37 Nintendo Switch Accessories

The Nintendo Switch has been on my desk, in my bag, and hooked up to my TV for years. Now in 2026, with the Switch 2 finally out, the ecosystem of accessories is bigger and more confusing than ever. Some old gear works perfectly with the new console, while some doesn’t. And some new accessories are built specifically for the Switch 2’s extra power and new form factor.

I’ve spent the last few months testing dozens of controllers, cases, docks, and storage cards for both the original Switch OLED and the new Switch 2. I’ve charged batteries, timed load screens, and thrown consoles (in their cases!) onto the floor to see what holds up.

This is the gear that actually makes a difference. Whether you’re trying to solve the Joy-Con grip problem, expand your game storage, or just keep your console from shattering into a million pieces, these are the accessories I’d spend my own money on.

 

 

Best Controllers & Grips

Stock Joy-Cons are fine for a quick game, but for anything longer than 30 minutes, you need an upgrade. These controllers and grips make handheld and docked gaming far more comfortable.

 

 

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller costs a steep $70, but it’s the gold standard for a reason. If you play your Switch docked on a TV most of the time, this is the first accessory you should buy. The ergonomics are fantastic, the thumbsticks are precise, and it has all the features of the Joy-Cons, including HD rumble and motion controls.

The battery life is the real star here. Nintendo claims 40 hours, and in my testing, that’s not an exaggeration. I can go for weeks of regular play without needing to plug it in. It just feels like a premium, solid controller built for long sessions of *Zelda* or *Smash Bros*.

The Downside: It’s baffling that in 2026, a first-party controller at this price still doesn’t have a built-in 3.5mm headphone jack. You’ll have to rely on the console’s audio output.

 

 

Hori Split Pad Pro

At around $50, the Hori Split Pad Pro is my go-to for handheld gaming. It slides onto the sides of the Switch just like Joy-Cons but transforms the console into something that feels like a full-sized controller. The grips are bigger, the buttons are larger, and you get a proper D-pad.

I’ve got bigger hands, and playing with the standard Joy-Cons for more than an hour causes serious cramping. The Split Pad Pro completely solves that. It also adds two remappable back buttons, which is great for games that require complex inputs, and since they’re wired, you don’t have to worry about drift.

The Downside: These controllers have no internal batteries or wireless connectivity. They only work when physically attached to the Switch console, so you can’t use them for docked multiplayer.

 

 

8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller

For the same $70 as the Pro Controller, the 8BitDo Ultimate offers one huge advantage: Hall effect joysticks. These use magnets to detect movement, meaning they are physically incapable of developing the stick drift that has plagued Nintendo’s own controllers for years. The controller feels fantastic, and the included charging dock is a great touch.

The battery lasts for about 22 hours on a charge, which is less than the Pro Controller but still more than enough for several long gaming sessions. The dock makes it easy to just drop the controller in to charge when you’re done playing, so it’s always ready to go.

The Downside: To remap the back paddles or adjust settings, you have to use 8BitDo’s software on a PC or phone, which is an extra step that feels a bit clunky.

 

 

FastSnail Joy-Con Grips

A two-pack of these grips costs just $14. They’re a simple, cheap solution for turning a single, sideways Joy-Con into a more comfortable controller for multiplayer games like *Mario Kart 8 Deluxe*.

They’re just molded plastic shells, but they add enough palm support to make a huge difference. The shoulder buttons (SL and SR) also become much easier to press. Every Switch owner who ever hosts a game night should have a pair of these lying around.

The Downside: There’s no passthrough for charging, so you’ll have to pop the Joy-Con out of the grip to power it up.

 

 

Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe

This $100 racing wheel is definitely not a necessity, but it’s a ton of fun. If you’re serious about *Mario Kart* or other racing games on the Switch, this wheel and pedal set adds a layer of immersion that a standard controller just can’t match.

The wheel has decent vibration feedback, and the floor pedals for gas and brake feel surprisingly responsive. It’s officially licensed by Nintendo, so the build quality is solid and it works flawlessly right out of the box.

The Downside: It’s big. The wheel and pedals take up a considerable amount of floor and desk space, making it a pain to store when you’re not using it.

 

 

Storage, Docks, and Power

Whether you have the original Switch or the new Switch 2, you’re going to run out of storage. And keeping everything charged and connected to a TV requires the right gear, especially when you’re on the move.

 

 

SanDisk Ultra 512GB microSDXC

For about $66, this is the best all-around storage upgrade for the original Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED. The 64GB of internal storage on the OLED model fills up after just a few big games, so a microSD card is basically mandatory for anyone who buys digital titles.

This SanDisk card gives you 512GB of extra space, which is enough to hold dozens of games. Its read speeds of up to 120MB/s are more than fast enough for the original Switch hardware, meaning your games will load just as quickly as they would from the internal memory. It’s a simple, reliable fix to the Switch’s biggest flaw.

The Downside: While it works in the Switch 2, its UHS-I speeds are much slower than the new microSD Express standard that the new console supports. You’ll be leaving performance on the table.

 

 

Samsung 256GB microSD Express

This $45 card is specifically for the Nintendo Switch 2. It uses the new microSD Express standard, delivering read speeds up to 800MB/s. That’s a massive jump from the 120MB/s of older cards and means games like the upcoming *Mario Kart World* will load in seconds.

I tested this against a standard UHS-I card in my Switch 2, and the difference in load times was immediately obvious. If you have the new console and want to ensure you’re getting the best performance, this is the card to get.

The Downside: Right now, the capacity is limited to 256GB. That’s a decent amount of space, but it will fill up quickly with the larger file sizes of Switch 2 games.

 

 

Lexar Play PRO 1TB microSD Express

If you’re an all-digital gamer with a Switch 2, this $150 card is the ultimate storage solution. It combines a massive 1TB capacity with blistering 880MB/s read speeds. This is the card you get if you never want to think about archiving or deleting games again.

The NVMe interface allows it to hit speeds that are competitive with internal SSDs on other devices. It’s overkill for some, but for power users who want the absolute best performance and maximum space for huge games like *Cyberpunk 2077*, this is it.

The Downside: The cost per gigabyte is significantly higher than older microSD formats. You’re paying a premium for that cutting-edge speed and capacity.

 

 

Genki Covert Dock

The Genki Covert Dock costs $60 and completely replaces the bulky dock that comes with the Switch. It’s a tiny gallium nitride (GaN) charger with a built-in HDMI port and a USB-A port. I just toss this and an HDMI cable in my bag, and I can connect my Switch to any hotel TV in seconds.

It outputs a stable 1080p signal at 60Hz and provides enough power to charge the Switch while playing. It’s one of my all-time favorite travel accessories because it saves so much space and works reliably every time.

The Downside: It doesn’t support the Switch 2’s new 4K output capability. It will still work, but you’ll be limited to a 1080p signal.

 

 

Hori Joy-Con Charge Stand

For $20, this Hori stand is a simple solution to a common problem: dead Joy-Cons. It charges four Joy-Cons at once, so you can always have a fresh pair ready for a multiplayer session. It’s powered by USB and has a small footprint, so it doesn’t clutter up my entertainment center.

The Joy-Cons slide in and out easily, and LEDs on the top indicate the charging status for each one. It’s a must-have if you own more than the two Joy-Cons that came with your console.

The Downside: It doesn’t come with its own AC adapter, so you’ll need to plug its USB-A cable into your Switch dock, a laptop, or a separate wall charger.

 

 

Belkin Charging Case for Switch 2

Belkin’s $70 charging case for the Switch 2 is a traveler’s dream. It’s a protective hard case with a built-in 10,000mAh power bank, which is more than enough to double the Switch 2’s battery life on the go. It also has slots for 12 game cards.

My favorite feature is the hidden compartment designed to hold an Apple AirTag. It’s a clever addition that gives me peace of mind when carrying my expensive new console through an airport.

The Downside: With the power bank attached, the case is quite bulky and heavy. It’s great for a backpack but not something you’d want to hold for an extended period.

 

 

Cases and Audio

A good case is non-negotiable for protecting your investment. And since the Switch’s built-in speakers are just okay, a decent headset or pair of earbuds can make a big difference, especially for online multiplayer.

 

 

Orzly Nintendo Switch Carry Case

At just $20, the Orzly Carry Case is the best value for basic protection. It has a tough, hard EVA shell that has protected my Switch OLED from several drops. Inside, there’s a soft lining, a flap that holds eight game cartridges, and a mesh pocket for cables or earbuds.

It’s a simple, effective design that does exactly what it needs to do. It fits the console snugly and provides excellent protection for daily commutes or packing in a suitcase.

The Downside: If you use a thick protective shell on your Switch, it can be a very tight fit inside this case. It’s designed for a caseless console.

 

 

dbrand Killswitch Case

The dbrand Killswitch, at $50, is the best rugged case I’ve tested for the Switch 2. It’s made from a grippy, shock-absorbing TPU material that feels great in the hands and provides serious drop protection. The cutouts for the vents, ports, and speakers are perfectly precise.

It adds a bit of bulk, but the improved grip and peace of mind are well worth it. I’ve been daily-driving my Switch 2 in this case for three weeks, and it still looks brand new despite a few bumps.

The Downside: It doesn’t include a built-in screen protector, so you’ll need to buy one separately for complete coverage.

 

 

Razer Barracuda X

The Razer Barracuda X costs $100 and is my top pick for a wireless gaming headset for the Switch. It connects easily via Bluetooth or a low-latency 2.4GHz USB-C dongle. The audio quality is excellent for both games and music, and the microphone is clear enough for voice chat.

But the battery life is the killer feature. Razer claims 50 hours, and my tests confirm it. I can use this headset for a full week of heavy gaming before needing a recharge, which is fantastic for travel.

The Downside: It lacks active noise cancellation (ANC), so it won’t block out the rumble of an airplane or train as effectively as more expensive headsets.

 

 

HyperX Cloud Earbuds

For $30, these wired earbuds are a simple and effective audio solution. They plug directly into the Switch’s 3.5mm headphone jack and deliver surprisingly good sound for the price. The inline microphone is clear and works great for online games like *Fortnite* or *Splatoon 3*.

HyperX includes three different sizes of silicone ear tips, so it’s easy to find a comfortable and secure fit. The tangle-free, bright red cable is also a nice touch that makes them easy to find in a messy backpack.

The Downside: They’re wired, which can feel a bit restrictive compared to the freedom of a wireless headset. There’s no way around the cable.

 

 

How to Choose the Right Switch Accessory

The most important thing to check is compatibility. With two different consoles on the market, some accessories—especially cases and microSD Express cards—are designed for either the original Switch family or the Switch 2, but not both. Controllers, docks, and standard microSD cards generally work with both.

Think about how you play. If you’re a handheld-only player, a comfortable grip case like the dbrand Killswitch or the Hori Split Pad Pro is a better investment than a Pro Controller. If you’re constantly on the road, a compact dock like the Genki Covert Dock will be more useful than a stationary charging stand.

Finally, focus on solving a problem. Is your internal storage full? Get a microSD card. Do your hands cramp during long sessions? Get a better controller. The best accessories are the ones that remove a point of friction and let you spend more time just enjoying your games.