1. The Quick List
2. Best controller
3. Best racing wheel
4. Best dock
5. Best case
6. Best Joy-Con alternative
7. Best screen protector
8. Best SD card
9. Best Joy-Con charger
10. Best headset
11. Best budget earbuds
12. Best capture card
13. Best portable charger
The best Nintendo Switch accessories have a lot of competition. There's a lot of cheap tat out there aiming itself at Switch fans, but among the bargain buys you'll also find a massive range of genuinely handy (and reliable) gadgets to enhance your setup. From headsets to racing wheels, capture cards that can cast to any screen to Joy-Con alternatives that provide far more comfort there's plenty to choose from right now.
We've had our hands wrapped around a wide range of Nintendo Switch accessories - testing the all latest tech hitting the shelves to work out which ones are worth your time. Many Nintendo Switch bundles already offer plenty of extra gear to get you set up from day one, but filling those gaps can enrich your gaming handheld and docked play no end. From keeping your console protected to upgrading your storage, we're rounding up all the best models and brands to add to your collection right here. You can head straight to the gear of your choice using the menu on the left, or settle in for the ride and peruse some of our must-have recommendations.
We've been through all the latest and greatest peripherals to show you exactly which the best Nintendo Switch accessories really are. We're also going all over the price range here, so many of these gadgets also double up as excellent gifts for gamers.
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The quick list
The best controller
With those super snappy thumbsticks and a more traditional gamepad form factor, the Pro Controller is a must-have for docked mode fans.
The best racing wheel
There aren't many racing wheels for the Nintendo Switch, but Hori has stepped up with this excellent Mario-inspired set of controls.
The best dock
The Genki Covert Dock is a traveller's best friend, combining a charger and dock into one handy brick. All you need is an HDMI and USB-C cable and you can play on whatever big screen you have to had.
The best case
Whether you're rocking the standard edition or an OLED model, Orzly's Nintendo Switch case has your back with plenty of accessory and game storage.
The best Joy-Con alternative
The Hori Split Pad Pro brings excellent ergonomics, programmable back buttons, and a turbo feature to handheld play - and is available in a range of unique designs.
The best screen protector
Available for both the standard and OLED editions, Spigen's screen protectors stand the test of time and won't break the bank. This is a must-have for keeping that console safe.
Load the next 6 products ↴
The best SD card
128GB is the sweet spot for anyone picking up their first Nintendo Switch SD card. You'll be able to store around 18 first party games on here, based on the average file size.
The best Joy-Con charging stand
If you've got a healthy collection of Joy-Con, you'll know how difficult it is to keep everyone charged up. This four-controller stand keeps everything juiced and makes a great display. You'll see the status of each controller via an LED as well.
The best headset
With a simple plug and play USB-C connection, comfortable form factor, and subtle design - all packed into an affordable price tag, the Razer Barracuda X is our favorite headset for Switch. You're even getting a Bluetooth option as well.
The best budget earbuds
At just $25 / £25 Roccat's Syn Buds Core are super cheap and can easily hide away in your carry case until you're in need of some easy audio.
The best capture card
Besides being a budget capture card for Switch, the Genki ShadowCast also allows you to use your console on any laptop screen you have available. That's particularly handy.
The best portable charger
Anker's 26800mAh PowerCore can keep your console powered up and fully charged while on the go, perfect for longer flights or road trips.
The best controller for Nintendo Switch
Sometimes Joy-Cons aren’t enough; sometimes you want something a bit more precise. That's where the official Nintendo Pro Controller comes in.
✅ You prefer a more traditional gamepad: The classic gamepad style has gone out the window in the Switch's design. If you prefer to relax with a chunkier grip in docked mode, the Pro Controller is an excellent option.
✅ Joy-Con aren't precise enough: We noticed the thumbsticks to be particularly snappy and accurate - much more so than the Joy-Con. If you're playing games that require precision, we'd swap to the full controller.
✅ You want to keep NFC and rumble features: There are cheaper PDP and PowerA options out there, but they often drop NFC Amiibo and rumble features to keep their prices low.
❌ You just want another multiplayer option: If you're just stocking up your multiplayer controller options, the Pro Controller is going to prove to expensive to really be valuable.
❌ You don't need Amiibo or rumble features: Of course, if you do want to spend less and you don't need those fancy extras, PowerA and PDP's cheaper alternatives are getting better with every release.
This classically-styled handset has a layout that draws on everything from the Gamecube to Xbox One, and it’s a must-have for games like Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or Splatoon 2. It's accurate, comfortable, and reliable.
Don't think it's a cheeky money spinner for Nintendo that you won't get any benefit from, either. Pick one up and you can immediately tell that it's a premium controller. Textured handles provided plenty of much-needed precision in our testing, and we found that the thumbsticks provide far greater control than those of the Joy-Con as well, particularly in fiddly titles like Fuser.
We did find, however, that the face buttons are a strangely high profile compared to the rest of the body, and could be more comfortable with slightly rounded edges. We were also impressed by the overall balance and feel as well, noting the solid design with no hollow plastic noises.
Sure, you can pick up similar 'pro controllers' for a lot less from other manufacturers (like the generally excellent PowerA). However, you’re better off with the official Nintendo model in our experience. Not only is the build-quality excellent, it boasts Amiibo functionality that third-party alternatives lack.
Read more: Nintendo Switch Pro Controller review
The best racing wheel for Nintendo Switch
✅ You've got all you can out of Mario Kart 8: If you've played the classic kart racer for as many hours as we have you're likely looking for a way to shake things up. This racing wheel is perfect for finding new fun ways to play, even if your performance might take a hit at first.
✅ You play multiple different racing games: This isn't just a Mario Kart device, though - thanks to the remappable buttons you can configure this wheel to work with a massive range of racing games.
✅ You've got plenty of storage space: Like all racing wheels, this thing can take up some serious space. Make sure you've got a solid amount of cupboard space.
❌ You're buying for younger kids: There's a smaller, lighter version of the Hori racing wheel that is far better for little hands.
❌ You'll be relying on the suction cups: If you don't have a table suitable for the clamp, it might be time to think twice. In our testing the included suction cups did nothing to hold the wheel in place.
If you're looking to breathe new life into your copy of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, look no further than Hori's Pro Deluxe racing wheel. This is one of the very few full-sized racing wheels available for Nintendo Switch (a smaller Mini version is better suited for kids), and offers a surprisingly impressive experience despite coming in at just under $100 / £100.
270º degrees of movement in the wheel may be a little short for PC pros, but serves Mario Karters just fine, and with a fully programmable deck you're sorted for pretty much every title you can throw at it as well. Add in some thoughtful extras - remappable back buttons, a dedicated Item button, and a solid level of sensitivity customization - and you've got excellent value for money overall.
We did find the design lent itself far better to being attached via the full clamp rather than the unreliable suction cups included in the box, but apart from that setup is quick and easy. The whole system plugs into your Nintendo Switch dock via a USB-A cable, with the pedals connecting to the wheel base directly. From there, you'll just need to boot up your console and you're away - no need to configure tricky settings (for Mario Kart at least), everything works straight out the box.
If you do stray from Rainbow Road, there's a handy switch up top to toggle different control schemes which, combined with the programmable buttons, means you can quickly set up for other games as well.
The majority of these clickers are easily reachable and well placed, though we did find that Item button to be pretty much unusable in more frantic Mario Kart sessions. It was far easier to map the back buttons to hold items in different directions, rather than reaching the thumb all the way over to the centre of the wheel every time.
Read more: Hori Mario Kart Racing Wheel Pro Deluxe review
The best dock for Nintendo Switch
The Genki Covert Dock is a revelation. Not only are you getting a wall adapter to plug your Switch in (as well as the USB-C cable), but this device is primarily designed to offer a portable third party dock for on the go play.
✅ You regularly travel with your Switch: Being able to hook up your console to any TV with an HDMI cable while on the road is a godsend. If you regularly take your handheld with you on trips, this is a must-see.
✅ You want to use other accessories in docked mode: The USB-A port on the full Genki Covert Dock means you can wire other accessories into the device - a major benefit over the smaller Covert Dock Mini.
✅ You want an all-in-one charger for other devices: That USB-A port also comes in handy for your phone, watch, or headphones. Yes, many of these devices can be charged via a USB-C - USB-C connection but you've got more options here.
❌ You want to pack as light as possible: The Covert Dock is much larger than the Mini model, so while it's still definitely pocket sized it's not the best option for those looking to keep things as light as possible.
❌ You don't need a USB-A port: Of course, if you won't use that USB-A port there's no point in spending on it. The Mini is cheaper and more portable.
❌ You want fast charging capabilities: That 30W charging capacity isn't going to compete with newer adapters. This isn't a dock that can double up as a fast charger.
At the time of writing, we've been using the Covert Dock for months and have no concerns over the safety to our console. In fact, this is the best Nintendo Switch accessory in our arsenal right now.
The Covert Dock never presented us with any visual stuttering or power drops during testing, though we did note the 30W charging capacity was considerably lower than other, sometimes cheaper, competitors. That means it's not quite an all-in-one solution for keeping your phone and laptop topped up on the go at the same time, but it's certainly better than slinging a whole official dock into your backpack.
Simply hook an HDMI cable up to your TV (we tested and were satisfied with cables of up to 8m), connect your Switch via the included USB-C cable and you're good to go. Setup was a straight plug and play affair across all our travels.
The adapter design of the Covert Dock itself means you won't be slotting this neatly into a standard clamshell case, but it will still tuck itself into any corner of a backpack particularly well. Plus, it's good to know that you're also getting three international outlet adapters in the box as well - for UK, US, EU and Australian outlet types. Just remember, the Genki Covert Dock won't work for the Nintendo Switch Lite.
Special mention must also be made of the Genki Covert Dock Mini. If you're after a smaller adapter, but you're happy to drop a USB-A port, it's the perfect travel companion. It doesn't quite beat the full device on this list, though, as dropping that USB-A compatibility does limit its use as a general travel device and kills a range of accessories as well.
Read more: Genki Covert Dock review
The best case for Nintendo Switch
✅ You want to keep a few games handy: There's space for eight game cartridges built into this case - perfect if you want to keep some favorites close to hand.
✅ You have either a Switch or Switch OLED: Orzly's case has been designed to fit both the standard edition Switch and the OLED model, despite the latter being slightly larger.
❌ You want to store extra Joy-Con: Don't let that picture fool you, we wouldn't recommend storing extra Joy-Con in the mesh pouch. When closed everything is a little too close together to guarantee the safety of your thumbsticks.
❌ You have particularly bulky accessories to transport: There isn't enough space in here for larger accessories - if you're bringing extra controllers or a dock along we'd recommend something a little more substantial.
A strong case is one of the best Nintendo Switch accessories you'll buy. Orzly takes the kitchen-sink approach to storage; this case will fit the console, smaller accessories, games, cables, and SD cards inside without any fuss. We would think twice about throwing those pictured Joy-Con in the mesh pouch - once closed this is a tight squeeze that might damage those thumbsticks. Considering the overall form factor, though, there's still plenty of space for other kit.
It'll keep the console safe as houses while you're out and about, with a durable EVA shell keeping everything drop-safe. This isn't a rugged case, and there could be more padding between the inner cushioning and outer shell so it's strictly for standard everyday use.
This model is also compatible with the OLED model, thanks to the extra wiggle room the brand built into the shell itself. Your Joy-Con will all still neatly fall into the indented hard shell, with plenty of room leftover up top for accessories, cleaning cloths, and headphones. You're also getting space for eight games in the screen cover as well.
In short, the Orzly is easily one of the best Nintendo Switch cases on the market right now. There's even a Switch Lite version, so users of the handheld-only console don't have to miss out.
The best Joy-Con alternative for Nintendo Switch
✅ You want a cheaper Joy-Con replacement: The Hori Split Pad Pro controllers by themselves come in significantly cheaper than Nintendo's own Joy-Con. That's excellent if you're after an alternative in a pinch.
✅ You want a more comfortable handheld grip: The biggest benefit of the Split Pad Pro is the considerably more comfortable form factor. If you struggle with the smaller size of Nintendo's own controllers this is a must-see.
✅ You want more button options: There are two bonus back buttons on these controllers, which can be remapped quickly and easily to provide easy access to your most used commands.
❌ You value rumble and NFC: Like many third party options there's no rumble or Amiibo functionalities in here.
❌ You want wireless multiplayer options: The Split Pad Pro comes in the form of two separate gamepads that slide onto the Switch itself, but neither of these controllers work wirelessly. That means you're not getting the added multiplayer benefits of traditional Joy-Con here.
The Hori Split Pad Pro is perfect for anyone looking for a cheaper set of replacement Joy-Con or those who find the original controllers a little too small to comfortable settle in with. Anyone who has spent hours cramped around a set of tiny Joy-Con will immediately feel the relief of the Split Pad Pro - these gamepads are still connected to our console daily, making them one of the best Nintendo Switch accessories easily.
To get some housekeeping out of the way, no - these controllers won't work wirelessly. That means you won't be passing one half of the gamepad system over to a friend for multiplayer action, which is something to consider if you're looking to maximise your available controllers. However, for single player endeavours the Hori Split Pad Pro absolutely shines.
We found everything from the additional precision in the thumbsticks to the vastly more ergonomic form factor to be game changing in our testing. The full sized controls make aiming and even using the face buttons more precise and comfortable and the chunkier legs and grippy texture make relaxing with the console in the palms particularly cozy. Yes, that extra size does kill the sleek Nintendo Switch vibe, and won't travel in a standard clamshell carry case, but the comfort and additional performance is well worth it in our opinion.
There are other tradeoffs to consider, though. There's no NFC, rumble, or motion controls baked in here - swapping in for remappable back buttons and a turbo function. If you rarely use these extra Joy-Con features, the Split Pad Pro is a no-brainer, but we did start to miss the feedback of a successful Pokemon Legends Arceus hunt after a little while. You are, however, spending far less on a set of the gamepads by themselves (attachment set notwithstanding) than you would on a new set of Ninty's finest.
The Hori Split Pad Pro is for those after comfort in handheld mode first and foremost. Yes, they drop a few features to get you such an ergonomic gamepad at such a low price, but solo players struggling with cramp can't make a better purchase.
Read more: Hori Split Pad Pro review
The best screen protector for Nintendo Switch
✅ You want to keep your screen safe: If you regularly play in handheld mode, especially while you're out and about this is a must-buy.
❌ You have a Switch Lite: This model won't fit the smaller screen of the handheld-only Switch, though you will find alternatives that do.
If you're after long-lasting protection the Spigen tempered glass Nintendo Switch screen protector is one of the best options on the market. We didn't bother with our standard edition console back in 2017 and needless to say when the OLED model turned up these screen protectors were the first thing we bought. You're getting two panels here, so you've always got another spare and a second chance to apply it correctly if necessary.
At 9H hardness, you'll be protecting your screen from scratches, bumps, and scrapes while also still being able to see your screen in full brightness and clarity. That's something you don't tend to get from cheaper screen protectors, so it's worth shelling out just a little extra for this Spigen model.
It's worth noting, though, that this is only compatible with the full Nintendo Switch.
The best SD card for Nintendo Switch
✅ You're buying your first Nintendo Switch memory card: 128GB is a lot for a first card, but it's going to fill up quickly - and you'll want to keep space on here for as long as you can.
✅ You want enough space for around 18 first party games: The average Nintendo Switch first party game weighs around 6 - 8GB, which means you'll be able to comfortably fit a good range of larger titles on here - and plenty more smaller games as well.
❌ You already have a substantial library: If you're upgrading your memory card, or you've already built a substantial backlog of eShop titles, it's worth investing in something a little larger.
❌ You play mostly physical games: Of course, if you don't plan on downloading these larger games, 128GB isn't going to make much sense. We'd still recommend a 64GB card to make sure you're covered for updates and save files though.
Regardless of the version you have (be it a classic Switch or the new Switch Lite), a drawback to the latest Nintendo console is its limited storage space. As ruthless as you are with deleting old games and keeping a lean roster, you'll still quickly find yourself running out of space on the base storage alone. You’ll only get 32GB of internal memory out of the box, and this won’t carry you far. Not only are games getting larger, but updates, and DLC take up a lot of memory these days. That’s why SD cards are one of the best Nintendo Switch accessories to pick up on day one.
You can start with a clean slate, without worrying about filling your console with that first eShop binge. If you're upgrading to a larger card, you'll likely want to pick up something larger than this 128GB model, though SanDisk produces Nintendo Switch friendly memory cards all the way up the scale. They'll boost your system’s storage by a long way, and they aren’t too pricey either.
We’d recommend the SanDisk Ultra 128GB card for most players starting out or upgrading from a smaller 64GB card. This is enough for roughly 18 first party games or a load of smaller titles, so it’ll definitely keep you going for a while. We'd say it's one of the best Nintendo Switch SD cards overall.
The best Joy-Con charging stand for Nintendo Switch
✅ You have up to three sets of Joy-Con: With two sets of Joy-Con sitting on the charger and a third connected to your console, the Hori stand is perfect for those with three sets in total. Any more and you've still got some gamepads out of juice.
✅ You have a wall outlet to spare: The whole stand can charge off the USB-A port on the Nintendo Switch dock. However, you'll get a faster charge when plugged into a wall outlet.
❌ You don't have extra Joy-Con sets: If you don't have any extra Joy-Con sets it's worth holding off until you've built a collection. Your controllers automatically charge off the console when docked, so there's no need for this extra accessory.
If you've got more Joy-Con than consoles (and with all the color choice, who doesn't), then you might have a hard time keeping them all ready and juiced up before a big Mario Kart tournament. The Switch doesn't offer a way of keeping these controllers charged by themselves - you generally have to slide them onto the handheld itself and dock the whole device to add extra juice. The Hori Joy-Con Charge Stand can keep up to four of your gamepads charging at once - perfect for keeping all your dinky controllers ready to go.
Not only is it a handy Nintendo Switch accessory in its own right, but you can also plug this model directly into your Switch dock to keep those cables down. However, we'd recommend finding a wall outlet if you're looking for a particularly speedy charge. LEDs will let you know the status of your controller batteries, and each controller slots neatly in with a rail system similar to that of the console itself.
It's also worth noting that the cable is particularly short. That's no big deal if you've got space to the side of your dock, but if you're trailing wires around a larger setup you might need to make some changes.
The best headset for Nintendo Switch
✅ You play in handheld mode on the go: The Barracuda X's Bluetooth and USB-C 2.4GHz dongle make it perfect for quality gaming on the go, especially considering there's a solid battery life as well.
✅ You want to double up on use cases: The subtle form factor, portable swivel design, and music performance means the Barracuda Xs can easily double up as a normal set of headphones as well.
✅ EQ settings don't interest you: If you don't want all the faff of setting up the perfect equalizer balance, the plug and play nature of the Barracuda X is perfect. Of course, you can still quickly tweak in the mobile app - but there's no intimidating dials and levels to concern yourself with here.
❌ You want to fall back on a wired connection: The Barracuda X doesn't provide power for its wired connection, which means you're missing out on key audio features when you hook up a 3.5mm cable. We noticed sound was significantly impacted when tethering up.
The 2022 Razer Barracuda X is the best Nintendo Switch headset on the market right now, thanks to its simple plug and play design and excellent audio quality. We still use the Razer Barracuda X across a wide range of platforms, it's become a daily driver.
It was refreshing to find a stripped back approach to features when we got our hands on this headset. There's no expensive extra features in here to inflate that price tag and compete with esports-grade cups; just a solid set of headphones with a clear focus on sound quality and everyday quality of life. The 2022 version goes one further than its 2021 predecessor as well, with Bluetooth compatibility to round out the full package. That means you'll be able to easily slip these on during daily commutes and there's even Razer Audio app compatibility for EQ settings as well.
Don't be fooled by that easy USB-C wireless connection, super comfortable earcups, and impressive directional audio - this is still a particularly affordable piece of kit. In fact, one of the most compelling aspects of the Razer Barracuda X's prowess in the Nintendo Switch accessories arena is its value for money. You're getting some pretty powerful audio here - all for under $100 / £100.
We tested the Barracuda X across consoles, and were pleased to find a nicely balanced sound profile, with some excellent detailing in the mid-ranges and the power to blast when the time was right. That's because the bass is slightly emphasized here, but in an appreciate-your-shotgun-boom way, rather than the growling fuzz we usually hear in headsets in this price range. It's also one of the most comfortable headsets we've had the pleasure of sinking some longer sessions into; never pinching the ear thanks to that thicker padding, and keeping temperatures low all at the same time.
Because of that no-nonsense design, the Razer Barracuda X is perfectly tuned to use with the Nintendo Switch. There's a solid battery life here (we generally only need to charge once a week), you're not spending too much to worry about taking these cups out and about with you, and that USB-C wireless connection slots straight into the console's form factor as well.
Read more: Razer Barracuda X (2022) review
The best budget earbuds for Nintendo Switch
✅ You want a spare pair of headphones for Switch: The Syn Buds Core have a permanent place in our Switch case, it's just so handy having a solid sounding set of earbuds ready to go whenever you need them - with no charging concerns.
✅ Budgets are tight: The $24.99 MSRP is particularly low - but you're still getting a solid experience overall. Being able to listen to your games on the go doesn't always require fancy features - so keeping things simple can save you plenty of cash.
✅ You play games with a lighter soundstage: While these buds can struggle in heaver stages, lighter melodies and sound effects shone through particularly well in our testing.
❌ You want the best audio quality possible: Obviously, a $25 set of earbuds isn't going to compete with a more expensive gaming headset. If you're chasing high quality audio, you won't find it here.
❌ A wireless connection is a must: Outside of handheld Nintendo Switch play, that 3.5mm connection is going to be a little limiting.
The Roccat Syn Buds Core are the perfect travel companion for your Nintendo Switch. Cheap enough not to worry about too much, and without the curses of batteries and Bluetooth connections to hold you back, the Syn Buds Core excel in their simplicity.
Sure, they're going to struggle to hold their own against more premium models, and certainly can't offer the all encompassing soundstage of an over-ear set of headphones, but keeping these ready to go is going to be much handier than you might think. Of course, during our initial testing period we were using these buds as a daily driver, but since then they have held pride of place in our carry case and are regularly brought into action.
We were particularly impressed by the comfortable design. After being raised on hard plastic earbuds (and the friction injuries they cause after longer sessions), it was surprising not to feel any fatigue even after hours of use. It was also easy to acclimatise to the feel and balance here as well.
Super Mario Sunshine's harmonic melodies rang out particularly well through these 10mm drivers, with smaller soundscapes offering the Roccat Syn Buds Core a real chance to show their detailing and mid-ranges. However, more complex stages like that of Doom did cause some distortion.
Still, that $24.99 / £24.99 price point means they're easy enough to grab and keep as a backup, even if they don't become your go-to.
Read more: Roccat Syn Buds Core review
The best capture card for Nintendo Switch
✅ You won't have a TV for your Switch: Whether you're setting up a college dorm or you simply won't have a TV for your Nintendo Switch, the ability to output to any screen with an HDMI port attached is going to be particularly handy.
✅ You want to get started with streaming: While by no means a sophisticated system, this is a great tool for those who want to dip their toe into capturing their gameplay without breaking the bank.
✅ You don't mind dropping a little performance: There are some performance sacrifices in here, but everything is playable casually. If you don't mind that slight visual drop you'll get on just fine.
❌ You want a sophisticated streaming device: This is a super cheap capture card, so it's not going to keep up with more sophisticated tech on the market. If you're serious about streaming, this isn't a silver bullet.
❌ You play faster games: Faster games do suffer from that input lag a little more, so if you play twitch-reaction platformers or shooters, you might want to consider an alternative option.
The Genki ShadowCast is, at its core, a super cheap, super tiny, capture card. It can stream anything with an HDMI out to your laptop via USB-C making it an incredibly versatile little gizmo for a range of consoles. However, the Nintendo Switch's hybrid design benefits from it most. That's because - before you even get into the streaming side - the ShadowCast can quickly and easily cast all your games to your laptop screen. Perfect if you're travelling light, but equally impressive at home, it's a handy tool to keep in your carry case.
The design is simple and streamlined. With an HDMI at one end and a USB-C on the other, it's a compact dongle designed to sit patiently in your carry case until its moment to shine. Simply attach the HDMI to your Switch Dock, connect to your laptop, and load up the Genki Arcade software to instantly view your console on your PC.
There are some finnicky parts to the software (the Windows version can't record footage but Mac and browser-based versions can), but if you just need a display in a pinch it's a simple plug and play system. You can still take screenshots, switch output modes, and toggle different performance settings, though. If you are taking your gameplay live, the ShadowCast is compatible with OBS Studio for an extra boost as well.
While the picture quality does suffer a little, and we noticed just a little too much lag for particularly fast-paced games, the overall effect is still darn impressive for just $50. It's not going to replicate your Switch experience on a larger screen, but it's not meant to - this is a functional device rather than one designed to enhance.
Read more: Genki ShadowCast review
The best portable charger for Nintendo Switch
If you're rocking an older Nintendo Switch, a portable charger is one of the most essential Nintendo Switch accessories out there. We’d say the best portable charger you can get for Switch would be the Anker PowerCore 26800mAH. Besides being able to quickly charge your console, it's also small enough to be very portable.
As an official Anker product, you know you’re getting good-quality tech right away. It’ll give you extra hours of play when you're on the move, and it can charge other devices (like your phone) as well. That's makes it even better value for money, and a must-have for all Switch owners.
The best AR game for Nintendo Switch
Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit launched just in time for the holidays of 2020, but stocking issues meant that it didn't really get its engines going until mid-2021. That said, there's plenty to dig into here, and this is a particularly strong Nintendo Switch accessory for anyone who's already got their money's worth out of Mario Kart 8: Deluxe.
Place the included Mario or Luigi RC car down in your home, and install the Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit software to watch your home turn into its own racetrack. You'll be controlling your real-life cart around a course you create with the cardboard track markers and playing against AI competitors using the same space as well - all on the screen of your Nintendo Switch.
Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit is everything we hoped it could be, with a few caveats, and it's easy to wonder why it hadn't been done sooner.
Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit
We took Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit out for a spin when it first launched, and it's remain a firm party piece ever since. In our testing, we were a little frustrated to find instances where AI would sometimes fly through the physical obstacles you'd set out to create a track, sometimes ignoring the layout completely. We only encountered this issue with any regularity in race mode, though, and firmly believe that pass and play time trials are the best way to play.
All the cardboard race parts feel well produced, and continue to survive plenty of crashes to this day. However, we would recommend playing on a hard floor in plenty of light; carpets cause considerable judder under these smaller wheels, and dim lights will cut your video quality considerably.
Read more: Mario Kart Live: Home Circuit review
The best fitness game for Nintendo Switch
If Wii Fit taught us anything, it's that Nintendo likes to get us moving. Ring Fit Adventure feels like what those early fitness games should have been all along - fun and engaging, while making working out a celebrated core mechanic that actually feels like it's worth doing. You'll be travelling through a gorgeous world, sprinting, crunching, and squatting your way through platforming levels and boss battles throughout your quest. Not only is it incredibly enjoyable, but it also provides a solid workout to boot. Plus, the Ring Fit Adventure price has been steadily falling over the last few months as well.
How we test Nintendo Switch accessories
We're avid Nintendo Switch geeks, which means we can't wait to get our hands on all the latest Nintendo Switch accessories as soon as they hit the market. Every piece of kit we review slots straight into our daily Switch useage so that we can tell just how well it not only performs its job, but can also fit a lifestyle.
Quality of life is so important to Nintendo Switch accessories; these need to be easy to use, and hold up over time. That's why we also keep using all the gear we recommend even after we've posted our first review. That means we can keep tabs on durability and long-term reliability, updating our findings if we notice anything further down the line.
You'll find more information on how make our recommendations in our full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.
Nintendo Switch accessories: FAQ
Which Nintendo Switch accessories should you buy first?
The first Nintendo Switch accessories you should be investigating are a case, a screen protector, and a memory card. The Switch is designed to go out and about with you, which means you'll need a strong carry case to see you and your trusty console through all kinds of bumps and knocks. However, your second point of call should absolutely be a screen protector. Both the Switch and Switch Lite have particularly soft screens which means they're vulnerable to scratches and scuffs (especially if you're docking the standard edition). Plus, that OLED screen is just too pretty to risk.
Once you've got safety sorted, it's time to look at that internal storage. The standard and Lite Nintendo Switch models come with just 32GB of space built in (the OLED ups this to 64GB but it's still a limiting figure). If you plan on using the eShop at all, we'd recommend securing a memory card as soon as possible - aiming for around 128GB to get you started, or 256GB if you want to future proof for a little longer.
Are Nintendo Switch accessory kits worth it?
If you've just picked up your console, you might have your eyes set on a cheap Nintendo Switch accessory kit. These packs usually offer a couple of screen protectors, a sleeve case and a game card holder. These are solid buys for the early days of your console's life, especially if you need to protect your device before investing in some higher quality gear. However, we'd recommend upgrading the case to a hard shell model as soon as you can.
Should you buy third party docks?
In the console's early life, the extra docks ruled the Nintendo Switch accessories world. However, many were soon spooked by stories of third party docks bricking consoles. It's true, many of these products don't play nicely with Nintendo's charging system. We've been using the Genki Covert Dock for a significant period of time now, and haven't encountered any issues, but we would be wary of buying a cheap substitute for the official Nintendo product.
Want more offers? Grab yourself a bargain with these cheap Nintendo Switch game sales, or find a cheap Nintendo Switch Online subscription. We're also showing you where to buy Nintendo Switch OLED. For more kit, we're also rounding up all the best PS5 accessories, Xbox Series X accessories, and Xbox One accessories.
