When you picked up your Nintendo Switch, it technically came with everything you need to make it work, as it should. However, there are a lot of things out there that can potentially make your Switch experience better, easier, and maybe even a little bit more fun. Yes, the ability to play the same console on your TV and in your hands on the bus is pretty neat, by why not get even more out of it?

Make the most imaginative and innovative console ever made even better by making sure you don't have to keep taking breaks to charge your Joy-Con, or by picking up an accessory bundle that makes playing sports on the Switch even more immersive and fun. Neither of those things of any interest to you? Don't worry, we have even more accessories below and there's almost definitely going to be one that takes your fancy.

Updated on March 20, 2024 by Rebecca Phillips: You can never have too many accessories for your Nintendo Switch, which is why we've added another product that you'll want to add to your collection.

Best Nintendo Switch Accessories

When you have lots of games, you need somewhere to store them all. That's where tomtoc's handy game card bag comes in. Though compact, it has room to store up to 40 Switch cartridges in its dedicated card slots, split across two sections. These are also entirely detachable from the bag itself, so you can easily insert catridges or remove them.

Beyond that, the main pocket inside is separated into three compartments, with the separators connecting in the middle with a magnet if you don't want to store anything in the middle. If you do, though, there's enough room for a pair of Joy-Con if you store them horizontally. This game card bag is perfect for no-nonsense storage, especially if you take your Switch on your travels and want to switch between games with ease.

The HORI Compact Playstand is a nifty little gadget that solves a problem many Nintendo Switch users didn't even know they had. When it comes to playing in tabletop mode, the stand built into the Switch is, let's face it, a bit flimsy (apologies for the frivolty, Nintendo Gods).

But when you set up your Switch in tabletop mode with the HORI stand, it's like having a mini TV setup that you can take anywhere. And if you're worried about your Switch overheating during those intense gaming sessions, the stand’s design maxes out the airflow, keeping your device cool. It's a small detail, but it shows HORI's attention to the gamers' needs.

Now, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. The stand is made of plastic, which might not scream 'high-end accessory' to everyone. Sure, it does the job, but don't expect a luxurious feel. Also, the inability to charge the Switch while it's on the stand can be a letdown switch, but if you can look past these two things, it's pretty much smooth sailing from there.

In case you don't like the color design and think it's a little bleak, we actually have a much more colorful (and themed option) just a few entries below!

We've all been in a situation where a controller's battery has run out, and we have to wait for it to recharge before we can continue gaming. If you're old enough to remember a time when all controllers were wired, it's probably a pet peeve that has you longing for older tech.

If that's the case, you need to look into charging docks for your consoles. This Switch option is capable of charging four Joy-Con at once, and, providing you remember to slot them in when not in use, you will always have fully charged controllers ready to go.

One of the best parts of the Switch as a console is that you can choose how you play it — you're not confined to either handheld or the TV. With stands, you have another choice beyond handheld and traditional screens. This playstand Tscope is not only functional, but it's great for fans of Zelda too.

It's printed with imagery from Tears of the Kingdom, most notably the Zonai swirls. If you happen to have the Tears of the Kingdom OLED Switch, or any of the matching accessories, this playstand will fit right in. At just $13, it's also very affordable.

Carrying around your Switch in the palm of your hand with cartridges crammed in your pockets isn't ideal. You need a carry case if you're going to be taking your Switch anywhere with you, and this is one of the best on the market.

It's big enough for a regular Switch or the OLED model and plenty of room for cables, games, and additional Joy-Con. It's also available in various colors and has a hard shell so it can take a knock or two. That doesn't mean you should go dropping it on purpose, though.

One of the biggest pulls of the Switch is not only playing exclusive games you can't play anywhere else, but also playing games in unique ways from other platforms. If waving a Joy-Con around doesn't do that for you to the level it used to, perhaps throwing a racing wheel into the mix will.

Sitting down with a steering wheel in your hands and pedals at your feet gives Mario Kart the real sort of feel you really wouldn't expect from a game where you can turn into a giant bullet and ram people off the track, but here we are.

Keeping kids, or adults for that matter, entertained on long car journeys is tricky business. Yes, handing them a Switch might solve that, but what if you have more than one person in the back of the car?

Instead of buying a whole new Switch, grab this headrest mount and they can play together. You can quickly and easily secure the Switch to the back of the headrest to two people can play in the back with the Joy-Con detached. Just don't let them play it for too long.

One of the novelties of the Switch is the ability to play interactive party games with your family and friends. Nintendo Switch Sports might not have enjoyed the success of Wii Sports, probably because it wasn't handed out for free with the console, but we'd still highly recommend picking up Switch Sports to help melt away the tension the next time you have family visiting.

We'd also recommend picking up this accessory pack, as holding a Joy-Con just doesn't give you the full feeling of playing its different modes. Just be careful when you're handing one of those golf clubs to your nan. Even with the wrist strap on, she might do some damage.

FAQ

What Equipment Do I Need For My Nintendo Switch?

You should technically receive everything you need to make your Switch work with the console when you buy it. However, everything above and other available accessories may well enhance your experience, depending on what you're looking for.

What Is A Good Age To Get A Nintendo Switch?

The appropriate age for a child to start using a Switch ultimately depends on the games they play. I have a three-year-old son who loves playing on the Switch and is more than capable of playing various Kirby and other simple platformers appropriate for all ages, especially in co-op.