If you’ve bought a video game console before you know getting only the console is never enough. You also need games and at least a few accessories. The Nintendo Switch Lite is no different. Check out the best Nintendo Switch Lite accessories you actually need to get. And a bunch more you may want.
Updated on September 24, 2019, with accessories made available for the launch of the Nintendo Switch Lite.
Screen Protectors | Carrying Cases | microSD Cards | Protective Covers | Audio | Portable Chargers | Wall Chargers | Car Chargers | Controllers | Stands
Accessories You Actually Need
For any model of the Nintendo Switch there are three accessories most everyone needs to get:
- Screen protector
- Carrying case
- microSD card
Screen Protector
The Switch Lite’s screen is its most vulnerable part. You can keep it safe with a cheap screen protector. Once installed you won’t notice it. And you can keep using touch controls.
- amFilm is the most recommended brand
- Comes in a 3 pack, useful in case the first couple of tries isn’t perfect
- Includes tools to assist in a clean install
- Another well-known brand for mobile phone and gaming protection
- Comes in 4 pack, so can share with a friend and still have spares
- Includes tools to assist in a clean install
For best results install in a bathroom with a hot showing running. The steam reduces the dust in the air. So less likely to get any trapped under the glass.
Carrying Case
The Switch Lite is all about on the go. So you’ll want a protective case to carry it around in. Or to safely toss into your backpack.
- Holds Switch Lite, 19 game cartridges, 2 microSD cards, and an accessory pocket
- ButterFox is the most recommended brand by the Switch community
Also available with red, blue, green, and pink highlights. Or a large model, with more space in the accessory pocket.
- Holds Switch Lite, 8 game cartridges, and accessory pockets
- Accessories are divided into an open pocket for larger items, and a zipper pocket for small items
- Available in black, blue, green, grey, pink, red, yellow, carbon fiber black, or red and white (Pokéball inspired)
- Officially licensed by Nintendo for use with the Nintendo Switch Lite
- Holds Switch Lite, 10 game cartridges, and an accessory pocket
- One of the thinner Switch Lite carrying cases
- Officially licensed by Nintendo for use with the Nintendo Switch Lite
- Holds Switch Lite, 8 game cartridges, a microSD card, and a zippered accessory pocket
- Also includes a screen protector and Switch logo cleaning cloth
microSD Card
The Switch Lite has 32GB of internal storage. That has to hold any digital games you buy, DLC, game updates, your game saves, and screenshots. That’s not enough for a lot of players. A microSD card allows you to move the larger digital game data to a larger format. Game load times will increase by 2-3 seconds vs internal storage.
- SanDisk’s Ultra series is usually the best value.
- The Switch limits how fast it can read a microSD card. So getting a fast, more expensive card doesn’t provide any benefit.
- When selecting a card compare the cost per GB. Take the price and divide it by how many GB you get. This will tell you which are a better value.
- You can always upgrade to a larger card later. But you’ll need to re-download your digital games and updates.
- Great for Switch owners doing a mix of physical and digital games
- Inexpensive with plenty of storage
- Good start for Switch owners going all digital
- Between 200GB and 256GB get whichever has the best cost per GB
- Good start for Switch owners going all digital
- Between 200GB and 256GB get whichever has the best cost per GB
- Was the largest microSD card when the original Switch came out, but has since come down in price
- Not necessary for the vast majority of Switch owners
- Among the largest microSD cards currently available
- The largest models typically have the worst cost per GB
- Not necessary for the vast majority of Switch owners
Accessories You May Also Want
As with any popular electronic device, there is no shortage of available accessories for the Nintendo Switch Lite. Check out these extra options you may want or hadn’t thought about.
Protective Cover
These are hard plastic covers that wrap around the Switch Lite. Like similar cases for phones, they can help protect the Switch Lite in case of a drop or fall. They aren’t guaranteed protection. But at normal drop heights, they’ll take the brunt of the damage rather than the Switch Lite itself.
A Nintendo licensed clear plastic cover and screen protector set for the Switch Lite. The cover includes most of the front, with cutouts for the controls and screen. Most of the Switch Lite is covered and protected. But it'll be heavier and thicker than other options.
A clear plastic cover for the rear and corners of the Switch Lite. Leaving the screen and controllers free. A lighter and cheaper option, especially if getting one of the screen protectors listed above.
No products found.
Audio Accessories
If playing in public you'll want headphones. And if you want to chat in online multiplayer you'll want a headset. The SteelSeries Arctis 3 accommodates both. And is one of the more popular, well-reviewed, and affordable gaming headsets on the market.
For listening to game audio only the wired version, available in black or white, works great.
To voice chat in Fortnite, or another non-Nintendo game, the same wired version works.
For voice chat in a Nintendo game, such as Splatoon 2, you have to use the Nintendo Switch Online app. Which runs on your phone, not the Switch. Here you want to get the Bluetooth version. Connect via Bluetooth to your phone. And connect via 3.5mm (also supported on the Bluetooth headset) to your Switch. That will allow you to hear both chat and game audio.
The Switch Lite has a 3.5mm headphone jack. So any headphones or earbuds with the same connection will work for audio.
If you have a pair of Bluetooth earbuds/headphones you love you can use them with the Switch Lite. But you'll need a Bluetooth audio transmitter such as this one. The Switch supports Bluetooth, but no Bluetooth audio.
Plug this adapter into the Switch's USB-C port. Then sync it with your Bluetooth audio gear.
Another Bluetooth adapter that connects to the Switch's USB-C port. This model is larger than HomeSpot's. But it includes a pass-through USB-C port. This means you can plug in both this adapter than a charger. Or other USB-C accessories.
Portable Chargers
To charge your Switch Lite while on a plane or otherwise away from a power outlet you’ll need a portable charger (aka power bank). The right one can keep up with your gameplay. And it doesn’t take a big, expensive model to double your playtime.
No products found.
Requires a USB-C to USB-C cable, sold separately.
Review of the AUKEY PB-Y13 10000 USB-C PD
- 13,400mAh, 22.5W USB-C PD power bank
- Licensed by Nintendo for use with the Switch
- Will charge Switch Lite while you play at max rate
- Provides 5.5+ hours of playtime for the regular Switch, should do the same or better with the Switch Lite
- Includes a USB-C to USB-C cable
- Fast charges iPhone 8/X/XR/XS, Samsung Galaxy S8 and newer, Google Pixel; regular charges other phones
Review of the Anker PowerCore 13400 Nintendo Switch Edition
Check out my power bank buying guide for the Nintendo Switch for more options.
Extra Wall Charger
The Switch Lite includes a Nintendo Switch AC Adapter. But it isn’t a travel-friendly design. And it won’t work well with most of your other small devices. Depending on your play and travel habits you may want one or more charges. And a third-party option can give you more options for a lower price.
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Review of Anker PowerPort PD 1
Requires a USB-C to USB-C cable, sold separately.
No products found.
Review of the ZMI PowerPlug Turbo
Check out my charger buying guide for the Nintendo Switch for more options.
Car Charger
If you only need a car charger on occasion. And your road trips are 8 hours or less. Then consider getting a power bank instead. Those work in the car, plus on planes, camping, everywhere. But if you need to charge a Switch Lite in the car often you can get a car charger, which you don’t have to worry about recharging.
- 15W USB-C
- Licensed by Nintendo for use with the Switch
- Will charge Switch Lite while you play
- Built-in USB-C cable
- Can also charge any USB-C phone, but only charges one device at a time
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Controllers
You can use the Pro Controller and other controllers with the Switch Lite. But since the Lite doesn't dock or have a kickstand you'll have to use a stand. For extended play in one spot, the Pro Controller will be more comfortable. And many FPS players prefer it to the Joy-Cons.
Yes, you can use an extra set of Joy-Cons with the Switch Lite. In fact, they are required to play a handheld of motion based games.
More importantly, they are nice to have for local multi-player. With a pair of Joy-Cons, you and a friend can both play Mario Kart. But again you'll need a stand to hold up the Switch Lite.
If you buy Joy-Cons but don't have a regular Nintendo Switch you'll need a way to recharge them. This charging stand works great for two pairs of Joy-Cons. Set it up somewhere convenient and drop the Joy-Cons into charge. Then pull them out when ready to play.
Stands
The only Nintendo licensed to stand for the Switch Lite. The Switch Lite plugs in when inserted. The Switch Lite can then be charged via the USB-C port on the side of the stand. Two USB-A ports are also available. Allowing you to connect two wired controllers.
A compact, basic stand for playing your Switch Lite in tabletop mode. When in use you can adjust the viewing angle from 45 to 60 degrees. When not in use it folds into itself. Becoming small enough to fit in many Switch Lite carrying cases.
A minimalist stand. With a simpler and lighter design for travel. Effectively a small tripod made for the Nintendo Switch. And will work equally well for the Switch Lite.
Nintendo's original charge and play stand. Designed for the original Switch, but should work with the Switch Lite. The Switch connects to it via the USB-C port. And the stand has its own USB-C port to plug a charger into. It provides a clean looking setup if you want to play in tabletop mode at your desk or table. But it doesn't offer USB-A ports like the Hori version above.