The Nintendo Switch console is a versatile little device. You can have awesome house parties where you all play a multiplayer game like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on a big-screen TV with your Switch Pro Controller by hooking the console up to the Switch dock. If you want to just watch some TV shows while you grind in a single-player game like Fire Emblem: Three Houses, that works too. You can take the party outside and play games with the console in tabletop mode using the wireless Joy-Con controllers, which is also pretty cool (just make sure you bring battery pack and charging cable so you have some extra battery life, and don't forget to slap a tempered glass screen on that hybrid console!). The console does it have its downsides (the battery life is still fairly low), but the right accessories can improve or remove them entirely, making both docked and handheld play a perfect gaming experience.
That's why we've rounded up some of the best Nintendo Switch accessories to game with in 2020. Whether you've got a launch-edition console, recently picked up the newer model with improved battery life, or plan to buy the smaller, handheld-only Switch Lite and play Switch games on the go, these Switch accessories will definitely make your life easier.
In a hurry? Check out an overview of our favorite accessories below; plus, see our roundup of this month's best Nintendo Switch video games, consoles, and accessories deals in case anything is on sale.
Quick look: The best Nintendo Switch accessories
- RDS Industries Deluxe Travel Case
- Orzly Portable Travel Case
- Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
- PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller
- 8Bitdo SN30 Pro Plus Controller
- Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons
- Hori D-Pad Joy-Con
- Satisfye Nintendo Switch Grip
- Skull & Co. Nintendo Switch Grip
- Orzly Nintendo Switch Lite Grip
- Flip Grip
- SanDisk 128GB MicroSD Memory Card
- Orzly Tempered Glass Screen Protectors
- Hori Protective Screen Filter for Switch Lite
- Steelseries Arctis 1 Wireless Gaming Headset
- Hori Compact Playstand for Nintendo Switch
- Hori Dual USB Playstand for Switch Lite
- PowerA Joy-Con Charging Dock
- YCCTEAM Travel AC Adapter
- Anker PowerCore Speed 20000 PD Portable Battery
- PDP Light-Up Switch Dock Shield
1. Carrying Case
RDS Industries Deluxe Travel Case for Nintendo Switch
If you're planning to step outside of your house with your Nintendo Switch, you'll definitely need a carrying case. I bought this sturdy carrying and game card case from RDS Industries soon after the Switch launched in 2017, and after countless cross-country and international trips, I still have no complaints about traveling with it. The hard-shell exterior is durable, and the interior screen protection pouch prevents any scratches. It also comes with cases for storing game cards and microSD cards, and the zippered pouch can carry earbuds and other small accessories. There's also some extra cable and battery space in there, too.
Orzly Portable Travel Case for Nintendo Switch Lite
Need a protective case for your Switch Lite? Accessories maker Orzly recently released carrying cases for the Switch Lite that come in 12 different colors, including matching shades for the yellow, gray, and turquoise handhelds. The case includes a microfiber cover to protect your Switch Lite screen from anything that might smash it, eight game card slots, and a zippered pocket.
2. Alternative Switch controllers
Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
A huge improvement over the Wii U Pro controller, the Switch Pro Controller is one of the best Switch controllers on the market today. If you're new to the Nintendo Switch, the Switch Pro Controller is an obvious and worthwhile upgrade from the Joy-Con grip that comes with the console, with better analog sticks and larger buttons. It will run you $70 unless you find it on sale. While there are plenty of alternative Switch controllers and adapters out there, the Pro Controller's great buttons and fantastic battery will likely suit your needs if you're simply looking for a more comfortable, traditional gaming experience. It comes with its own cable, too.
PowerA Enhanced Wireless Switch Controller
PowerA's enhanced wireless controllers are one of our favorite alternatives to the Switch Pro Controller, which is why we're always excited when new designs launch. These officially licensed controllers provide a much more affordable option--new designs launch at $50 and will often get discounted on Amazon, where we've seen pricing as low as $35. The enhanced wireless Switch controllers have an ergonomic design similar to the Pro Controller, and while there's no rumble or NFC reader, the controllers have motion controls and allow for custom button mapping. The biggest drawback is that they're powered by two AA batteries, although the batteries provide up to 30 hours of gameplay. With that in mind, this controller might be better suited as a backup for multiplayer purposes, but if you're looking for a controller with cool Nintendo-themed designs and solid buttons that won't break the bank. you can't go wrong with PowerA's enhanced wireless gamepads.
8Bitdo SN30 Pro Plus Controller
With a design inspired by the SNES, the 8Bitdo SN30 Pro Plus controller also made our list of the best Nintendo Switch controllers in 2020. If you're looking for a Switch controller with deep customization options, this is it. The SN30 Pro Plus allows for extensive button mapping, adjustment of analog sticks and trigger inputs, and macro customization of up to 18 inputs without the need for an extra device. The downside is all this customization must be done on a computer, but thankfully, the process is simple. A major plus: This gamepad comes with a removable, rechargeable battery and also allows for disposable batteries. Like PowerA's enhanced wireless controllers, the SN30 Pro Plus is a cheaper alternative to the Pro Controller with more classic buttons--the device is listed for $50 on Amazon.
3. Extra Joy-Cons
Nintendo Switch Joy-Cons
The Nintendo Switch only comes with two Joy-Cons, of course, but if you plan to enjoy multiplayer games like Super Mario Party or Rocket League, having another pair of Joy-Cons will come in handy. And you're tried of the Neon Blue and Neon Red colors, a wide range of additional colors are available, with two new color combos--Purple/Neon Orange and Blue/Neon Yellow--recently added to the lineup.
Hori D-Pad Joy-Con
This Switch controller from Hori solves a very specific issue that may or may not bother you: the lack of a traditional D-Pad on the Switch's Joy-Cons. Unless you plan on picking up the Switch Lite, which does include a D-Pad, the only way to get that feature is purchasing a custom left-side Joy-Con. Thankfully, Nintendo's Joy-Cons aren't the only game in town; these colorful D-Pad Joy-Cons from Hori are a great option for those who play Switch handheld a lot and miss that key feature, especially when playing classic games like Street Fighter: 30th Anniversary Collection, Super Mario World or Super Metroid. Note that Hori's D-Pad Joy-Cons can only be used in handheld mode and don't feature rumble or motion controls. No matching right Joy-Con is available. But for $20-$25, the Hori D-Pad Joy-Con is still a great controller to invest in to make your gaming experience more comfortable. Most cases have enough space to carry an extra Joy-Con, so consider this your extra, back-up Joy-Con for games that need it.
4. Grip case
Satisfye Nintendo Switch Grip Case
The Switch's handheld mode remains a popular choice for many Switch owners thanks to its ease of use. But if your hands have ever longed for a proper controller grip after extended time in the handheld mode, you might want to try an ergonomic grip. This Satisfye grip case remains my personal favorite, as it fits the shape of my hands perfectly and doesn't make my Switch feel any heavier; in fact, the more ergonomic design makes the console easier to hold for long periods of time.
Skull & Co. Nintendo Switch Grip Case
GameSpot editor Mat Paget swears by this Skull & Co. grip case, which turns the flat Nintendo Switch into something that more closely resembles a controller, producing a shape with improved ergonomics. The Skull & Co. grip notably features interchangeable handles to help you find the best fit for your hands. If you have a full-sized Switch (rather than a Switch Lite), you can't go wrong with either Satisfye or Skull & Co. when it comes to grip cases, and you can read more about each product in our best Nintendo Switch grip cases guide.
Orzly Nintendo Switch Lite Grip Case
Orzly is the first major accessories brand to launch a Switch Lite-specific grip case, and it comes in turquoise, black, pink, grey, and yellow colors. The grip case comes with a built-in adjustable stand, which is quite nice, and it's made with shock-absorbent material for an added layer of protection. This attachment even has a space in the back to store an extra game card while you're on the go.
Flip Grip
The Flip Grip is another quality Switch grip, but it was designed with a very different purpose from the grips shown above. The Flip Grip was made for vertical-mode gaming on the Switch, and it's compatible with the Switch's numerous arcade ports, many of which were designed to be played with the screen at a 90-degree angle. Normally, that would require you to remove the Joy-Cons and prop your Switch up somehow, but the Flip Grip allows you to connect your Joy-Cons to either side of the rotated screen and keep playing. You can check out GameSpot's Flip Grip review and see the full list of compatible games at Retronauts. The Flip Grip is available for $12 exclusively at Fangamer.
4. MicroSD Memory Card
SanDisk 128GB MicroSD Memory Card
The Nintendo Switch only has 32GB of internal storage, and you'll almost certainly exceed that limit eventually, even if you exclusively buy physical games over downloads. An easy solution is a microSD card, which inserts into your Switch and provides additional storage space for games. You can get an officially licensed 64GB, 124GB, and 256GB card from SanDisk officially licensed by Nintendo, with transfer rates up to 100MB/s.
5. Screen Protectors
Orzly Tempered Glass Screen Protector for Nintendo Switch
One of the Switch's perks is its nice, large screen, and there's no better way to prevent your $300 console from getting scratched than to pick up a screen protector. The best thing you can say about a screen protector is that you only notice it when you need it, and that's true of the kind of tempered glass screen protector Orzly makes, which will take the damage (instead of your Switch) in the case of an accident. Thankfully, Orzly's tempered glass screen protectors come in pairs. Make sure to use a cleaning cloth to wipe your screen before applying them!
Hori Protective Screen Filter for Nintendo Switch Lite
If you need a screen protector with Switch Lite dimensions, accessories maker Hori is now offering screen protectors made to fit the Switch Lite screen, available for $10.
6. Wireless Headset
Steelseries Arctis 1 Wireless Gaming Headset
The Nintendo Switch doesn't allow for wireless headphones to connect to the system via Bluetooth, so you'll need a third-party wireless dongle. If you're looking for a solid, all-in-one wireless headset that's compatible with the Switch, go for the Steelseries Arctis 1 Wireless, which comes with a 2.4 GHz dongle that plugs directly into the Switch's USB-C port. In docked mode, the dongle can be plugged in using a USB adapter, which is also included.
7. Adjustable Charging Stand
Hori Compact Playstand for Nintendo Switch
For extended tabletop play, you'll appreciate having a stand to prop up your Switch while simultaneously charging it. Coming from Hori, this adjustable stand can hold your Switch at three different angles: 30, 50, and 60 degrees. Its bottom hooks are also rubberized to help hold your console steady during active play. The best part is that it folds up flat, which makes it perfect for taking on the go. There's also a slick Zelda-themed version for the same price.
Hori Dual USB Playstand for Nintendo Switch Lite
If you picked up a Switch Lite, having a good playstand becomes even more important. Hori is also releasing a dual USB playstand that can connect two USB controllers for multiplayer while charging the console at the same time. While made specifically for the Switch Lite, this compact stand is also compatible with the original Switch.
8. Joy-Con Charging Station
PowerA Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Charging Dock
If you own multiple sets of Joy-Cons, this charging station is a no-brainer purchase. For only $15, you can keep up to four Joy-Cons charged, so there's always one ready to go.
9. Travel AC Adapter
YCCTEAM Nintendo Switch AC Adapter
When your Switch dock is already plugged into your TV, it's a hassle to unplug the AC adapter and take it with you when you travel. Skip the usual USB-C to USB-A adapter and battery pack hassle by having an extra, smaller AC adapter and cable to take on the go is much more convenient than having to unplug it from your Switch dock all the time.
10. Portable battery
Anker PowerCore Speed 20000 PD
Playing your Switch for hours at a time will eventually drain your battery, and if you don't have access to a power outlet, this portable battery will come in clutch. The Anker PowerCore Speed 200000 PD will actually charge your console as you play in handheld mode. While a bit pricey at $100, this powerful charger is also compatible with most laptops, phones, and tablets, so you're sure to get plenty of use out of it.
11. Dock Shield
PDP Nintendo Switch Light-Up Dock Shield
The other Switch accessories on this list may be practical, but these light-up Switch dock shields are just pretty. With multiple Nintendo-themed designs and 17 different colors and light effects, these dock shields will add a gorgeous, colorful glow to your Switch setup. The product comes with a base, which your dock will sit on, and two acrylic panels will slide into either side so the front and back of your dock are covered. These dock shields are an affordable way to liven up your Switch gaming setup.
12. Nintendo Switch Online
Nintendo Switch Online 12-Month Individual Membership
Nintendo isn't known for having as robust an online infrastructure as Microsoft or Sony, but they're getting there. And as more of their titles have online components, Nintendo has started charging to play multiplayer games like Super Smash. Bros. Ultimate, Splatoon 2, and more online with others. Yes, it's not as fully featured as Xbox Live or PlayStation Network, but it's only $20 a year, which makes it fairly tempting to pick up. Y'know... just in case you ever want to play Smash online.