5 essential Nintendo Switch accessories (and 3 you should avoid at all costs)

The Nintendo Switch is here, and it’s fantastic.

With the launch of new gaming hardware comes the question of what accessories you need, and those you don’t.

We’ve collected the five accessories you absolutely must own for Nintendo Switch, and three you should avoid at all costs.

Best Nintendo Switch accessories

CARRY CASE

A carry case for your Nintendo Switch is a no-brainer. The system can be played anytime, anywhere, so you’re going to need a protective case to transport the system around.

There’s a good assortment of cases available already, many of which include other essential items such as screen protectors, microfiber clothes, screen wipes, and more. Some even include Nintendo and Zelda themed designs for those looking to show off your gaming dedication.

TEMPERED GLASS SCREEN PROTECTOR

Beyond your standard plastic screen protectors, you can also purchase tempered glass ones for added protection. These are generally more expensive than your standard plastic varieties, but they offer added durability and don’t risk annoying air bubbles popping up that ruins visual clarity.

NINTENDO SWITCH PRO CONTROLLER

Nintendo’s line of Pro Controllers was first introduced alongside the Wii U, marketed as a ‘hardcore’ alternative to the console’s tablet controller.

Though while the Wii U Pro Controller felt cheap and like a poor man’s Xbox 360 controller, the Switch Pro Controller by comparison feels weighty, tactile and the perfect marriage between the DualShock 4 and Xbox One controller.

The asking price is fairly steep, admittedly, though what you’re getting is a comfortable controller well suited for long gaming sessions and a USB-C charge cable.

MICRO SD CARD

The Nintendo Switch comes with 32GB of internal storage, which certainly won’t get you far if you intend to go digital only. Luckily, the system’s memory can be expanded with MicroSD Cards.

From as little as 8GB, all the way up to 2TB (when such a size becomes available), the amount of storage you’re looking to add is only limited by how much you’re willing to spend.

You can pick up a good deal on 64GB and 128GB MicroSD Cards on popular online stores like Amazon and eBay, with 256GB cards generally still relatively expensive unless you’re willing to gamble on lesser known sites.

PORTABLE POWER BANK

With anywhere between 3 to 5 hours of battery life, it’s a good idea to invest in a way to charge your Switch whilst on the go. And thanks to the system’s USB-C port, you can use practically any Power Bank already available on the market.

You’re going to want to go for a big capacity Power Bank, something in the range of 6,630 mAh and over. This will allow you to fully charge the Switch at least once while you’re out and about, giving you upwards of 10 hours of playtime.

Nintendo Switch accessories you should avoid

JOY-CON CHARGING GRIP

The standard Joy-Con Grip that comes with the Switch won’t charge your Joy-Con, so you might think it a good idea to invest in the charging version of the same accessory.

Well, you shouldn’t. With 20 hours battery life the Joy-Con probably won’t run out of charge all that easily. Plus, they charge whenever attached to the Switch itself.

AC ADAPTER

Nintendo is probably hoping you’ll buy the AC Adapter to stick in your bedroom so you can play and charge whilst in bed. And that’s a perfectly reasonable thing to do.

Expect thanks to the system’s USB-C port you can use any compatible USB cable, complete with any USB-to-AC adapter: Which everyone should have at least three spares in their households.

As an added bonus, the Switch Pro Controller comes with a USB-C cable which you can use with the system. So investing in the Pro Controller instead not only nets you a spare cable, but also a great controller as well.

STICKER DECALS

Like with the 3DS before it, people are going to be looking to customise their Switch using character and themed decals and stickers.

However, according to a post made on Reddit Switch owners are being warned not to apply any stickers, decals or anything that uses adhesive. The use of these products will result in the outer coating used on the Joy-Con and the system itself peels off.

So for the time being, it’s recommended you try not to customise your Switch by purchasing stickers and decals, least you want to degrade the integrity of the hardware.