You have a new Switch and a game or two. Now you’re looking to see what Nintendo Switch accessories you need. There are a lot of options out there. Many of them good at solving particular issues. But no one needs them all. In fact, every Switch owner only needs a few key accessories.
Hestia Goods Switch Carrying Case
Nintendo Switch Accessories You Actually Need
For any model of the Nintendo Switch there are three accessories most everyone needs to get.
Screen Protector
The Switch’s screen is it 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 2 pack, useful in case the first try isn’t perfect
- Already low cost, be wary of anything offered for less
- For best results install in a bathroom with a hot showing running, that reduces the dust in the air
Carrying Case
The Switch is made to travel as well as stay at home. So you’ll want a protective case to carry it around in. Or to safely toss into your backpack.
- Holds Switch, 2o game cartridges, and an accessory pocket
- My personal case choice, the black case often pictured in my reviews
- Holds Switch, 2o game cartridges, and an accessory pocket
- ButterFox is the most recommended brand by the Switch community
- ButterFox also has other cases in different sizes (holds more or less stuff)
microSD Card
The Switch 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
Nintendo Switch Accessories You May Also Want
As with any popular electronic device there is no shortage of available accessories for the Nintendo Switch. Check out these extra options you may want or hadn’t thought about.
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 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 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. But you'll need a Bluetooth audio transmitter such as this one. The Switch supports Bluetooth, but not Bluetooth audio.
Plug this adapter into the Switch's USB-C port. Then sync it with your Bluetooth audio gear.
Power Bank
To charge your Switch while on a plane or otherwise away from a power outlet you’ll need a power bank. The right one can keep up with your game play. And it doesn’t take a big, expensive model to double your play time.
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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 while you play at max rate
- Provides 5.5+ hours of play time
- 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 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 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.
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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 you if you need charge a Switch 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 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
The Pro Controller is recommended for FPS games. It is one of the nicer controllers on the market, for any system. It can work with games on a PC. And has the same USB-C port as the Switch, so it can use the same chargers.
Extra Joy-Cons allow you to go from 2 to 4 player gaming on a single Switch. Everyone can play Mario Kart with a single Joy-Con held sideways. Go ahead and get a pair that's a different color. You can mix and match Joy-Cons on the Switch console as you like.
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 in to charge. Then pull them out when ready to play.
Stands
This Nintendo licensed stand for the Switch. It raises the Switch so you can plug into the USB-C port on the bottom. And you can adjust the viewing angle.
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If you want to charge and play in the same spot check out this charging stand from Nintendo. 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.