo Switch
For Wireless Audio
HyperX Cloud III Wireless
For Spare Controller Charging
PowerA Controller Charging Base
The Nintendo Switch has incredible staying power for a console that’s now seven years old and has only had a moderate update to its screen and kickstand after all that time. Unlike the homebound PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, the Switch is portable, personal, and packed with exclusive and indie titles. Because you can play the Switch at home or on the road, you might need batteries, protective cases, and other accessories you’re not used to buying for a console.
The Switch OLED is a fine improvement over the original, and 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 suitable for Nintendo’s Switch Lite, the Switch’s mobile-only sibling that cannot dock to a TV. Be sure to check our roundup of the Best Switch Games and our Switch tips and tricks to get the most out of your system.
Updated July 2024: We’ve added the Nitro Deck, PowerA Charging Base, Hori Split Pad Pro Attachment Set, and Game Traveler carrying case.
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Photograph: Eric Ravenscraft
A Total Handheld Overhaul
CRKD Nitro Deck
The Nitro Deck is unlike any Switch accessory I’ve tested. It might best be described as a combination dock and controller. The body of the Nintendo Switch (either the original or OLED model) can slot directly into it, turning it into a device that feels pretty similar to a Steam Deck. On the sides are controller buttons and control sticks that are a little bit bigger than the standard Joy-Con controllers, and more comfortable for adult hands.
On the rear, though, is where it gets interesting. Four paddle-style buttons sit underneath your middle and ring fingers, all of which can be remapped to any other Switch button. If you have trouble reaching that one spot on the D-Pad, or prefer to pull back your bowstring with a different finger, then these buttons can give you much better control over your game.
A small but sturdy kickstand sits in the middle of the device, and it holds up firmly at whatever angle you position it. At the top, there’s a small lip with two USB-C ports labeled Input and Output. The input port can be used to charge the Switch while it’s in the Nitro Deck, but more interestingly, the Output port lets you use the Nitro Deck as a wired controller while your Switch is in the TV dock.
Put it all together and the Nitro Deck makes the Switch feel like it’s competing with more modern gaming handhelds. It’s sturdy, comfortable, and has the customizability that die-hard gamers would want from an upgraded controller. The fact that the Nitro Deck starts at $50—that’s $30 less than a pair of standard Joy-Cons—just makes this that much better of a deal.
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Photograph: Eric Ravenscraft
More Space for More Games
SanDisk Micro SD Card for Nintendo Switch
A good microSD card—preferably one with at least 128 gigabytes of storage—can last you a few years without having to delete any of your downloaded game. You can still buy games on cartridges for the Switch, but some titles need extra storage, and indie games on Nintendo’s eShop are only available 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 (check out our SD card speed explainer if you want to know what that means).
★ Alternative: As long as you get the right speed for your microSD card, there isn’t too much to differentiate one from another. Unless you’re looking at this officially licensed 1-TB Legend of Zelda SanDisk microSD card ($110). It’s pricey, but it’s also sixteen times more storage space than the Switch OLED comes with on its own. Plus it’s got that neat little Hylian logo on it. Isn’t that nice?
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Photograph: Eric Ravenscraft
For Wireless Audio
HyperX Cloud III Wireless
The HyperX Cloud III Wireless headset (8/10, WIRED Recommends) is a worthy alternative to the Cloud Alpha Wireless that earned our rare 10/10 rating. The Cloud III Wireless headphones don’t get quite as much battery, but they’re rated for 120 hours, which is still absurdly long compared to most headsets. They’re comfy, produce solid audio quality, and come with a USB-C dongle to plug it directly into your console (great news for Switch users!). There’s also a USB-C to USB-A adapter in the package, so you can use the headphones with other devices as well, including your PC or PS5.
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Photograph: Eric Ravenscraft
For Spare Controller Charging
PowerA Controller Charging Base
It’s dead simple to charge your Joy-Con controllers by attaching them to the side of your Switch, but if you have spare controllers, it’s handy to have a charging base handy. This charging station from PowerA has space to charge two Joy-Cons, plus a Pro Controller. The latter requires a small USB-C adapter that adds metal contacts, so you can just set the controller on the charging base when you’re done playing.
★ Alternative: If you don’t have a Pro Controller, or just have a bunch of Joy-Cons that need charging, the HyperX ChargePlay Quad 2 might be a better option for you. It has space to charge four Joy-Con controllers in its circular base. It doesn’t hurt that it looks pretty stylish, too.
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Photograph: Eric Ravenscraft
For Traveling With Your Entire System
Game Traveler Deluxe System Case
There are a lot of carrying cases for the Nintendo Switch, but comparatively few that have space to include all your accessories. This Game Traveler case from RDS Industries, however, has space for everything. In addition to your regular Switch console (with two attached Joy-Cons), this case has space for your TV dock, Pro Controller, several extra Joy-Cons, charging and HDMI cables, and game cartridges. It comes with small pouches that can store smaller pieces, and each has a sleeve with a plastic case inside that can hold up to four cartridges (for a total of eight).
The rigid shell of the case is sturdy enough that it can get bumped and jostled without anything falling out of place. I wouldn’t drop it off any second story balconies, but if you want to take your whole system on a plane or to a hotel room, there are few cases more convenient for protecting your gear than this one.
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Photograph: Eric Ravenscraft
For Pro Gamers
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
If 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 I’ve used (on any console).
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Photograph: Amazon
For More Protection
AmFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector
This is a 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 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. In our testing, this screen protector has lasted over four years without showing its age. This is one of the rare accessories that isn’t interchangeable between the Switch and Switch OLED, so make sure to get the correct one for your model.
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Photograph: 8BitDo
For the Controller Collector
8Bitdo Wireless Controller Adapter 2
If you already have a collection of controllers for other systems, you can use most of them with your Switch via this adapter from 8Bitdo. Plug it into the Switch dock—or the Switch directly—via a USB-C adapter to pair most Xbox and PlayStation controllers, plus a range of other Bluetooth controllers and arcade sticks.
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Photograph: Fjallraven
For the Outdoors
Fjallraven Greenland Pocket
The Fjallraven Greenland Pocket is one of our favorite shoulder bags, and it’s got plenty of space to store a Switch and even a few accessories. Its cotton and polyester exterior holds up well against rainfall, and it’s stylish enough to pair well with outfits year-round.
Our previous recommendation was the Bionik Power, which is still around in some places and is a case that comes with a 10,000-mAh battery. But it’s getting harder to find, and this Fjallraven bag is attractive enough to be a worthy successor.
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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 can’t easily take the Joy-Cons off or dock the Switch with it on, but you can pull the case off without too much hassle.
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Photograph: Amazon
For Better Organization
Orzly Carry Case
Even with a screen protector, it’s just easier to put your Switch in a carrying case when you go on trips. This Orzly case holds extra games, plus cables and controllers in a mesh pocket, offering one tidy package. That way, you won’t lose track of your stuff. There are several colors you can choose from. It’s made from an ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) foam and has a handy handle at the top edge.
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Photograph: RLSOCO
For Docking Outside Your Home
RLSOCO Carrying Case
If you’re more of a TV player and need to bring the Switch Dock to a friend’s house, this case will do the trick. It has enough room for the dock, the Switch, standard Joy-Cons, a Pro Controller, game cartridges, and even the charger and HDMI cable. There’s a shoulder strap if you want to sling it across your body as you head to your friend’s game night.
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Photograph: 8BitDo
For the Nostalgic
8Bitdo SN30 Pro Controller
If 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.
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Photograph: Amazon
For Better Ergonomics
FastSnail Grips Joy-Con Controller Handles
Some 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 any time you break into a multiplayer Mario Kart race.
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Photograph: Monoprice
For Continued Play
Monoprice 20,000 mAh Power Bank with Wireless Charging
Tears of the Kingdom might be an excellent game, but it can also tear through your battery life. (Get it?) Fortunately, this Monoprice battery has a 20,000-mAh capacity—almost five times as large as the Switch OLED’s battery. It’s one of our favorite portable power banks, and it’s rather inexpensive for how much charge you get in one little device. It supports wireless charging so you can wirelessly charge your phone while you play.
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Photograph: Best Buy
For All-in-One Protection
Zagg Kita Grip 360
If you mainly use your Switch in handheld mode, you can solve the ergonomic and screen protection problems in one go with the Kita Grip 360 kit. It comes with a flexible case that goes around the whole console, Joy-Cons and all. On top of providing some drop protection, it includes grips on either side so it’s more comfortable to hold.
The kit even comes with a GlassFusion screen protector. You can leave the screen protector on all the time, and the case can come off if you ever want to remove the Joy-Cons. It’s only available for the original Switch.
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Photograph: Eric Ravenscraft
For Bigger Hand Comfort
Hori Split Pad Pro
The Switch’s Joy-Con controllers may be a small engineering marvel, but they’re also quite small. If you’re more comfortable with the larger Switch Pro Controller but wish it were easier to use on the go, the Hori Split Pad Pro may be the perfect solution for you. These resemble a typical larger controller, but split—get it?—down the middle. They can attach to either side of the Switch so you can play in portable mode without cramping your fingers.
★ Alternative: The one downside to the Switch Pad Pro is that the controllers can be used only while attached to the Switch, which can be a bit awkward. The Switch Pad Pro Attachment Set, however, includes a middle portion that the two halves can attach to and connect via USB to the TV dock, so you can also use the controller while sitting on the couch.
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Photograph: Nintendo
For More Joy-Cons
Nintendo Joy-Cons
Extra Joy-Cons bring extra joy! Nintendo is known for its killer couch co-op games, and spare Joy-Cons will let you enjoy 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.
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Photograph: Eric Ravenscraft
For Amiibo Shenanigans
Flipper Zero
The Flipper Zero might be a penetration testing tool, but it’s far more fun to use it to clone horses and score goodies in Tears of the Kingdom by emulating Amiibo codes. We admit buying a Flipper Zero specifically to use with the Switch is a bit like buying a dump truck to help you take out the trash. However, if you’re a techie who likes to tinker and learn how things work, there’s a surprising amount of fun to be had scanning and emulating the Amiibo codes in your collection.
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Photograph: eXtremeRate
A DIY Replacement Shell
eXtremeRate DIY Replacement Shell
There was a time in the ’90s when every gadget had a translucent, colored casing. It was glorious. Fortunately, there are devoted people with taste out there making replacement shells like this one that you can use to remake your Switch and its Joy-Cons in a more snazzy design. Replacing the Switch shell isn’t overly complicated (though the Joy-Con controllers can be a bit tougher), but if you’re comfortable taking apart your gadgets, it’s a modification that can be exceptionally worthwhile.
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Photograph: TFY
For Long Rides
TFY Car Headrest Mount for Switch
This 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. You can probably fit a small tablet too.
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Photograph: Saiji
For Lazy Gaming
Saiji Gooseneck Arm Mount
It might sound silly, but this gooseneck arm is one of the handiest Switch accessories we’ve tried. It’s flexible, so you can mount it in whatever position you want, and it’s strong enough to stay wherever you put it. If you’re sore after a long day and want to lie down, this is a super easy way to hold up the Switch’s screen without straining your wrists or adjusting your posture.
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Photograph: Amazon
For Charging on the Road
PowerA Switch Car Charger
If you’re on a road trip and need a top-up, sometimes a good cigarette-lighter charging adapter is your best bet. 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 back seat too.
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Photograph: Nintendo
For Charging Joy-Cons
Nintendo Joy-Con Charging Grip
The Switch seems to always need 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’ll 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.
