This versatility also spawned a bevy of new accessory categories, with peripheral makers rushing to fulfill every possible need a switch user could have. In addition to the traditional lineup of controllers and headsets, the Switch also spawned innumerable travel cases, stands, licensed memory cards, and some true oddities unlike anything seen before in the tech world. Although the variety of add-ons makes this an excellent time for users looking to customize their Switch for their particular use case and aesthetic tastes, it can be a daunting task to find which options in the sea of possibilities will work best for that particular user without wasting a lot of money. This buying guide is designed to help every type of Switch user, from the kid receiving their first console to the dedicated Smash Bros. pro, choose the best, most cost-effective accessories for them.
Controllers
Headsets
Charging
Memory
Screen Protectors
Cases
Unfortunately, the Switch Pro controller has been hard to get one’s hands on, literally, since day one. Frequent sellouts, attempts at price gouging by resellers, and a general lack of ready availability have driven impatient buyers to opt for third-party offerings instead. Others have gone the same third-party route in search of retro designs, additional buttons, or different charging options, all of which can be found in the alternatives listed below. If you have the patience, the budget, and the lack of any desire for unusual button or shell configurations, the Switch Pro Controller is the clear winner for the overall best option. That said, Switch owners are at no lack of more budget-friendly and varied options that can suit their personal needs just as well, or better. Pros:
Only licensed controller with both Amiibo and HD Rumble supportLong-wearing internal batteryExcellent build quality
Cons:
PriceyOften hard to find in stock, especially during holiday seasonsLimited color options
Of course, this reduced price does come with some compromises. First, the PowerA Enhanced controller does not include Amiibo support, nor does it provide HD Rumble support for games that include Nintendo’s immersive tactile feedback function. While this may be a dealbreaker for some Switch owners, there’s a large cohort of them that likely couldn’t care less about either of these absences. The PowerA Enhanced series also offers something the Switch Pro Controller does not – ample aesthetic options. A huge variety of opaque and translucent colors is joined by franchise-themed versions covering everything from Doom and Apex Legends to Pokemon and Zelda. Of course, this has no impact on their functionality, but it might make you feel a little cooler when you show up to a friend’s house representing your favorite game series. Pros:
CheaperFull Support for motion controls Massive number of available color and design optionsNano version available for smaller hands Two extra programmable buttons in the rear
Cons
No Amiibo or HD Rumble supportNot quite as well built as Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Its ability to work with Raspberry Pi units has earned the SN30 Pro a massive following among tinkerers that have modified the cheap, diminutive DIY computers to create highly-capable retro gaming consoles. For Switch owners, the gamepad is an ideal option for its extensive library of Switch Online and retro titles available from the NES and SNES. Although Joy-Cons run these games just fine, its close resemblance to the original SNES controller provides that extra bit of immersion and nostalgia for gamers of a certain age. 8BitDO knows that nostalgia is at the heart of its success and has released retro-themed versions of the controller, including models with original SNES colors, Super Famicom variants, and even a colorway based on the original PlayStation. Pros:
Usable across numerous gaming platformsFull support for motion controlsAuthentic feel and button layout for retro titlesProgrammable shoulder and face buttons
Cons:
No Amiibo or HD Rumble supportButton layout may not be ideal for newer titles
A large portion of the Smash Bros. community swears by the original GameCube controller as the best, if not only, way to play the game right, despite the number of consoles it has appeared on. Nintendo caught on to his and decided to create a perfect replica of the original gamepad with a new USB-C connector. Sure, this means sacrificing wireless connectivity and modern rumble feedback, as well as going back to what many considered a very odd controller layout. But, for the devotees that swear by that unusual form factor, the GameCube Controller Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Edition provides an excellent option. Pros:
Pixel-perfect replica of the original, from its original creatorAuthentic feel and button layoutReduced latency due to wired connectivity
Cons:
No Amiibo or HD Rumble supportWired connectivity with all its inherent tripping hazardsPricey compared to non-licensed options
The larger, more ergonomic shape provides potential relief from the cramps that might ensue for those with larger hands trying to use the original Joy-Cons. Of course, this comes at the cost of not being able to use the units in wireless mode, as they only work while physically docked to the Switch itself. Hori’s strong relationship with Nintendo means that users can also purchase the Split Pad Pro line with decorations from Pokémon, Monster Hunter, and other well-known franchises. Pros:
More comfortable grip, particularly for larger handsAuthentic feel and button layout
Cons:
No wireless functionality
There are numerous 2.4GHz headsets on the market, but relatively few that come with a USB-C transmitter like this one. The diminutive dongle slots right into the Switch’s charging port, and provides low-latency audio output and microphone input. While Switch support may be new to the iconic Arctis headset series, the Arctis 1 brings the pedigree of its predecessors with it, offering a wide range of support for other consoles, PCs, and even Google Stadia. At its $100-ish price point, this entry from Steelseries might be not only a great option for the Switch, but also a perfect solution for the multi-platform gamer in general. Pros:
Low-latency 2.4GHz wireless provides ideal audio syncAlso supports Windows, MacOS, PlayStation 4/5, Android, and Google StadiaUSB-C to USB-A adapter included for additional connection options20-hour battery life
Cons:
Headband and earcups might be a bit small for gamers with larger headsDongle has to be moved between Switch and Dock whenever the user changes modes
The most important of these may be the unit’s “HyperClear” cardioid mic, which uses a different capsule than the Steelseries microphone, potentially providing richer sound uptake. While the actual impact of this difference has been debated about among various reviewers, almost no one that has weighed in on both units has found significant inferiority with Razer’s version. Similarly, some find the headband fit and earcup padding to be slightly more comfortable, others, slightly less. At the end of the day, the best choice between the Steelseries Arctis 1 and the Razer Barracuda X is likely the one you can find for a cheaper price, or find in stock at all. Pros:
Support for nearly every modern console and PC platform, as well as AndroidVersatile connection options with included USB-C and USB-A adapters20-hour battery life
Cons:
Headband and earcups still show comfort issues for some usersDongle needs to be moved between Switch and dock when changing modes
There are some reports of inferior fakes being sold as Panasonic Ergofits, but the genuine article is almost always praised for its comfortable fit, durable build, and decent sound quality. All that said, these are not designed to compete directly with the likes of the Arctis 1 or Barracuda X, but they are a budget-friendly option for the user demographics mentioned above, or those of us that can’t seem to keep track of a pair of headphones to save our lives. Pros:
In-line microphone for game chat via 3.5mm connectionInexpensiveSolid build quality and sound for the price
Cons:
No match for the audio quality of more expensive optionsScattered reports of inferior fakes being sold by less-than-reputable merchants
Thankfully, Nintendo has created a relatively inexpensive accessory that both solves this problem and serves as a portable dock for charging the Switch user on the go. The Adjustable Charging Stand can’t output video, but it can support the device while it powers up, and can fold up to fit in all but the tiniest carrying cases. It should be noted that users will still be required to provide their own power supplies. This could be anything from a portable power bank, to the power brick that came with your switch, to nearly any third-party charging solution that terminates in a USB-C connector. Pros:
Foldable and portableSolves issues with charging while using kickstand
Cons:
Requires user-provided power supplyArguably, should have been unnecessary with better charging port placement on the Switch itself
The 5v/3a power output of the unit means that it can also be used to charge a variety of Android smartphones, various tablets, and other portable electronics. Pros:
InexpensiveUsable for other mobile devices
Cons:
Frequently sold out
One name that’s become synonymous with power banks and other mobile-centric accessories is Anker. Their long-standing PowerCore line has had numerous entries over the years, almost all of which have received widespread praise. The line currently includes sizes ranging from 10,000mAh on the low end, to almost 27,000mAh on the high end. This means users can charge their Switch anywhere from a bit over twice, to over six times from a single charge of their power bank. This 20,000mAh option provides a nice middle ground. Of course, as capacity rises, so does size, which is why it’s important to take Anker’s variety of sizes, shapes, and output layouts into account. The company even offers an officially licensed line of Switch power banks, but these tend to offer fewer ports and come at a significant premium, without offering any benefits aside from some Nintendo branding. Pros:
Some of the best value per mAh among reputable brandsUsable with other mobile devicesVariety of capacities and form factors to suit particular needs
Cons:
Users will need to provide their own charging cables
Nintendo offers its own line of officially licensed MicroSD cards for this purpose. However, there are some drawbacks to the official entries. First, their are more expensive than their non-licensed counterparts, despite offering the same transfer speeds and storage capacities. Additionally, they also top out at 512GB, or half of the 1GB maximum storage option currently available from SanDisk in the correct configuration. Looking forward, the Switch can support cards of up to 2TB according to its technical specifications, but these remain very rare and extremely cost prohibitive. As with all solid state storage, however, this is likely to change as the years roll on. Pros:
Identical to Nintendo’s licensed version at a cheaper priceAvailable in sizes up to 1TB
Cons:
No Nintendo franchise branding, if that bothers you
Nintendo tapped HORI to fill this need with a PET plastic-based option that promises to protect the built-in display without sacrificing sensitivity or responsiveness. The unit also features a unique application method designed to make its installation as easy and bubble-free as possible. An optional variant with blue light blocking technology is also built in. While the general consensus seems to suggest that the plastic film does an admirable job, it does add noticeable thickness to the display, and a detectable raised edge where it ends. This flaw is somewhat corrected by the tempered glass alternative mentioned below. Pros:
InexpensiveOptional blue light blocking technology
Cons:
Detectable edge when applied to Switch, could annoy some users
Many companies decided to expand this technology to the Nintendo Switch, including SuperShieldz, an organization known for its well-reviewed smartphone and tablet protectors. Like most mobile device display protectors from the company, the Switch version includes a rounded edge to ease the transition at the sides and top of the display, potentially avoiding some of the irritation the plastic option from HORi can cause. Supershieldz also promises zero-bubble installation, high transparency, and resistance to fingerprints and smudges, thanks to its oleophobic coating. Better yet, the protectors come in a multi-pack so that when one bites the dust, a quick replacement is available. Pros:
Very inexpensiveOleophobic coating resists fingerprints and smudges
Cons:
More easily shattered than its plastic counterpart
Most cases simply depend on the user to continually install and uninstall their switch to mitigate the risk. However, The Mumba Blade Series Dockable Case is, as its name would suggest, able to be slotted into the Switch’s dock without having to be removed. Additionally, it even allows the unit’s Joy-Cons to be disconnected while it remains on the main body. Of course this convenience does come at the cost of some level of protection, with the case being generally thinner than some competing products and including more gaps than some others. However, the fact that it will always be installed on the device means its far, far more likely to be able to prevent damage than a case that may or may not have been removed before a drop. Pros:
Can remain on Switch while dockedAllows Joy-Cons to be disconnected while installedProvides extra comfort during handheld mode with ergonomic grips
Cons:
Does have some gaps when compared to competing products that must be removed to dockProtective material is thinner than some full-enclosure cases
There are certainly beefier, more heavy-duty cases on the market. But, for day-to-day use and storage convenience, few others strike the right balance provided by the tomtoc Switch Case’s precision-molded form. Pros:
Slim hardshell takes up barely more space than the Switch itselfStill fits 10 game catridges
Cons:
Not as protective against severe blows as some bulkier competitorsNo room for any other peripherals or chargers
Where the above entry prides itself on being practically a second skin for the Switch, this one focuses entirely on letting you stuff in just about everything, including the Switch itself, both Joy-Cons, both Joy-Con straps, the Joy-Con Grip, a Nintendo Switch Pro or similarly shaped controller, the official power adapter, 21 game cartridges, and the original Switch Dock. Even with all of these pre-cut foam slots, the case still isn’t massive at 11 inches at its widest and just 5.11 inches thick. There’s definitely a niche market for this one. But, for the users that fall within its ideal demographic, the Zadii Hard Carrying Case represents a protective and comprehensive solution to the problem of being a true Switch road warrior. Pros:
Can hold literally everything in the Switch box, and moreHolds 21 game cartridgesBurly exterior should protect against all but the most catastrophic impacts
Cons:
Understandably bulkyPre-cut foam may not precisely fit all third-party equivalent accessories
First, the products chosen here have all received praise from both professionals and private users alike. Second, each product was pitted against its competitors to assess the best mix of features and value. Lastly, all of the items all fulfill a specific, practical need that most Switch users will likely run into during their ownership.
