Opening my Nintendo Switch quickly taught me what was—and wasn’t—included with my new hardware purchase. Both are pertinent to know in order to get the most out of your Switch experience. In this guide, I am going to focus on essential items not included with a standard Nintendo Switch set to help you remain informed.

Essential accessories not included with Nintendo Switch includes a game, screen protector, carrying case, memory card, an extra controller, a play stand, a second AC Adapter, and an online membership.

Continue reading to learn about each one of these Nintendo Switch accessories, why each accessory is essential, and the best uses for all of them.

Who are these essential Nintendo Switch accessories for?

This list is all about essential items the majority of Nintendo Switch owners will value and use. With that said, not all of these accessories will be needed by every Nintendo Switch owner.

Perhaps you do not need an online membership because you do not play online, yet your best friend or relative loves to play online multiplayer games. That is to say, there is something essential here for everyone.

This list covers accessories 99% of all Nintendo Switch owners will need sooner or later. That includes you!

Why you need these essential Nintendo Switch accessories

All of these accessories will serve to enhance, protect, or expand your Nintendo Switch hardware and your Nintendo Switch experience.

The choice to snag one or all of these accessories is up to you, depending on your budget and priorities.

To help you make an informed decision, I made a quick list of the essential accessories that most people buy alongside a Nintendo Switch for quick reference.

My List of Recommended Nintendo Switch Accessories

• A game
• Screen protector
• Carrying case
• Memory card
• An extra controller (Joy-Con or Wired controller)
• A play stand (for Tabletop mode)
• A second AC Adapter
• Online membership

It is now time to go over these accessories one by one. This should help you better understand what each item does and why each is a pivotal purchase.

Pricing Key

Prices relative to other components on this list:

$$$$$: Higher Priced

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1) A game

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What is a Nintendo Switch game for?

The Nintendo Switch is primarily a video game system, so you will need video game software to play.

Why purchase a Nintendo Switch game?

You will have to purchase games for your Nintendo Switch if you want to play games. This is because the standard Nintendo Switch set does not come with a game.

There are Nintendo Switch bundles that do come with a popular game, a topic I go into great detail in another handy guide just for you. Check it out if you are wondering what Nintendo Switch bundles are available.

But for most Nintendo Switch owners, it is up to you to secure a game to play.

A Sample of Games I Enjoy Playing:

• Disgaea 5 Complete (strategy role playing game)
• Fitness Boxing (fitness game)
• Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate (action game)
• Paladins (online, team-based shooting game) (download only)
• Voez (music, rhythm game)
• Warframe (online action game) (download only)

I highly recommend all of these games listed above, if you like a variety of genres like I do.

The games you choose to obtain are ultimately up to your own tastes. I do recommend 3 Nintendo Switch games every owner should have, and I have written a guide to tell you all about them. In the meantime, just listen to your gut.

If you enjoy playing puzzle games, buy puzzle games.

If you enjoy relaxing games, then you probably won’t want to play Fortnite, even though it is very popular. Try playing Stardew Valley or Toki Tori instead.

Pro tip: You can’t go wrong with games from the Mario, Zelda, Pokemon, Donkey Kong, Minecraft, and Tetris series. That includes their main entries and spinoff series like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Puyo Puyo Tetris.

Make sure you pick up a game along with your Nintendo Switch if you aren’t buying a Nintendo Switch bundle.

This is especially important if you are purchasing a Nintendo Switch for someone. It would be a bummer to give the hardware to a friend or relative for their birthday but with no game to play.

Luckily, there are over 1,500 games available for the Nintendo Switch for you to choose from and the number keeps growing by the week.

2) Screen Protector

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What is a Nintendo Switch screen protector for?

A screen protector protects your Nintendo Switch Console’s screen from scuffs and scratches.

Why purchase a Nintendo Switch screen protector?

A screen protector is a low-cost investment that will keep your Nintendo Switch Console’s screen in pristine condition.

This is especially important if you want to keep your Switch shiny, new, and in working condition for years to come.

No if-ands-or-buts about it, every Switch owner needs a screen protector. It is affordable and easy to apply.

I suggest watching videos of how to properly apply a screen protector to your Nintendo Switch Console. Take your time and have patience.

Application requires steady and slow movements to prevent dust and lint from sticking to the bottom side of the protector as well as to prevent air bubbles.

Should you get a glass or plastic screen protector for Nintendo Switch?

There are two main screen protector types on the market: glass and plastic.

What screen protector do I recommend?

I have a glass screen protector that I applied on my Nintendo Switch Console’s screen on launch day, and I have had no problem with it since.

The glass filters are thicker and provide stronger defense when dropped versus a plastic screen protector and are just as easy to apply.

Both types work as intended and prevent your screen from light scuffs, scratches, fingerprints, and damage due to repeated use.

Whatever you choose, please pick up a screen protector for your Nintendo Switch.

You will thank yourself for doing so.

3) Carrying Case

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What is a Nintendo Switch carrying case for?

A carrying case protects and secures your Nintendo Switch for traveling.

Why purchase a Nintendo Switch carrying case?

Carrying cases protect your Nintendo Switch from harm, the primary reason why you should snag one of these alongside your hardware purchase.

Cases are usually soft foam or hard plastic wallets that have a compartment for the Nintendo Switch to rest. Most cases include a zipper or someway to enclose the Nintendo Switch inside to prevent it from falling out during travel.

Imagine if you did not have a carrying case for your Switch: you would most likely put your console inside of your pocket, purse, backpack, or travel bag with its screen and buttons free to get scuffed and damaged. Oh no! The horror.

The pocket-carry method works in a pinch. But, as you can tell, it is not a method I recommend.

I did not own a carrying case when I bought my Switch to be honest.

For a while, I improvised and used an old lunch bag I had lying around. I wrapped my components in micro fiber cloths and fit them snuggly inside the lunch bag.

This carrying case “hack” worked like a charm and helped me get by for a while. But, I knew I needed to get an actual case tailor-made specifically for the Switch sooner rather than later.

I picked up an official Donkey Kong Tropical Freeze carrying case and a Nintendo Switch backpack (sold separately), both products have made traveling with my Switch and accessories so much easier.

The Nintendo Switch Console, game cards, and controllers fit inside the carrying case while everything else fits in specific compartments within the backpack. It is a perfect solution for me whenever I visit my family or hang out with a friend to play.

Pro tip from an enthusiastic carrying case owner: think of your Nintendo Switch like an investment and treat it like one.

Purchasing a case will make sure your console is protected on all sides from scratches, scrapes, and even from accidental falls—your investment will be kept safe and sound, that is for sure.

Should you get a soft case or a hard case?

So, what kind of case should you get: hard or soft?

I suggest getting a hard, plastic case instead of a soft sleeve. The hard cases will definitely protect against drops whereas soft sleeves will not.

Both, however, will provide basic protection for your Switch. But if you are on a budget or in a bind, a soft sleeve is better than no protection at all.

4) Memory Card

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What is a microSD memory card for?

Memory cards allow you to expand your Nintendo Switch storage capacity so you can store more content.

Why purchase a microSD memory card?

Nintendo Switch uses microSD memory cards—and microSD memory cards only—as its expandable storage media. A microSD card is smaller than a coin but contains massive amounts of digital space.

A memory card is an essential purchase for anyone with a Nintendo Switch, regardless if you download games or not. Save files take up space, games often require updates that demand space, and even some physical game card games require an additional download.

A sizeable memory card will ensure you will always have enough space for necessary save files when the time arises.

Additionally, you can use the extra storage space a memory card grants to download games, take oodles of screenshots, make a wealth of video clips, and so forth.

The best part about all of this? Adding a microSD memory card is simple to do and is a relatively cheap purchase.

Once you have your memory card, lift the Nintendo Switch Console’s kickstand and insert your card into the memory card slot until it clicks into place. You are all set!

Memory Card Buying Quick-Tips

• Consider getting a microSD if you are planning on downloading games
• Purchase at least a 16GB microSD card if you don’t plan on downloading games
• I personally recommended a 32GB card or larger. A larger card now will prevent you from having to buy a second card in the near future
• Gauge what games you will be downloading, how often you will be downloading games and taking screenshots, then get a microSD card that fits your needs

I took my own advice and acquired a large memory card along with my Switch. My 128GB card lasted nearly 2 years before I filled it up and replaced it with a 400GB model.

I normally purchase large games—such as Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Disgaea 5 Complete, and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim—physically and purchase smaller games digitally.

There is one reason why I do this: large games take up way more storage space in download form, so I prefer to buy them physically rather than getting them digitally. By picking and choosing the format of your games, you will save tons of memory card space.

You can check out how much space a game requires to download from a game’s store page on the Nintendo eShop. Or, you can read my bestselling Nintendo Switch guide that contains all the pertinent information about over 700 Nintendo Switch games in a convenient eBook form.

Pick up a microSD memory card. It is an essential, un-regrettable purchase you will be glad you made.

5) An extra controller (or two)

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What is an extra Nintendo Switch controller for?

An extra Nintendo Switch controller will allow even more players to play games with you.

Why purchase an extra Nintendo Switch controller?

If you are planning to play games with more than one person, you will want to buy an additional Nintendo Switch controller.

True. A pair of Nintendo Switch Joy-Con controllers come with the standard Nintendo Switch set, can be split into halves, and used as controllers by two separate people.

The split Joy-Con method, however, limits the amount of buttons each player has access to. And the size of the Joy-Con controller often feels too small for some players to hold.

This makes a second controller necessary for anyone wanting to play multiplayer games such as Super Mario Party, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, and ARMS with a full sized controller.

More so, there are tons of multiplayer games for the Nintendo Switch that support 2, 3, 4, even 8 players and up!

If you enjoy multiplayer games, or dislike playing with a single Joy-Con in multiplayer sessions, snag a fully featured additional controller.

There are many to choose from across official and unofficial varieties which includes

• An additional official Joy-Con set
• A wireless official Nintendo Pro Controller
• A variety of officially licensed wired and wireless controllers
• And a variety of unofficial wired and wireless controllers

I have purchased a variety of extra controllers—official and unofficial, wired and wireless—and they have all been worthwhile investments. Playing with my spouse and her sister, with my brother and nephew, or with my friends has been more comfortable than ever since we all have our own full-sized controller to use.

Find an additional Nintendo Switch controller that fits your budget and style and you will be set for multiplayer matches in no time.

6) A play stand

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What is a Nintendo Switch stand for?

A Nintendo Switch stand allows you to prop up your Nintendo Switch to play in tabletop mode in a secure manner.

Why purchase a Nintendo Switch stand?

If you are looking to play your Nintendo Switch propped up on a table, you will definitely want to invest in a stand.

Playing in what is called “Tabletop mode” means to rest your Nintendo Switch Console on a flat surface (such as a tabletop) and play games with a separated controller.

A Nintendo Switch stand is my ideal choice for tabletop mode, as the Nintendo Switch’s included kickstand can be quite finicky and flimsy.

Luckily, you have the option of snagging an optional Nintendo Switch play stand which is an essential accessory for all Tabletop players.

Most Nintendo Switch stands are made of foldable plastic that can be expanded outward. Once adjusted to your preferred angle, you can rest your Nintendo Switch Console on the stand for use as a mini Nintendo Switch screen of sorts.

Play stands make playing multiplayer games away from a big screen easy and accessible. Most are also small and travel sized which only makes them more essential to have any time you want to play in Tabletop mode.

7) An extra AC Adapter power cable

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What is an extra Nintendo Switch AC Adapter power cable for?

An extra AC Adapter power cable is great if you enjoy playing in Handheld mode and TV mode but you would like a more convenient way to switch between both.

Why purchase an extra Nintendo Switch AC Adapter power cable?

I enjoy hopping between the Nintendo Switch’s Handheld and TV modes, but I find it frustrating constantly unplugging my AC Adapter power cable from the Nintendo Switch Dock to the Nintendo Switch Console and back again.

This is why a second AC Adapter is essential for Nintendo Switch owners who plan on taking advantage of the system’s unique handheld-home console versatility.

A second power cable is honestly a game changer and makes switching between play modes convenient to do—my Nintendo Switch Dock is always primed for play while my second adapter is already set up whenever I feel like connecting my Nintendo Switch Console to it for handheld gaming. No muss, no fuss.

A second adapter will indeed save you time: no more inserting the AC Adapter in and out of the Dock, with more time for play—and less time setting up—as you shift from one gaming mode to the next.

If you enjoy playing in front of the big screen as well as away from it, an additional power cable is the way to go.

8) Online membership

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What is a Nintendo Online Membership for?

An online membership is essential for anyone looking to play Nintendo Switch multiplayer games online.

Why purchase a Nintendo Online Membership?

A lot of modern games have online multiplayer components and Nintendo Switch games are no exception.

Popular Nintendo Switch tiles such as Splatoon 2, Super Mario Party, Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate all require a Nintendo Switch Online Membership to play online.

A membership comes in 2 variations: an individual account and a family account.

Both are worth the price of entry and allow you to play with friends, relatives, and strangers online.

Plus, the price of a Nintendo Switch Online membership is relatively inexpensive, especially compared to other online memberships by competing companies.

Nintendo Switch Online Membership Extras

Along with allowing you to play online, the Nintendo Switch Online Membership grants you even more perks.

All Nintendo Switch online members get access to a “play on demand” treasure trove of Nintendo Entertainment System classic titles such as the original The Legend of Zelda, Super Mario Bros, and Ninja Gaiden along with the ability to back-up your save files to Nintendo’s cloud service.

Backing up your saves to the cloud allows you to

• transfer and access your save files from any Nintendo Switch system
• restore a save file because you accidently erased it
• keep your save files safe and secure

If you want to play fantastic Nintendo Switch titles with your friends and family online, classic retro games offline or online, or if you desire the peace of mind that comes with backing up your saves to the cloud, the Nintendo Switch Online Membership is an essential accessory for you.

9) Your Favorite Nintendo Switch Accessory!

I reserved the ninth item on this list for your very own favorite accessory. Yes, an accessory of your choosing.

If you own a Nintendo Switch—or even if you do not—I want to hear from you. Let me know in the comments what gaming accessory not included with the Nintendo Switch is your favorite.

Perhaps it is a specific controller or an odd add-on you cannot live without. Or, perhaps, it is an item you would love to have and think it would make your Switch gaming easier.

Whatever the reason, I am really looking forward to learning about essential Nintendo Switch accessories you recommend.

Nintendo Switch Accessories: Honorable Mentions

Before we wrap up this handy guide, here are 7 additional Nintendo Switch accessories I use on a regular basis, that deserve an honorable mention, and are worthy of your consideration:

Joy-Con Horizontal Grips

These are great for making Joy-Con controllers held sideways feel more comfortable and perform similar to traditional controllers.

I bought 2 sets of Joy-Con controller grips along with my Switch to play multiplayer games, such as Super Bomberman R, more comfortably with my spouse and her family.

Nintendo Joy-Con Wheel

This gives you the feeling of actually steering a wheel in racing games.

I picked up a pair of racing wheels along with my purchase of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for those moments I used motion controls and wanted to feel like I was actually driving my kart. Zoom, zoom!

Nintendo Switch Elite Player Backpack or other Backpacks

This is an awesome travel solution for your entire array of Nintendo Switch products.

One of my more recent purchases, the Nintendo Switch backpack is a huge upgrade from my lunch bag and has made traveling with all of my Nintendo Switch components a cinch.

Nintendo Switch Dock Set

Setting up an additional Nintendo Switch Dock in another room allows you to play your Switch on a second big screen without the hassle of unplugging cables and lugging your Dock around.

You can keep one Dock in the living room and one Dock in the bedroom or gaming room, if you desire. You can even keep the extra in your travel bag, like I do. The possibilities are endless.

Headset/Headphones

Headphones/earbuds are great for players who enjoy being immersed by a game’s audio while headsets are great for those who enjoy voice chatting in supported multiplayer games.

Nintendo Joy-Con Charging Grip

This is a great premium alternative to the included Joy-Con Grip that allows you to charge your connected Joy-Con while you play.

I bought one along with my Nintendo Switch and it was one of my favorite purchase to date!

Nintendo Switch Car Charger

This is great if you travel, go on road trips, or simply need to recharge your Switch while on the go.

This is also great for families with children who enjoy playing games in the back seat but need a little more battery life for the trek home.

Conclusion

You just read about 9 essential Nintendo Switch accessories not included with a Nintendo Switch.

From screen protectors to online memberships, these Nintendo Switch accessories are truly essential in taking your Nintendo Switch gaming to the next level.

Feel free to revisit this guide from time to time when you need a refresher on the most valuable accessories I recommend alongside every Nintendo Switch purchase.

By Wally

(Screenshots taken by me. Images sourced from product pages on the Nintendo website. Logos, characters, and images are owned by their respective owners)