Popular

Essential Nintendo Switch accessories, at the best prices

By News 

The best Nintendo Switch accessories you need right now, from Pro Controllers and Joy-Cons, to cases and chargers

Nintendo Switch accessories

The Nintendo Switch is a console that simply begs to be taken with you wherever you go. Smart, compact, complete with a boat-load of AAA games you can’t play on any other console, it quickly becomes clear that investing in a few useful Nintendo Switch accessories is essential. After all, the last thing you want during your next work/school commute is to lose charge during a Zelda: Breath of the Wild shrine, or on the final corner of a tricky Mario Kart 8 track. We've created this guide to make sure that nightmares like this never become real, rounding up the very best Nintendo Switch accessories to keep your portable console safe, charged, and always with plenty of memory.

Below you’ll find everything from Pro Controllers suited to the most serious of competitive players, Nintendo Switch cases that keep your cartridges and JoyCons safe, as well as essential charging equipment. There are almost too many Nintendo Switch accessories to wrap your head around so we’ve collated the best of each in one handy place. So, if you find yourself out and about with your Nintendo Switch a lot or are planning on taking a trip somewhere soon, take a look at our collection of the best bargain buys currently available.  

SanDisk 128GB MicroSD card 

The biggest weakness of the Nintendo Switch is that it only comes with 32GB of internal memory. Crudely speaking, that means you can't store many games on your console before it fills up, leaving you with two options: delete games (nope), or buy a micro SD card for Nintendo Switch and insert it into your console, increasing the amount of games you can store. SD cards are relatively inexpensive now, so you can pick up a decent amount of storage for roughly the price of a new Switch game. We recommend the SanDisk cards because they're reliable, offer good value for money, and they're available in a wide range of sizes. For the average Switch player, you should be looking to get a 128GB card - that way you'll be able to store between 5 and 10 full-sized games (or loads more smaller, indie titles) - which should last you for several years of play. The problem with MicroSD cards is they're very small, so it's easy to lose them if you're constantly swapping them in and out of your Switch. Just get one with heaps of storage, and you'll never have to take it out.

Orzly Nintendo Switch Carry Case

A good Nintendo Switch case is also an absolute essential accessory. Why? The unique feature of Switch is that it's a home console that can - and should - be taken out with you to be played wherever you go. But the world is a perilous place for tech, and it's very easy to crack a screen, lose a JoyCon, or scuff the body of your very expensive console. So, get this Orzly carry case, to avoid all those bad things. It's one of the most sturdy cases you can get, so you can bash it about a bit, and it stores way more than most of its rivals. Whereas most offer the space to carry your games and console around, this one has separate pockets for JoyCons and extra leads, so you can take spare power chargers with you, and even headphones. It's great value for money too, so this is the case you need if protecting your Switch and having every accessory in one place is important to you.

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

Look, the JoyCon controller you get included in every Nintendo Switch bundle is... just fine. Especially if you have smaller hands. It works for most action-lite games, like Mario Kart 8, and the way it clips onto the console is a stroke of genius. But... for more serious games, and anyone with larger hands, the Pro Controller is essential. Its larger buttons, more comfortable shape, and responsive thumbsticks make it the controller of choice for more competitive and response-essential games. If you're looking to tackle Smash Bros. on Switch later this year, or you're into Splatoon, or you fancy something like Bayonetta 2, the Pro Controller will make a HUGE difference to your game. The main drawback is that it's relatively expensive, so you have to accept you're going to pay as much as you would for a full game to get it. However, the trade-off is that it will genuinely make some of your older games feel as good as new, so it's well worth it.

Joy-Con Wheel Pair

Want to feel a true need for speed the next time you and your friends go head-to-head in Mario Kart 8: Deluxe? Having an actual wheel to play with lets you achieve just that, letting you confidently steer around track corners in a way that’s reminiscent of the celebrated kart racer’s Wii outing. The great thing about Nintendo Switch is that every one comes with two controllers out of the box. Slide off both Joy-con, insert them into these two adorable plastic wheels (which keep the all-important SL and SR buttons easy to access) and get ready to start your engines.

Turtle Beach Elite Pro Tournament headset

Whereas some manufacturers have been slow to support Switch with their gaming headset ranges, Turtle Beach is very much on it. The Elite Pro Tournament model offers a brilliant mix of sound-quality, noise-cancelling, and comfort for a very, very good price. What's more it has a bunch of neat little features that other headsets don't offer - like the Glasses Relief System, which means the headset is perfect for anyone who wears glasses when they game. The 50mm speakers inside the headset are some of the best you can get for powerful surround sound, meaning they work perfectly for games like Fortnite, and the mic itself is clear and crisp at all times. Whereas there are more expensive options, which do bring slightly better noise cancelling and sound quality, the Turtle Beach has the right mix of features for Switch play at a price that offers brilliant value for what you actually get here.

HORI Compact Playstand 

Though the Nintendo Switch has its own little kickstand neatly tucked away within the back of the unit itself, depending on the surface it can be hard to get the angle juuuust right. That’s where the Switch compatible Hori PlayStand comes in, letting you adjust your viewpoint accordingly for the best perspective when playing, and providing a much sturdier stand to boot. Perhaps the biggest advantage to the Hori PlayStand is that it doesn’t block the charge port like the built-in kickstand does. You’ll be able to enjoy Switch table top gaming without ever losing power. Even when on the road it folds up for added portability so you can just pop it in a bag and go.

Splatoon 2 Pro Controller 

And you thought the Pro Controller looked good in black. Unless you're Batman, this lovely Splatoon 2 offering will definitely appeal. Just look how colourful it is. With one side pink and one side green, this is the most edible looking Switch accessory yet and you can even get Joy-Cons to match. Just the same as the standard version, the Pro Controller has motion controls, HD rumble and built in amiibo technology ready to go. Here's a full breakdown of the best Nintendo Switch controller deals.

Joy-Con Controller Armour Guards 

You can only buy a few set colours of Joy-Cons at the moment so these Armour Guards add an extra layer of personalisation as well as protection. The slight downside is that you don't know what colour you'll get as each pack has a set of black guards and a set of a random colour. They'll always match your Switch though as red, blue, and yellow are all up for grabs. On top of the full guards for each Joy-Con, you'll also get two thumb stick caps of each colour.

Joy-Con Pair

There are already two of these in the box to clip to your Switch, but lets face it, you're going to want more and they come in different colours! While you can hand one Joy-Con to a friend for multiplayer action, having two will make a massive difference to your experience, and this means you can even enlist two more friends for some four-player action. Overcooked for four anyone? Just promise there will be no physical violence over chopping onions. 

Mumba Nintendo Switch case

Most Nintendo Switch cases focus solely on protecting your console at all costs. While Mumba's premium version certainly succeeds in that criteria (boasting a shock and scratch-resistant polycarbonate cover), it's also one of the few which caters just as effectively to user accessibility. 

Instead of locking your Switch away in some hefty bag or protector, Mumba has created something which allows you to keep playing your Switch in comfort, all while it's being kept safe from any bumps or bruises. Think of it as a giant phone case, albeit one which protects your ability to explore Hyrule rather than your addiction to Candy Crush.

8bitdo SN30 Pro controller

Based on the iconic SNES gamepad, if you want a pro controller with retro chic aesthetics, then the 8bitdo SN30 Pro is a fantastic option. The manufacturer recently re-released the little peripheral to make it utterly Switch compatible, complete with dual analog sticks, a Home button and a screenshot button for all your gameplay needs. Sculpted buttons mean the dinky little pad fits neatly into your hand, and feels like an official controller. Of course, it's wireless too, so you can still enjoy big-screen gaming without feeling tethered. It's a must for long-term Nintendo fans looking to bring nostalgia to Ninty's latest console. 

8bitdo F30 controller

But if you want to go really retro, then the 8bitdo F30 gamepad is not only cheaper, but based on the Famicon pad in all its gold and burgundy glory. It might not have all the necessary buttons - you have to improvise a bit for the home button, and even power - but there's no getting away from the fact it's utterly charming. Several members of the GR+ office actually cooed over its little form and stunning aesthetics when I was messing around with it. It's deliciously retro and affordable to boot.

Joy-Con Charging Grip

The Joy-Con Grip in the box might be great at making your Joy-Cons look like an adorable dog when you slide them in, but what it doesn't do is charge your precious controllers. For that you'll need the aptly named Charging Grip so you can send precious electricity into your pads while you play. It's definitely worth the price of admission to make sure the Joy-Cons are ready to slide onto the Switch screen and head out the door with you. 

Nintendo Joy-Con Controller Strap

Your base Nintendo Switch only comes packed with a black controller strap, but Nintendo is separately selling different coloured ones for those who want to straps to match with their blue and red Joy-Cons. Personalization aside, these are also worth having for the extra protection, especially if you regularly use your Switch with a friend who's known for their butter fingers. 

The downside is that Nintendo is only selling a single strap per pack, which is a bit stingy considering most interested parties will want at least two (one for each Joy-Con). Still, these small but handy accessories are certainly nice to have if you're willing to get past the unwelcome price tag. 

Cable Matters USB Type C cable 

Instead of using its own proprietary tech, Ninty has thankfully opted to use USB C for charging, making it far easier to find wires you can actually use. This USB Type C cable is cheap, cheerful and means if you're on the go with a standard USB charging plug, you can just wire in wherever you want and not have to worry about anything battery-related coming between you and the other side of Hyrule. 

Nintendo Switch AC Adaptor 

So the Nintendo Switch only comes with one of these bad boys in the box but you'll probably want to leave that AC adapter plugged into your dock at home (yes, we know exactly what that mess of wires looks like down the back of your TV). When you're out and about though, that battery is going to start to plummet, so if you don't normally carry a USB plug around for your phone and just want the USB C cable on its own, this is probably a good shout to get your electric juice on when you're on the train. 

Nintendo Switch LAN Adaptor 

We may not need wires for speedy online play in the future, but we're not there yet. If you want a faster internet connection, or your wireless just isn't doing the business, this USB to ethernet port adaptor lets you plug straight in for faster downloads and multiplayer. It's worth noting that this is only for use when the Switch is in its dock, which has a USB port alongside  the power and HDMI out ports,so no wiring in when you're on the go. 

Orzly Screen Protector

The Nintendo Switch's built-in screen allows for some truly breathtaking visuals - but none of that matters if it gets all scuffed and scratched after normal, everyday use. If you're looking for some added insurance to help keep your screen as pristine as the day you got it, pick up a screen protector. They're cheap, easy to apply, and will keep your Switch looking nice no matter how often you slide your fingers across it. Just take your time applying it and you'll be bubble and scratch free. 

Anker PowerCore 26800 Portable Charger 

The Nintendo Switch gets anywhere from 2.5 to six hours of battery life. It's not too shabby for a portable capable of playing a game like Breath of the Wild, but there's a good chance that it'll run out of charge mid-flight unless you're packing some kind of portable battery pack. You have to make sure you get the right one though - if you pick up anything with an output lower than 5V 3A, your Switch will continue to lose charge even if it's plugged in. Charging from a battery pack will definitely be slower than simply plugging your handheld into a wall or dock, but if you've got no other alternatives, this portable charger from Anker should do nicely in a pinch. Handy for your iPhone too. 

Snakebyte Switch Starter Kit

A case should be the first thing on your Nintendo Switch shopping list if you don't want to carry your brand new console around in a sock (like I was). This little set from Snakebyte is a brilliant budget starter kit and comes with a slick hard zip case (complete with elastic straps to keep it extra safe), a screen protector and even a nice big cleaning cloth. There's a set of in ear headphones too but think airplane level and you won't be disappointed. Also in the box are two controller grips and a bonus hard case for games. Budget wise it's hard to beat this all in one starter kit. 

Game card case

If you're not going fully digital, you're going to have to buy physical cartridges, and they're tiny. To prevent loss - or carrying around those frankly ridiculously huge game boxes -  you should probably consider picking up this game card case. It stores up to 24 individual games into its thin, plastic shell, and even gives you space to store a few MicroSD memory cards, in case your digital library overflows as much as your physical one.

Nintendo Switch car charger

The Nintendo Switch's battery will last you anywhere from two-and-a-half to six hours, depending on whether you're playing a game like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or simply staring at the Home screen with the brightness turned all the way down. Either way, you'll likely need a charge if you're trucking this thing with you on a long road trip, and this car charger will do the job nicely. The two meter cable should be long enough to reach you all the way in the back seat, too. 

Some online stores give us a small cut if you buy something through one of our links. Read our affiliate policy for more info.

See comments