The Switch 2 can be enjoyed right out of the box, but it’s even better with the right accessories. Some of these add-ons are more crucial than others, especially if you’re deciding what to buy early on. For example, a case and a screen protector can keep your console safe from scuffs, scratches, and drops, so both are what I’d consider to be essential. If you’re not a fan of how the Joy-Con 2 feel to use, a cheap but good wireless controller wouldn’t hurt, either.
On the other hand, a microSD Express card lets you add even more digital games to your library, although the console’s somewhat generous 256GB of internal storage means you may not need one right away (unless you buy a lot of games that are 50-70GB each, such as Cyberpunk 2077 and Madden 26). Some other accessories don’t add enough to the gaming experience to be worth it. Those Joy-Con 2 steering wheel accessories? You can pass on those.
The Switch 2 and its games are expensive enough, so we’ve assembled this guide with picks that are a great value. You don’t need to spend hundreds on accessories — many of us at The Verge certainly aren’t. No matter your budget, we’ve included numerous categories, beginning with a starter kit of recommendations we think everyone should consider.
Our six must-have Switch 2 accessories
The best wireless Switch 2 controller for most people (especially those on a budget) isn’t made by Nintendo. EasySMX’s S10 wireless controller is $30 less than the Switch 2 Pro, but it’s packed with nearly as many features, barring a couple that are exclusively for use with Nintendo’s controller (3.5mm headphone jack, customization features built into the Switch 2 OS interface). The S10 is the one to get if you value long-lasting joysticks; it has TMR joysticks, which are drift-resistant, unlike the potentiometer-based sticks in the Switch 2 Pro.
Additionally, the S10 features great-feeling rumble, amiibo support, and a comfortable design. Its clicky buttons and triggers may not be to everyone’s liking, although you may not know until you try. I had a hard time coming up with negative things to say about the S10 in our guide to the best Switch 2 controllers. It’s just a great gamepad for the price.
The Switch 2 Pro is a fabulous controller for those who want to plop down $90, although it’s not the best around in terms of specs. Namely, Nintendo opted for potentiometer-based joysticks, similar technology to the drift-prone sticks that sparked controversy with the original Switch controllers. It’s a disappointing move, as more companies are adopting drift-resistant Hall effect or TMR joystick tech — even for wireless gamepads that cost a fraction of what the Switch 2 Pro does.
Despite this oversight, the Switch 2 Pro hosts some great features you can’t get elsewhere, like a 3.5mm jack that lets you plug in a set of wired headphones for private listening. Additionally, it can remotely wake the Switch 2 from standby via Bluetooth (a growing number of wireless controllers possess this ability), so you don’t have to get off your couch to hit the console’s power button. Lastly, this model has two additional buttons that can be mapped within the Switch 2’s OS to mimic almost any other button (some cheaper alternatives, including the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 and Pro 3, feature four extra buttons, but a more cumbersome mapping process).
Read our review of the Switch 2 Pro
$89
The Switch 2 Pro Controller features new remappable “GL” and “GR” rear buttons, the “C” button to access in-game chat features, and a headphone jack.
It’s technically not a controller, but I’m a broken record when it comes to recommending 8BitDo’s USB Adapter 2 for households already with more than one console. In the case that you have an Xbox or a PS5 and would rather not buy a bespoke Switch 2 controller, just buy this $20 adapter instead, and use it to connect a wireless controller you already own.
This adapter goes into the Switch 2’s dock (or directly into the console, if you have a USB-A to C adapter). Connecting your controller is as easy as putting it into pairing mode, then ensuring that the “Pro Controller Wired Communication” option is turned on within the console’s settings. Click and hold the adapter’s coin-shaped button to initiate pairing, then you should be good to go. The DualSense’s rumble and motion controls work seamlessly, and you can remap buttons as you please within the console’s OS, just like you would an official Switch controller.
$18
The 8BitDo’s latest adapter resembles a flash drive, but once connected to your Switch’s dock, it allows you to wirelessly pair it with a variety of PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo controllers.
The Killswitch is a great Switch 2 companion, whether you’re someone who primarily uses the console in handheld mode or while it’s docked. It’s a case that wraps around the Switch 2’s back, with detachable components that snugly grip onto each Joy-Con 2, adding some extra bulk that makes them more comfortable to hold. Above all else, it’s a great way to protect your console from scratches and slightly more significant damage. What’s also great is that it doesn’t limit its flexibility as a hybrid console.
Each Killswitch ships with a USB-C dock adapter that is inserted into the Switch 2 dock. Since the case-equipped console can no longer fit in Nintendo’s dock, this adapter lets you connect it to your TV without taking off the case. It’s tougher to correctly align the Switch 2’s USB-C jack with this adapter than it is to put it in the dock, but it gets easier with practice.
Read our review of the Dbrand Killswitch
Tomtoc FancyCase Slim zip-up case
The best, slimmest zip-up case you should buy is made by Tomtoc. Compared to the Belkin hard zip-up case that I got my hands on before the Switch 2’s launch, the Tomtoc FancyCase slim case feels more durable; anecdotally, it holds up much better to being squeezed by hand. It even has more vertical clearance above the Joy-Con 2 sticks, so it’ll never press them in on accident. Like most zip-up cases, it features a screen cover that doubles as cartridge storage. This one can hold 12 cartridges.
I’m confident that it’ll absorb more potential damage over time than other cases I’ve tried. Plus, it just looks cooler, with low-profile designs for gamers who don’t want to draw attention to their console. That said, its “Froz Edition” has ice cream-inspired looks that are a lot more expressive.
$26
This hard case has a soft touch and a slim fit, and includes a flap that can hold up to 12 cartridges as it protects the console’s screen.
Belkin fabric zip-up case
Belkin’s $29.99 zip-up case is another competent, good-looking option that’s slim and lightweight. It’s worth considering over the Tomtoc for one reason only: its built-in pocket, which is great if you need to stow a charging cable or any other small doo-dads. Not to mention, this pocket contains another pocket for an AirTag or similar Bluetooth tracker, so you can track this case’s location should you lose track of it.
Belkin makes a thicker, pricier version of this case that has a 20,000mAh 20W battery inside. It’s nearly identical until you open it. A cutout fits this (and only this) Belkin battery perfectly, and it lets you charge your Switch 2 at top speeds while it’s protected.
The best webcam that you can get for your Switch 2 should be the cheapest one you can find that’s guaranteed to work with it. So far, Logitech has confirmed that almost all of its webcams support the Switch 2, and Elgato has updated its Facecam MK.2 to support it, as well. Elgato’s model is pricier than we recommend most people spend, but it’s a solid option if you also have a PC to use it with. It’s worth knowing that the Switch 2 displays low-fidelity video feeds during gameplay, so unless you plan to use the webcam with your PC as well, it’s not worth spending a lot for a model that promises great video quality.
Best Switch 2 portable batteries
The Switch 2 is more powerful than the original Switch. However, it doesn’t require all that much more power to charge, even while you’re playing games. While new phones and tablets are breaking new ground with fast charging speeds, getting a power bank that can deliver at least 20W is totally sufficient to get the fastest-possible charging speeds with the Switch 2 in handheld mode.
By using a display-equipped USB-C cable with a wattage reading, I was able to see that the Switch 2 usually pulls a maximum of about 15-17W of power (sometimes less) from a USB-C battery during gameplay. When the system was asleep, the rate went down to between 8-13W, fluctuating at different points during the charging process. From a totally dead state, the console took almost 90 minutes to reach 69 percent with a 20W battery plugged into it. You’ll likely drain your USB-C battery more quickly if you’re playing as you charge.
Thankfully, your options for compatible batteries are plentiful. You’ll likely be paying for more power than you’ll need with the Switch 2, but more power (and especially more ports) are never a bad thing to have too much of.
Best microSD Express cards for Switch 2
The Switch 2 supports microSD Express cards of up to 2TB, even though models with that amount of storage aren’t yet available for purchase. Most brands make cards in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB configurations, and some offer 1TB cards as well. I’d suggest grabbing the cheapest microSD Express card you can find, as so far they all offer similarly fast read/write speeds. Right now, Samsung’s P9 is one of the most affordable models you can get.
Other cheap, must-have Switch 2 accessories
There are two extra items that I think most people should consider buying for their Switch 2. The first is a screen protector. As I mentioned at the top of the post, the console’s screen is its most fragile component, so spend the $10 or so necessary to get a multipack of tempered glass protectors so you don’t have to think about it again. Many brands make them, but I’ve had great experiences with stuff from amFilm.
$6
This two-pack of glossy screen protectors is a great value.
The other accessory is a USB-C-to-Ethernet adapter. It’s possible that you may get a ton of usage out of this, especially if you play online multiplayer games and you want to nip latency in the bud. Or, if you’re like me, you’ll just plug it in when it comes time to download a game. The Switch 2’s Wi-Fi is awfully slow when it comes to downloading large files, even when you have fast internet. Plugging this accessory into either of its USB-C ports greatly increases download speeds.
Update, November 25th: This article was updated to reflect changing prices and stock, and to add the Samsung P9 microSD Express card.
