1. Electronics
  2. Gaming

The Best Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite Accessories

By Haley Perry
Updated
A Nintendo Switch surrounded by Nintendo Switch joy-cons, controllers, and headphones.
Photo: Marki Williams

The Nintendo Switch's flexibility is a large part of what makes it great. It’s a handheld console, but it can turn into a living room gaming experience—and it even has a kickstand. But it doesn’t come with everything you need, and a lot of the Switch accessories you can buy are junk. We’ve researched and tested dozens of Switch and Switch Lite accessories across all kinds of categories—cases, controllers, microSD cards, stands, and more—to find the things that are actually worth spending your money on.

Three different Nintendo Switch controllers.
Photo: Marki Williams

A great controller for long sessions: Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

A black Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
Photo: Marki Williams

Our pick

The Switch Pro Controller is more comfortable to grip than the Joy-Cons for long gaming sessions. It’s very similar to the Xbox One controller in shape, and it supports motion controls and Amiibo scanning.

If you play a lot of games on a Switch hooked up to a TV or monitor, you owe it to yourself to buy Nintendo’s Switch Pro Controller. It’s a wireless controller similar to Microsoft’s Xbox controller, and its joysticks, face buttons, shoulder buttons, and triggers are all more comfortable and satisfying than those found on the Switch’s included Joy-Con controllers, especially for long play sessions. It also supports all the same motion controls and Amiibo scanning features as a Joy-Con does for the games that need it.

For die-hard GameCube fans: PowerA GameCube Style Wireless Controller

A black PowerA GameCube Style Nintendo Switch Controller.
Photo: Marki Williams

Our pick

This wireless controller works great for Smash Bros., and unlike the original GameCube controller, it has all the buttons and triggers you need to play other Switch games like it’s 2001.

You either loved or hated the original controller from the strangely unpopular GameCube system, but more than two decades later, it’s still kicking—so much so that Nintendo actually sells a USB-to-GameCube adapter. This wireless GameCube controller from PowerA looks and feels almost identical to the original, but it adds all the extra buttons and motion controls you’ll need to play other Switch games.

The downside of PowerA’s controller is that it costs almost as much as Nintendo’s Pro Controller, but it doesn’t include the same vibration support or NFC scanner for Amiibo. It also doesn’t have an internal rechargeable battery, so you’ll have to keep some AA batteries on hand.

An elevated, ergonomic Joy-Con replacement: Hori Nintendo Switch Split Pad Pro

A black Hori Nintendo Switch Split Pad Pro.
Photo: Marki Williams

Our pick

Hori’s Split Pad Pro has two separate gamepads that emulate a traditional controller for the handheld Switch, and it’s more comfortable to hold and use than the official Joy-Con controller.

The clever Hori Split Pad Pro gives the handheld Switch the feel of a real controller, and it’s one of the best accessories I’ve ever used. This cut-in-half gamepad slides onto the Joy-Con rails and connects instantly to the Switch. It improves on the original design with a wider frame, ergonomic handles, and enlarged buttons that feel easier on the hands. It also adds in two rear paddles and functional Turbo buttons on each grip, all of which are easy to program using the instruction manual.

A Nintendo Switch in a Hori Nintendo Switch Split Pad Pro.
Photo: Marki Williams

The Split Pad Pro is comfortable and tactile, but it does have a few shortcomings: It doesn’t support rumble or motion controls, it doesn’t have an NFC scanner for Amiibo, and it can’t be attached to a separate grip to make a full wireless controller. It also won’t fit in many slim cases that are fitted for the original Switch.

Hori does sell a compact version of the Split Pad, but we think the Pro is better—even for people with small hands. The Pro is technically wider, but it doesn’t feel like a strain to use because it has larger buttons that are spaced out thoughtfully, and it has proper grip handles that feel more natural to hold than the smooth edges of the Compact controller.

A slender case for minimalists: Tomtoc Arccos-G44 Slim Bag

A black Tomtoc Arccos-G44 Slim Bag.
Photo: Marki Williams

Our pick

This case is lined with thick padding to protect your Switch and a couple of small accessories, and it’s compatible with all Switch models.

Buying Options

Tomtoc’s Arccos-G44 Slim Bag is about as sleek as they come, but it still provides ample protection and enough space to store the essentials. It has thick, fleece-lined padding around the interior pocket that can fit any Switch console, and a removable card with slots for up to 20 games. The outside of the pouch also has an inconspicuous zipper compartment for small conveniences like cables and earbuds.

This case won’t fit the bulky charger or controller grip that comes with the Switch, but you can stash a smaller charging brick or a pair of Joy-Con controllers in the inner and outer pockets. Unlike many cases in this category that look distinctly made for gaming, the Arccos-G44 appears understated enough to repurpose for other belongings when you don’t need it for your Switch—though the polyester material on the outside does bear some resemblance to a toiletry bag.

Four different Nintendo Switch carrying cases.
Photo: Marki Williams

A simple, structured option: Tomtoc Nintendo Switch Carrying Case

A gray Tomtoc Nintendo Switch Carrying Case.
Photo: Marki Williams

Our pick

If you want to keep the Switch and a few accessories secure, this case can hold a little more than our slim pick. But its bulky shell may not fit comfortably in all bags or backpacks.

Buying Options

$29 $25 from Amazon

(select colors)

Tomtoc’s standard carrying case can fit a Pro Controller, an extra set of Joy-Cons, and a travel charger in addition to your Switch. It’s not big enough to replace your day bag, but it can protect your Switch when tossed into a bigger backpack or suitcase. I’ve used this case for over a year, and it’s held its shape well against drops, tight squeezes in my smaller bags, and accidents that would have otherwise smashed my Switch.

This case has a hard shell on the outside, and one main compartment on the inside. It lies flat when unzipped, and it has a built-in stand that can prop up the Switch so you can play directly from the case. The inner compartment tucks the console behind a padded board in the center that holds 24 game cartridges. On the opposite side, there’s a mesh pocket that can store an extra set of Joy-Cons, a Pro Controller, and a travel charger—or other similarly sized accessories. It also has a handle on top for easy carry.

A versatile shoulder bag with ample protection: Tomtoc Arccos-G42 Travel Bag

A blue Tomtoc Arccos-G42 Travel Bag.
Photo: Marki Williams

Our pick

This shoulder bag has a removable compartment contoured for the Switch, clever pockets for accessories and small personal items, and it’s good-looking enough to pass as a commuter bag.

We love the Tomtoc Arccos-G42 shoulder bag because it’s tailor-made to protect the Switch, and it has a minimalist, techwear aesthetic that looks refined enough for everyday use. The inside of the bag has a thickly padded W-shaped compartment that holds the console snug in the center but leaves extra space on each side to prevent the Switch’s joysticks from being pressed—a smart and effective feature that sets this case apart. Best of all, this compartment can be removed to make more space when you need to.

The Arccos-G42 is on the smaller side (measuring 11 by 6.7 by 4 inches), but it has a discreet outer zipper pocket and enough room inside to hold accessories and personal items such as keys or cosmetics. The polyester on the outside makes it look a bit like a toiletry bag, which may not appeal to everyone. But it repelled water adequately in our tests: When we held the bag under a running shower for 10 seconds, the outer zipper and inner mesh pockets stayed bone-dry, and only a few droplets seeped through the top zipper of the main compartment.

Form and function for frequent flyers: Tomtoc Arccos-G45 Storage Bag

A black Tomtoc Arccos-G45 Storage Bag.
Photo: Marki Williams

Our pick

The Arccos-G45 is stylish and spacious enough to carry all of the things you need on an airplane, and it’s designed specifically for the Switch.

This is the largest bag offered in Tomtoc’s Arccos series, and it’s the only standalone Switch case I’ve found that I’d happily take on a flight. The Arccos-G45 Storage Bag is lightweight, streamlined, and spacious, and it holds a surprising amount of items. It has the same removable W-shaped compartment that we love in our smaller shoulder bag pick, which capably prevents damage that could arise from pressure against the Switch’s buttons and joysticks.

The G45 can comfortably house the Switch, the original charger and dock, multiple Pro controllers, and extra Joy-Cons—to start. I also packed in a pair of socks, a T-shirt, an assortment of charging cables, some travel-size toiletries, and a 10.9-inch iPad, with room to spare. The bag has plenty of internal organization and wide outer pockets on both sides, but the adjustable shoulder strap doesn’t offer much padding, so it may not be ideal for those who travel with multiple heavy items.

A little home for your Pro controller: Tomtoc Switch Pro Controller Case

A clear Tomtoc Switch Pro Controller Case.
Photo: Marki Williams

Our pick

Instead of tossing your controller into a bag willy-nilly, you can use this plastic case to shelter its joysticks, buttons, and triggers without compromising much space.

Buying Options

A case is a smart investment for anyone with a Pro controller. It’s cheaper than replacing a controller damaged by drops or jostles, and it doesn’t add as much bulk as a proper Switch accessory bag. Tomtoc’s Switch Pro Controller Case is the slimmest and most practical controller case we’ve found: It fits right around the Pro controller, it has a buckle to keep it shut, and it has a hole that allows a charging cable to pass through the case.

An open Tomtoc Switch Pro Controller Case, showing the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller inside it.
Photo: Marki Williams

This case has a hard shell made out of thin plastic that looks flimsy but is impressively durable. In our tests, it survived multiple drops over a wood floor without cracking, bursting open, or tarnishing our controller. Even if you don’t take your Switch on the go very often, it’s still worth adding this case to your TV stand to keep the dust off your controller

Storage for all of your games: Samsung Pro Plus microSD Card (512 GB)

A red Samsung Pro Plus microSD Card (512 GB).
Photo: Marki Williams

Our pick

This microSD card is fast, consistent, and reasonably priced. It’s good for phones, tablets, game consoles, and more.

If you plan to download most of your Switch games, the 32 GB of storage inside a standard Switch console will run out quickly; The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, for example, devours 16.3 GB all by itself. We recommend buying the 512 GB Samsung Pro Plus microSD Card to give yourself more room. The microSD card is speedy, and at a typical price of around $53, or about 10¢ per gigabyte, it’s one of the most cost-effective cards you can buy.

Properly prop up your Switch: Hori Compact Playstand

A Legend of Zelda themed Hori Compact Playstand.
Photo: Marki Williams

Our pick

Hori offers a simple and easy-to-use stand that holds the Switch securely and barely adds weight to your bag.

Buying Options

If you want to use your Switch on a table or other hard surface but need more stability than the built-in kickstand provides, or you want to be able to charge it at the same time, you need a stand. We think the Hori Compact Playstand for Nintendo Switch is the best choice for most people because it’s cheap, light, and simple to set up and use.

Although it’s made of plastic, it feels sturdy and is surprisingly strong compared with the other stands we tested. It securely holds the screen in place on the fold-out shelf with two small pegs that fit into the bottom of the Switch and a series of rubberized grips to prevent slipping. The shelf has a cutout so you can still charge the Switch while it’s in use, and there’s a hole in the base of the stand so you can thread the charging cord through the back.

Several Nintendo Switch Joy-Con grips.
Photo: Marki Williams

Turning your Joy-Con into a controller: PowerA Joy-Con Comfort Grip

Nintendo Switch joy-cons in a PowerA Joy-Con Comfort Grip.
Photo: Marki Williams

Our pick

The PowerA Comfort Grip feels better and is easier to hold than the grip that comes with the Switch.

PowerA’s officially licensed Comfort Grip is a fantastic upgrade to the Joy-Con grip—the metal and plastic frame that turns your Joy-Cons into a more conventional controller—that comes with the Switch. The PowerA version adds rubberized handles, and the grip is slightly wider, which makes holding the controller more comfortable. There have been some complaints that the Joy-Cons don’t fit properly and can get scuffed when inserting them into the Comfort Grip, but we didn’t run into any issues. On the contrary, our sample seemed perfectly made for the Switch controllers.

More comfort for solo Joy-Cons: FastSnail Joy-Con Grips

One blue and one red FastSnail Joy-Con Grip, with an individual joy-con inside each of them, next to each other.
Photo: Marki Williams

Our pick

There’s nothing flashy about the FastSnail grips, but they’re more comfortable to hold than the Joy-Cons on their own.

Buying Options

If you find playing with the Joy-Cons difficult or uncomfortable due to their small size, adding a grip can help. The FastSnail Joy-Con Grips are the best we’ve found for average-to-large hands. The SL and SR buttons are big and located so that they fall directly under your index fingers while you’re holding the grip. They feel a bit flimsy, but they’re far better than trying to press the small buttons on the Joy-Con or on the included Joy-Con straps. The other grips we tested were smaller than the FastSnail, didn’t help with the tiny SL and SR buttons, and weren’t any easier or more comfortable to use than the controller on its own.

An easy way to preserve your display: PowerA Anti-Glare Screen Protector

A Nintendo Switch next to two PowerA Anti-Glare Screen Protectors.
Photo: Marki Williams

Our pick

These screen protectors are cheap and easy to install, and they’re surprisingly good at reducing glare.

Buying Options

A screen protector can prevent your Switch’s display from excessive scratches and cracks, and it takes seconds to install. We previously recommended the amFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector in this guide, and it’s still a good scratch-resistant option for the Switch that goes on bubble-free. But we love this anti-glare screen protector from PowerA because it prevents the screen from haunting you with your own reflection by diminishing glare in bright rooms. It’s a simple enhancement that can make the Switch easier to enjoy from anywhere, it adheres well to the screen, and it successfully reduces reflections indoors.

A sheath for your Switch: Human Things GENKI Force Field

A gray Human Things GENKI Force Field console shield for the Nintendo Switch.
Photo: Marki Williams

Our pick

This high-quality flip case fits around the Switch to add extra grip and protection to your console in handheld mode.

Buying Options

The Lite version of the Force Field does not have the OLED case’s built-in kickstand, but it’s otherwise identical.

Buying Options

We recommend other types of cases to house your Switch and accessories, but none of them will protect your Switch from accidents while you’re actually holding it. If you primarily play your Switch in handheld mode, we recommend using the Human Things GENKI Force Field for extra grip, shock absorption, and protection against scratches and scuffs.

Photo: Marki Williams

This slim shield hugs the back and borders of the Switch without blocking any important ports or buttons, and it has a magnetic top cover that snaps over the display and protects the thumbsticks and face buttons from pressure. The vegan leather material on the outside feels nice and slightly textured against the skin, and the case feels sturdy, firm, and well-made.

Although it adds less than a quarter-inch of bulk to the Switch’s footprint, you’ll have to remove it in order to fit the Switch into Nintendo’s dock, and it may be too big to pack into some carrying cases. All of the cases we recommend can technically hold a standard Switch equipped with the Force Field, but the fit is too snug in our slim pick to accommodate any other accessories.

Juice for your Joy-Cons: PowerA Joy-Con Charging Dock

Two joy-cons charging on the PowerA Joy-Con Charging Dock.
Photo: Marki Williams

Our pick

This charging stand can accommodate two sets of Joy-Cons and plugs directly into your Switch dock.

The PowerA Joy-Con Charging Dock can charge two pairs of Joy-Con controllers at the same time, so you’ll always have an extra set ready to go. The controllers slide smoothly on and off the dock’s rails, and each slot displays its charging status with an LED light at the top. This charging dock has a small footprint, and the base includes an integrated cable wrap to minimize clutter. You also don’t need to free up any outlet space, because it connects straight to the Switch dock’s USB charging ports.

If you also have a Pro Controller: PowerA Charging Base for Joy-Cons and Pro Controller

Two joy-cons and a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller charging on a PowerA Charging Base for Joy-Cons and Pro Controller.
Photo: Marki Williams

Our pick

This dock is a great option if you want to charge a Pro Controller and a set of Joy-Cons at the same time.

Buying Options

If you want to charge one Pro Controller and one set of Joy-Cons at the same time, we recommend this version of PowerA’s charging dock. The Joy-Cons slide onto the back rails of the dock, while the Pro Controller attaches to an included USB-C dongle that clicks into place on the front of the dock. Each slot has an LED light to show the charging status, and the dock is heavy enough to stay put without toppling over when you swap devices.

A less bulky charging brick: Nekteck 60W USB-C GaN Charger

The Nekteck 60W USB-C GaN Charger.
Photo: Marki Williams

Our pick

This compact option can charge your Switch at top speed for a great price, and it even includes a cable.

Buying Options

If you want to leave the charger that came with your Switch under your TV when you travel, or if you want a spare charger for a Switch Lite, the Nekteck 60W GaN Charger With USB-C to USB-C Cable is a safe and affordable option. Charging performance is the single most important factor in this product category, and the Nekteck charger performs exactly as expected. It also happens to be our favorite USB-C charger for laptops and tablets.

For when your fingers won’t cut it: Adonit Mark

The Adonit Mark stylus next to a Nintendo Switch.
Photo: Marki Williams

Our pick

Sleek, comfortable, well-performing, and affordable, the Mark is one of the best tablet styluses we’ve ever used, especially for its price.

Buying Options

Nintendo doesn’t include a stylus with the Switch, and most games don’t call for one. Most of the time when you need to use the Switch’s touchscreen, your fingers are good enough. But for some games that benefit from more precise input, such as Super Mario Maker 2, the Adonit Mark is a worthwhile purchase. It works as well with the Switch as it does with iPads and other tablets, it usually costs less than $10, and you should be able to use it with almost any device that has a capacitive touchscreen (including older iPads that can’t use an Apple Pencil, Android tablets, and even smartphones).

Wired Ethernet for online multiplayer: Ugreen USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter and TrendNet USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter

A Ugreen USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter and TrendNet USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet Adapter next to each other.
Photo: Marki Williams

Our pick

This adapter works as well as Nintendo’s official Ethernet adapter, for less money.

Buying Options

Trendnet’s adapter is just as good—buy whichever is cheaper.

Buying Options

The Switch OLED includes an Ethernet port on its dock, and the regular Switch and Switch Lite’s built-in Wi-Fi work well enough for most people. But for faster and more competitive online games like Splatoon 3 or Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, a wired Ethernet adapter can reduce lag, increase speeds, and improve the stability of your connection.

The most affordable and effective way to get wired internet to your Switch is with the Ugreen USB 3.0 to Gigabit or TrendNet USB 3.0 to Gigabit Ethernet adapters. Buy whichever one is cheaper—they're both based on the exact same chipset, and the Switch recognizes them right away. They achieved the same speeds as Nintendo’s official adapter in our testing, and their cables are long enough to allow the door on the back of the Switch dock to close, unlike some others we tested.

Two Bluetooth headphones next to each other.
Photo: Marki Williams

Great sound for your games: JBL Tour One M2

Black JBL Tour One M2 Bluetooth headphones.
Photo: Marki Williams

Our pick

This versatile, over-ear pair sounds great, has a long battery life, and offers premium features at a lower price than its competitors. Some controls are a bit sensitive, though.

Since most gaming headsets don’t connect via Bluetooth, and Bluetooth microphones still aren’t supported on the Switch, your best option for wireless audio with the Switch is with a regular pair of Bluetooth headphones. We like the JBL Tour One M2 because they sound fantastic out of the box, and they have a long battery life rated at 30 to 50 hours. But beware that Bluetooth audio on the Switch can have noticeable latency issues, with some users reporting a lag of up to 300 milliseconds—a significant delay that may bother people who play shooters or other games that rely on precise audio.

Safe sound for the kiddos: Puro Sound Labs BT2200-Plus

White Puro Sound Labs BT2200-Plus Bluetooth headphones.
Photo: Marki Williams

Our pick

These Bluetooth wireless headphones are more comfortable for younger kids, and they’re volume-limited to keep their little ears safe.

Adult headphones are not only larger, heavier, and less comfortable for kids, but they also have unregulated volume levels that can lead to permanent hearing damage. The Puro Sound Labs BT2200-Plus is great for children who primarily use headphones to watch movies, play games, and listen to music, and it should fit most preschoolers to tweens equally well. Our young testers also preferred the more grown-up styling of these headphones over most of the others we tested.

We don’t recommend using Switch docks made by companies other than Nintendo. While some of our staff members have had success with third-party docks, many people experience “bricking” (which means the system software becomes irrevocably corrupted and crashes), and Nintendo won’t cover these issues if they suspect third-party docks were used.

Controllers

PowerA’s Nano Enhanced Wireless Controller is a nice controller, but it’s too small for the majority of adults. We will update this guide with notes once we’ve tested it as an option for kids.

The PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller works fine if you want a cheap wireless gamepad that’s better than the standard Joy-Con grip, but most people will be better off with the official Pro Controller. Compared with the Pro Controller, it feels lighter and cheaper, it doesn’t vibrate, and it doesn’t include an NFC scanner for Amiibo.

The Horipad Wired Controller is another officially licensed Pro Controller clone, and it’s a good deal if you absolutely need a cheap wired gamepad for multiplayer. But it doesn’t vibrate or include motion controls, it doesn’t have an NFC scanner for Amiibo, and its removable D-Pad feels mushy and inaccurate compared with the Pro Controller.

Carrying cases

Hori’s Slim Tough Pouch for the Switch Lite is firmer than the Nintendo case and can hold 10 game cards as well as some smaller accessories, but it leaves too much room for the Switch Lite to move around when the case is closed.

The ButterFox Large Carrying Case for the Switch Lite was a former pick in this guide, but compared with our current picks, it’s bulkier, less organized, and less versatile. We dismissed the ButterFox Premium Slim Case for the Switch Lite in a previous round of testing for the same reasons.

Trying to squeeze a standard Switch into the PowerA Clutch Bag made the rest of the bag unusable. We couldn’t fit a single accessory inside with the console, and any item we wrestled into the outer rear pocket jutted out. It’s uncomfortable to carry because the wrist strap can’t be adjusted, and the magnetic flaps pop open when the bag is either dropped on the ground or simply too full.

Tomtoc’s FancyCase-G07 is an ultra-slim case made to accommodate the compact version of the Hori Split Pad controller we recommend, but there’s no room for games or accessories, and it’s too flimsy to prevent the joysticks and buttons from being smashed under light pressure.

The design of the Tomtoc FancyCase-G01 for the Switch Lite is just strange. The outside of the case appears to have raised spaces for the joysticks and D-pads, but they’re purely symbolic—the inside of the pouch has a mesh pocket that covers them entirely, and they do nothing to protect the Joy-Con’s buttons from being pushed from the outside. Like the G07, this case does not hold its shape under pressure.

The Tomtoc Versatile-A0203 Switch Daily Bag is a cute purse, but it’s literally just a purse. There’s no designated compartment for the Switch or extra padding, and it closes only with a magnetic flap that we wouldn’t trust to protect an expensive device.

Other accessories

Compared with the console shield we recommend from Human Things, PowerA’s Console Shield leaves more of the Switch exposed, it doesn’t include a cover for the display, and it’s made with creaky plastic that feels far less protective.

We didn’t find any issues with the HyperX ChargePlay Quad 2 charging station, but our PowerA pick costs less, looks subtler, and has held up over the years. If you have your heart set on the HyperX station, it performed well in our tests.

This article was edited by Signe Brewster.

Meet your guide

Haley Perry

Haley Perry is an associate staff writer at Wirecutter covering video games and technology. She used to review video games full-time, and she’s also a big fan of mezcal. If you get enough in her, she may just admit that she still plays The Sims ... a lot.

Further reading

Edit
Dismiss