Beyond the Box: Essential Add-Ons to Supercharge Your Nintendo Switch Experience
The Nintendo Switch is a marvel of modern gaming. Its unique hybrid design allows you to seamlessly transition from playing on your TV at home to taking your favorite games on the go. It’s a console that offers incredible versatility right out of the box, packed with innovative features like HD Rumble, motion controls, and the ability to detach its Joy-Con controllers for spontaneous multiplayer sessions.
However, like any great piece of technology, the Switch’s potential can be further unlocked and its user experience significantly enhanced with the right accessories and add-ons. These aren’t just frivolous extras; many address common pain points, improve comfort, expand capabilities, or simply make your gaming life easier and more enjoyable.
Whether you’re a casual player who primarily enjoys handheld mode, a dedicated docked gamer chasing online victories, or a traveler who takes their Switch everywhere, there’s an add-on out there that can elevate your experience. Let’s dive into some of the best and most essential Nintendo Switch add-ons that every owner should consider.
1. The Indispensable Storage Solution: MicroSD Card
This isn’t just an add-on; for many, it’s a near-necessity, especially in the digital age. The base Nintendo Switch models come with a modest 32GB of internal storage (the OLED model has 64GB), a significant portion of which is taken up by the system software itself. While physical game cartridges are great, digital downloads from the Nintendo eShop are incredibly convenient.
However, modern games, patches, updates, and downloadable content can quickly eat up that limited space. Even screenshots and video captures add up over time. This is where a MicroSD card comes in. The Switch supports MicroSD, MicroSDHC, and MicroSDXC cards up to a massive 2TB (though cards of that size are currently very expensive and likely overkill for most).
Adding a MicroSD card is like giving your Switch a massive storage upgrade. You can download dozens, even hundreds, of games depending on the card’s capacity and the size of the games. Look for cards from reputable brands like SanDisk, Samsung, or Kingston, and pay attention to speed ratings (UHS-I with a U3 rating is generally recommended for optimal game loading times). Capacities like 128GB, 256GB, or even 512GB offer a sweet spot between cost and ample storage for a large digital library. Installing one is simple: just pop it into the slot under the kickstand. This is arguably the most crucial first purchase after the console itself for anyone planning to download games.
Why it’s a Best Add-On: Essential for digital game libraries, updates, and media. Prevents constant game juggling or deletion due to space constraints.
2. The King of Comfort: The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
While the Joy-Cons are innovative and versatile, they aren’t always the most comfortable option for extended gaming sessions, especially for games that require precise inputs or traditional controller layouts. The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller is the answer.
Modeled after traditional console controllers, the Pro Controller offers superior ergonomics, a more substantial feel in the hands, and high-quality buttons, analog sticks, and a D-pad. It features the same core technology as the Joy-Cons, including HD Rumble, NFC (for Amiibo), and motion controls, but in a form factor that’s much more comfortable for many players, particularly for docked gameplay.
Its battery life is also phenomenal, often lasting for dozens of hours on a single charge. While it comes at a premium price, many players consider it a worthwhile investment that significantly enhances their enjoyment of many Switch titles, especially action games, platformers, and competitive multiplayer games where precision matters. There are third-party alternatives that mimic its design at a lower price, but the official Pro Controller is widely regarded as having the best build quality and performance.
Why it’s a Best Add-On: Unparalleled comfort and control for traditional gaming, superior ergonomics for long sessions, excellent build quality and battery life.
3. The Invisible Shield: Screen Protector
The Switch’s screen is vital to its portable functionality, but it’s also vulnerable to scratches. This is particularly true when docking the console, as the screen can rub against the inside of the dock if not inserted carefully. Even everyday use and travel can expose the screen to potential damage.
A screen protector is a simple, inexpensive, yet incredibly effective way to safeguard your investment. While plastic film protectors offer basic scratch resistance, tempered glass screen protectors are highly recommended. They provide a much higher level of protection against scratches and even minor impacts, feel smooth to the touch (like the original screen), maintain screen clarity and touch sensitivity, and are relatively easy to install without bubbles.
Applying a screen protector is a small step that provides immense peace of mind, ensuring your screen remains pristine and free from distracting blemishes.
Why it’s a Best Add-On: Essential protection against scratches and minor impacts, preserves screen clarity and touch functionality, inexpensive peace of mind.
4. Protection and Portability: Carry Cases
Whether you commute, travel frequently, or just take your Switch between rooms, a good carry case is essential for protecting the console and its accessories on the go. Carry cases come in various forms, from slim sleeves and pouches to more robust hard-shell cases.
A good case will protect your Switch from bumps, drops, and scratches while in transit. Many cases also feature compartments or slots to store game cards, extra Joy-Cons, charging cables, or even a portable power bank.
Hard-shell cases offer the most protection and are ideal for travel, often featuring custom-fit foam or molded interiors to secure the console and accessories snugly. Softer pouches or sleeves are great for slipping the Switch into a larger bag for daily commutes. Choose a case that fits your lifestyle and how you typically transport your Switch.
Why it’s a Best Add-On: Protects the console during travel and storage, organizes accessories, adds convenience for gaming on the go.
5. Enhanced Handheld Comfort: Grip Cases
While the Joy-Cons attach to the console for handheld mode, the resulting form factor can feel flat and less ergonomic for some players, especially during long gaming sessions. Grip cases attach to the Switch (often replacing or covering the back shell) and provide molded handles that are much more comfortable to hold, similar to a traditional controller grip.
These grips can significantly improve comfort, reduce hand strain, and provide a more secure hold on the console, making handheld play much more enjoyable for extended periods. Some grip cases are simple plastic shells, while others are more elaborate, sometimes even incorporating stands or cooling features. Look for grips made from comfortable materials with well-designed handles.
Why it’s a Best Add-On: Improves ergonomics and comfort in handheld mode, reduces hand fatigue during long play sessions, provides a more secure grip.
6. Power on the Go: Portable Power Bank
The Switch’s battery life is decent for a portable console of its power, but it can still run low during long trips or extended play sessions away from an outlet. A portable power bank is a lifesaver for keeping your gaming going.
However, not just any power bank will do. The Switch requires a power bank that supports USB-C Power Delivery (PD) to charge effectively while you’re playing, especially with demanding games. Look for power banks with a capacity of at least 10,000mAh (though 20,000mAh or more is better for multiple charges) and specifically state they support USB-C PD output sufficient for the Switch (ideally 30W or more).
A good power bank ensures you’re never cut short mid-adventure and can keep your Switch topped up during flights, road trips, or anywhere else you might find yourself without access to wall power.
Why it’s a Best Add-On: Extends gameplay time significantly when away from power outlets, essential for travel and long commutes, provides reliable charging on the go.
7. Stable Online Play: LAN Adapter
For players who take online multiplayer seriously, a stable internet connection is crucial. While the Switch has built-in Wi-Fi, a wired Ethernet connection is inherently more stable and often faster than wireless, reducing lag and preventing disconnections.
Since the Switch dock doesn’t have a built-in Ethernet port (unlike the OLED model’s dock), you’ll need a USB-to-Ethernet LAN adapter. Simply plug the adapter into one of the USB ports on the dock, connect an Ethernet cable from your router, and the Switch will automatically prioritize the wired connection when docked.
This is a relatively inexpensive add-on that can make a noticeable difference in the quality of your online gaming experience, especially for competitive titles like Splatoon 3 or Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Why it’s a Best Add-On: Provides a stable and reliable wired internet connection for docked mode, reduces lag and disconnections in online games.
8. Wireless Audio Freedom: Bluetooth Audio Adapter
Initially, the Nintendo Switch had limited support
