The Nintendo Switch is a great all-in-one gaming console — you can play on-the-go in handheld mode or dock your console and play on the TV. Your first decision is choosing between the Nintendo Switch OLED, Nintendo Switch or Switch Lite. There’s no wrong choice, since they all run the same games, but each console suits a different lifestyle and kind of play.
And no matter how, when or where you’re playing, there are a few accessories that make your gaming experience more fun, accessible, and durable. Here are the best accessories for the Nintendo Switch OLED, Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite.
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
The Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED come with a Joy-Con grip, which lets you turn two Joy-Con controllers into a full-sized controller. But Nintendo also released the Pro Controller, a wireless, stand-alone device similar to Xbox controllers. The Pro Controller is slightly bigger and heavier than the Joy-Con grip, which some people might find more comfortable to use, and it saves you from taking your Joy-Con controllers off your Switch every time you want to play on the TV. The Pro Controller also has an amiibo reader and rumblers, which make it feel a bit more premium.
Hori Split Pad Pro
If you’ve ever found yourself wishing you could use the alternate control scheme of the Pro Controller in handheld mode, the Hori Split Pad Pro is for you. It’s a set of detachable controllers with the same button layout as the Pro Controller, but you can attach each half to the sides of your Switch or Switch OLED in place of the Joy-Cons. It’s quite bulky so it makes the Switch less portable, but it’s especially helpful if you’re playing more intense games.
Screen Protector
The Switch was made to be taken with you, so you’ll want to protect it from bumps and scratches when you’re playing on the go. Our pick is the Powerwave tempered glass screen protector, but there are lots to choose from.
Carrying Case
Similarly, you’ll probably want a hard shell case to keep your Switch safe when you throw it in your bag on your way out the door. We use the Powerwave 3-in-1, which is compatible for the Switch, Switch OLED and Switch Lite. It’s made with a hard shell material, can hold eight game cartridges and has a mesh pocket to store small accessories.
Skins
If you want to give your Switch a little extra protection (or just give it a makeover), you can also give it a skin. There are lots to choose from, including several Animal Crossing skins, Mario skins for the Switch and Switch Lite and Zelda skins that include a themed screen protector.
Custom Joy-Cons
Each Switch and Switch OLED comes with two Joy-Con controllers in either blue and red or white, but you can also get them in other colours like neon green, pink, blue and yellow. New Joy-Cons are expensive, so this is definitely more of a nice-to-have than an essential accessory — still, if you play a lot, or play with friends and need extra controllers, it can give your Switch a nice style boost. Nintendo even releases custom Joy-Cons based on popular games, like The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword and Fortnite.
SD Card
If you prefer to buy digital copies of your games, you’ll want to add to your Switch’s storage with a Micro SD card. This 128GB card is a good choice, but if you’re planning on installing a lot of games you might want a 512GB microSD card instead.
Wireless Headset
The in-built speakers in the Switch are decent, especially if you’re just playing Animal Crossing at home, but if you want a bit more oomph (or the ability to hear what you’re playing in public) then a wireless headset can take your game to the next level. Lots of headsets are compatible with the Switch, and the one you choose will ultimately depend on your budget and how much you value good quality sound, but there are a few that you can’t go wrong with. The Logitech G335 is a good headset if you don’t mind plugging a cable in, and it comes in a cute mint colour. If you’d prefer to go wireless, the SteelSeries Arctis 1 is a good all-round headset at a pretty decent price, and the Logitech G733 Lightspeed is more expensive but much more stylish.
Joy-Con Charging Station
If you play with friends, family or housemates regularly, a charging station for your extra Joy-Con controllers is a must-have. Joy-Cons charge automatically when they’re attached to the Switch, but if you have extra controllers that only get brought out for co-op game nights, a charging station lets you keep them topped up between plays.
