Key Points
- The Genki Covert Dock is the most flexible accessory when it comes to travel comfort.
- The Orzly Carry Case is a great improvement on most third-party cases with room for games, Joy-Cons, and other accessories.
- The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is still the best external controller you can get, with great comfort in the hands for long play sessions.
- Accessories can help make using your Nintendo Switch a more enjoyable experience.
What are the best Nintendo Switch accessories you can buy? If you’ve had a Switch since its launch, you might be getting a bit tired of your current setup. There’s nothing like some fresh new accessories to help change things up.
So, what sort of accessories should you get? There are some options that are a little more obvious than others, but you’ve got a great amount of flexibility when it comes to great accessories to trick out your Nintendo Switch.
Today’s guide covers nine of the best accessories, all fitting different niches. These aren’t quite like the Game Boy accessories of yesterday, so they should keep your setup looking nice and clean while providing additional functionality and ease of use.
Getting accessories for your Nintendo Switch can help to extend the overall functionality of the device. These are all in categories of their own, so you could realistically combine all of them for the ultimate setup. That aside, let’s take a look at the nine best Nintendo Switch accessories available in 2023:
- Best Dock: GENKI Covert Dock
- Best Case: Orzly Carry Case
- Best Controller: Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
- Best Joy-Con Charger: HORI Joy-Con Charge Stand
- Best Screen Protector: Spigen Tempered Glass
- Best Earbuds: ROCCAT Syn Buds Air
- Best Portable Charger: Anker 337 Power Bank
- Best MicroSD Card: Samsung EVO Select
- Best Capture Card: Genki ShadowCast
Best Dock: GENKI Covert Dock
- Made with a quality power management chip
- 240 Volts
- 3 USB ports
- 1/10th the size of the Nintendo Switch charger and dock
The Genki Covert Dock takes the unnecessary bulk of the original Switch dock and makes it into a tidy little unit. You can tuck this away quite quickly while still having access to things like your HDMI output, USB-A inputs, and AC adapter.
Most Switch users will likely be perfectly content with their current dock, but the Genki Covert Dock retains all of the functionality of the original dock while keeping things slim and trim.
If you’re looking to take your Switch to a more minimalist setup, the Genki Covert Dock is the dock to pick. You get access to all the basic functionality of the Switch dock with a much smaller overall footprint.
It also makes for a great portable device, giving you access to a full-featured dock if you do a lot of traveling. Everyone who’s packed for a trip knows that those ounces turn into pounds quite quickly, so having a smaller device can be helpful when taking your Switch on vacation.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| This dock is great for traveling and minimalist setups. | The dock lacks protection for the screen or console. |
| It has an AC adapter port and HDMI output. | Its small size means it could get lost very easily. |
Check out this product on Amazon.
Best Case: Orzly Carry Case
- Fits the Nintendo Switch console with both its Joy-Con controllers
- A hard EVA shell keeps the device protected
- Weighs 0.55 lbs
The Orzly Carry Case is the best carrying case for the Nintendo Switch. What makes it one of the best accessories for the console comes down to its capacity.
You’ve got room for the console itself, two additional pairs of Joy-Cons, and other accessories. You’ve even got room for up to eight physical games. There are numerous cases on the market for the Nintendo Switch, but none are quite as flexible as this one.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The carry case has the capacity for your Switch and all sorts of accessories. | The inner material of the case can be somewhat abrasive to unprotected screens. |
| The protective hard shell keeps your console and games safe and secure. | The case itself has no room for a Pro Controller. |
Check this product out on Amazon.
Best Controller: Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
- Comes with a charging cable (USB-C to USB-A)
- Includes motion controls, built-in amiibo functionality, HD rumble, and more
- Weighs 12.8 ounces
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is the absolute best controller you can use with the console. Nintendo’s first-party controller brings all the comfort of the offerings from Sony and Microsoft and places it in your hands for marathon Zelda sessions.
There isn’t much to dislike about the Switch Pro Controller. You can actually get one at a lower cost than you’ll find most Joy-Con pairs. However, if you’re more prone to taking your Switch out on the go, it can be somewhat cumbersome.
If you prefer playing docked, there isn’t a better option. The Switch Pro Controller is comfortable, fits most hands well, and doesn’t have issues with the thumb sticks or buttons.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The Switch Pro Controller is very comfortable in the hands. | The controller is somewhat large and could prove difficult to travel with. |
| It comes with Amiibo compatibility and HD rumble functionality. | Nintendo’s official controller costs a fair bit more than third-party offerings on the market. |
Check out this product on Amazon.
Best Joy-Con Charger: HORI Joy-Con Charge Stand
- LEDs indicate the charge status
- Plugs into the Nintendo Switch Dock
- Weighs 5.3 ounces
The HORI Joy-Con charge stand makes charging your Joy-Cons an absolute breeze. Most gamers will understand the frustration that comes with marathon sessions and having your controller die. In most cases, you’d have to plug your Joy-Cons back into the console itself.
However, with HORI’s charging stand, you can keep the marathon going, provided you have spare controllers. This charging station leaves your console free in the dock while delivering a stable power supply to your Joy-Cons.
If you spend a fair bit of time playing with the Joy-Cons, this is a must for you. However, it isn’t the most portable solution. The Switch console itself has the benefit of being readily portable, but you’ll need a wall adapter for the charging stand.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The charging stand can get your Joy-Cons back in operation while leaving your console open. | It does require a wall adapter to use, making it less than ideal for portable use. |
| It’s a great option if you have multiple pairs of Joy-Cons in need of charging. | The stand doesn’t have a secure way of holding the Joy-Cons in place. |
Check out this product on Amazon.
Best Screen Protector: Spigen Tempered Glass
- Water-resistant, anti-fingerprint tempered glass
- 9H hardness
- Oleophobic coating
- Includes an auto-alignment installation kit
The Spigen Tempered Glass screen protector is a must-have for all Nintendo Switch owners. Most smartphone users will attest to the disappointment that comes from operating a screen with a broken device. You don’t need to subject yourself to a similar fate with your Nintendo Switch, however.
What makes the Spigen Tempered Glass one of the best Nintendo Switch accessories is its utter resilience. Cheaper screen protectors can be prone to shattering and making the display look smeared. Another effect is rainbowing, where the screen protector acts as a prism of sorts over the screen.
Spigen has been making screen protectors for a number of years and offers options for both the original and OLED Nintendo Switch models.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It is one of the most sturdiest screen protectors available for the Nintendo Switch. | It is one of the most expensive options for screen protectors on the market currently. |
| Spigen has provided tabs on both sides of the screen protector, allowing for easy installation. | The removal process for the screen protector can be difficult to navigate. |
Check out this product on Amazon.
Best Earbuds: ROCCAT Syn Buds Air
- 5-hour battery life and an additional 15 hours in the charging case
- Dual-microphones for communication
- Compatible with the Nintendo Switch
- Bluetooth 5.1
- Mobile gamers can adjust and create EQs for their own unique sound
The ROCCAT Syn Buds Air are the best wireless earbuds you can get for the Nintendo Switch. ROCCAT has been on the market for a number of years and generally specializes in consumer audio. It has aimed that expertise at a market where there isn’t really much support.
What makes the Syn Buds Air one of the best Nintendo Switch accessories is the fact that they are natively supported with the latest firmware available for the console. That means you’ll be enjoying low-latency audio.
One of the only real major complaints that can be leveled at the Syn Buds is that the sound quality isn’t the best. Given their price point, it is a fairly solid offering. Still, if you’re looking for a low-cost quality pair of earbuds, the Syn Buds have you covered.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The Syn Buds are natively supported by the Nintendo Switch. | The earbuds have average sound quality. |
| ROCCAT’s earbuds are comfortable in the ears, even during long gaming sessions. | ROCCAT’s quality control for the Syn Buds Air is a bit spotty, with many users reporting poor overall lifespans. |
Check out this product on Amazon.
Best Portable Charger: Anker 337 Power Bank
- 26,800 mAh battery
- 3 USB output ports
- USB Type-C and Micro USB connector types
The Anker 337 Power Bank offers up reliable power on the go. Let’s face it, there is nothing quite as disappointing as depleting your Switch’s battery while away from home. If you don’t have a dock and power outlet handy, then a power bank is the next best thing.
Anker is one of the top names in power banks, and the 337 is a slim and lightweight package to provide your Switch some power while on the move. This versatility makes it easily one of the best Nintendo Switch accessories around.
The 337 is on the pricier side of things, but you really do get what you pay for when it comes to portable power banks. It is one of the most reliable power banks on the market and has the added bonus of charging your other devices, too.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| It is a lightweight and compact power bank. | It is one of the more expensive power banks on the market. |
| The 26,800 mAh battery capacity provides ample power on the go. | Anker can have somewhat iffy customer service support if you have issues with the power bank. |
Check this product out on Amazon.
Best MicroSD Card: Samsung EVO Select
- 128 GB memory storage capacity
- Up to 100 Mbps read and 60 Mbps write speeds
- Waterproof, temperature-proof, X-ray proof, and magnetic resistant
The Samsung EVO Select 128GB is the best overall microSD card you can get for the Nintendo Switch. Who doesn’t love more storage on their devices? More storage equates to more of everything, and in the Switch’s case, that means more digital games for your enjoyment.
The Samsung EVO Select is a superb microSD card and will fit the bill for anyone looking to extend the storage of their Nintendo Switch. Samsung has been a reputable name for storage for years, especially in regard to SSDs and microSD cards.
Users get access to great read and write speeds, making this one of the best Nintendo Switch accessories you can purchase. If you’re looking to cram more of your favorite games on the Switch, this is the best option around.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The microSD card is fast and reliable. | The EVO Select is one of the most expensive microSD cards available. |
| Samsung offers the EVO Select in a variety of different capacities. | Formatting the microSD card for your Nintendo Switch can be a difficult process if opting for FAT32. |
Check this product out on Amazon.
Best Capture Card: Genki ShadowCast
- HDMI 2.0 input brings in 4K video
- USB-C output
- Supports 1920x1080 @ 30fps and 1280x720 @ 60fps
If you’re looking to stream gameplay from the Switch, the Genki ShadowCast is the best capture card available. It’s an easy-to-use device that plugs in directly to the Switch’s HDMI port.
Once installed, you can stream video directly to your laptop or desktop computer for streaming on Twitch, Discord, or wherever else you feel like streaming. You can also use the ShadowCast to use other displays as external monitors.
This gives it a degree of flexibility that isn’t solely relegated to streaming uses. You can have the comfort of playing your Nintendo Switch in docked mode while also using something more readily portable, like a laptop, as the playback device.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| The ShadowCast is one of the smallest capture cards available. | There is a noticeable input lag. |
| Genki’s capture card is one of the most affordable capture cards. | The picture quality can be hit or miss. |
Check out this product on Amazon.
What to Know Before Purchasing Nintendo Switch Accessories
As with any peripheral, it is important to consider your needs and wants before plunking down cash on additional devices. If you dislike the way the current controller feels, then something like the Switch Pro Controller might be a godsend.
However, if you’re content using your Switch as a portable device, that might be a waste of money. Accessories and peripherals for home consoles very much fit a buy-as-you-need sort of scenario.
Home users who play by themselves likely don’t need a Joy-Con stand that charges up to two pairs at a time. However, if you use the Switch as a portable gaming console in any capacity, a good screen protector is always worth the investment.
Screen replacements for any device can cost as much as the device itself, which is far more expensive than the cost of the screen protector.
Using Nintendo Switch Accessories: What It’s Like
So, why would a Switch gamer want to load their home console up with a plethora of accessories? There are many reasons why you might seek to purchase peripherals and accessories for your home console.
One of the main reasons would be to extend or give functionality to a feature that might not otherwise be supported. Consider the microSD card, just as an example. Nintendo ships the Switch with a paltry 16 GB of storage, which is fine for most games.
Big hitters like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom are around 15 GB on their own. So, the obvious solution would be to get more storage, if available.
External controllers help with things like Joy-Con drift and hand discomfort when playing for any length of time. As such, accessories help to alleviate some of the problems users might face while playing or carrying their Nintendo Switch for any length of time.
Summary Table
| Accessory | Product | Pros |
|---|---|---|
| Best Dock | Genki Covert Dock | Great for traveling and minimalist setups, has an AC adapter port and HDMI output. |
| Best Case | Orzly Carry Case | Has the capacity for your Switch and all sorts of accessories, protective hard shell keeps your console and games safe and secure. |
| Best Controller | Nintendo Switch Pro Controller | Very comfortable in the hands, comes with Amiibo compatibility and HD rumble functionality. |
| Best Joy-Con Charger | HORI Joy-Con Charge Stand | Can get your Joy-Cons back in operation while leaving your console open, great option if you have multiple pairs of Joy-Cons in need of charging. |
| Best Screen Protector | Spigen Tempered Glass | One of the most sturdiest screen protectors available for the Nintendo Switch, provided tabs on both sides of the screen protector, allowing for easy installation. |
| Best Earbuds | ROCCAT Syn Buds Air | Natively supported by the Nintendo Switch, comfortable in the ears, even during long gaming sessions. |
| Best Portable Charger | Anker 337 Power Bank | Lightweight and compact, 26,800 mAh battery capacity provides ample power on the go. |
| Best microSD Card | Samsung EVO Select | Fast and reliable, offered in a variety of different capacities. |
| Best Capture Card | Genki ShadowCast | One of the smallest capture cards available, one of the most affordable capture cards. |
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