Buying a Nintendo Switch for yourself or someone else? Looking for a gift for someone who already has a Switch? This Nintendo Switch gift guide will help you out. It’ll go over common questions from both gamers and non-gamers. And distinguishing between essential and optional accessories. The items selected for this guide are among the favorites of the Switch community.
Nintendo Switch Console | Games | Controllers | Essential Accessories | Additional Accessories
Nintendo Switch Consoles
Can’t start shopping for the Nintendo Switch gift guide if you don’t have the actual console.
The Nintendo Switch has been the best selling console for the last few years. Once COVID-19 hit sales jumped up and have stayed high. Meaning the Switch isn’t as available as it was last holiday season. The full-size Switch is harder to find (or priced above MSRP) while the Switch Lite is more available. But keep in mind the Switch Lite has a smaller screen and cannot connect to a TV.
Nintendo Switch
This is the original version of the console. It offers handheld, tabletop, and TV play modes. Boasts a larger screen and larger battery. But also uses more power and weighs more.
Original Nintendo Switch, new Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch Lite
Pros:
- Both handheld and TV modes available
- Larger screen
- Longer battery life (updated version vs Lite)
- Removable Joy-Cons
Cons:
- Heavier
- More expensive
In 2019 Nintendo did minor hardware updates to the Nintendo Switch. Today any console you buy new should be the updated model with better battery life. If the box is red you’re getting the newer revision.
Nintendo Switch Models
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Nintendo Switch Lite
A handheld only version of the Switch. Works with the same games (motion control only games require separate Joy-Cons). Offers the same performance and video quality on its built-in screen, sharing much of the same hardware as the full-size model. And can work with many of the same controllers and accessories. But it cannot be connected to your TV.
Pros:
- Smaller and lighter
- Cheaper
- Longer battery life than original Switch
- Available in different colors
Cons:
- Smaller screen
- No TV mode
- Controllers are built-in
The Nintendo Switch Lite is better for anyone wanting a smaller/lighter model for handheld gaming only. Cost savings are going with the Lite, but be sure the lack of TV support (which makes multiplayer games work for a household) is not something you want.
Nintendo Switch Lite Models
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Games – Nintendo Switch Gift Guide for 2020 Best Sellers
The selection of games is a big part of what makes the Nintendo Switch so popular. No Nintendo Switch gift guide would be complete without going over the popular games of the season.
Popular Games
These are among the most popular Nintendo Switch games this holiday season. If you aren’t sure what to get it is hard to go wrong with Legend of Zelda, Mario Kart, Pokémon, Super Mario, and Smash Bros.
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Physical vs Digital Games
From a Nintendo Switch gift guide standpoint physical games are easier to give. You buy it, wrap it, and any model Switch can play it. Digital games have to be purchased by the Switch’s owner, otherwise you run into sharing restrictions Nintendo has in place.
Pokémon Sword for Nintendo Switch
Physical Games
- Sold in any store that also sells the Switch.
- Discounts from retailers.
- Buy pre-owned copies for less.
- Loan to friends and family. Or resell.
- Easier to use between multiple Switches in the same home.
- You control the copy.
- Have to swap cartridges when changing games.
- If lost it is gone.
Digital Games
- Can launch immediately from the Switch.
- Can loan to friends and family, but you can’t both play at the same time.
- The purchasing Switch profile has to be set up on other Switches in the same home to play. And cannot be played if the original “master” Switch is in use with any digital game.
- Even if you lose your Switch you can re-download the game.
- Nintendo eShop doesn’t have discounts as often or deep as retailers.
- Can’t resell or even give away.
- Nintendo can take it away from you under extreme circumstances.
- Need a larger microSD card to hold your game collection.
Most Switch owners use a mix of physical and digital games. All games are available as digital. But not all are available as physical.
For a single Switch household: Physical saves you money (if willing to wait for a deal) and you can resell games when you’re done. But you have to travel with and swap out cartridges. Digital is quick and easy, and you won’t ever lose the actual game. You’ll more often than not have to pay full MSRP, but if you usually buy on launch day then the cost is the same.
For a multi-Switch household: Physical is much easier to share, along with the other benefits listed above. Digital can be shared, but it takes a bit of setup. More importantly, the owning account’s master Switch has to be inactive or playing a physical game for another Switch to run a shared digital game. If the master Switch is playing digital Mario the other Switch cannot play digital Zelda.
If buying for someone else find out if they have a preference. For physical games, you can get them the one they want easily enough. If they prefer digital then buy them a Nintendo eShop gift card. They have to buy the game with their own Nintendo account, making a gift card is the best option.
Controllers
Controller preference is a personal thing for a gamer. Some prefer one style while others prefer another. It can depend on what we’re used to and what game we’re playing. This Nintendo Switch gift guide lists the more popular options out there. But if buying a controller for someone else it is best to get something they’ve told you they want.
Pro Controller
Considered the best for the Nintendo Switch, the Pro Controller is wireless with 40 hours of battery life. The heftier controller is great for shooting games, like Fortnite and Splatoon 2.
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
For new Switch owners, I recommend trying the Joy-Cons out before you buy a Pro Controller. They have worked out well for most players with most games.
Joy-Con Grips
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Extra Joy-Cons
The Nintendo Switch includes two Joy-Cons. Turn them 90 degrees and you have two individual controllers. If you want to do 4 player games, such as Mario Kart and Super Mario Party, then an extra set of Joy-Cons may be a better option than buying 2-3 full-size controllers. This Nintendo Switch gift guide recommends starting with Joy-Cons before moving on to larger, single person controllers.
Joy-Cons come in many colors. They all work the same, the difference is only in their appearance. You can get a set that matches what you have. Or get something new and change things up. Any pair of Joy-Cons can connect to any Switch.
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Essential Accessories
There are a lot of accessories made for the Nintendo Switch and worth of being on the gift guide. Many are useful, but these are considered essential by the Switch community.
Screen Protector
A screen protector is a cheap way to protect the most vulnerable part of the Switch. You can still use the touch screen. When ready to install run a hot shower in the bathroom and do the install there. The steam will reduce the dust in the air, making it easier to keep the space between the screen and protector clean.
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Carrying Case
If your Switch ever leaves home you’ll want a carrying case. The most recommended models hold game cartridges and have an accessory pocket at the top, with the Switch with Joy-Cons in the bottom.
Be sure to get a case for your model Switch. A regular Switch case won’t carry a Switch Lite well.
Nintendo Switch Cases
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Nintendo Switch Lite Cases
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Also available with red, blue, green, and pink highlights. Or a large model, with more space in the accessory pocket.
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microSD Card
The Switch and Switch Lite have 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 bigger storage. 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 faster, 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 upgrade to a larger card later. But you’ll need to re-download your digital games and updates.
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Additional Accessories – Nintendo Switch Gift Guide for 2020 Suggestions
As with any popular electronic device, there is no shortage of available accessories for the Nintendo Switch. As a general rule, this Nintendo Switch gift guide recommends focusing on accessories that solve a problem you have. But feel free to check out these extra options you may want or hadn’t thought about.
Stands
A downside to the Switch’s design is you can’t plug it into power while in tabletop mode. Using its built-in kickstand blocks the USB-C port at the bottom. And the Switch Lite doesn’t even come with a kickstand. Either way, plugging into the USB-C port is a problem when playing in tabletop mode. But this Nintendo Switch gift guide is a list of solutions below.
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Power Banks
What kind of Nintendo Switch gift guide would this be if it digs into this website’s main purpose – USB-C charging!
To charge your Switch 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.
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Anker PowerCore 10000 PD Redux Review
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Anker PowerCore 13400 Nintendo Switch Edition Review
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Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 PD Review
Check out my power bank buying guide for the Nintendo Switch for more options.
Travel Chargers
What kind of Nintendo Switch gift guide would this be if it digs into this website’s main purpose – USB-C charging!
The Switch includes a Nintendo Switch AC Adapter. It works great behind your TV, but isn’t a travel friend and doesn’t work well with a lot of other USB-C devices. Depending on your play and travel habits you may want another charger when away from home. And one that is more flexible with your other devices.
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Requires a USB-C to USB-C cable, sold separately.
AUKEY PA-Y18 Minima 18W PD Review
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Check out my charger buying guide for the Nintendo Switch for more options.
Car Chargers
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 in the car often you can get a car charger, which you don’t have to worry about recharging.
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Audio Accessories
Your audio accessory needs depend on whether you want to use voice chat in multiplayer games or not. This Nintendo Switch gift guide recommends sticking mostly with what you already use and are comfortable with. But for in-game voice chat, you’ll need something a bit more special. And if what you like is Bluetooth then you’ll need an adapter for the Switch. If you use wired headphones then just plug them in and you’re good.
Voice Chat & Game Audio
Most voice chat is run through the Nintendo Switch Online app. Which runs on your phone, not the Switch. So you need to Bluetooth connect to your phone and wired connection to your Switch with the same headset to get audio from both.
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Use Your Bluetooth Headphones
With a Bluetooth adapter connected to the Switch, you can use whatever Bluetooth headphones or earbuds you already own. Most players won’t notice any audio delay.
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Other Accessories
These other items are useful enough for certain Switch owners to warrant a mention on the Nintendo Switch gift guide.
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Prices listed on this Nintendo Switch gift guide are from Amazon Product Advertising API, last updated on 2026-04-21.