With the release of the Switch in 2017, Nintendo has given many gamers hundreds of hours of enjoyment at home or on the go. The hybrid console also offers a multitude of options for those who want to enhance their game-playing, from pro controllers and Joy-Con Wheels to even virtual reality headsets made from cardboard.
The problem is, many accessories need the Switch to be docked for them to work and cannot be used portably. To address this issue, manufacturers have started to make accessories specifically designed for handheld, not docked play or the Nintendo Switch Lite. These gadgets exist to improve flaws some fans have with the console or even to help traveling gamers keep their collection with them on the go.
10 AmFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector
Mistakes happen, it’s inevitable. The last thing a gamer would want is their precious $300 gaming machine’s screen cracking, and that’s where amFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector comes in. Coming in at less than 8 dollars for a 2 pack, it’s a no-brainer for any Switch owner.
The amFilm screen protector is easy to apply, just place it on the Switch and it’s good to go. Also included are wet wipes and microfiber cloths for easy cleaning whenever dust or fingerprints find their way onto the console’s screen.
9 HEYSTOP Case
For those Nintendo Switch fans who want all the protection they can get, several options exist. Enter the Heystop Switch case. This clear shell goes around the Switch while in handheld mode, but it’s also thin enough to be placed inside the dock for when players are done brawling their friends on Super Smash Bros. Ultimate or going on a galactic adventure with Kirby and friends in Kirby Star Allies.
Also included in this pack are thumb grips, separate cases for the Joy-Cons, and even a tempered glass screen protector. All around this package provides extra security for gamers who want their hybrid console to last a long time.
8 Amazon Basics Game Storage For 24 Nintendo Switch Games
Any traveling gamer knows that storing games can be a huge pain. Having the space required for all the games while on the go can be a real challenge, even when the Switch’s physical games are considerably thinner than other game cases. Worst of all, carrying game cards outside their boxes can lead to them getting lost or even broken.
To solve this issue companies have been making storage cases for Nintendo Switch games, including Amazon. Holding 24 games in a sleek and compact box, this tiny package can save space when traveling so players won’t have to leave any of their games behind.
7 Officially Licensed Nintendo Switch Zelda: Sheikah Eye And Switch Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Carrying Case
When the gaming is done, where do you store your Switch? For fans of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Breath of The Wild, these officially branded RDS Switch carrying cases are the answer.
Not only do these carrying cases feature amazing art from the games and ample space to store the Switch and Joy-Cons, but an extra pocket to put extra accessories as well. Also included are 2 game card cases, capable of storing 4 Switch games each. For fans of digital games, you can also use the cases to store 2 extra Micro SD cards in their own special containers.
6 Nintendo Switch Stylus
One advantage of playing the Switch in handheld mode is access to the touch screen. This touch screen greatly enhances games like Super Mario Maker 2, and while it plays well without any accessories, hardcore-level designers might want to add a stylus to their collection for maximum accuracy.
Nintendo actually released their own officially licensed stylus, albeit only in Japan. Fortunately, it does not seem to have any extra functionality with Switch games, so if fans don’t want to shell out extra money to import this any capacitive touch screen stylus will work, such as these from Amazon.
5 PDP Gaming LVL40 Wired Stereo Headset
When playing video games out in public, headphones are a must. Headphones allow players to hear the games they’re playing even around large crowds of people, allowing for on-the-go gamers to really immerse themselves in Fire Emblem: 3 Houses or similar games in the bustle of everyday life.
Any pair of 3.5mm headphones will work for the Nintendo Switch, but the officially licensed PDP Gaming LVL40 Wired Stereo Headset not only sports the iconic red and blue Joy-Con colors but also has a microphone to easily communicate with squadmates on Fortnite.
4 HomeSpot Bluetooth 5.0 Audio Transmitter Adapter
Some gamers are content with using wired headphones or even prefer it. On the other hand, others love the freedom that Bluetooth devices offer, and that poses a problem because the Nintendo Switch does not currently allow syncing with Bluetooth headphones.
The HomeSpot Bluetooth 5.0 Audio Transmitter Adapter aims to fix this issue by creating an addon that connects to the USB C port on the Switch and lets it seamlessly connect to Bluetooth devices. Multiple accessories can be connected at once, and it even includes a USB C to USB A adapter for use when the Switch is docked.
3 Hori Nintendo Switch D-Pad Controller (Pokemon, Mario, Zelda Variants)
As versatile as the Joy-Cons are, the lack of a D-pad is a major downside for numerous Nintendo Switch fans, and Hori has come to their aid. These D-pad controllers can only be used in Handheld mode and come in Mario, Pokemon, and Zelda variants. These are major improvements to the original design for those seeking more traditional input for all the amazing 2D platformers on Nintendo Switch.
The $25 asking price is considerably less than a Nintendo-made one, and as long as you don’t mind only playing in handheld mode without HD rumble, they are worthy alternatives to Nintendo’s controllers.
2 Satisfye – ZenGrip Pro
It’s no secret that many fans take issue with the small size of the Joy-Cons. Companies like Satisfye took notice of this and alleviated it with their Zengrip Pro, a device that works similarly to the official Joy-Con grip, but for the entire console instead of just the controllers.
Simply slide your Switch into the device to instantly bulk it up and give your hands more grip, making fatigue less common among players. Also included are thumb grips, which make it harder for your thumbs to slide off the analog stick while catching monsters in Pokemon Sword and Shield.
1 Hori Nintendo Switch Split Pad Pro
These bad boys are full-on replacement Joy-Cons. Coming in at $50, they are $30 cheaper than Nintendo-made remotes and even come in multiple styles. Along with generic black, blue, and red variants, Pokemon, Daemon X Machina, and even a Monster Hunter Rise set are available for fans of those franchises.
The lack of wireless, HD rumble, and motion support is disappointing but the upsides more than make up for it to many gamers. Featuring a much larger design, traditional D-pad, turbo buttons, and assignable rear triggers, these are considered by many fans to be the ultimate Joy-Cons for handheld play.
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