The Best Nintendo Switch 2 Accessories

While you could certainly opt for any number of bulky over-ear gaming headsets, I think the Switch 2’s portable nature pairs perfectly with the SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds (9/10, WIRED Recommends). The slim adapter plugs right into the console’s USB-C port for low-latency 2.4-GHz audio, and the SteelSeries app has equalizer profiles for Switch games that help improve the already impressive sound quality.

I also found they fit right into the extra compartment on the Belkin Charging Case, which helps turn that compact carrying case into a fully equipped portable gaming station. These are way easier to carry around than any over-ear option, are super comfortable, and are a natural companion for making sure you hear that blue shell coming, even on a full flight.

For an attachable grip case that’s a bit slimmer than our primary pick, Spigen’s Nano Pop case provides light protection from bumps and scratches. It also includes Joy-Con grips, which add just a little bit of extra bulk to the controllers, making them more comfortable for handheld play without limiting your other case options as much. They come in a variety of fun colors too, which adds a little pop to the Switch 2's more serious face.

It technically fits into the official dock, but it's a tight squeeze, and you'll need to carefully situate everything to get it seated, although it fits in the Belkin Charging Case just fine. I think these are a great option for someone who rarely plays docked but still wants some extra ergonomic benefits and a shell for minor scratches. My only minor complaint here is that quite a few pieces of double-sided tape were involved in the installation.

This larger carrying case from Jsaux is perfect for hauling around your entire Switch 2 kit. In addition to the console and 10 game cartridges, I'm able to fit my dock and associated cables and two Pro Controllers and still have room to spare for extra Joy-Cons or other accessories. The exterior has a shell that’s hard enough for me to feel comfortable tossing it into the back seat of my car or using the shoulder strap to take it on a bike ride.

It's probably a little large for most people, but if you're expected to bring Mario Kart World to the weekly hang, this case will let you pack everything you need and then some.

It's generally worth buying a screen protector from the manufacturer where you get your case. Most of the brands mentioned above will offer a discount or bundle if you buy them together, and you'll avoid any fit or compatibility issues. I didn't find any of the options compelling enough over the others to warrant going out of my way to find it.

That said, the Spigen Glas.tR EZ Fit had an easy application process and went on perfectly straight, and after that I forgot it was there. I appreciate the inclusion of a proper cleaning wipe, which I find does a better job than just a basic microfiber at preventing dust or particles from getting stuck underneath. You get a two-pack for $25, so you can share with a friend or keep one on ice in case the unthinkable happens.

At a glance, you'd be forgiven for thinking the Switch 2 Pro Controller is a simple retool of the original Switch's comparable number, merely adding in the C button to activate the new console's GameChat features, and recoloring the shoulder buttons. However, Nintendo has subtly redesigned key elements, resulting in a very different experience. Chiefly, the hand grips are now slightly slimmer and are positioned at a tighter angle, resulting in a pad that looks practically the same as its predecessor, but feels smaller to hold.

It really leans into the ‘Pro’ part, though, adding two customizable buttons—GL and GR—to the underside of the grips. The function can be tailored on a per-game basis and is easily swapped around by holding down the Home button mid-play. A 3.5-mm port is incorporated too, allowing headsets to be connected. It also has a near-seamless design, preventing gamer gunk from accumulating in crevices. If you're spending a lot of time gaming on your Switch 2 in docked mode, this official controller remains one of the best ways to play. —Matt Kamen

If you just bought a new Switch 2, you should probably pick up the improved Pro Controller, but the original is still a great option if you can find it on sale. The sticks and buttons feel great, it's super comfortable to hold, and it has almost all of the features of the new controller. You can even find it for quite cheap given how long it's been on the market, making it a perfect choice for your second through fourth players.

The Switch 2 has 256 GB of internal storage, but games are getting bigger in a hurry, so it’s likely you’ll need to add more before you know it. The MicroSD card from your old Switch won’t work, however, so you’ll need to pick up a new MicroSD Express card. I wrote up a guide explaining the new standard and its benefits, and in a quick game transfer, the SanDisk was slightly faster. I recommend at least 256 GB, since you only have one slot.

The Switch 2 can only charge one set of Joy-Cons at a time, so if you have a second set, you may want to consider a dock to keep them all fully powered. The Jsaux dock has space for four JoyCons, individual lights to track their charging status, and a compact footprint. The controllers charge quickly and easily pop onto and off the case with the existing magnetic connection. There's also a portable version if you want something you can shuffle into your bag and take with you.

Our favorite gaming TV, the Samsung S90D QD-OLED (9/10, WIRED Recommends), has a great feature set that takes advantage of the Switch 2’s improved video capabilities. It supports resolutions up to 4K and up to 120-Hz refresh rate and Dolby Vision HDR, so there’s plenty of headroom over the console’s primary settings. QD-OLED panels are my favorite for gaming, with incredible colors and black levels that video games are naturally equipped to utilize.

At the moment, if you need an extra dock, you'll have to go with the official Nintendo option. I've tried a few USB-C hubs, and while some charged the system, none of them were able to output video. The good news is that the official dock from Nintendo is noticeably wider and less tippable than the Switch 1 version, and it’s easier to get plugged in.

The bad news is that the only place to buy a replacement or additional dock is currently directly from Nintendo, and you'll likely need to log in to your qualified Nintendo account. It costs $120, which feels pretty steep for a charger, HDMI cable, and chunk of plastic.