Here are our favorite controllers, dock alternatives, headsets, and more
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The Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED consoles come with everything that most people need to have a good time. For all models except the Switch Lite, you get two detachable Joy-Cons in the box for up to two-player gaming as well as a dock to play the console on your TV instead of in portable mode. But the experience of owning a Switch can improve with the right accessories, and we know which ones to recommend.
Whether you own a standard Switch, a Switch Lite, or a Switch OLED, Polygon’s Nintendo Switch accessories buying guide will set you up with our favorite add-ons. To make it easier to shop, we’ve split this guide into multiple categories, and you can click through the sections in the table of contents below.
One of the first purchases you should make after buying a Switch is a microSD card to insert into the bottom of your Switch console. It’ll give you more space for downloading games, which is something you may do a lot of on your Switch, unless you’re devoted to buying physical copies of games. For reference, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is 16 GB in size, which will take a huge chunk of out the Switch or Switch Lite’s 32 GB internal storage (and some Switch games are even bigger). The Switch OLED has 64 GB, but that will only last you so long.
Prices for high-capacity microSD cards keep falling as the years go by, and it’s relatively easy to find a 512 GB model for $40 to $50. I suggest getting the most capacious one you can afford, as to limit the likelihood of having to buy another in the future.
Prices taken at time of publishing.
The dock that comes with each Switch (excluding the Switch Lite model) is good at doing its basic job of displaying your games on a bigger screen while charging the console. However, its bulky design makes it difficult to bring around, and it’s tough to settle for that when smaller, no less capable alternatives are available. Genki’s Covert Dock Mini offers the two essential ports to connect your Switch to a TV, and it’s the size of a phone charger (and it can double as one, too).
Prices taken at time of publishing.
The Switch Pro controller is a bit on the pricey side at $69.99, but it’s a stellar value. Whether you play your Switch primarily in handheld mode or docked to your TV, it delivers a more ergonomic design with a longer-lasting battery than most controllers on the market.
Prices taken at time of publishing.
We highly suggest getting a screen protector for your Switch. This one covers the screen and bezel, so it’ll take the initial hit from a drop or a rough jab before the Switch’s panel gets damaged. Plus, given that the regular Switch and Switch Lite have plastic-coated displays, putting one of these on will make the screen look and feel a little more premium. The Switch OLED has a glass-covered screen, but you should still stick a protector on it anyway.
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Next, remedy the Switch’s lackluster Wi-Fi download speeds and improve online gaming performance with a gigabit-ready USB 3.0 to Ethernet adapter. Feed an Ethernet cable from your modem into the adapter, then plug it into one of the USB Type-A ports on your Switch’s TV dock. Note: if you own a Switch OLED, the dock that came with that console already has an Ethernet port, so in that case this adapter is unnecessary.
Prices taken at time of publishing.
In case you aren’t smitten with the tiny Joy-Con controllers that come bundled with the Switch and Switch OLED (or in case you’re looking for a less drift-prone alternative), there are some controllers that we recommend. I’m injecting my hands-on knowledge below with some of my favorite picks in addition to older options that we still love.
If you’re looking to upgrade your controller experience on the Nintendo Switch, you might want to consider the first-party alternative: the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
This standard-size controller fits most hands more comfortably than the Switch’s other alternative control scheme: two Joy-Cons affixed to the grip accessory that comes with the console. The Pro Controller has a size and weight similar to other controllers from Sony and Microsoft. This added bulk makes the controller feel more familiar and comfortable. It has a dedicated D-pad, larger face buttons, more prominent analog sticks, and much easier-to-hit shoulder buttons. Unlike the Joy-Cons in their grip, which is two small controllers trying to act like one large controller, the Pro Controller feels like a complete package. It also has an amiibo reader, HD rumble, and a gyroscope.
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Here’s a likely scenario for many Switch owners: You may already own Xbox or PlayStation controllers, and purchasing one or several new controllers isn’t viable.
Thankfully, there’s an option that’ll let you use your preexisting controllers with your Switch. Just buy 8BitDo’s $19.99 USB Adapter 2 transmitter, which plugs into one of the USB ports of your Switch’s dock.
Prices taken at time of publishing.
With a push of a button on the dongle, you can pair a controller dating back to the Wii and PS3 era (you’ll need two USB Adapter 2s if you want to pair two of the supported controllers). After connecting my PlayStation 5’s DualSense, I was shocked to be able to play Splatoon 3 with accurate rumble and motion control support. Granted, the on-screen button prompts in Switch games may not accurately reflect the buttons on your controller, but this is a good, affordable option if you’re operating on a strict budget.
Design-wise, the $69.70 GuliKit KingKong 2 Pro feels like an Xbox wireless controller — bumpers, triggers, and all. However, it matches the feature set of the Switch Pro gamepad, including amiibo support and rumble (the haptics aren’t as satisfying as Nintendo’s). It supports Bluetooth, and it has a mode-switching button that lets it connect to more than just your Switch. However, its drift-resistance Hall effect analog sticks are its biggest selling point, and might warrant the cost for you. (Note: A very similar model by GuliKit called the Zen Pro is available at Target for $59.99)
Prices taken at time of publishing.
A similar version, called the Zen Pro, is available exclusively at Target stores for $59.99.
I’ll keep the jargon brief: Most controllers use potentiometer analog sticks, which eventually become less accurate due to a number of factors that this iFixit article lays out nicely. Instead of developing drift over time, GuliKit’s sticks seem to avoid it thanks to the Hall effect technology, which relies on magnets to keep its sensors accurate. Note that this feature isn’t necessarily something you can feel functioning in the moment, but it’s reassuring nevertheless if you don’t want to replace your controller for this reason in the future.
Like the GuliKit option above, 8BitDo’s Ultimate Bluetooth controller has Hall effect sticks (made by GuliKit, no less). It’s also a $69.99 option, though it comes closer to mimicking the design of Nintendo Switch Pro Controller (albeit with no amiibo support). Some notable improvements, however, include its two rear back paddles that can be customized within 8BitDo’s PC or mobile app. In addition to connecting via Bluetooth to Switch, mobile, PC, and other platforms, it includes a charging dock that connects via USB-C. It houses an 8BitDo Adapter 2 transmitter, allowing the controller to communicate with it via a reliable 2.4 GHz connection. You get a little more for your money with the 8BitDo controller versus GuliKit’s, though you might prefer one design over the other.
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Compatible with PC, Steam Deck, Switch
The $49.99 Hori Split Pad Pro is a pair of detachable controllers that you can use in place of the much smaller standard Joy-Cons. These large gamepads significantly increase the bulk of the Switch, making them more comfortable for those with larger hands. They also have bigger... just about everything. The sticks, triggers, and buttons feel akin to other console controllers. However, they miss out on Joy-Con-exclusive functionality, like rumble, amiibo support, and the ability to operate while disconnected from the Switch; these only work when attached to it.
We praised the Split Pad Pro for most games in our review, and we found it was especially helpful when playing games with complicated control schemes, like Monster Hunter Rise, among many others. The gamepads even have additional buttons on the back that you can assign to customize your experience.
If you prefer a smaller, more colorful alternative, Hori makes the Split Pad Compact, which currently costs $39.99 at Amazon. I tested out that model for The Verge, and I prefer its design over the larger model. However, it has similar features (and can’t work when detached from the console).
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Special mention: If you suffer from chronic pain and it makes using the Switch in portable mode a no-go for any period of time (or you want to more easily play your Switch in bed), you might want to check out this peripheral. It was featured in my colleague Nicole Clark’s post from Polygon’s Training Mode special issue. By detaching your Switch’s Joy-Cons, you can clamp the Switch (or another screen) onto this articulating stand so that you can view it wherever it’s most comfortable for you to look at. It was originally priced at $29.99, but you can usually find it for a few dollars less at Amazon.
Prices taken at time of publishing.
The best set of headphones for your Switch might be the ones you already own. If you’re happy with plugging in a wired set into the console’s 3.5 mm jack, then you probably don’t need to upgrade. However, if it’s wireless connectivity that you’re after, there are many options ranging in price. It’s true that the long-awaited Switch Bluetooth audio support that arrived in 2021 allows you to connect anything from AirPods to high-end, over-ear noise-canceling headphones. That’s great, in theory. But in my experience, the high audio latency makes it a non-starter, especially in games where you need to rely on sound cues for success. You ought to try it yourself, as your experience may vary.
Keep in mind that any headset that ships with a USB audio transmitter will work fine (those can range wildly in price, design, and in terms of features). For a simpler list, these are the low-latency wireless headsets that I’d recommend to most people.
In the sea of options, Logitech’s G435 Lightspeed stands out with its low price and a list of features that goes on and on. It’s common to find some color schemes selling for less than $50, and at that, you’re getting a comfortable (big heads beware — it’s on the small side in terms of sizing) headset that can deliver low-latency audio when its included USB-A 2.4 GHz transmitter is plugged into your Switch’s dock. (Note: It also works perfectly when plugged into a PC or PlayStation.)
This headset can also connect to devices via Bluetooth, and a button on its ear cup makes it easy to switch between wireless modes if you want to take a phone call (sadly, it can’t stream in-game and Bluetooth audio simultaneously). While its design isn’t as tough or as unassuming as some pricier headsets, its pop of color might be what you’re after.
Prices taken at time of publishing.
(G435 Lightspeed photography provided by Amelia Holowaty Krales at The Verge.)
For something completely different, Logitech makes these gaming earbuds that can morph to the shape of your inner ear. The G Fits have a one-time setup that uses light to heat up the gel-tipped insert, giving them a custom fit that’s for your ears only. It’s an interesting feature, but it’s the performance, comfort, and features that sold me on the G Fits. They originally sold for a whopping $229.99, but it’s common to find them for about $50 off.
Thanks to their customized fit, games and other media sound excellent, and they arrive in a small charging case. There’s a small USB-A 2.4 GHz transmitter included that can plug into your Switch’s dock. In case you want to use them on the go, Logitech included a USB-A-to-C converter, so you can plug the transmitter directly into the Switch (this works great with other consoles, too).
Prices taken at time of publishing.
The G Fits can toggle between wireless modes by triple-tapping on the outside surface of either earbud, so it’s easy to flip between devices. Given that the G Fits are a slightly modified version of the UE Fits (from the Logitech-owned Ultimate Ears), you get all of the same perks that our sister site The Verge wrote about in their review. But this model packs in a little extra battery life and, of course, the ability to tether to Logitech’s low-latency Lightspeed USB dongle. If $229.99 is too pricey for now, wait until you can find a deal on the G Fits, then take the plunge. I’ll be searching for more affordable alternatives in the meantime.
The Switch dock that Nintendo includes is useful, but bulky when bringing it along on trips. If you don’t want to take a chance on a USB-C hub that may or may not work as intended, check out Genki’s dock replacements that are as small as phone chargers. Its $49.99 Covert Dock Mini has a USB-C port (20 W charging) and an HDMI port with 4K/30 frames per second support — more than you need to output your Switch’s interface to a TV or monitor. In addition to serving as a Switch dock that fits in your pocket, it’s compatible with any device that can output video via USB-C, like the Steam Deck, some iPads, Android phones, and laptops.
Prices taken at time of publishing.
For a slightly more robust set of ports, the slightly larger and more expensive $59.99 Covert Dock 2 can connect your Switch to a TV with its USB-C and HDMI inputs, plus you can plug in a USB-A accessory. It can charge a little faster than the 20 W Covert Dock Mini, too, thanks to its 45 W charging, and it can display up to 4K at 60 frames per second. This model can also be used with a host of other gadgets, serving just as well as a USB-C hub for your iPad, laptop, and more.
Prices taken at time of publishing.
The Nintendo Switch consoles have a decent battery life when playing in handheld mode, but they won’t last as long as, say, your phone. If you’re away from your dock and need to charge the system after a few hours of intense gameplay, you can simply plug a USB-C cable into the console (chances have never been higher that it’s the same connector your laptop or phone uses). This charger will also work great with the Steam Deck, as they have the same kind of charging connector.
If you don’t already have a wall plug for recharging your Switch, they’re inexpensive and plentiful in terms of sizes, colors, and charging speeds. You can’t go wrong by getting an additional Nintendo-branded Switch charger, like the one that comes with each Switch console. Those are $29.99.
Prices taken at time of publishing.
For something that’s a little more powerful and has two USB-C ports, Anker’s 47 W Nano 3 wall charger is a decent deal at $29.99 from Amazon. It can charge a Switch at its fastest charging speed, and you have an extra port to charge your phone or another gadget. However, you’ll have to supply the USB-C cable. (Thankfully, those are affordable. This two-pack of Anker six-foot USB-C-to-C cables costs $15.99.)
Prices taken at time of publishing.
However, if you’re not near an outlet, you can always use a portable battery to charge the console as you play. At this point in the Switch’s life cycle, it’s difficult to find affordable options that aren’t a good fit for your Nintendo Switch. In my opinion, get the battery with the biggest capacity (usually listed as mAh) and the fastest wattage that your budget allows. Here are two batteries that offer a good value at a low price:
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Includes two cables: a USB-C-to-C cable and a USB-C-to-A cable.
If you prefer digital versus physical copies of games, you’ll want one of your first accessory purchases to be a high-capacity microSD card. The Switch and Switch Lite include 32 GB of onboard storage, while the Switch that has an OLED screen doubles it to 64 GB. Either way, a handful of games will likely fill it up completely, so we recommend getting either a 256 GB or a 512 GB microSD card to get the best value over time. The larger capacity on your card, the more games you can store on the system to play at any time.
Compared to when the Switch launched in 2017, there are plenty of deals on microSD cards, making it more affordable to get more storage. It might be tempting to get one of the Nintendo-licensed SanDisk microSD cards, like this cute 512 GB Animal Crossing-themed card, or one that has a star from the Super Mario Bros. franchise, but these tend to upcharge for the cosmetic look. Instead, get one of these models that delivers more storage for your money.
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Prices taken at time of publishing.
These Nintendo Switch games come with accessories for one-of-a-kind gameplay experiences, working in tandem with the Switch’s hardware and getting you moving.
Ring Fit Adventure is part fitness journey, part role-playing game. To play, you must use a special controller accessory called the Ring-Con as well as a leg strap (both included with the game, totaling about $70) to squeeze out chest presses, jumping jacks, and other workout activities. Your physical movement determines your progress through the story, and it scales to your comfort level.
The workouts are legit but are great even for fitness newcomers. Regardless of your athletic prowess, you’ll grow along with the game’s story. The ever-useful resource that is howlongtobeat.com claims that completing the main story and extra challenges takes 64 hours.
Prices taken at time of publishing.
Outdoor Cable Connector Update (Jan. 18): Checked links and prices for accuracy.