The best Nintendo Switch accessories

Everything you’ll need to enjoy the Nintendo Switch or Switch OLED consoles is included. The box includes two Joy-Cons, which can be used to host up to 2 players. There is also a dock that allows you to view the console from your television. With the right accessories, the Switch ownership experience can be enhanced. And we are confident in our recommendations. I’ve thoroughly tested everything listed below during my tenure as a reviewer at The Verge, and I’m on the hunt for more great accessories to add to keep this page fresh.

Some of our picks are practical and affordable, so perhaps it won’t eat into your gaming budget. Others, however, are more extravagant. The Switch’s top picks improve all aspects of the experience.

Whether you own a standard $299.99 Switch, a $199.99 Switch Lite, or a $349.99 Switch OLED, Polygon’s Nintendo Switch accessories buying guide will set you up with our favorite add-ons. To make it easier to shop, we’ve split this guide into multiple categories, and you can click through the sections in the table of contents below.

The Best Switch Controllers

In case you aren’t smitten with the tiny Joy-Con controllers that come bundled with the Switch and Switch OLED (or in case you’re looking for a less drift-prone alternative), there are some controllers that we recommend. I’m injecting my hands-on knowledge below with some of my favorite picks in addition to older options that we still love.

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

If you’re looking to upgrade your controller experience on the Nintendo Switch, you might want to consider the first-party alternative: the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.

Image: Nintendo

This standard-size controller fits most hands more comfortably than the Switch’s other alternative control scheme: two Joy-Cons affixed to the grip accessory that comes with the console. Pro Controller is similar in size and weight to controllers made by Microsoft and Sony. It feels familiar and more comfortable because of its added weight. The Pro Controller has an additional D-pad with larger buttons on the face, prominent analog sticks and easier to use shoulder buttons. It feels complete, not like the Joy-Cons’s grip which are two smaller controllers trying act as one controller. The Pro Controller also includes an HD rumble and an amiibo reader.

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

These prices were correct at the time of publication.

In addition to offering HD rumble and motion controls as well as amiibo support, the Switch Pro Controller is one of most comfortable Switch controllers available.

USB Adapter for 8BitDo 2

Here’s a likely scenario for many Switch owners: You may already own Xbox or PlayStation controllers, and purchasing one or several new controllers isn’t viable.

Image: 8BitDo

Thankfully, there’s an option that’ll let you use your preexisting controllers with your Switch. Just buy 8BitDo’s $19.99 USB Adapter 2 transmitter, which plugs into one of the USB ports of your Switch’s dock.

With a push of a button on the dongle, you can pair a controller dating back to the Wii and PS3 era (you’ll need two USB Adapter 2s if you want to pair two of the supported controllers). After connecting my PlayStation 5’s DualSense, I was shocked to be able to play Splatoon 3.With motion control and accurate rumble. Granted, the on-screen button prompts in Switch games may not accurately reflect the buttons on your controller, but this is a good, affordable option if you’re operating on a strict budget.

GuliKit image

GuliKit KingKong Pro

Design-wise, the $69.99 GuliKit KingKong 2 Pro feels like an Xbox wireless controller — bumpers, triggers, and all. However, it matches the feature set of the Switch Pro gamepad, including amiibo support and rumble (the haptics aren’t as satisfying as Nintendo’s). Bluetooth is supported, as well as a switch button to change the mode. This allows it to connect with more than one Switch. Its drift-resistance analog sticks with Hall effect are the best selling feature and may be worth it.

I’ll keep the jargon brief: Most controllers use potentiometer analog sticks, which eventually become less accurate due to a number of factors that this iFixit article lays out nicely. Instead of developing drift over time, GuliKit’s sticks seem to avoid it thanks to the Hall effect technology, which relies on magnets to keep its sensors accurate. Note that this feature isn’t necessarily something you can feel functioning in the moment, but it’s reassuring nevertheless if you don’t want to replace your controller for this reason in the future.

Image: 8BitDo

8BitDo Ultimate Bluetooth

Like the GuliKit option above, 8BitDo’s Ultimate Bluetooth controller has Hall effect sticks (made by GuliKit, no less). It’s also a $69.99 option, though it comes closer to mimicking the design of Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (albeit with no amiibo support). Some notable improvements, however, include its two rear back paddles that can be customized within 8BitDo’s PC or mobile app. The dock can also be used to connect via Bluetooth to Switch, mobile and PC platforms. It also includes a USB-C charger. It contains an 8BitDo Adapter 2, which allows the controller and its transmitter to communicate via a reliable 2.4 GHz network. You get a little more for your money with the 8BitDo controller versus GuliKit’s, though you might prefer one design over the other.

Photo by Russ Frushtick/Polygon

Hori Split Pad Pro / Split Pad Compact

Hori SplitPad Pro costs $49.99 and can be used in lieu of standard Joy-Cons. The large gamepads make the Switch more convenient for people with bigger hands. You also get more of everything. These buttons and triggers feel very similar to traditional console controllers. They do not have Joy-Con exclusive functionality like rumble and amiibo support. These only function when the Switch is attached.

Split Pad Pro is a highly-rated gaming device that we reviewed. It was particularly helpful in games with complex control systems, such as those like Monster Hunter RiseYou can also find other useful information at www.stackoverflow.com You can even assign additional buttons to the gamepads so you can personalize your experience.

The Split Pad Compact is a small, colorful option from Hori, currently available at Amazon for $39.99. The Verge tested that model and found it to be more appealing than the bigger model. However, it has similar features (and can’t work when detached from the console).

Photo: Nicole Clark/Polygon

Note:This peripheral might be a good option for you if you have chronic pain that makes it impossible to use the Switch in mobile mode. It was featured in my colleague Nicole Clark’s post from Polygon’s Training Mode special issue. By detaching your Switch’s Joy-Cons, you can clamp the Switch (or another screen) onto this articulating stand so that you can view it wherever it’s most comfortable for you to look at. Although it was initially priced at $29.99 at Amazon, you will usually be able to find it cheaper at Amazon.

The Best Switch Headphones

You might already have the perfect set of headphones to fit your Switch. If you’re happy with plugging in a wired set into the console’s 3.5 mm jack, then you probably don’t need to upgrade. However, if it’s wireless connectivity that you’re after, there are many options ranging in price. It’s true that the long-awaited Switch Bluetooth audio support that arrived in 2021 allows you to connect anything from AirPods to high-end, over-ear noise-canceling headphones. That’s great, in theory. It’s great in theory, but it is a no-starter in practice, particularly in games that depend on sound cues to succeed. Your experience might be different so you should try it.

Any headset shipped with a USB transmitter should work. However, these can vary in design and price as well as the features. For a simpler list, these are the low-latency wireless headsets that I’d recommend to most people.

Photo: Amelia Holowaty/The Verge

Logitech G435 Lightspeed

In the sea of options, Logitech’s G435 Lightspeed stands out with its low price and a list of features that goes on and on. It’s common to find some color schemes selling for less than $50, and at that, you’re getting a comfortable (big heads beware — it’s on the small side in terms of sizing) headset that can deliver low-latency audio when its included USB-A 2.4 GHz transmitter is plugged into your Switch’s dock. Note: This headset can be plugged directly into either a PC, or PlayStation.

This headset can also connect to devices via Bluetooth, and a button on its ear cup makes it easy to switch between wireless modes if you want to take a phone call (sadly, it can’t stream in-game and Bluetooth audio simultaneously). While its design isn’t as tough or as unassuming as some pricier headsets, its pop of color might be what you’re after.

(G435 Lightspeed photography supplied by Amelia Holowaty KralesAt The Verge.)

Logitech Image

Logitech G Fits

Logitech has created a gaming set of earbuds which can be customized to fit your inner ears. The G Fits have a one-time setup that uses light to heat up the gel-tipped insert, giving them a custom fit that’s for your ears only. It’s an interesting feature, but it’s the performance, comfort, and features that sold me on the G Fits. They originally sold for a whopping $229.99, but it’s common to find them for about $50 off.

Because they are custom-fitted, media and games sound amazing. They also come in a compact charging case. There’s a small USB-A 2.4 GHz transmitter included that can plug into your Switch’s dock. Logitech also included a USB A-to-C converter so that you can use the transmitter on-the-go. This works well with all other consoles.

The G Fits can toggle between wireless modes by triple-tapping on the outside surface of either earbud, so it’s easy to flip between devices. The G Fits can be used to toggle between wireless modes by triple-tapping on the outside of either earbud. This is a modification of the UE Fits from Logitech, so you’ll get the same perks our sister site The Verge described in their review. But this model packs in a little extra battery life and, of course, the ability to tether to Logitech’s low-latency Lightspeed USB dongle. You don’t have to pay $175 for the G-Fits. Wait till you find a better deal and make the purchase. I’ll be searching for more affordable alternatives in the meantime.

Best Switch dock alternatives

Although the Switch dock comes with Nintendo, it is bulky and can be difficult to take along when you travel. If you don’t want to take a chance on a USB-C hub that may or may not work as intended, check out Genki’s dock replacements that are as small as phone chargers. Its $49.99 Covert Dock Mini has a USB-C port (20 W charging) and an HDMI port with 4K/30 frames per second support — more than you need to output your Switch’s interface to a TV or monitor. In addition to serving as a Switch dock that fits in your pocket, it’s compatible with any device that can output video via USB-C, like the Steam Deck, some iPads, Android phones, and laptops.

The Covert Dock, which costs $74.99, has a larger set of ports. It can be used to connect the Switch with a TV using its USB-C or HDMI inputs. You can also plug in an USB-A accessory. You can charge it a bit faster than the Covert Dock Mini (20 W), thanks to its 30W gallium nitride(GaN) technology. It also can display up 1080p at 60 frames per seconds. You can use this model with many other gadgets. It is also a USB hub that you can connect to your laptop and iPad. This model was reviewed by me at The Verge.

Top Switch batteries and chargers

The Nintendo Switch consoles have a decent battery life when playing in handheld mode, but they won’t last as long as, say, your phone. If you’re away from your dock and need to charge the system after a few hours of intense gameplay, you can simply plug a USB-C cable into the console (chances have never been higher that it’s the same connector your laptop or phone uses). The same type of charger is used by the Steam Deck.

If you don’t already have a wall plug for recharging your Switch, they’re inexpensive and plentiful in terms of sizes, colors, and charging speeds. You can’t go wrong by getting an additional Nintendo-branded Switch charger, like the one that comes with each Switch console. They cost $29.99.

For something that’s a little more powerful and has two USB-C ports, Anker’s 40 W 521 wall charger is a decent deal at $35.99 from Amazon. You can also charge your Switch with the fastest possible charging speed. However, you’ll have to supply the USB-C cable. These are very affordable. The Anker 6-foot USB-C to-C cable is $15.99 for a two-pack.

However, if you’re not near an outlet, you can always use a portable battery to charge the console as you play. At this point in the Switch’s life cycle, it’s difficult to find affordable options that aren’tThis battery is a great fit for the Nintendo Switch. I recommend that you get the largest capacity battery (usually listed in mAh), and the highest wattage for your price range. Two batteries offer great value and low prices:

The Best Switch microSD Cards

If you prefer digital versus physical copies of games, you’ll want one of your first accessory purchases to be a high-capacity microSD card. Both the Switch and Switch Light have 32 GB onboard storage. The Switch with OLED screens has 64 GB. It is likely that a small number of games will fill the space, so it’s worth getting either a 32GB flash card or a 64GB OLED display. To play more games at once, you will need to increase the capacity of your card.

There are many microSD card deals available now, which makes it easier to buy more storage than when the Switch was launched. Although it might seem tempting to buy one of the licensed SanDisk microSD card cards from Nintendo, such as this adorable 512GB Animal Crossing card or one with a Super Mario Bros. star, these cards tend to be more expensive for their cosmetic appearance. You should instead opt for these models which offer greater storage.

Switch games featuring unique accessories

These Nintendo Switch games come with accessories for one-of-a-kind gameplay experiences, working in tandem with the Switch’s hardware and getting you moving.

Ring Fit Adventure

Ring Fit AdventurePart fitness adventure, part role playing game. The Ring-Con is a controller accessory that you need to play the game. It also includes a leg belt (which costs about $70). This allows for chest press, jumping jacks and other exercise activities. The story’s progression is determined by your body movement. This can be adjusted to suit your level of comfort.

Photo: Nintendo

Although the workouts can be considered legitimate, they are also great for beginners. Regardless of your athletic prowess, you’ll grow along with the game’s story. Howlongtobeat.com is a great resource. It claims it takes 64 hours to complete the storyline and additional challenges.

Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit

While there are various Joy-Con steering wheel accessories for the Nintendo Switch — and even a full-size steering wheel — Mario and his kart are some of the most interesting Switch accessories.

Mario Kart Live: Home CircuitYou can turn your living space into a racing track by using different parts of the gear. You will receive several pieces of cardboard that you can place around your house to create a racetrack. Then, by using either the Mario or Luigi toy race cars (priced at about $100 — they’re getting harder to find, sadly), the vehicle’s built-in camera “sees” the track. The camera-enabled cars pair with your Switch, which lets you drive from the racer’s perspective as you zip around your home.