The Best Nintendo Switch Accessories of 2021

We should note that because each model of the Switch has slight hardware differences, certain products (especially stuff like cases and screen protectors) will have multiple versions for each model. We’ll mention and link to these different versions, so make sure you’re ordering the right one for whoever you’re shopping for. Also, if you have a Switch Lite, note that it can’t be played on the TV like the normal and OLED Switch, so items like controllers and alternative docks won’t be useful.

With that out of the way, let’s talk accessories.

The Best Controller: Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

Another year passes and there’s still not a better option for playing Switch games than the Pro Controller. While it may not have changed since the release in 2017, this controller’s premium build, comfortable shaping, and 40 hours of battery life make it ideal for docked play. Throw in HD rumble and gyro controls and you have a controller that balances all the major features of Nintendo’s experimental Joy-Cons in a more familiar layout.

A Budget Alternative: PowerA Enhanced Controller

If you don’t want to pay for Nintendo’s premium controller, then PowerA has a good alternative. This budget controller still features wireless connectivity, motion controls, and 30 hours of battery life, but drops rumble to help keep the price down. To help make up for that, though, it offers two mappable buttons on the back of the controller and a variety of cool designs to choose from. While it’s largely just a stripped-down version of the Pro controller with different shaping, it’s a great option for the money, whether you’re playing alone or need spare controllers for local co-op.

Old School: 8Bitdo SN30 Pro+

Competing with Nintendo’s Pro controller, 8Bitdo’s SN30 Pro+ aims to bring something different to the table. With a layout and shaping more reminiscent of the SNES controller than that of the Switch, this controller is squarely aimed at older games or 2D ones in general. It still has all the bumpers, buttons, and joysticks you’d expect out of a modern controller, so playing 3D games is still comfortable, but this controller is best suited for tackling all of the Switch’s classic games. Plus, it rocks 20 hours of battery life, standard rumble, and gyro controls.

There’s also the Ultimate software that you can use to customize the controller. You’ll need to connect the SN30 Pro+ to a computer (Windows or macOS) to use this, but it will allow you to alter everything from button mapping to joystick sensitivity. All of it will be saved to the device, so the changes will still have an effect once you connect to the Switch.

A Slim Case: tomtoc Carry Case

Regardless of the Switch model you have, on-the-go play is always an element, and you’ll want to make sure your console is protected when not in use. Sure, you could have it banging around loose in your bag all day, but scratches are more than likely then and besides, this case barely takes up any extra space. The tomtoc case offers high durability and even some water resistance in a sleek, attractive package and also has slots for 10 game cartridges. It does a good job blending portability, durability, and storage. There’s a version for the original Switch, Switch OLED (which increases the size for more storage space), and Switch Lite.

Protect Your Screen: ivoler Tempered Glass Screen Protectors

The Switch is an expensive device with a screen liable to be scratched or worse. Getting a screen protector is a good idea if you do any gaming in handheld mode—especially for the Switch Lite because handheld mode is all it has. ivoler sells protectors for the Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED in multi-packs for reasonable prices, so you’ll be covered for a while after one order. There’s really no reason not to pick these up, and in fact, you should do it sooner rather than later.

Expand: SanDisk 1TB MicroSD Card

2TB is the limit Nintendo set for microSD cards in the Switch, but that type of card with that much storage isn’t available yet, so if you’re looking to expand the system’s storage, this 1TB card is the option you should get. SanDisk is well-known for making excellent storage cards and this one offers plenty of space for a good price. It’s rare for a mainline Nintendo game on Switch to take up more than 20GB, but that’s already rapidly encroaching on the Switch’s 32GB of internal memory (64GB in the case of the OLED model).

On the other hand, it will take a lot of games to fill 1TB of storage, and you won’t experience any significant loading time increases either because the Switch doesn’t depend on high-speed storage. There are also lower-capacity models available if you’re shopping on a budget or are certain you won’t need as much space.

Keep It Running: Anker PowerCore Speed 20000

If there’s any downside to portable gaming it’s battery life. All three versions of the Switch can drain their batteries fairly quickly, so getting a power bank like this one from Anker is a good idea. The PowerCore Speed is a 20,000 mAh battery pack; more than enough to charge your Switch multiple times over. It’s quick, has multiple ports so you can charge other devices as well, and comes in a sleek package so sticking it in your bag is less of a bother.

Different Dock: RREAKA Multiport Hub

Nintendo’s official Switch dock costs $59.99 on its own, which can be a lot to spend if you just want a spare set up somewhere else in your home. This hub from RREAKA drops the price significantly, is a lot smaller and easier to maneuver, and even has some extra ports for charging your other devices. It’s extremely simple, but that’s really all you need.

You Can Finally Use Bluetooth Audio: Sennheiser HD 450BT

After four years of the Switch being out, Nintendo finally patched in Bluetooth audio (still no microphone support, though) to all the Switches. It was a … bold decision to not have this at launch, to say the least, but now that it’s finally here you can pick up some quality Bluetooth headphones to use with your Switch. Sennheiser’s HD 450BT features a comfortable build, high-quality sound, and 30 hours of battery life for your gaming pleasure. It’s a simple pair of headphones, but without microphone support, getting something that focuses purely on high-quality audio is the best call.

Portable Audio: Jabra Elite Active 75t

Of course, you don’t need a fancy pair of headphones to take advantage of Bluetooth audio. True wireless earbuds like the Elite Active 75t deliver solid sound quality, a portable friendly design, and Active Noise Cancellation to make them ideal for use in public places. They’re also waterproof and offer 24 hours of total battery life when considering the compact charging case. If you’re an on-the-go player and want audio peripherals that match, the Elite Active 75t is exactly what you want.