First, make sure it really is a Switch 2. The original Switch and Switch 2 look similar, and accessories don't all cross over. Our console guide shows how to tell them apart.
Storage: the most useful gift
Switch 2 games can be large, and the Switch 2 can only run games from a microSD Express card, a newer, faster type of card. Regular microSD cards, including any they used with an original Switch, can only hold copied screenshots and videos.
microSD Express card
SanDisk sells cards officially licensed for Nintendo Switch 2 in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB. 256GB is a solid upgrade, and 512GB suits heavy players. Look for "microSD Express" on the package, not just "microSD".
See microSD Express cardsStorage is one of the most reliable Black Friday discounts. Our storage guide goes deeper.
Controllers
| Accessory | Official US price | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Switch 2 Pro Controller | $89.99 | More comfortable for long sessions. Has a C Button for GameChat, an audio jack and built-in amiibo support. |
| Joy-Con 2 pair | $99.99 | A second set for two-player games. Original Joy-Con don't attach to a Switch 2. |
| Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip | $39.99 (Nintendo Store) | Turns a pair of Joy-Con 2 into a comfortable controller that charges as you play. Doesn't work with original Joy-Con. |
See Pro Controllers See Joy-Con 2
Already have original Switch controllers? They work with compatible Switch 2 games, so a second controller may not be needed for every household.
Camera, case and dock
- Nintendo Switch 2 Camera. Only needed for video in GameChat; voice works without it. Other compatible USB-C cameras work too, and GameChat requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Some party games, like Super Mario Party Jamboree's Switch 2 Edition, also use the camera. See cameras
- A carrying case and screen protector. Nintendo's All-in-One Carrying Case holds the system, dock, Joy-Con 2 and six game cards. A simple case plus a screen protector is enough for most people. See our protection guide. See cases
- A second dock for a bedroom or vacation TV. Nintendo's Dock Set includes the dock, power adapter and cables.
Games and membership
The Switch 2 library has grown quickly. Popular picks this year include Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza, Pokémon Pokopia, Nintendo Switch Sports Resort and the Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake (November 5). Our best Switch 2 games list has more, and our age guides cover 6–8 and 9–12.
Nintendo Switch Online is required for online play and GameChat, and the Expansion Pack adds classic N64, Genesis and Game Boy Advance games, plus GameCube classics on Switch 2. See membership prices.
What to avoid
- Regular microSD cards. They won't store Switch 2 games.
- Original Switch accessories for attachment. Original Joy-Con and some docks and cases don't fit the Switch 2.
- Switch 2 games for an original Switch owner. Switch 2 games don't run on the original Switch.
- A used Switch 2 without checks. Some used units have been banned from online services. See buying a used console.
Our full Switch 2 accessories guide goes deeper. Back to the main gift guide.
Quick answers
What memory card does the Switch 2 use?
The Switch 2 runs games only from microSD Express cards. Regular microSD cards can only receive copied screenshots and videos. SanDisk sells cards officially licensed for Nintendo Switch 2 in 256GB, 512GB and 1TB sizes.
Do original Switch controllers work on Switch 2?
Yes, with compatible games, including many Switch 2 games, unless a game needs Joy-Con 2 features like mouse controls. They can't wake the console from sleep, and they don't have the C Button for GameChat.
Do you need a camera for GameChat?
Only for video. Voice chat works without one. Video needs the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera or another compatible USB-C camera, and GameChat itself requires a Nintendo Switch Online membership.
How much is a Switch 2 Pro Controller?
$89.99 in the US, after Nintendo's August 2025 accessory price changes.
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