ALLBIDS Blog

The 10 Types of Nintendo Switch Accessories You Need

Wednesday, 05 September 2018 | Mike Leano

There's nothing quite like the Nintendo Switch. It's both a home console and portable gaming system, and offers several ways to play:

• Attach it to its official dock and play on a TV.
• Place the Switch on a flat surface. You can play with a friend using one Joy-Con (the Switch controller) each.
• Attach both Joy-Cons on the Switch tablet and play it anywhere.

But like any gaming system, you don't get everything you need out of the box. You still need to separately buy add-ons for it. Here are the 10 types of Nintendo Switch accessories that you actually need to complete the experience.

Screen protector

The Nintendo Switch has a plastic screen that can get scratched, especially if you're not careful when putting it in or out of the dock. One way to avoid this is by installing a screen protector. After all, it's way easier to replace a screen protector than your Switch's screen.

But don't just get those flimsy plastic screen protectors; look for one made of tempered glass. They're sturdier but a little more expensive. Just be careful installing it, and make sure you wash your hands and thoroughly clean the screen before doing so.

Carrying case

While the Switch is a home console, it's also a portable gaming system. This means you'll need a case for carrying it around. However, you'll have to decide what sort of case you'll be using.

Here are some questions to ask yourself when choosing your carrying case:

• Do you want something bulky but protective?
• Do you prefer something svelte but doesn't offer as much protection from drops?
• Do you carry a lot of wires and games with you? Do you plan to bring the dock as well?

If you don't feel like spending, you can always shove your Switch into a thick sock.

The Pro Controller

To game properly on the Switch, you'll need the official Pro Controller: it's the best Switch controller out there, so get one. The problem? It's a bit expensive with prices ranging from $79.99 to $99.

As a cheaper alternative, you can try those sideways grips shaped like regular controllers which can house a Joy-Con. They're comfortable to use, but note that shape, comfort and build quality vary.

External battery pack

The Nintendo Switch battery life stretches from 2.5 to 6 hours, depending on various factors like type of game, screen brightness and network use. This normally isn't an issue when you're at home and playing on the TV but when you're on a trip, you'll need an external battery pack.

It's not a simple matter of getting one with the most juice, however. The Switch can be picky as some battery packs can't charge it quickly enough while you use it.

For best results, look for one that supports USB-C power delivery.

MicroSDHC/MicroSDXC cards

The Switch has only 32GB of internal storage. This certainly isn't enough for all the games you'll download for the system. You'll inevitably need more since save data also consumes storage.

As a result, it's crucial that you buy a microSD card. There are official Nintendo/Hori-branded SD cards but they're too expensive (the 16GB variant costs upwards of $57.40). Instead, take aim at the more reasonably priced SD cards. Keep an eye out at our Personal Media and/or Multimedia Accessories sub-categories for MicroSDXC cards with giant capacities.

Dock cover/sleeve

In many ways, the Switch is a great piece of technology but can oddly sabotage itself on occasion. Its dock is made of cheap plastic and sometimes, it's poorly molded on the inner side - and this flaw has been known to scratch the screen.

You can avoid this problem by being careful and gently widening the dock when you slide the Switch in. But people forget, and we don't want to worry about this all the time.

Enter the third-party dock covers and sleeves. Using this in conjunction with the screen protector (see above) should fully protect your Switch display.

Joy-Con charging grip

The regular grip that came bundled with the Switch doesn't charge your Joy-Cons. Fortunately, you can get a charging grip that lets you recharge your Joy-Cons while you play, so you won't have to worry about running out of power.

This makes the charging grip an essential accessory.

However, the product costs at least $39. This means you have to pay for a feature that should've been included in the first place. And oddly, the charging grip doesn't come with a battery. It just functions as a pass-through from USB-C to the Joy-Cons, enabling them to be charged.

Adjustable stand

The kickstand on the back of the handheld is pretty terrible. It's flimsy, and when you prop up the Switch tablet with it, you won't be able to charge the unit because its charging port is at the bottom.

To get around this design flaw, get Hori's adjustable "PlayStand". It props up the Switch in three angles, and more importantly, lets you charge the unit while it's in use and placed on a flat surface.

Some nice touches include cutouts for the Switch's vents, locator nubs to easily position the handheld, and rubber grip pads to keep the unit in place. The PlayStand is solidly built too.

Extra Joy-Cons

If you play by your lonesome, you shouldn't need additional Joy-Cons. But if you enjoy having local multiplayer sessions with more than one friend (the Switch comes with only two Joy-Cons out of the box), then you'll need more.

So in addition to the pair of Joy-Cons that came with the Switch, a separate boxed Joy-Con set comes with two more controllers. Thus, you should have enough for a four-way Mario Kart race.

Switch car charger

For long road trips, your external battery pack might not be enough. In fact, you might even need to top it up in addition to your Switch, so get a car charger to keep your handheld going.

Look for one that's over six feet so that you can charge the Switch from anywhere inside the car.

Bid with confidence

ALLBIDS runs online auctions for Nintendo Switch accessories every day. We provide layers of protection on every auction, which means you can bid with confidence. So look for the right Switch accessory at ALLBIDS.

Looking to sell your own accessories for Nintendo's handheld hybrid? We can help. Get in touch with us today to find out how.