Best Nintendo Switch accessories for Switch, Switch OLED and Switch Lite

The Nintendo Switch 2 is coming in June – as you might have heard – but right now we’re more focused on the best accessories for the first-generation Switch consoles: the original Switch, the Switch Lite and Switch OLED. All of these consoles are now plummeting in price, so it’s actually a nice time to pick one up at a discount.

These are the best original Switch accessories we’ve found so far after years of testing, including a few memory card suggestions – depending on whether you value aesthetics, value or all-out capacity – plus two of our favourite controllers and a classic case that still does the business.

We’ll be back with our Switch 2 accessory recommendations when the time comes too. For now, enjoy!

Best Nintendo Switch accessories

CRKD Nitro Deck+ — Image credit: Digital Foundry

The Nitro Deck+ is an incredible controller that replaces the Joy-Cons on the Switch or Switch OLED, making it an ideal pairing for a second-hand Switch that’s sold screen-only (ask me how I know!). The controller uses Hall Effect sensors for its sticks and triggers, so you don’t have to deal with stick drift, and includes extra programmable buttons on the back, just like the Switch 2 Pro Controller. Each control feels well-made and precise too, though you don’t quite get the clicky feeling of some high-end third-party controller buttons.

The Nitro Deck+ is also available in a range of nice colourways, though I’m most fond of the 00s style transparent design show here – and the rather extra Rocket League gold special edition linked above. It’s worth noting that the Nitro Deck+ does weigh more than the standard Joy-Cons, so it may be a bit more tiring to use or carry around – but, as a bonus, I guess this counts as an arm workout?

Pro: Hall Effect components means no stick drift
Pro: Programmable buttons
Con: Heavier than Joy-Cons

nintendo switch sandisk micro sd card 256gb — Image credit: Digital Foundry

OK, basically any Micro SD card will work in the Switch – unlike the Micro SD Express only Switch 2 – but there’s still something to be said for a memory card that delivers good performance and comes adorned with the cute face of Pikachu. This particular 256GB card coincidentally matches the storage capacity of the upcoming Switch 2, giving you plenty of room for games, and with a Class 10 rating it’s relatively speedy when transferring games to and from the internal storage.

Of course, it’s worth checking unbranded cards too (UK/US), which are normally a fair bit cheaper. If you want the most storage, 1.5TB cards – as shown above – are also available (UK/US). We have a full breakdown of our Switch Micro SD card recommendations if it helps!

Pro: Cute themed appearance
Pro: Reliable performance and durability
Con: More expensive than un-branded cards; check prices in your region

Orzly Carrying Case for Nintendo Switch — Image credit: Digital Foundry

This simple carry case is the one I’ve been using since 2018, and it’s served me brilliantly in that time. The case is perfectly proportioned to accept the Switch or Switch OLED, 10 game cartridges and a host of accessories, from extra Joy-Con units to a large portable charger (the latter of which is my go-to choice, given how often I play Switch on planes and trains).

The case is a little bulky if you’re not using that accessory space, but it’s a bit squashable if needed – while still keeping your Switch and games safe. This may not be the most nicely decorated case available, but it gets the job done and doesn’t cost the earth either.

Pro: Perfectly fits the Switch and Switch OLED
Pro: Plenty of space for games and accessories
Con: A bit oversized if you don’t use the extra space

nintendo pro controller — Image credit: Digital Foundry

Nintendo know a thing or two about making great controllers, and the Switch Pro controller is a robust wireless option that is still worth recommending years later. The larger layout is ideal is for playing more demanding and precise games, both when docked or propped up in handheld mode, and the controller’s battery life is also excellent.

The only downside? This controller doesn’t sport analogue triggers, something that isn’t an issue for Switch games but can cause annoyance if using this as a PC controller.