The Best Nintendo Switch 2 Accessories
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The Switch 2 isn’t like other consoles. If you were meant to take your Xbox Series X (7/10, WIRED Review) to the park, you’d probably need a very strange-looking backpack. For the Switch 2, portability isn't just a feature, it's a key selling point. With that in mind, there are two paths you can take to outfit your console for adventure, based on how you play.
If your Switch 2 will spend most of its life in the dock or in your hands on the couch, I’d recommend an attachable grip case. Like your phone case, these clamp onto the console and Joy-Cons, providing a minor shield for bumps and bruises. They often add extra features like ergonomic grips, while still allowing access to commonly used ports.
On the other hand, if you’re a world traveler planning to take your Switch 2 on every flight, train ride, or road trip, I’d opt for a classic carrying case. These hold your console and games and usually have extra room for cables or adapters. You can toss these into your bag while packing up for a trip and know your console will make it safely to your destination.
Joy-Con Grips
One of the recurring complaints about the original Switch, at least for me, is that the Joy-Cons are super slim and not very ergonomic. Especially for folks with bigger hands, the Pro Controller made for a much better option. For handheld play, extra attachments became increasingly common further into the console’s life, adding extra bulk and more traditional rounded grips to the Joy-Cons.
Because the Joy-Cons are still flat on the back, many manufacturers have gone ahead and built these into cases right from the jump. This is, to me, one of the main draws of adding a case to your Switch 2, especially if you plan on playing primarily in handheld mode.
Screen Protectors
Unfortunately, you need a screen protector for your Switch 2, thanks to the built-in plastic cover that will likely scratch and scuff over time. In general, I'd recommend buying one from the same brand that you get your case or grip from, if they sell one. You'll avoid any issues with sizing or compatibility, and almost every accessory maker on this list offers some kind of discount if you buy them as a bundle, not to mention saving on shipping.
There are still a few factors to take into consideration. Some dedicated manufacturers offer different finishes for specific situations, and applicators are also becoming more common, which help make sure everything is smooth and lined up correctly.
The Kickstand
One of the major upgrades Nintendo made for the Switch 2 is a new kickstand. It runs the width of the console, with two firm hinges, and it's a massive improvement for playing on the go. Unfortunately, none of the case makers could figure out what to do with it, which is understandable. There's no clear attachment point, so most cases included double-sided tape and a kickstand-shaped chunk of plastic you could just stick to the back.
I’d be more worried about lining it up wrong or potentially breaking the kickstand if you tried to remove it for some reason than I would about a slight gap on the back of the case. Because I had to swap through a bunch of cases, I generally skipped this step, and in almost all cases, the extra piece is only cosmetic. Instead, I briefly tested the included strips of adhesive on a single spot on the back of my Switch, just to make sure they didn’t leave any obvious residue.
Best Grip Case
I've had a chance to check out a variety of grip cases and bumpers of various sizes and weights, and the dbrand Killswitch 2 is the one I'll be using on my console.
The unique texture on the outside is almost sticky without being uncomfortable, and it makes me feel confident carrying my brand-new $450 console around the house. It’s the same finish and material found on the dbrand Grip, our favorite Pixel 9 case, and it works here just as well. The Killswitch 2 builds chunky, comfortable Joy-Con grips right into the case, which makes the console instantly more comfortable to play in handheld mode.
Every Killswitch 2 includes a dock adapter, which cleverly slots into the official dock so you don’t have to take the case off. Because it won’t fit into most cases with the extra bulk, you can also buy a sturdy plastic lid that clamps around the front and protects the screen, while also holding up to 10 cartridges. I don’t think I’d pack it in a suitcase like that, but I’ll toss it in my backpack with other junk and go for a bike ride without worrying about it.
Best Carrying Case
- Courtesy of Belkin
- Photograph: Brad Bourque
- Photograph: Brad Bourque
For a more traditional option, I'd go with Belkin’s Charging Case. As the name implies, there’s a battery pack that slides into its own compartment in the bottom of the case, with a short right-angle cable that fits perfectly into the console’s lower charging port. I really appreciate the thoughtful design here, with little touches like a hidden Airtag compartment and a kickstand groove so you can play in tabletop mode while still charging.
The inside feels soft and cozy, and the outside is rigid enough that I'd feel comfortable packing it up in my carry-on. There's room for games, extra cables, and there was even enough extra space inside that some of the smaller Joy-Con grips, like the Spigen Nano Pop, can stay on. The bonus compartment has room for my headphone pick, the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds. This is the kit I’d pack up for flying or a road trip, where I might be away from outlets and navigating busy areas, but usually parked in one spot while I actually play.
Best Headphones
While you could certainly opt for any number of bulky over-ear gaming headsets, I think the Switch 2’s portable nature pairs perfectly with the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds (9/10, WIRED Recommends). The slim adapter plugs right into the console’s USB-C port for low-latency 2.4-GHz audio, and the SteelSeries app has equalizer profiles for Switch games that help improve the already impressive sound quality.
I also found they fit right into the extra compartment on the Belkin Charging Case, which helps turn that compact carrying case into a fully equipped portable gaming station. These are way easier to carry around than any over-ear option, super comfortable, and a natural companion for making sure you hear that blue shell coming, even on a full flight.
Lightweight Attachable Grips
For an attachable grip case that’s a bit slimmer than our primary pick, Spigen’s Nano Pop case provides light protection from bumps and scratches. It also includes Joy-Con grips, which add just a little bit of extra bulk to the controllers, making them more comfortable for handheld play without limiting your other case options as much. They come in a variety of fun colors too, which adds a little pop to the Switch 2's more serious face.
It technically fits into the official dock, but it's a tight squeeze, and you'll need to carefully situate everything to get it seated, although it fits in the Belkin Charging Case just fine. I think these are a great option for someone who rarely plays docked, but still wants some extra ergonomic benefits and a shell for minor scratches. My only minor complaint here is that quite a few pieces of double-sided tape were involved in the installation.
Best Stand-Alone Screen Protector
It's generally worth buying a screen protector from the same manufacturer where you get your case. Most of the brands mentioned above will offer a discount or bundle if you buy them together, and you'll avoid any fit or compatibility issues. I didn't find any of the options compelling enough over the others to warrant going out of my way to find it.
That said, the Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit had an easy application process and went on perfectly straight, and after that I forgot it was there. I appreciate the inclusion of a proper cleaning wipe, which I find does a better job preventing dust or particles from getting stuck underneath than just a basic microfiber. You get a two pack for $25, so you can share with a friend, or keep one on ice in case the unthinkable happens.
A Controller for Pros
At a glance, you'd be forgiven for thinking the Switch 2 Pro Controller is a simple retool of the original Switch's comparable number, merely adding in the C button to activate the new console's GameChat features, and recoloring the shoulder buttons. However, Nintendo has subtly redesigned key elements, resulting in a very different experience. Chiefly, the hand grips are now slightly slimmer and are positioned at a tighter angle, resulting in a pad that looks practically the same as its predecessor, but feels smaller to hold.
It really leans into the 'Pro' part, though, adding two customizable buttons—GL and GR—to the underside of the grips. The function can be tailored on a per-game basis, and easily swapped around by holding down the Home button mid-play. A 3.5-mm port is incorporated too, allowing headsets to be connected. It also enjoys a near-seamless design, preventing gamer gunk accumulating in crevices. If you're spending a lot of time gaming on your Switch 2 in docked mode, this official controller remains one of the best ways to play. —Matt Kamen
Still a Great Controller
If you just bought a new Switch 2, you should probably pick up the improved Pro Controller, but the original is still a great option if you can find it on sale. The sticks and buttons feel great, it's super comfortable to hold, and it has almost all of the features of the new controller. You can even find it for quite cheap given how long it's been on the market, making it a perfect choice for your second through fourth players.
MicroSD Express Card
The Switch 2 has 256 GB of internal storage, but games are getting bigger in a hurry, so it’s likely you’ll need to add more before you know it. The MicroSD card from your old Switch won’t work, however, so you’ll need to pick up a new MicroSD Express card. I wrote up a guide explaining the new standard and its benefits, and in a quick game transfer, the SanDisk was slightly faster. I recommend at least 256 GB, since you only have one slot.
A 4K Television
Our favorite gaming TV, the Samsung S90D QD-OLED (9/10, WIRED Recommends), has a great feature set that takes advantage of the Switch 2’s improved video capabilities. It supports resolutions up to 4K and up to 120-Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision HDR, so there’s plenty of headroom over the console’s primary settings. QD-OLED panels are my favorite for gaming, with incredible colors and black levels that video games are naturally equipped to utilize.
The Only Dock Option
At the moment, if you need an extra dock, you'll have to go with the official Nintendo option. I've tried a few USB-C hubs, and while some charged the system, none of them were able to output video. The good news is that the official dock from Nintendo is noticeably wider and less tippable than the Switch 1 version, and it’s easier to get plugged in.
The bad news is that the only place to buy a replacement or additional dock is currently directly from Nintendo, and you'll likely need to log in to your qualified Nintendo account. It costs $120, which feels pretty steep for a charger, HDMI cable, and chunk of plastic.
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Honorable Mentions
Spigen Rugged Armor ($30): This molded grip case has heavy bumpers and thick Joy-Con grips, but it was tough to remove, which you'll have to do a lot, because it won't fit in the dock with the case on, and you can't separate the Joy-Cons either. This would be a good case if you're buying the console for a younger kid who you don't trust to treat it gently.
Belkin TemperedGlass Screen Protector with Blue Light Filter ($30): While I liked the look of this screen protector, and the blue light filter is great for late-night gaming sessions, the lackluster applicator frame isn't quite as nice as the other options. It's also a bit expensive, at $30 for just one.
dbrand Prism 2.0 ($35): I liked the Prism 2.0 screen protectors and their application process as much as the Spigen option. Unfortunately they're slightly more expensive and only available directly from dbrand, so if you buy them on their own you'll have to pay shipping. If you're buying anything else, like a case or a skin, you'll get a discount and likely qualify for free shipping, making these well worth it.
