The Best Nintendo Switch Accessories: Controllers, Bags, Memory Cards & More

2023 Author: Sheila Hailey | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-26 15:18

Anyone who owns a Nintendo Switch needs accessories to protect it and fully exploit its potential. GIGA brings together the best accessories for the Switch - for more fun and comfort when gaming, whether at home on the TV or on the go.

Nintendo Switch

Facts

Release: 03.03.2017 Manufacturer: Nintendo Genres: Consoles More about Nintendo Switch: Tests, news, quizzes, voting, articles, videos, tips, photo galleries

The best switch accessories: content

Memory card
Screen protector
Switch Pro controller
Joy-Cons
Other controllers
Switch cases
Bags
Compact docking stations
Power supply & charging cable
Ethernet adapter
Controller charging station
Power bank
Car accessories

Memory card for the Nintendo Switch: More game space

The switch is equipped with 32 GB of memory rather poor from the factory. Already with a handful of games you reach your limits, especially if you have to install updates or buy several games in the e-shop. microSDXC memory cards solve the problem and expand the memory. The fingernail-sized card has to be inserted below the kickstand on the back of the tablet part of the switch, then you just apply a software update once and no longer have to worry about storage space.

There are licensed memory cards in Nintendo design on the market. But you can safely ignore them - every normal microSD card runs smoothly with the switch. But which card offers the most for the money? Our recommendation: The cards of the Evo Plus series from Samsung have high data rates, durability and a good price-performance ratio. There are also faster (and much more expensive) memory cards, but the higher transfer rates cannot be used by the switch. Experience has shown that 64 GB is usually sufficient in terms of storage, but future security and the best price per GB are currently available with 128 GB.

Samsung EVO Plus 128 GB microSDXC memory card

Now from € 22.79 at Amazon price can now be higher. Price from 2020-27-07 01:02 a.m.

Screen protection for the switch: foil or bulletproof glass?

Yes, the Switch is a handheld console and can be taken with you. Nevertheless, you shouldn't carry them “naked” around in world history, because the display in particular is relatively sensitive. As with mobile phones and tablets, a screen protector helps here. As with mobile phones, you have the choice between regular transparent adhesive films (last longer, fewer reflections) and screen protector made of "tempered glass" or tempered glass (hardener, can withstand more when in doubt, but often with annoying reflections and some models too thick for the display dock).

There are films from a number of manufacturers on the market that can differ significantly in quality. We evaluated numerous protective films at Amazon and selected two recommendations from the user feedback. The flexible Mumbi protective films are easy to apply and cost little money in a double pack.

mumbi protective film for Nintendo Switch (2017), double pack

Now from € 6.99 at Amazon price can now be higher. Price from 2020-27-07 00:37 a.m.

The tempered glass protection from Movoja is also inexpensive, has a hardness of 9H, is also easy to attach and remove, and is so thin that the switch still fits into the Nintendo Dock:

Movoja 9H Screen Protector Glass for Nintendo Switch (2017)

Now from € 6.95 at Amazon price can now be higher. Price from 2020-27-07 1:34 a.m.

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller: Essential accessories

There is a large selection of controllers for the switch. In the opinion of many players and the GIGA editorial team, the best option is and remains the original Switch Pro controller from Nintendo. No more hand cramps, longer run times, more precise control: the Pro Controller has many advantages over the Joy-Cons, especially if you have big hands or play the switch in TV mode for a long time. There are also numerous alternatives to the Pro Controller from third-party providers.

The battery is permanently installed in the Pro Controller and can be refilled using the USB-C charging cable. The gamepad can also be used on a PC via Bluetooth or USB cable. The advantages over many third-party controllers are the wireless connection, the built-in gyro sensor for precise movement control, the good vibration feature (HD rumble) and NFC for reading in amiibos. In addition, you can only get the console from standby by pressing the home button with Nintendo's own controllers.

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

Now from € 59.95 at Amazon price can now be higher. Price from 2020-27-07 00:43 a.m.

Additional Joy-Cons: Not everyone needs it

The Joy-Cons are the standard controller for the switch, their flexibility is the hallmark of the switch. Do you have to buy another pair, especially if you already have a pro controller? In our view, not necessarily because larger pads like the Switch Pro controller are the better second input device anyway.

However, there are a few reasons for this: Joy-Cons are smaller and therefore easier to transport. Many party games like snipper clips, Mario Party, 1-2-Switch or Scribblenauts can be played better or even only with the Joy-Cons, whoever uses Nintendo Labo kits or Ring Fit is grateful for the fact that the Joy-Cons is not always to have to reposition. For some gamers the most important reason to buy: Separate Joy-Cons are available in colors other than the standard colors, so you can also see them as a fashion statement. However, we do not recommend third-party replicas of the Joy-Cons, which are usually technically inferior.

Tip: The separately available set of red and blue Joy-Cons is colored the other way round compared to the Joy-Cons included in the blue-red switch. If you buy this set, you can also operate your own switch with the Joy-Con combination neon red-neon red or light blue-light blue.

Nintendo Joy-Con set of 2, different color combinations

Now from € 65.79 at Amazon price can now be higher. Price from 27.07.2020 02:20 a.m.

Nintendo Switch cases: securely packaged

The Heystop Switch Case is just as suitable for the harsh conditions in inhospitable rocky landscapes as for households with small children. In addition to additional protection against involuntary ground contact, the case, which is available in several colors, also provides a protective film and two handy thumb caps for the Joy-Cons. The case makes the switch a bit clunkier, which is in the nature of things, but the "beads" on the back can also improve the grip properties for some switch players.

Heystop switch case with protective film

Now from € 9.99 at Amazon price can now be higher. Price from 2020-27-07 00:37 a.m.

The Switch Case from Bellfan (Fig. Above) is an option for those who like it transparent, and it is also significantly slimmer. The cover is in three parts, the Joy-Cons can be removed individually. Advantage of this case: The switch in the case still fits in the docking station from Nintendo, annoying unpacking and packing is no longer necessary. Four knobbed attachments for the Joy-Cons analog sticks are also included.

BellFan Switch case, transparent

Now from € 11.99 at Amazon price can now be higher. Price from 2020-26-07 11:44 p.m.

Nintendo Switch bags

A carry bag is essential for transporting the switch. As a “shock absorber”, it not only offers protection for the precious console in the event of an accident, but also storage space for games and accessories. Depending on the size, you can often even accommodate external controllers and other accessories.

We recommend the Younik switch bag. It is robust, offers a lot of space for 19 games in a relatively small space and can be easily transported with a handle. Advantage over other bags: The accessory compartment can be "locked" with a zipper, so that small parts such as the slide-in rails of the Joy-Cons cannot fly around freely in the bag.

Younik case for Nintendo Switch

Now from € 17.99 at Amazon price can now be higher. Price from 26.07.2020 23:55

The switch bag from VUP (see picture), with which we have had good experiences in the GIGA editorial team, is a bit slimmer. This holds 8 games, has cutouts in the foam for better protection of the Joy-Cons and buttons. The case is robust, fits well in backpacks and tote bags and is of high quality - if you don't take a lot of accessories or store them separately, you can access them with confidence.

VUP Switch case for Nintendo Switch (gray or black)

Now from € 17.99 at Amazon price can now be higher. Price from 2020-27-07 00:30 a.m.

The larger switch bag by Younik, which can almost be described as a suitcase, is not quite as elegant, but very spacious. It not only provides space for the console, but also for dock, power supply, HDMI cable, Pro Controller, Joy-Con-Grip and 18 games. The bag is extremely robust thanks to the hard shell coating and can also be carried over the shoulder with the detachable shoulder strap provided.

Younik carry ash for Nintendo Switch, controller and accessories

Now from € 29.99 at Amazon price can now be higher. Price from 27.07.2020 00:42 a.m.

Compact switch docks

An additional docking station for the switch makes it easier to play when you want to use the console on different TV sets. In addition to the original Nintendo docking station, variants from third-party manufacturers are also available, which are much more compact and are therefore also better for taking away - practical for holidays and business trips, for example.

The Zacro Dock is recommended. It offers almost the same connections as the original dock, only one of the two USB 2.0 connections is omitted due to space constraints. It is much smaller, has 3 different angles, which can also be used as a replacement for the wobbly kickstand, and a button switch for handheld and TV mode. Attention: Cables for HDMI and power supply must be purchased separately - with the power supply, make sure that it is compatible with TV mode, more on that in a moment.

Zacro portable dock for Nintendo Switch with HDMI-Out, USB-C and adjustable installation angle

Now from € 29.99 at Amazon price can now be higher. Price from 26.07.2020 23:49

The InnoAura USB-C hub is even more compact. In addition to the switch, it also extends smartphones and laptops with 2 USB 3.0 interfaces, a USB-C port and even an Ethernet socket for connection to the network via cable. Well, the hub is not a dock in the narrower sense, the switch must be on the table when in use. HDMI cable and power adapter are not included here either.

innoAura 5-in-1 hub with USB-C, USB 3.0, HDMI-Out, Ethernet for Switch, MacBook Pro and other devices

Now from € 33.99 at Amazon price can now be higher. Price from 09.06.2020 10:53 a.m.

Power supply and charging cable for the switch

Many power supplies can charge the switch, but they cannot be used for TV mode. Nintendo blocks this possibility via software to ensure that the switch gets enough power in TV mode and the console is not damaged. Comprehensible, because cheap and noname power supplies are dangerous and can make the hardware unusable. The safest option is still to use the original Nintendo power supply, which is also relatively cheap.

Nintendo Switch power supply

Now from € 26.31 at Amazon price can now be higher. Price from 27.07.2020 02:19 a.m.

For third-party power supplies, for example, the Aukey USB-C 36-watt PD power supply is recommended - it comes from an established manufacturer, is high-quality and compact, has two USB-C connections, supports fast charging and TV mode the switch and can also quickly charge many other devices.

Aukey 36 watt PD power supply with Dynamic Detect, 2-port charging plug with 36 W, compatible with Nintendo Switch

Now from € 22.09 at Amazon price can now be higher. Price from 27.07.2020 00:59 a.m.

However, a cable is not included, we recommend one of the robust Anker Powerline cables if necessary.

Anker Powerline + USB-C to USB-C cable, different lengths and colors

Now from € 8.99 at Amazon price can now be higher. Price from 2020-26-07 11:32 p.m.

Better internet connection via network cable: Ethernet adapter for the switch

The switch is known for not bringing the best WiFi module. Annoying when you have to load large amounts of data from the network for a game update. The Wi-Fi connection is also a disadvantage for online games such as Fortnite, Rocket League or Mario Kart. Solution: A cable connection directly to the router ensures more download speed and prevents delays in online games.

Nintendo has unfortunately saved an Ethernet port for connection to the dock, which you have to retrofit with an adapter. However, only a few USB Ethernet adapters are compatible with the switch. We recommend the Ugreen adapter with Gigabit connection and USB 3.0. It only costs a fraction of the official Nintendo adapter, but it can do the same. Important: Connect the adapter to the USB 3.0 port inside the switch dock to take advantage of the maximum speed.

UGREEN USB 3.0 Gigabit Ethernet adapter, compatible with Nintendo Switch

Now from € 17.99 at Amazon price can now be higher. Price from 27.07.2020 00:20 a.m.

External charging station for Joy-Cons and Pro controllers

Nothing is more annoying than wanting to play with buddies on the couch - and find out that one of the controllers is no longer sticky. Those who are clever take precautions and reload controllers externally.

For example, the Beboncool charging station for 4 Joy-Cons and 1 Pro controller is recommended. The electronics are clever enough to only charge devices until they are really full, so as not to overuse the battery. Illuminated icons on the station indicate whether a device is full and with an external switch you can switch off the charging station completely if necessary.

Beboncool 5-in-1 charging station for 1 Switch Pro Controller and 4 Joy-Cons

Now from € 19.99 at Amazon price can now be higher. Price from 2020-27-07 00:37 a.m.

If you only own Joy-Cons, you can rely on the Charging Grip from Nintendo. It hardly differs visually from the handle included with the switch, only the handles are transparent here. But the Charging Grip has an extra that makes it extremely valuable: a USB port for charging the Joy-Cons. This is the handle that the Switch should have included from the start.

Nintendo Switch Joy-Con-Charging-Grip

Now from € 25.63 at Amazon price can now be higher. Price from 27.07.2020 00:31 a.m.

The best power bank for the switch

If you are traveling longer and there is no socket available to recharge the switch, you need a power reserve in the form of a power bank. We recommend the Anker PowerCore Speed. With over 20,000 mAh, it has enough capacity to fully charge the switch three to four times - enough even for a transatlantic flight. Thanks to USB power delivery support, the anchor battery charges significantly faster than some other on-the-go batteries - not only the switches, but also smartphones, tablets and laptops with a USB-C charging port.

Anker PowerCore Speed 20,100 mAh power bank with power delivery

Now from € 54.99 at Amazon price can now be higher. Price from 2020-27-07 01:01 a.m.

Switch accessories for the car: charging and gaming in the car

With a car charging adapter, you can "recharge" electricity on the go - not only on the switch, but also on cell phones with a USB-C socket. The AmazonBasics charger is an inexpensive option. Schnelladen is supported, with a cable length of more than 1.80 m you can still play comfortably in the back seat.

AmazonBasics car charger for Nintendo Switch

Now from € 12.66 at Amazon price can now be higher. Price from 27.07.2020 00:42 a.m.

Speaking of the back seat: With special brackets, which are attached to the headrest of the person in front, you can play "at eye level" in the back of the car - and that makes some long tours a little more enjoyable. The Lamicall holder for switches and tablets is clamped between the metal struts of one of the headrests. The advantage over other variants is that it is also suitable for other devices such as tablets and smartphones, that the display protrudes somewhat and is closer to the player due to its lower height.

Lamicall headrest holder for Nintendo Switch and tablets

Now from € 13.99 at Amazon price can now be higher. Price from 27.07.2020 00:04 a.m.

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