The Best Nintendo Switch Accessories (2023 Reviews)

Owning a Nintendo Switch comes with a certain amount of flexibility. After all, the handheld hybrid makes it possible to game both at home and on the go without any major compromises.

This paired with a continually growing library of games and a myriad of accessories makes the Switch one of the best gaming devices around. Whether it’s a new controller, case, stand, or headphones, you’ll find there are a large number of options designed to help you achieve the perfect Switch setup.

Here, we will be highlighting our favorite Nintendo Switch add-ons to help take your gaming experience to the next level.

Let’s get started!

Related:The Best Nintendo Switch Controllers (2023 Reviews)Best Indie Games On Nintendo Switch 2023Best Free Switch Games 2023

The first thing you will want to take into consideration is the Switch’s paltry 32GB internal storage, which can easily fill up after downloading just a handful of games. Thankfully, the device includes a slot for inserting microSD cards, allowing you to expand your Nintendo Switch’s storage to your heart’s desire.

We recommend picking up one of Samsung’s Evo Select MicroSD Cards, preferably the 256GB version, to make sure you never run out of space on your Switch. With 100MB/s read and 90MB/s write speeds, the Evo Select line of microSD cards are optimal for running games and can reduce load times.

There’s nothing more anxiety-inducing than accidentally dropping your Switch on the ground. And while in a perfect world we’d all be super careful as to avoid getting scratches or cracks, that’s simply not reality. Thankfully, there are plenty of options for screen protectors that will protect your Switch.

The one we’re recommending is amFilm’s Tempered Glass Screen Protector, available in one, two, or three-packs. On top of being made with tempered glass, it’s completely transparent and won’t distort the look of your games, unlike other screen protectors. Additionally, its ultra-thin design ensures touchscreen inputs always register.

If you’re mainly a handheld player, chances are you’ve had a few gaming sessions cut short due to the Switch’s poor battery life, which only lasts about 2-6 hours depending on the game/app you’re running.  That’s why we’re recommending Antank’s Portable Charger, which doubles as both a power bank and case for your Switch.

The rechargeable battery pack provides an additional 6500mAh of power, extending the Switch’s battery life by about 5 hours. Included in the unit are four built-in LED indicators that display how much charge is left along with two kickstands that easily rival the Switch’s flimsy one. As a bonus, the back of the charger has two slots where you can store game cartridges.

Another alternative for giving your Switch some extra juice is the PowerCore 13400 Battery Pack by Anker. Aside from having official Switch branding and being licensed by Nintendo, this power bank extends the Switch’s playtime by up to 10 hours or about two full charges.

A sleek design and included carrying pouch means you can easily take it with you on trips without having to lug around a beefy battery pack. However, the real standout is the PowerCore’s high-speed charging rate, which can revive a fully-drained Switch in as short as 3 hours.

It can be frustrating to sit down for a gaming session and realize your controllers are entirely dead. While joy-con are a bit easier to manage since they charge while attached to the Switch tablet, things become a lot trickier once you start adding more joy-con into the mix, an unavoidable obstacle for multiplayer games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.

FASTSNAIL’s Controller Charging Dock makes drained controller batteries a thing of the past, letting you charge up to four joy-con, two joy-con and a single Pro controller, and even the Switch tablet itself using a simple slide-in design. What’s more, the dock features four lampposts which light up individually to indicate the status of each controller.

The Switch’s built-in kickstand is a triple threat: flimsy, unreliable, and poorly placed. It’s truly a shame given the solid build quality of the tablet itself. Thankfully, Hori has partnered with Nintendo to offer a series of officially-licensed stands designed specifically for playing undocked.

The one we’ll be highlighting here is the Hori Nintendo Switch Multiport USB Playstand. This compact stand can easily be converted into a power station for not only your Switch tablet but controllers as well. Included are four USB 2.0 ports, a charging platform for the Switch tablet, and a USB-C port for powering the stand.

If you’re looking to take your gaming experience online and compete against other players in games like Smash Ultimate and Splatoon 2, then you should consider investing in an Ethernet adapter. Without it, you’ll be subjected to the Switch’s default wireless connection, which is mainly unreliable when it comes to competitive gaming, especially when it comes to fighting games.

We recommend using the UGREEN Ethernet Adapter for Switch as it’s one of the few verified Switch-compatible adapters on the market. Set-up is as simple as plugging in a USB to your Switch’s dock, and the adapter offers a speed of 10/100 Mbps.

While both the Wii U and 3DS included a stylus right out the box, getting one for your Switch is completely optional. However, if you’re playing games that benefit greatly from using the touchscreen, such as Super Mario Maker 2 or The World Ends with You: Final Remix, chances are you’re going to want something more accurate than just your fingertips.

With the BoxWave EverTouch Stylus, dragging and dropping items in SMM2 levels feel better than ever. The stylus features a highly durable fiber mesh tip that offers responsiveness at any screen angle and requires less pressure than most styluses. Additionally, it comes in seven different colors, allowing you to pick out the perfect one to match your joy-con.

Nintendo really dropped the ball by not granting users complete control over the handheld hybrid’s built-in Bluetooth audio support. To circumvent this, there a variety of adapters that will allow you to sync your wireless headphones directly to the Switch; unfortunately, most tend to stick out too much, posing a risk of damaging either the adapter or the Switch tablet itself.

This is what makes the GuliKit Bluetooth Adapter for Nintendo Switch stand out, as it’s one of the few wireless audio adapters to feature a compact design while still delivering low latency audio within a 33 ft. range. It also supports simultaneous dual-connections, meaning you and a friend can both listen wirelessly while playing together.

If you’re the type of gamer who brings their Switch everywhere or just simply prefers to play in handheld, chances are you’ll need a pair of wireless headphones to block out surrounding noise and keep you immersed in the game you’re playing. SteelSeries’ Arctis 3 Bluetooth Gaming Headset manages to deliver crisp and clear audio while supporting dual-audio streaming from multiple devices.

A bidirectional microphone offers voice clarity and noise cancellation while ear cushions made with athletic performance fabric ensures your ears stay cool and dry. However, what makes this headset stand out is its versatility, allowing you to play audio from your Switch wirelessly in addition to audio from a smartphone or computer using SteelSeries’ proprietary audio cable.

The Switch is already a chunky device to travel with as is, let alone when you factor in extra accessories such as a bulky headset. Therefore, we’re also recommending the KLIM Fusion Earbuds for Switch owners who need a reliable pair of buds that won’t take up too much space and feel comfortable even after several hours of use.

These earbuds are fitted with memory foam and designed to keep the shape of your ear for a perfect fit, although KLIM also provides three additional extensions for people who prefer a different style. The memory foam also doubles as a noise-canceling material, allowing you to block out the outside world and focus on gaming. As a bonus, both buds are magnetic and will automatically stay joined, reducing any instances of tangled wires. 

There is a seemingly infinite number of different controller options for the Switch, including the default joy-con, both wired and wireless third-party controllers, and last but not least, Nintendo’s very own Switch Pro controller. In our buying guide for the best Nintendo Switch controllers, we praised the Pro controller for offering a myriad of exclusive features such as motion controls, HD rumble, and built-in Amiibo functionality.

While it’s a bit expensive compared to other officially licensed controllers, its premium build and approximate 40-hour battery life make it well worth the 60 USD investment. Additionally, it serves as a great back-up for when your joy-con batteries die or you’re playing couch co-op games with your friends and gaming partners.

The SN30 Pro Controller is a solid option if you find yourself playing lots of retro games. It comes from 8BitDo, a highly-regarded controller manufacturer with a reputation for creating quality gamepads that mirror the appearance of classic controllers while incorporating more modern features.  

The SN30 boasts a full button layout, clickable joysticks, rumble support, motion controls, wireless functionality, 18-hour rechargeable battery, home, and capture buttons, and a proper d-pad. The best part is its quick and painless set-up, which sees you connecting to the Switch via Bluetooth just like you would with a Pro controller. They come in two color schemes—SNES and Super Famicom.

If third-party controllers aren’t really your jam and the Pro controller simply isn’t cutting it, you might want to explore other options, such as using a Dualshock 4 or Xbox One controller on your Switch. While it can take some time to adjust to non-native inputs, it’s totally achievable once you’ve acquired the proper adapter.

The one we recommend picking up is the 8BitDo Wireless Controller Adapter. In addition to letting you pair a PS4 or Xbox One controller with your Switch, it also includes support for rumble and motion controls. The only downside is having to navigate to 8BitDo’s support page to ensure you have the latest firmware installed.

This recommendation’s not so much a necessity as much as a personal preference, although it does help address a glaring design issue that causes some Switch docks to scratch the tablet’s screen. The Switch Dock Sock Sleeve Cover will not only keep your device protected, but it will also add an extra layer of flair and personalization to the dock’s bland appearance.

There is a myriad of different designs available online, with most depicting characters from popular Nintendo franchises. Our personal favorite features multiple Donkey Kongs, each with a different facial expression.

Despite its solid handheld design, the Switch tablet can easily be damaged if dropped from a considerable height. That’s why we recommend picking up some sort of protective shell, such as the Mumba Protective Case for Nintendo Switch.

Not only does it keep your device safe from everyday bumps, drops, falls, scratches, dust, and fingerprints, it also adds a more ergonomic grip to the device and features a convenient kickstand that’s superior to the Switch’s in every way. Additionally, its unique design allows you to remove joy-con separately without having to pry the entire shell off of the Switch, a persistent issue with most cases.

Just as important as what you play on your Switch is how you take care of it, including your preferred method of transportation. Tossing your Switch, various cords, and game cartridges into a backpack is a surefire way to damage and potentially lose some of your precious gaming paraphernalia.

Instead, we recommend picking up a case designed specifically for the Nintendo handheld. The Orzly Carry Case is a lightweight option that still provides plenty of storage for your tablet, physical games, cords, and even an extra pair of joy-con. A hard EVA shell ensures your device is kept safe, and a provided handle reduces the chances of it being dropped.

If you’re trying to get real serious about transporting your Switch in style, we recommend picking up the Zadii Nintendo Switch Hard Carrying Case. Aside from having a premium look and feel, this carrying case comes packed with pre-cut foam slots for all of your Switch accessories and wires.

This includes custom-slots for your Switch console, dock, joy-con grip, Pro controller, 21 game cartridges, an extra pair of joy-con, some joy-con straps, power adapter, and HDMI cable. Lastly, a hard outer shell, non-slip handle, and comfortable shoulder strap ensure you’ll never have to worry about your Switch getting damaged while traveling again.

Conclusion

We’ve covered many different accessories, each with their own strengths and weaknesses. However, we if we had to pick our favorites, they would be the following:

• Premium Pick: Nintendo Switch Pro Controller – Aside from its hefty price-tag, Nintendo’s official Pro controller still reigns supreme when it comes to battery life and included features.
• Budget Pick: Orzly Nintendo Switch Carry Case – While it could benefit from more storage space, this carrying case will keep your Switch safe at a surprisingly low price.
• Best Overall: Anker PowerCore 13400 Battery Pack – Although a single USB port limits this power bank’s usability, an extra 10 hours of battery life and official Nintendo branding provide some peace of mind.

Of course, these are only our top picks and any of the accessories listed here are bound to be useful, depending on how you play games on your Nintendo Switch.