When you pick up a Nintendo Switch, it technically comes with everything you need to make it work as it should. However, there are plenty of things that can make your Switch experience better, easier, and maybe even a little more fun. Yes, being able to play the same console on your TV and in your hands on the bus is pretty cool, so why not get even more out of it?
Make the most imaginative and innovative console ever made even better by making sure you don’t have to take breaks to charge your Joy-Con or pick up an accessory pack to make playing sports on the Switch even more immersive and fun. None of these things interest you? Don’t worry, we’ve got more accessories below, and there’s almost sure to be one you’ll love.
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through Nintendo Joy-Con charging station
Editor’s Choice
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through Amazon Stand for Nintendo Switch Tears Of The Kingdom
Best value
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through Amazon Orzly Nintendo Switch Carrying Case
The traveller’s choice
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through Nintendo Nintendo Switch Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe By HORI
Premium Pick
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through Amazon Nintendo Switch pillow holder
Children’s selection
Best accessories for Nintendo Switch
Joy-Con charging station
Editor’s Choice
You will never run out of power again
If you use the Joy-Con a lot when you’re not connected to the Switch, you probably run out of power a lot. Having somewhere to store multiple Joy-Cons at all times is a must for anyone who keeps getting stuck with the controllers’ battery life.
- Charges four Joy-Cons simultaneously
- The LEDs show the charge level
- Never without a Joy-Con if you have a rotation
- It’s worth having more than two Joy-Cons to get the most out of it
- Cheaper charging stations from other manufacturers are available
We’ve all been in the situation where the controller’s battery has died and we have to wait for it to recharge before we can continue playing. As someone old enough to remember a time when all controllers were wired, I long for older technology. That was until I took out the ports to charge my consoles. This Switch option is the best I have and the best I’ve seen. The ability to charge four Joy-Cons at once, provided you remember to plug them in when not in use, you’ll always have fully charged controllers at the ready.
Stand for Nintendo Switch Tears Of The Kingdom
Best value
That goes
No more trying to figure out where to put the screen when gaming between your laptop and TV. Place it on a stand that comes in a few different variations inspired by various Nintendo IPs.
- It matches the Tears of the Kingdom OLED model perfectly
- Available in many different shapes
- Easy to fold and travel with
- It’s not made of the strongest material, but it’s cheap
One of the reasons my Switch doesn’t get the attention it deserves is that I live in a busy house where our TV is often used by someone else. While I can always switch to a handheld computer, there are times when I’d rather not. An in-between option is to support the screen and continue with it, but that’s easier said than done. Having a designated stand and not having to pay through the nose made me use my Switch more. Given the countless hours I’ve already spent in Tears of the Kingdom, anything that allows me to spend more hours in Hyrule is a big winner in my eyes.
Orzly Nintendo Switch Carrying Case
The traveller’s choice
Lots of switches in a small case
The Nintendo Switch is a portable console, but you still need something to carry it around. Since you’ll also need your games and a few extra things, the Orzly case is a great choice, you can fit a lot of things in it.
- It contains much more than just a switch
- Nine different colors to choose from
- The hard shell protects the console from impacts
- It only holds eight cartridges
I don’t know if you’ve tried it before, but carrying a switch in the palm of your hand with cartridges stuffed in your pockets isn’t ideal. If you plan on taking your Switch anywhere with you, you need a case that’s one of the best on the market. Big enough for a regular Switch or an OLED model, and plenty of room for cables, games, and an extra Joy-Con. Also available in a variety of colors and has a hard shell so it can take a hit or two. But that doesn’t mean you should drop it on purpose.
Nintendo Switch Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe By HORI
Premium Pick
Make Mario Kart feel real
The best way to play Mario Kart is with the official Mario Kart steering wheel. Hori’s Pro Deluxe model is even better than the regular versions as it comes with pedals for the most immersive Mario Kart experience.
- A pedal is also included
- Hori-made, an official Nintendo product
- Compatible with other racing games
- Much more expensive than smaller options
- Hitting the blue shell feels all too real
One of the biggest appeals of the Switch is not only playing exclusive games you can’t play anywhere else, but also playing games in unique ways from other platforms. If swinging the Joy-Con doesn’t get you to the same level as it used to, you might be able to with the racing wheel. Sitting with the steering wheel in your hands and the pedals at your feet gives a real Mario Kart feel that you really wouldn’t expect from a game where you can turn into a giant ball and knock people off the track, but here we are.
Nintendo Switch pillow holder
Children’s selection
Just passengers, I shouldn’t have to say that
When I was a kid, I was amazed by the appearance of small screens for watching movies on the backs of car seats. Now kids can play Nintendo Switch together while the car is on the go.
- Children are entertained
- Only one switch is needed for everyone in the back seat
- It can also hold tablets and other portable displays
- Wait until someone behind needs your help
- A bit pricey for what is essentially a couple of strips
Entertaining children or adults on long car journeys is difficult. Yes, it could be solved by handing them the Switch, but what if you have more than one person in the back of the car? Instead of buying a brand new Switch, grab this pillow mount and you can play together. Just don’t let them play for too long. As a child who suffers from motion sickness and seems to have passed that trait on to his son, staring at a screen for too long while traveling usually doesn’t end well.
Nintendo Switch Sports Accessories
Choice of family and friends
Keep an eye on your kids with these clubs and swords
$34 $40 Save $6
Switch Sports is great, but it’s even better when you have something more than a Joy-Con in your hand. This kit includes accessories for all sports to make them feel more natural while playing and maybe even improve your game.
- Add-ons for all six basic Switch Sports modes
- Compatible with other games like Mario Golf Rush
- A cheaper option is also available
- No official Nintendo license
- Be wary of anyone using longer attachments
One of the new features of the Switch is the ability to play interactive board games with family and friends. Nintendo Switch Sports may not have had the success of Wii Sports, probably because it wasn’t distributed for free with the console, but I’d still highly recommend picking up Switch Sports to melt the tension next time you have the family round. I’d also recommend picking up this accessory pack, as holding the Joy-Con just doesn’t give the full feel of playing its various modes. Just be careful when handing one of these golf clubs to your grandma. Even a wristband could do some damage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What equipment do I need for the Nintendo Switch?
Technically, you should receive everything you need to run your Switch with your console when you buy it. However, all of the above and other available add-ons can enhance your experience depending on what you’re looking for.
What is a good age to buy a Nintendo Switch?
The appropriate age for a child to start using the Switch ultimately depends on the games they play. I have a three year old son who loves to play on Switch and is more than capable of playing a variety of Kirby and other simple platform games suitable for all ages, especially co-op.