The 17 best Nintendo Switch accessories that every gamer needs
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When it first debuted on the video game market in 2017, the Nintendo Switch was lauded for its versatility and adaptability. With its removable Joy-Con controllers and various playing modes (for instance, as a kickstand or handheld), it’s truly a juggernaut of a console. It also represents the best of both worlds for fans who love the company’s legacy handheld features of the Gameboy, DS, and 3DS, as well as the multiplayer modes of the family-friendly Wii. Three years since its launch, the Switch has remained one of the most popular video game systems available, with sales for the console even skyrocketing this year during the coronavirus pandemic as a result of increased demand for indoor entertainment.
Still, for gamers who already have the console as well as dozens of games, extra accessories make owning, playing, and sharing the iconic console even more fun. From practical items like microSD memory cards that increase data storage to adorable themed carrying cases that protect while showing off the Switch, there are tons of accessories any Switch lover should own. To narrow things down, we’ve combed through thousands of shopper reviews to find the very best.
Best Switch skin decal: Controller Gear Super Mario-Themed Nintendo Switch Skin & Screen Protector Set, $19.99 at amazon.com
Best themed carrying case: Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aloha Edition Carrying Case & Screen Protector, $24.99 at bestbuy.com
Best travel case: AmazonBasics Hard Shell Travel and Storage Case for Nintendo Switch, $27.16 (orig. $33.87) at amazon.com
Best at-home storage set: Skywin Game Storage Tower for Nintendo Switch, $25 at amazon.com
Best compact stand: Hori Compact Playstand for Nintendo Switch, $12.26 (orig. $12.99) at amazon.com
Best microSD memory card: Samsung Electronics EVO Select 256GB Full HD and 4K UHD Memory Card with Adapter, $29.99 (orig. $49.99) at amazon.com
Best screen protector: amFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector for Nintendo Switch, $7.99 at amazon.com
Best affordable wireless controller: PowerA Themed Enhanced Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch, $38.99 at amazon.com
Best wireless controller: Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, $59 at amazon.com
Best Joy-Con alternative: Hori Nintendo Switch Split Pad Pro Ergonomic Controller for Handheld Mode, $49.99 at amazon.com
Best Joy-Con grip for multiplayer mode: Fastsnail Grips Compatible with Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons, $12.99 at amazon.com
Best Joy-Con grip for single-player mode: Nintendo Joy-Con Charging Grip, $24.88 (orig. $29.99) at amazon.com
Best game card protector case: PowerA Themed Premium Game Card Case, $12.99 at amazon.com
Best for Pokemon fans: Poké Ball Plus, $51.87 at amazon.com
Best for DIY fans: Nintendo Labo Toy-Con: Vehicle Kit, $69.99 at bestbuy.com
Best for workouts: Ring Fit Adventure for Nintendo Switch, $79.99 at amazon.com
Best accessories bundle: EvoRetro Ultimate Accessories Bundle Compatible with Nintendo Switch, $54.99 at amazon.com
The list includes compact stands that hold up the Switch for easier tabletop playing mode, travel storage cases that withstand any banging and tumbling, and additional wireless controllers and Joy-Con grips that make playing the Switch more comfortable. Tens of thousands of shoppers have raved about these products, with many calling them “must-haves” for the Switch. Read on to see what your Switch is missing, and shop from retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.
Best Switch skin decal: Controller Gear Super Mario-Themed Nintendo Switch Skin & Screen Protector Set
Perhaps no other gaming franchise more represents Nintendo than the Super Mario universe, and this themed decal and screen protector set includes stickers for your Switch tied to your favorite Super Mario character. From Yoshi and Princess Peach to options inspired by Super Mario Odyssey and Super Mario Maker 2, there are over 40 sets here for fans to choose from. Players who love the Pokemon series can even get a set with both Pikachu and Mario’s decorations. The kit has an overall 4.7-star rating from more than 1,000 reviews, with many loving the adorable stickers. Shoppers say they’re “very forgiving,” too, so swapping between different sticker sets is a total breeze.
Buy it! $19.99 at amazon.com
Best themed carrying case: Animal Crossing: New Horizons Aloha Edition Carrying Case & Screen Protector
It’s impossible to discuss Nintendo these days without mentioning the hit game of 2020, Animal Crossing: New Horizons. When released in March, it quickly became the fastest-selling Switch game of all time. Its soothing, pastel-colored design that utilizes real time is a welcoming escape for many, and its open-ended gameplay allows endless possibilities every time a player signs on. Decorated with Animal Crossing’s signature leaf icon, the case includes a screen protector to add an extra layer of shatterproof protection to your console. The case was released alongside a themed Nintendo Switch back in March and sold out in a flash, so get yours now while it’s still in stock.
Buy it! $24.99 at bestbuy.com
Best travel case: AmazonBasics Hard Shell Travel and Storage Case for Nintendo Switch
Small carrying cases might make it easy to travel with your Switch, but their limited sizes usually mean you won’t be able to bring other accessories, like the Switch’s dock or a Pro Controller, in the same protection case. With this AmazonBasics storage kit, you can fit your Switch alongside its charging cable, dock, a controller grip, an extra Joy-Con, and even a small cartridge case to hold extra games. Over 3,100 shoppers have given it a five-star rating. One reviewer who traveled with it said it holds up well without any damage. “Great product and fantastic value,” described a shopper. “I bought this larger case to safely transport my Switch for docked play at a friend’s house. It easily holds most of what you need for your Switch on the go!”
Buy it! $27.16 (orig. $33.87) at amazon.com
Best at-home storage set: Skywin Game Storage Tower for Nintendo Switch
One of the best things about the Nintendo Switch is its versatility, and most who prefer playing on a big screen will have it set in its dock station and connected to the TV with an HDMI cable. To keep things organized at home, shoppers on Amazon are raving about Skywin’s storage tower that includes space to hold your Switch docking station, 10 games, and extra controllers like the Joy-Con Charging Grip or a Pro Controller. The tower even includes an extra pull-out drawer at the bottom for keeping everything from extra Joy-Cons to cartridge holders, and a reviewer said that it’s “perfect to stow away the little knick knacks.” It has an overall 4.6-star rating from 800+ reviews, with shoppers calling it the “perfect Nintendo Switch organizer.”
Buy it! $25 at amazon.com
Best compact stand: Hori Compact Playstand for Nintendo Switch
There are so many ways to enjoy the Nintendo Switch’s multiplayer mode, and the easiest method is to strip off the Joy-Cons on the side and give another player a controller for a two-player experience. Since the Switch’s own kickstand on the back of the console can make it difficult for both players to see the screen, Hori’s compact playstand solves the issue by creating a way for players to tilt the screen at multiple angles. The slim, foldable stand is simple to carry on the go, and shoppers can even choose between themed options like those related to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Pokemon’s Pikachu, and Mario. Reviewers called Hori’s stand “the way to go while playing in tabletop mode,” with one adding that it’s “a simple, yet effective portable Nintendo Switch stand.” It has over 7,700 five-star ratings, and you can grab this game-changing accessory for less than $13.
Buy it! $12.26 (orig. $12.99) at amazon.com
Best microSD memory card: Samsung Electronics EVO Select 256GB Full HD and 4K UHD Memory Card with Adapter
Like all video game consoles, the Switch only has a limited amount of memory storage space built in. For players who prefer buying digitally downloaded games from Amazon or the Nintendo eShop over physical cartridges, storage can become a real issue. The simplest solution? Samsung’s EVO Select MicroSD card, which gives you an extra 256 gigabytes of storage on your Switch. This small accessory makes a world of difference when it comes to expanding space on the Switch, and while you can certainly pick up the SanDisk card of the same size with themed decoration, Samsung’s is just as effective at a fraction of the price. A reviewer called it “perfect” for the Nintendo Switch, saying, “this card is probably the one of the best you can get for the price and is definitely worth it. I used this card for my Switch, bought a ton of games, and still have about half the space left. It's way more than enough.”
Buy it! $29.99 (orig. $49.99) at amazon.com
Best screen protector: amFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector for Nintendo Switch
The Switch was lauded for its impeccable display when it first came on the market, wowing critics with stunning colors featured in games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. But as with most electronics, the screen isn’t shatter-proof — making it all the more essential to cover it with a screen protector. There are thousands of options to choose from on Amazon, but one that stands out is amFilm’s affordable two-pack, which has a near-perfect 4.8-star rating from more than 53,000 reviewers. Designed for the Switch, amFilm’s tempered glass screen protector is super thin and gives you a crystal-clear transparent display. It even comes with wipes to clean any greasy fingerprints. Clumsy players who have dropped their Switches have found the protector to be a lifesaver. “The screen protector absorbed the hard impact of the corner of the hardwood stairs and protected the screen of the Switch from damage,” wrote a reviewer whose Switch took a tumble. “This product truly delivers on its promise to protect the screen!”
Buy it! $7.99 at amazon.com
Best affordable wireless controller: PowerA Themed Enhanced Wireless Controller for Nintendo Switch
Those who want an extra traditional handheld controller that isn’t a Joy-Con can turn to the Pro Controller, but shoppers say PowerA’s version is a great alternative. From Animal Crossing’s K.K. Slider and a Zelda-themed option to one that looks like a Poké ball, these wireless controllers are perfect ways to show off your favorite gaming titles from Nintendo. The ergonomic design is comfortable to hold, and the controller comes with motion control features for games like Luigi’s Mansion 3, Zelda: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu. It’s officially licensed, too, so you won’t have to worry about compatibility issues. More than 16,000 reviewers have given it an overall rating of 4.5 stars, with one writing that it’s “a stylish, well-built controller to add to your Switch collection” that “won’t break the bank.”
Buy it! $38.99 at amazon.com
Best wireless controller: Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
It’s called Pro for a reason, and a 4.8-star rating from more than 24,000 reviews certainly adds to its reputation. Nintendo’s official handheld controller gives you the traditional gaming experience with features like wireless Bluetooth connectivity, motion control, vibrations, and built-in Amiibo sensors. The ergonomic design makes it easy to hold for hours on end on days when you simply can’t stop playing addictive games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, especially with its 40-hour lifespan once fully recharged. Reviewers say its response to in-game features like vibrations and rumbles is “fantastic,” with one saying that it’s “quite possibly the best controller on the planet.” While it’s usually $70, shoppers can get it for $10 off at Amazon now.
Buy it! $59 (orig. $69.99) at amazon.com
Best Joy-Con alternative: Hori Nintendo Switch Split Pad Pro Ergonomic Controller for Handheld Mode
While its multiplayer mode is certainly one of its best features, the Switch is still a wonderful console when it comes to single-player games that are equally enjoyable in handheld mode. Think Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and especially Luigi’s Mansion 3 — where you probably can’t help but tilt or shake the console when taking on poltergeists with Luigi’s ghost vacuum. Holding the Switch can sometimes lead to sore hands due to its non-ergonomic design, so players have turned to replacing the Joy-Cons with Hori’s handheld mode controllers, comfortable enough to grip for hours.
Reviewers have given it rave reviews, with one calling it “the best thing” they’ve ever purchased for their Nintendo Switch. “I’m going to start by saying that while I appreciate many of the design elements of the Switch, I struggle with the Joy-Cons,” said a shopper. “They feel so minute in my hands, and overall I just find them uncomfortable and difficult to use. I pre-ordered this controller the second I saw it — and I have no remorse. It is exactly what I was expecting… this is so far the best solution for people like me.”
Buy it! $49.99 at amazon.com
Best Joy-Con grip for multiplayer mode: Fastsnail Grips Compatible with Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons
To enjoy multiplayer mode on your Nintendo Switch, all you have to do is split the Joy-Cons amongst friends and family. While the small sizes of Joy-Cons make them easy to bring multiples on the go, their miniature design also makes it hard to hold comfortably for long. That’s why shoppers have praised Fastsnail’s grips, which basically turn Joy-Cons into tiny versions of traditional ergonomic gaming controllers. Shoppers especially love how the protruding design of the SL and SR buttons on the grips make them easy to press even with the case on, and a reviewer said that it’s “way better” than the Joy-Cons’ default setup. The grips have an overall 4.8-star rating from more than 3,000 reviews, with one shopper calling them a “must for Switch owners trying to get the most out of their Joy-Cons.”
Buy it! $12.99 at amazon.com
Best Joy-Con grip for single-player mode: Nintendo Joy-Con Charging Grip
The Switch already comes with separate accessories such as the charging dock, HDMI cables to connect the console to a screen, and a Joy-Con grip. The included grip turns Joy-Cons into a traditional wireless console controller that’s ergonomic and easy to hold, but a slight let-down is that it won’t charge your Joy-Cons as you’re playing. So if you’re looking to grab a charging controller that still offers versatility for your Switch without being too expensive, shoppers have recommended the Joy-Con Charging Grip, which helps you play for as long you wish without the need to stop for the sake of charging. And to charge the grip itself, all you have to do is simply connect it directly to the Switch’s AC adapter. One reviewer called it “the most essential purchase for the console,” adding, “for most people, this is the best control option on the system. Not only does it do almost everything the Pro Controller does, but it still splits back into Joy-Cons for all their functionality too.” Get it now on sale at Amazon.
Buy it! $24.88 (orig. $29.99) at amazon.com
Best game card protector case: PowerA Themed Premium Game Card Case
Owning tons of games for the Nintendo Switch can cause some space issues. After all, each cartridge (only about half the size of your thumb) comes in a pocket book-sized case that, when stacked up, can take up considerable room in your bag. That can make bringing different games on the go a total hassle without a separate game card case, so shoppers recommend PowerA’s themed premium cartridge case that keeps games safe. Available in different themes like Super Mario’s “M” and question mark block, this protection case is made with a silicone interior that will grip your cartridges (no sliding around here).
Its small size even fits in your jean pockets, and a reviewer particularly loved how easy it is to remove cartridges when needed. “Most of the other cases on the market have you click the cartridge into a firm, plastic holder, and when it comes time to remove the cartridge, you need to pull it in a specific direction to dislodge it from the case... This case design is superior,” said the shopper. “The interior of the case has a very firm foam insert that supports and protects individual cartridges. There is no clicking in and out, but simply placing the cartridge into a predefined cut-out. This makes it very easy for a younger person to care for their cartridges themselves.” While some versions such as those from Zelda are sold out, the Super Mario “POW” blue case is still available.
Buy it! $12.99 at amazon.com
Best for Pokemon fans: Poké Ball Plus
For Pokemon fans, there’s nothing more satisfying than catching a rare Pokemon like Bulbasar and Zapdos out in the wild in games like Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!. Doing so with an actual Poké Ball in your hands can make things incredibly fun, and Nintendo’s Poké Ball Plus lets you enjoy exactly that. Compatible with Switch via wireless connection just like a Joy-Con, the Poké Ball Plus uses motion control — when you’re faced with a Pokemon, the ball vibrates and glows. To catch the Pokemon, all you have to do is hold the ball in your hands, press its round button, and throw it. If successful, your ball will light up and project a unique sound from the Pokemon you’ve just caught, and it’ll even rumble in your hands as if there’s a genuine creature in it. Shoppers on Amazon have given it an overall 4.6-star rating from over 3,500 reviews, with one calling it “the real deal.”
Buy it! $51.87 at amazon.com
Best for DIY fans: Nintendo Labo Toy-Con: Vehicle Kit
While there are certainly tons of games you can choose from to fully enjoy the Nintendo Switch, the company’s ingenious Labo kits take it to the next level. These buildable kits include DIY cardboard sets that, once set up, can be attached to your Switch for interactive games. The Labo collection has released multiple popular versions over the years — including one for VR and another variety kit that includes fishing games — with many selling out instantly. Luckily, shoppers who want to test out the Labo line can still get their hands on the Vehicle Kit, which lets kids build their own cars to play with the included game. Over 500 reviewers on Best Buy have given the set a 4.7-star rating, with shoppers comparing the DIY fun to build-your-own games like Legos. Parents also love it for keeping kids entertained at home, with a reviewer calling it the “perfect addition to the Switch system.” The shopper added, “with the kids home all the time, this allows for exploration and learning with a device they are easily willing to try out. The hardest part is getting them to take turns. It also works well with the Switch system and as an adult, I agree that this is a must-have addition.” Grab it before it's gone.
Buy it! $69.99 at bestbuy.com
Best for workouts: Ring Fit Adventure for Nintendo Switch
One of the most popular features of Nintendo’s previous benchmark console, the Wii, was the Wii Sports game that allowed users to exercise. And with the Nintendo Switch, gamers can turn to the Ring Fit Adventure. It was consistently sold out during the early months of the coronavirus pandemic (a result of increased demand for indoor exercises), but the Ring Fit Adventure is now back in stock. The main adventure game doubles as a workout that allows players to do cardio exercises like jogging, as well as strength training like squats. Additionally, its customizable routine mode turns it into an on-demand workout game. It comes with a Ring-Con (which attaches to a Joy-Con in order to connect to the Switch) that’s essentially a Pilates ring, as well as a leg strap that holds another Joy-Con to track movement. Shoppers on Amazon have been blown away by the game, with over 10,000 reviewers giving it a 4.8-star rating. “All I can say is wow,” wrote a reviewer who called it an amazing game and fitness tool. “This is really dynamic, exciting, fun, and very good exercise, though it's so easy to adjust to any fitness level, the workout intensity is truly in the users hands.
Buy it! $79.99 at amazon.com
Best accessories bundle: EvoRetro Ultimate Accessories Bundle Compatible with Nintendo Switch
With everything from Joy-Con grips and game card holders to tennis rackets for games like Mario Tennis Aces, this top-rated bundle is perfect for those who can’t settle on just one accessory to get. The kit includes two wheels, two Joy-Con controller grips, two screen protectors, a game card case, a stylus, screen wipes, a carrying case, tennis rackets, protection cases for Joy-Cons, and even a Joy-Con charging station. Shoppers love it as a gift box too, with one reviewer writing, “I recently bought the Nintendo Switch for my nephew and I needed a really good box with accessories, this box has everything you will need!"
Buy it! $54.99 at amazon.com
