The Nintendo Switch is one of the most versatile consoles ever right out of the box. You can play it handheld, in desktop mode, or attach it to your TV, and use several different controller setups. Still, a couple of years after its release, you may be wishing you could configure your console even more to your liking. Well, that's what these Switch accessories are meant to solve. Whether you want a new controller, a way to keep your console charged on the go, or a way to keep it safe while you're traveling, our list of the best Nintendo Switch accessories has you covered.
Best Nintendo Switch Accessories for 2019
Nintendo Switch Best Controllers
FastSnail Joy-Con Grips
There’s a lot to love about the Nintendo Switch, but playing with an individual Joy-Con isn’t one of them. Not a lot of games use this setup to begin with, but when they do, it can be downright painful. FastSnail Joy-Con Grips can’t fix the Joy-Con’s awkward button placement, but they should at least keep you from getting hand cramps trying to hold a dinky controller. They also come in multiple colors, so you can have a set that matches whatever color Joy-Cons you have.
Hori D-Pad Controller
If you mostly play your Switch in portable mode or use the Joy-Cons in docked mode, the Hori D-Pad Controller is about to change your life. It replaces the directional buttons on the left Joy-Con with a much more precise, better-feeling d-pad. Fighting games and precise platformers like Celeste or Super Meat Boy may benefit the most from this, but even if you think you don’t need it, playing with this Joy-Con just once will convince you that you do.
PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller
No third-party controller quite matches everything the official Switch controller has to offer, but the PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller gets pretty close. It looks and feels close enough to the official controller that you’ll hardly notice the difference, and comes with motion control, plus two programmable buttons that you can discreetly use to help you whoop your friends at Smash Bros. The only real drawback is that it doesn’t include vibration feedback, and it runs off of AA batteries instead of being rechargeable. Still, for $15-20 less than a first-party control, it’s well worth it.
Horipad Wired Controller
On the other side of the spectrum is the Horipad Wired Controller. It’s a perfectly functional controller, but it’s also short on features to keep its price crazy low. It feels pretty much like Nintendo’s official controller, but it doesn’t feature vibration or motion control, plus it’s wired. It does feature an attachment that turns your d-pad into four directional buttons if you can find some use for that. Still, for only $20, it might make you question how much you need motion control in the first place.
Nintendo Switch Best Chargers
Nintendo Switch Adjustable Charging Stand
Have you ever wanted to recreate the Switch launch commercial and play multiplayer games on a rooftop with your friends, but were too worried about running out of battery life? Neither have we. But with the Nintendo Switch Adjustable Charging Stand, you no longer have that excuse. Not only does it keep your Switch more stable in desktop mode than the flimsy kickstand on the back of the console, but you can also charge it up via USB before using it, then transfer that power to the Switch as you play.
Joy-Con Charging Grip
Sure the Switch already comes with a controller attachment for your Joy-Cons, but it’s worth swapping that out for this one. Not only does the Joy-Con Charging Grip feel a bit sturdier than its stock counterpart, but it also keeps your Joy-Cons charged as you play.
PowerA Joy-Con and Pro Controller Charging Dock
There are plenty of docks out there for charging Joy-Cons on the go, but not quite so many for the Pro Controller. The PowerA Joy-Con and Pro Controller Charging Dock have you covered on both fronts. This small stand includes space to charge two Joy-Cons and one Pro Controller at the same time. Each charging station also has an LED that glows red when charging and turns green your controller is ready to go.
Nintendo Switch Best Protective Cases
Mumba Heavy Duty Rugged Case
One of the best things about the Switch is that you can slip it into your bag and have a powerful gaming console with you anywhere you go. Of course, with that great power comes great responsibility, and every Switch owner has probably had a nightmare about dropping their console on the subway or having it smashed to bits in a fall. The Mumba Heavy Duty Rugged Case can help allay those fears by adding a protective rubberized cover to the console. It doesn’t add too much bulk to the cover and makes it easier to grip. Perfect if you share your Switch with your kids or with a clumsy roommate.
amFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector
The Switch has the biggest, most beautiful screen ever on a handheld console, but it’s also just begging to be covered with scratches and fingerprints. The amFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector is a shield between your Switch’s screen and the outside world. Since it’s made from tempered glass, it’s also much stronger than some other screen protectors on the market.
Nintendo Switch Best Carrying Cases
RDS Game Traveler Deluxe System Case
When you want to take our Switch on a trip, the RDS Game Traveler Deluxe System Case is an excellent compromise between size and storage space. It has spots to store your console, two Joy-Cons, two microSD card cases, and eight games, plus a separate compartment for miscellaneous accessories. This case’s hard shell will protect everything inside from bumps, while the padded interior will keep your screen from getting scratched in the process. It even has a handle on the outside, making it easy to carry around.
RLSOCO Carrying Case
A more massive case with space for the dock and more accessories
If you’re taking an extended trip and know you won’t be satisfied just playing your Switch in handheld mode the whole time, consider this RLSOCO Carrying Case. It has space for your console, dock, Joy-Cons with grip, a Pro Controller, and slots for 28 game cards. It even comes with an additional mini-case to store cords and chargers. Sure, it’s the size of a purse, so it may not be best for everyday use, but it means you’ll never have to be without your Switch again.
Tomtoc Ultra Slim Case
When you need to carry your Switch without any accessories, but still want to keep it safe, the TomToc Ultra Slim Carrying Case may be your best bet. The case is barely bigger than the Switch itself, so it’ll easily fit into your bag, but it still has room for ten game cards. It’s also super effective against shocks and drops and even has a carrying strap if you don’t trust your grip.
Nintendo Switch Best Network Adapter
Hori Wired Internet LAN Adapter
The Switch is far from the online multiplayer console of choice, but that doesn’t mean you have to put up with poor network performance. Trying to play Splatoon or Smash Bros. over a wireless connection can turn lag into your biggest enemy. The Hori Wired Internet LAN Adapter solves that by letting you plug an Ethernet cable into your Switch. It might not be the most exciting accessory, but it could keep you from pulling your hair out when your Wi-Fi drops.