3 days ago
The Best Accessories for the Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo'slong-awaitedSwitch 2handheld gaming console officially launches worldwide today. The Japanese gaming giant returns with a follow-up to its game-changing Nintendo Switch from 2017 – a console widely credited with breathing life back into handheld gaming – having spent the past eight years quietly working on a successor designed to live up to the legacy of the original.
The new Nintendo Switch 2 arrives with a range of hardware and performance upgrades, as well as a subtle redesign that improves on ergonomics and just about everything else compared to the Switch 1. It's powered by the massively more capable, custom-built T239 chipset fromNvidia– whose CEO, Jensen Huang,recently describedas 'the most advanced graphics ever in a mobile device' – with 12GB of fast LPDDR5 RAM, triple the amount found in the original. The Switch 2 also includes 256GB of onboard storage as standard (the Switch 1 had 32GB) and features has a larger 7.9-inch 1080p display with more than twice the number of total pixels, double the refresh rate (120Hz), and support for both HDR10 and VRR. And, in docked mode, the Switch 2 can output video at 4K, a huge improvement over its predecessor's 1080p resolution that aligns the new console with modern gamers' expectations.
So, whether you've already unboxed yours, are tracking the postman's every move, or planning to pick one up soon, we've rounded up the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories available right now. Let's get straight into it…
If Joy-Cons don't cut it for you or if you just need an extra controller for multiplayer gaming, here's an solid alternative. The original Pro Controller proved to be one of the best first-party controllers in recent years, and the newNintendo Switch 2 Pro Controllerbuilds on its legacy with improvements and added functionality included enhanced HD rumble, an updated gyroscope for better motion controls, two new programmable rear buttons (GL and GR) and reportedly has smoother, quieter analog sticks that are more durable than before. It also includes a new 'C' button for GameChat. Battery life is expected to remain the same at around 40 hours.
Dbrand'sKillswitchcould win an award for 'most confusingly named product' – but it would also win one for 'best protective travel case', too. TheKillswitchis, essentially, a modular case designed by the Canadian brand originally for the Steam Deck, and expanded into other handhelds including the Switch 2. It's completely custom-built around the Switch 2's exact specifications and offers a perfect fit for both the tablet and the Joy-Cons, which can be removed separately without needing to take any part of the case off. The Switch 2's built-in kickstand also remains fully accessible, and Dbrand says that everyKillswitchcomes with a custom-built Dock Adapter with '4k60 USB-C passthrough' that enables 'seamless docking without removing your case'. This base modelKillswitch, or the 'Essential' package, can be upgraded with various colormatched skins, as well as extras including a Travel Cover, Stick Grips and more in the 'Travel' or 'Ultra' versions.
While this isn't – technically speaking – the 'best' camera you can get for the Nintendo Switch 2, it's definitely the coolest. Third-party manufacturer HORI has worked with Nintendo for years and itsPiranha Plant Camera for Nintendo Switch 2is a fun throwback to Mario's world. While Nintendo'sOfficial Nintendo Cameraa high-definition 1080p resolution, the HORI maxes out at just 480p – so, expect some pixelation during GameChat, but maybe that's part of the fun anyway.
Nintendohas always been a bit different when it comes to controllers and the original GameCube controller is a cult-classic. The Japanese brand has announced a wave of GameCube titles coming to Nintendo Switch Online exclusively on the Switch 2 and there's no better way to play them than this. Currently, though, the only way to buy one is through Nintendo directly, with sales restricted to those with active online memberships.
The new Switch can play titles the original could only dream of and with this increase in performance comes an inevitable increase in both game file size and required read speeds. Enter the new microSDXC 'Express Cards', the same size and shape as the non-Express versions, but considerably faster. The Switch 2 already includes 256GB of onboard storage, but it's safe to assume you'll need to grab an additional memory card if you plan to have more than a couple games on your system. Nintendo's officially licensed memory cards made by Samsung feature the brand's cute branding (think Super Mushrooms etc.), but they max out at 256GB. Lexar makes a 1TB card and is currently the only company to do so.
Unlike its predecessor, the Nintendo Switch 2 features Bluetooth right out of the box. These earbuds fromSteelSeriesare technically for PS5, but they work with the Switch 2 and are probably the best gaming earbuds you can currently get. They include active noise cancellation for extra immersion, a transparency mode for when you need to be able to hear your environment, and through the accompanying app you can tweak the sound to your liking.
Logitech G recently launched itsG522LIGHTSPEEDwireless gaming headset and they tick all the boxes for casual to sofa-pro gamers. An evolution of its most popular models, the new G522 headset has been redesigned to have larger ear cups and an extra layer of memory foam for maximum comfort. It delivers high-fidelity 48 kHz/24-bit audio and includes a high-resolution 48 kHz/16-bit removable boom mic for crystal clear audio. Perfect for Nintendo's new GameChat function.
If you plan to play your Switch 2 in docked mode then you'll need to grab a grip case for your Joy-Cons. The official NintendoJoy-Con 2 Charging Gripnot only allows you to use your Joy-Cons like a controller, but also allows you to charge them while you do. This is an accessory every Switch 2 owner should have.
Anker makes some of the most popular power banks available and this is one of its best. TheAnker Prime 27,650mAh Power Bankhas a huge capacity and can charge your Switch 2 approximately 3-5 times – depending, of course, on the context, such as whether you're using it while charging and so on. It can also deliver 250-watts of power, meaning you could charge your Switch 2 and several other things at the same time. It's probably overkill for a quick bus ride, but if you're going away for a couple days and plan to take your handheld with you it will probably become your best friend.
Nintendo's officialAll-In-One Carrying Casecan pretty much hold it all. It has enough space – with custom-designed compartments – to store a Switch 2 console, both Joy-Cons, the official dock, a Pro Controller, cables and more, and is made from a water-repellent fabric that should withstand light rain. Just don't dunk it in the tub.
