The ultimate Nintendo Switch 2 starter pack

Nintendo Switch 2 sitting on Jsaux case next to Kirby controller and screen protector kit. — (Image credit: Phil Hayton)

The Nintendo Switch 2 is finally here, and the entire GamesRadar+ hardware crew is hard at work testing heaps of accessories. We've got years of experience picking out the top add-ons for consoles and gaming handhelds, so to help you grab the right gadgets on day one, we've put together a handy Switch 2 starter kit.

If you've just jumped on Nintendo Switch 2 stock, you might simply be looking to protect Ninty's portable device with cases and screen protectors, whereas others will benefit from grabbing controllers and cameras for GameChat. No matter how deep down the accessories rabbit hole you're looking to go, we've got you covered with the specific gizmos you should look at first.

Protect your Switch 2

Protecting your new portable pal should be a priority, and the Switch 2 is pretty prone to scratches and scuffs. So, your first port of call should be a screen protector paired with either a case or shell, as even basic coverage will keep the handheld happy and shiny.

Jsaux screen protector pack for Switch 2 on woodgrain table. Screen protectors

1. JSAUX 2-Pack Anti-Glare Screen Protector

2. Spigen Tempered Glass Screen Protector

Jsaux Switch 2 carry case in blue next to Switch 2 on woodgrain surface. Cases

1. Jsaux Protective Shell

2. Ivoler Carrying Case

3. Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case

Jsaux shell for Switch 2 on woodgrain table. Shells

1. Jsaux Protective Shell

2. Spigen Rugged Armor

3. Spigen Nano Pop

Grab extra Switch 2 peripherals

Yes, you can just use the handheld straight out of the box with zero add-ons, but peripherals like Switch controllers and cameras are going to supercharge the sequel handheld. I mean, you'll need a few gamepads for those big Mario Kart World multiplayer sessions, and a Switch 2 Camera or compatible webcam will help you fully use GameChat.

Switch 2 Pro Controller leaning against plant on woodgrain desk. Controllers

1. Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller

2. PowerA Wireless controller

3. Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube controller

4. 8Bitdo Pro 2 controller

Left Switch 2 Joy-Con attached to grip on wood surface. Joy-con grips

1. 4Gamers Switch 2 Twin Controller Grips

2. Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Con 2 Wheels

Switch 2 camera on desk with Pikachu figure on right and plant on left. Cameras

1. Nintendo Switch 2 Camera

2. Hori Piranha Plant Camera

3. HORI USB Camera for Nintendo Switch 2

Stock up on Switch 2 cables

Before you start yawning, grabbing the right Switch 2 cables is going to spare you a handheld hybrid headache. Some of you with specific TV setups will benefit from angled HDMI cables, and if you sit further away from your screen, a longer USB cable for your controller will save you from accidentally pulling the dock off your unit. Plus, using an Ethernet connection is going to provide nice, stable internet connectivity.

USB-C cable end on woodgrain desk. USB cables

1. Numskull USB-C to USB-A cable

2. Anker USB-C to USB-A cable

3. Aukey USB-C Cable 3-Pack

4. Nomad USB-C to USB-C Cable

Nintendo HDMI cable on woodgrain desk. HDMI cables

1. ONYX 4K HDMI Cable

2. Ivanky 4K HDMI Cable

3. JSAUX Flat HDMI 2.0 Cable

4. UGreen HDMI Cable Right Angle

Yellow Ethernet cable sitting on woodgrain desk. Ethernet cables

1. Amazon Basics Cat-6 Ethernet cable

2. InstallerParts 10 ft Cat 6A Ethernet Cable

3. Jadaol Cat 6 Ethernet Cable 15 ft

Improve your Switch 2 audio

Using one of the best gaming headsets with a good mic is a must if you don't want to sound like a garbled mess over GameChat. The Switch 2 comes with a 3.5mm port, Bluetooth audio support, and its new extra USB-C port is perfect for those wireless 2.4GHz dongles, so there's a never-ending supply of compatible cups out there - just make sure whatever you pick has the battery life to support your portable Ninty endeavours.

For a more discreet and portable experience, a pair of gaming earbuds is your best bet, and choosing a wired Switch 2 headset inside will help keep costs low.

Razer Barracuda X Chroma headset lying on top of Switch 2 on white desk Wireless Headsets

1. Razer Barracuda X Chroma

2. Razer Barracuda X

3. SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3 Wireless

4. Logitech G522 Lightspeed

Orange SteelSeries Arctis Game Buds next to Switch 2 on white desk. Earbuds

1. SteelSeries Arctis Gamebuds

2. Razer Moray

3. 1More Triple Driver

4. Turtle Beach Scout Air

Photo by Rosalie Newcombe of the Ghost Purple Airlite Fit wired headset sitting on a Nintendo Switch 2. Wired Headsets

1. Turtle Beach Airlite Fit

2. Turtle Beach Recon 70

3. SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1

4. Corsair HS70 Bluetooth

Keep your Switch 2 charged

The Switch 2 comes with an AC adapter, but grabbing a second charger or a power bank will help you keep the handheld juiced up at all times. Picking up a spare brick is going to save you from ripping up your gaming TV mode setup, and there are even charging docks out there that'll hold your handheld in other rooms.

Hand holding Nintendo Switch 2 AC adapter with console in backdrop on desk. AC Adapters

1. Jsaux 65W USB C Charger

2. KOVA 60W Fast Charger

3. Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter

Jsaux 20000mah 65w power bank on woodgrain table. Power banks

1. Jsaux 20,000mAh 65W Power Bank

2. Baseus Blade 100W

3. Anker 747

4. UGREEN 145W Power Bank

Nintendo Switch 2 dock on woodgrain table. Docking stations

1. Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Set

2. Charging Station for Nintendo Switch 2

Expand your Switch 2 storage

It might take you a while to fill the handheld's built-in storage, but if you're planning on downloading plenty of games, you'll want a Switch 2 micro SD Express card ASAP. At the moment, 256GB and 512GB are the most common options, and the latter will effectively triple your capacity.

SanDisk 256GB microSD Express card sitting on Switch 2 slot. 256GB microSD Express

1. SanDisk 256GB MicroSD Express Card

MicroSD Express card with contacts facing upwards on woodgrain desk. 512GB microSD Express

1. SanDisk 512GB MicroSD Express Card

Close up of Switch 2 micro SD card slot 1TB microSD Express

1. Lexar 1TB Play PRO MicroSD Express Card