The Nintendo Switch 2 has been out for a few months now, and the accessory ecosystem has matured enough that we can separate the must-haves from the money-wasters. Whether you just bought a Switch 2 or you're looking to upgrade your setup, this guide covers every category of accessory worth your money.
Important: Most original Switch accessories do not fit the Switch 2. The 7.9-inch screen, magnetic Joy-Con 2 rails, and new form factor mean you need Switch 2-specific gear. Don't waste money on old stock.
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Screen Protectors (Essential) Carrying Cases Controllers MicroSD Express Cards Headsets Charging & DocksScreen Protectors — Buy This First
Non-negotiable. The Switch 2's 7.9-inch display is gorgeous and expensive to replace. A $9 screen protector is the cheapest insurance you'll ever buy.
amFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector (3-Pack)
BUYThree tempered glass protectors with alignment frame for bubble-free installation. Crystal clear, doesn't affect touchscreen sensitivity, and each one lasts months of heavy use. At $3 per protector, there's zero reason not to have one on your Switch 2 at all times.
Belkin Anti-Reflective Screen Protector
BUYIf you play outdoors or in bright rooms, the anti-reflective coating is worth the premium. Slightly reduces screen sharpness in exchange for dramatically better visibility in daylight. Officially licensed by Nintendo.
Carrying Cases
You're carrying around a $450 handheld. Protect it.
Turtle Beach PlayTrek Travel Case
BUYOur top pick. Hard exterior survives being tossed in a bag, interior is well-cushioned with room for the console (Joy-Cons attached) plus game cartridges and a charging cable. Comes in officially licensed Mario and Donkey Kong designs, plus clean charcoal and white options. A bit bulkier than Nintendo's first-party case, but significantly more protective.
tomtoc GameOn-G50 Carrying Case
BUYIf you want something slimmer than the Turtle Beach, the tomtoc G50 is a solid all-rounder. Hard shell protection, mesh pocket for cables, and a form factor that slides into most backpack pockets. Less room for extras, but more portable.
Controllers
Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
BUYThe gold standard. HD Rumble 2, GameChat support, a 3.5mm audio jack (finally), and two remappable back buttons on each handle. Buttons feel noticeably better than the original Pro Controller. Yes, $90 is steep — but if you play docked regularly, nothing else matches the experience. The battery lasts 40+ hours on a single charge.
8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless Controller
BUYThe best third-party option. TMR (tunnel magnetoresistance) sticks mean zero drift — ever. Comes with a charging dock, supports Switch 2 natively, and the build quality rivals Nintendo's own Pro Controller at $25 less. Hall effect triggers are a nice bonus for racing games. The only thing missing is HD Rumble 2.
MicroSD Express Cards
The Switch 2 ships with 256GB of internal storage — enough for a handful of big games, but not enough for a serious library. The Switch 2 supports the faster microSD Express standard, which significantly reduces load times compared to standard microSD cards.
Samsung EVO Select microSD Express 512GB
BUYThe sweet spot for most players. 512GB doubles your storage at a reasonable price. Samsung's reliability is proven across millions of Switch and Steam Deck users. Make sure you're buying the microSD Express version, not the standard microSDXC — the Switch 2 can use both, but Express cards load games noticeably faster.
SanDisk Extreme microSD Express 1TB
DEPENDSIf you're the type who wants your entire library installed at all times, 1TB gives you breathing room for years. But at nearly double the price of 512GB, most people won't fill it. Our verdict: start with 512GB and upgrade later if you need to. MicroSD prices only go down.
Headsets
The Switch 2 Pro Controller's new audio jack helps, but for the best experience — especially in handheld mode — you want a wireless headset with low-latency 2.4GHz, not just Bluetooth.
SteelSeries Arctis Nova 1 Wireless
BUYPlug the USB-C dongle into the Switch 2 dock or directly into the console in tabletop mode. Low-latency 2.4GHz connection, comfortable for long sessions, and the retractable mic is solid for online games. Also works with PC and PlayStation.
Charging & Docks
Anker Nano 65W USB-C Charger
BUYSmaller than a golf ball and powerful enough to charge the Switch 2 at full speed while you're playing. Also charges your phone and laptop. The foldable plug makes it travel-perfect. Every Switch 2 owner should have a backup charger, and this is the best one.
The Bottom Line
If you're buying your first accessories, prioritize in this order: screen protector (protect that $450 investment), carrying case (if you take it anywhere), microSD card (when you run out of space), and Pro Controller (when you start playing docked). Everything else is nice-to-have.
Looking for games to play on your new Switch 2? Check out our Best Switch 2 Games roundup for our top picks.