I found the 11 best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories after a week of nonstop testing

CNN

9 hours ago

Looking for the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories? I don't blame you. Nintendo's new console works well out of the box, but you might find your palms hurting after a few hours of handheld gaming. Or you may notice the fact that your internal storage is full from downloading just a handful of games. Or maybe you're just wondering how the heck to transport this $450 machine without scuffing it up. Fortunately, there are accessories to aid with all those issues and more, and I've tested a whole ton of them to help you figure out which ones are actually worth it.
You can already buy a wealth of Nintendo Switch 2 add-ons from both Nintendo and some of our favorite third-party brands, whether you need a spare controller or just an easy way to keep your pricey new console safe. But given the price of Nintendo Switch 2 games, you won't want to blow whatever budget you have left on just any piece of junk. That's why I've done the hard work of playing lots of Switch 2 with various gizmos attached to it in the name of finding the legitimately good accessories.
Oh, and a quick bonus tip: While it's not technically an accessory, I'd say that a Nintendo Switch Online membership is a must for any Switch 2 owner. The $20 per year base membership allows you to play games online and will be necessary for GameChat starting early next year. But I'd strongly encourage you to check out the $50 per year Nintendo Switch Online and Expansion Pack membership, as it also throws in the library of Nintendo GameCube classics that are exclusive to Switch 2 owners, as well as free upgrade packs for Switch 2 enhanced games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Got it? Good. Let's dive into some hardware.
SanDisk 256GB MicroSD Express Card
If you buy one thing for your Switch 2, it should be a microSD express card. While the console's 256GB of built-in storage is far more generous than what we got last generation, new games like Street Fighter 6 and Cyberpunk 2077 — not to mention all the Switch 1 games you're probably transferring over — will eat up that space before you know it. And even if you're a physical game collector, many Switch 2 cartridges will essentially just be key cards that still require you to download the full game. You also can't use just any microSD card like you could on the original Switch; only microSD express models (which have faster transfer speeds) will work on the console. Options are limited and pricey at the moment, but I went with this SanDisk card given how well the brand's SD cards served me during the Switch 1 days. I personally bought a 128GB card since it was available sooner, but you should really invest in at least a 256GB model, especially with space-sucking titles like Star Wars Outlaws and Madden NFL 26 on the horizon.
MagicFiber Microfiber Cleaning Cloth, 6-Pack
Your Switch 2 screen is gonna get dirty and smudgy. It's just a fact of life. Fortunately, microfiber cloths make it easy to wipe away those unsightly fingerprints and specks of debris, and the ones from MagicFiber are what I keep buying year after year. On top of being sleek, lint-free and quick to eradicate gunk, they're also a great value with options ranging from $10 for a two-pack to $30 for a 30-pack. Mumba Clear Case for Nintendo Switch 2
One of my biggest issues with the Nintendo Switch 2 is that the Joy-Cons dig into my palms when I play in handheld mode. Fortunately, I was able to alleviate this discomfort significantly by throwing on a case, and this Mumba model is my favorite of the batch I tested. Its polycarbonate shell is rugged but flexible enough to easily snap on to my Switch 2, and its soft, rubberlike grips allowed me to game in comfort for hours on end. Best of all, its dock-friendly design means you don't have to snap it off whenever you want to play in TV mode. If this case seems like your jam, you can save 15% by using our exclusive code MUMBACNN15 at both Amazon and Mumba. Supcase Heavy-Duty Adjustable Stand
The Nintendo Switch 2's built-in kickstand is pretty reliable, but sometimes it helps to have a little bit of elevation. This ultra-sturdy aluminum Supcase stand is a great solution and came especially in handy when I wanted to better see the action on my coffee table while trying not to get my butt kicked in Street Fighter 6. Its highly articulate design allows for 270 degrees of unique viewing angles, and it'll also work great for your phone, tablet or any other screen you'd like to prop up. Folks looking to give their Switch 2 an extra lift can save 15% at Amazon and Supcase with our exclusive code SUPCNN15.
Anker Nano Power Bank
The Switch 2's battery life isn't the best — I've gotten around three to four hours on a charge, depending on what I'm playing — so you'll want to keep one of the best portable chargers handy for longer trips. And there are few we love more than the Anker Nano Power Bank, a product so good that I almost never see our tech writer Henry T. Casey without it. Don't let its attractive, highly pocketable design fool you; this 30W brick gave me an extra 20% battery in about 20 minutes, which is perfect for when you're trying to beat just one more Zelda shrine on the road. Read our reviewDbrand Prism 2.0 Screen Protector
I've never been a big screen-protector person. I'm always worried about them messing up my display more than any actual foreign objects, and if you install them wrong, you run the risk of an awkwardly misaligned covering filled with those ever-unsightly bubbles. But Dbrand has really figured something out with its Prism 2.0 protector. This two-pack of screen protectors includes what the company calls an "idiot-proof" installation tray, and as somewhat of a klutz myself, I can confirm that it works. You just pop the tray on top of your Switch, peel off the adhesive cover, do a quick finger swipe and use the included squeegee to wipe away any bubbles, and you now have a scratchproof, fingerprint-resistant display that can comfortably survive a trip in your bag. As a nice bonus, you also get a microfiber cloth and a few alcohol wipes for keeping your screen pristine. Belkin Charging Case for Nintendo Switch 2
Have you ever experienced the horror of taking your Switch out at the start of a long trip just to realize it's dead? You'll want to check out the Belkin Charging Case, which packs a 10,000mAh portable charger right into its design so that you can keep your system juiced up in between play sessions on the road. While I wish the case left just a little more breathing room for the charger's USB-C cord, it still worked well in my testing, allowing me to enjoy a freshly charged Switch by the time I walked from a friend's place to the subway. It features storage for up to 12 game cards, a pouch for your cables and even a handy AirTag slot for easily tracking it down, all packed within a slick, understated design that hides the fact that you're carrying around a kids' toy. It's pricey for a carrying case, but you're also getting a fully removable Belkin power bank that you can pop out and use for your phone or tablet and even features an LED battery status indicator. And if you don't need portable charging, the cheaper $30 Travel Case features the same attractive aesthetic within an even slimmer design. Nintendo Switch 2 Camera
You don't need the official Switch 2 camera to video chat with your friends — the USB webcam you may already have should work fine — but Nintendo's delivered a pretty good one at a reasonable price. Its built-in base made it easy to set up on both my entertainment center and coffee table, and it captures a decently wide angle that made it easy for friends to see me during multiplayer sessions. The physical privacy shutter is a nice touch too. Just don't expect amazing sharpness from its 480p lens.Logitech StreamCam
While the Switch 2 Camera is perfectly reliable, I much prefer using my beloved Logitech StreamCam, which captures a sharper 1080p picture and can clip to the top of my TV or console for a more natural viewing angle. If you don't feel like splurging, you can always grab a cheaper webcam like the Logitech C920 and connect it via a USB-A to USB-C adapter. Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
If you already have a Pro Controller from your previous Switch, you can just keep using it on the Switch 2. But if you're new to the fold and want a proper console-style gamepad for playing action games with precision, this latest model has held up very well during my sweaty Mario Kart and Street Fighter sessions.The Switch 2 Pro Controller feels a bit lighter and snappier than its predecessor, complete with an attractive two-tone design, a dedicated GameChat button, a headphone jack and, most significantly, programmable rear buttons that are especially handy for competitive games. If its steep price is too high for you, I'd recommend looking at alternatives like PowerA's Advantage Wired Controller and Nintendo's Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip that also gets you those bonus rear buttons. Dbrand Killswitch Kit
Calling the Killswitch a case would be doing it a disservice. This thing straight up transforms your Switch 2 into a better version of what's already one of the best consoles around. Its impact-resistant shell is rated to provide protection against hardwood and concrete, and its incredibly ergonomic grips are an absolute delight that make the system feel more like a Steam Deck and help stave off those dreaded hand cramps. Better yet, since each portion of the Switch gets its own distinct covering, you can pop the Joy-Cons off without having to take the case off (and enjoy those amazing ergonomics even in TV mode). The one big downside is that the Switch 2 won't fit into Nintendo's dock with the Killswitch applied, but Dbrand throws in a free Dock Adapter that'll work within the case's dimensions. You can also order your Killswitch with some handy optional add-ons, such as stick grips that make the thumbsticks feel way more tactile and a travel cover that lets you safely throw your Killswitch-equipped Switch (say that three times fast) into a bag. Storage and comfort
Before buying anything else for your Switch 2, you should be investing in storage and protection. As I mentioned above, the Switch's 256GB of storage will fill up very fast, and you'll want to grab a microSD express card so that you're not constantly deleting games to make room for new ones.
Your next priority should be some sort of grip case like the Mumba and Dbrand models we recommend above. This will alleviate a lot of the uncomfortable pressure that the Joy-Con 2 may put on your palms by default and will add some extra protection in the unfortunate event that you drop your console.
Travel essentials
Unless you plan on never taking your Switch 2 out of the house (and what's the point if not?), you need a good carrying case for the road. We've tested both fabric and hard-shell models, and we found both reliable. As such, you should look for things like how many game cards a case holds (especially if you're big on physical games), as well as how much room there is for things like cables and controllers.
Speaking of travel, you should ideally have a portable charger handy when you're playing Switch 2 on the go. The one you're already using for your phone or laptop is likely good enough, but be sure to double-check for any compatibility issues. Of course, you could always grab Belkin's excellent charging case, which packs a 20W power brick right into its design so you can charge while you travel.
Choose your controller
The Switch 2 includes a pair of Joy-Con 2 as well as a Joy-Con 2 Grip out of the box, which is enough for some quick two-player tabletop sessions and traditional controller play once you use the grip. You can also use your existing Pro Controller and Joy-Con wirelessly (as well as select wired gamepads), meaning original Switch owners won't have to start from scratch for their next big multiplayer game night. There's also a new and improved Switch 2 Pro Controller, as well as a few fresh third-party options available.
If you play Switch 2 on your TV at all and game pretty regularly, I highly recommend using a proper full-size controller, whether you're bringing over an older one, picking up the Switch 2 model or going with a reliable third-party alternative.
Can you use older Nintendo Switch accessories as Nintendo Switch 2 accessories?
Can you use older Nintendo Switch accessories as Nintendo Switch 2 accessories?
In many cases, yes! Just about any Switch-compatible wireless controller will work with the Switch 2, including your existing Pro Controller and Joy-Cons (just don't try and attach your old Joy-Cons to your new console; it won't work). Switch-friendly wired controllers should also work via a USB connection. Since Switch 2 game cards are the same size as Switch 1 cartridges, any game card holders you have will work just fine as well.
Don't expect to use any cases, grips or screen protectors from older Nintendo Switch models with the Switch 2, though, as the new console is significantly bigger and has a larger screen. Also, the regular microSD card you may have used for your old Switch is no good here; the Switch 2 only works with the newer, faster microSD express standard.
Are Nintendo's accessories better quality than third-party Nintendo Switch 2 accessories?
Are Nintendo's accessories better quality than third-party Nintendo Switch 2 accessories?
Based on our experience, both yes and no. I tend to find Nintendo's Pro Controllers better than similar wireless controllers, and I certainly would never use a dock that isn't made by Nintendo. But items like third-party carrying cases are often just as good as — if not superior to — what Nintendo offers. And while the official Switch 2 Camera works just fine for chatting online, you'll get much better video quality and a wider range of mounting options if you just go with a good computer webcam. Also, if a third-party accessory is officially licensed by Nintendo — as is the case with certain microSD cards and controllers — you can feel pretty safe picking one up for your Switch 2.
Where are the best places to buy Nintendo Switch 2 accessories?
Where are the best places to buy Nintendo Switch 2 accessories?
Nintendo Switch 2 accessories are pretty widely available online and in-store at most major retailers, including Best Buy, Walmart, Target, GameStop and Nintendo itself. Interestingly, Amazon US no longer seems to sell official Nintendo products (including the console and first-party games and accessories), but the retailer still carries plenty of third-party add-ons, including several we recommend. As a rule of thumb, any store that sells the Switch 2 will likely sell the accessories you want for it.
CNN Underscored has a team of skilled writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when applicable to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, senior tech editor Mike Andronico tried and tested numerous Switch 2 accessories to find out which are the best buys.