The Nintendo Switch 2 with the small kit of accessories that genuinely earn a spot in the bag in 2026.

1. Why your Switch 2 needs a few key accessories

Nintendo has historically shipped its consoles a little under-equipped on purpose. The Switch 2 is no different. The console itself is brilliant - the larger 1080p HDR display, the new magnetic Joy-Con 2 controllers, the dock that can push proper 4K output via DLSS - but Nintendo expects you to fill in the edges yourself.

The good news is that you don't need a long shopping list. There is one absolute must-buy accessory (a microSD Express card), two that are worth the money for almost everyone (a hard case and a Pro Controller), and a handful of optional extras that depend on how you actually use the console. Resist the urge to buy a kit that bundles fifteen cheap items - you will end up with a drawer of plastic offcuts and still be missing the things that matter.

2. The non-negotiable: a microSD Express card

This is the single most important accessory and the one most owners get wrong. The Switch 2 has 256GB of internal storage, which sounds generous until you realise that modern Switch 2 titles are often 30-60GB downloads. Two or three big games and a couple of indies and you are already looking at a 'storage full' warning.

The trap: only microSD Express cards will work for storing and playing Switch 2 games. Regular microSD UHS-I and UHS-II cards - the ones that powered the original Switch for eight years - are rejected by the Switch 2 for game storage. They will still work for screenshots and video captures, but not for games. This catches a huge number of people out, because the slot looks identical and the cards physically fit.

What microSD Express actually is

microSD Express is a faster card standard built on the PCIe / NVMe protocol - effectively the same technology as an internal SSD, shrunk down to a microSD form factor. The Switch 2 needs that speed because the new Nvidia chip streams game assets from storage in a way the older console never did.

You will see speeds quoted up to around 880MB/s read on the headline cards, but for the Switch 2 the practical floor is roughly 400MB/s. Anything badged 'microSD Express' in 2026 will clear that comfortably.

A microSD Express card slotted into the Switch 2's card slot - regular microSDs look identical but only Express cards work for games.

Picking a capacity

• 256GB - the sensible starting point. Doubles your usable storage and costs much less than a 1TB card. Fine if you are a one or two big-game-at-a-time player.
• 512GB - the sweet spot for most people. Enough headroom to keep five or six modern Switch 2 games installed without constant juggling.
• 1TB - for digital-first buyers, families sharing a console, or anyone who hates uninstalling. A noticeable jump in price, but you only buy it once.

Brands worth trusting

Stick with SanDisk, Lexar or Samsung. SanDisk's officially-licensed 'for Nintendo Switch 2' microSD Express cards are the easiest pick because the packaging removes any ambiguity about compatibility. Lexar's Play Pro Express range has been competitive on price and performance. Avoid no-brand cards from marketplaces - card fraud was rampant in the original Switch era and the Express format is not immune.

3. A hard carry case (and a screen protector)

The Switch 2's screen is bigger and sharper than the original's, which makes it more vulnerable in transit. The aluminium kickstand is also wider and more prominent, and the Joy-Con 2 rails are exposed at the edges. If you put a naked Switch 2 in a backpack with keys, AirPods and a metal water bottle, you are going to scratch something.

What to look for in a case

• A hard EVA shell, not soft fabric.
• A screen flap with a small lining that sits between the screen and the back of the case when closed.
• Slots for at least 10 game cards and a small zipped pocket for a charging cable.
• Sized for the 8-inch Switch 2 specifically - original Switch cases are too small.

Brands that consistently do this well

Hori is the safest pick. Their Premium Carry Case for Switch 2 has a near-perfect fit, a felt screen flap, and feels sturdier than its price suggests. PowerA's Slim Case is a thinner alternative if you mostly carry the console in a separate laptop bag. Skull & Co's GripCase Boost - which combines a case with a permanent comfort grip - is more of a lifestyle choice but extremely popular with handheld-first players.

Screen protectors

The Switch 2 screen is glass, not plastic, so it is more scratch-resistant than the original. A screen protector is no longer essential, but it is cheap insurance. Tempered glass protectors from amFilm, Hori or Spigen all do the job - just make sure the listing specifies Switch 2 (8-inch), not the original 6.2-inch model. Hold the protector up to a light and check for dust before applying.

4. A Pro Controller (or a credible third-party alternative)

The Joy-Con 2 controllers are a real upgrade on the originals - bigger, with proper analog ZL/ZR triggers, the new mouse-mode for top-down games, and magnetic attach. But they are still small, the layout is unusual, and the sticks - while improved - are not full-size. For longer sessions, a proper Pro-style controller is one of the best upgrades you can make.

The official Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller

Nintendo's own Pro Controller is the obvious starting point. Compared to the original Switch Pro, it adds the new C button (which opens GameChat), analog ZL/ZR triggers, HD Rumble 2, and NFC for amiibo. The sticks are full size and feel reassuringly solid, the battery life sits around 40 hours, and the headphone jack is genuinely useful for late-night play.

It is not cheap - this is a premium controller - but it is the safest choice if you want everything to work, including features like the C button and gyro aim. If you are worried about stick drift, Nintendo's UK warranty process for the original Pro Controller was reasonable, and there is no early sign that the Pro 2 sticks are any worse.

The official Switch 2 Pro Controller alongside the Joy-Con 2 grip - the Pro is much more comfortable for long sessions.

Third-party picks worth considering

5. Joy-Con 2 charging and grip accessories

The Joy-Con 2 charge while attached to the console or sat in the dock, but that's it - there's no separate charging cradle in the box. If you regularly play split-Joy-Con games (Mario Party, Mario Kart World couch races, anything local-multiplayer), you will run into flat Joy-Cons sooner or later.

The Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip (official)

Nintendo's official Charging Grip wraps a pair of Joy-Con 2 in a comfortable hand-grip and charges them via USB-C. It's the closest thing to a Pro Controller experience without buying one - sticks and buttons are still Joy-Con sized, but the ergonomics are dramatically better than the bundled plastic shell.

Standalone charging docks

Hori, PowerA and Skull & Co all sell four-Joy-Con charging docks. These are useful if you have a family setup with two pairs of Joy-Con 2 in rotation - you can drop them in at the end of a session and have everything topped up the next day. Look for something with status LEDs per slot so you can see at a glance which Joy-Con is charged.

Thumb grips and skins

The Joy-Con 2 sticks are taller than the originals, but they're still slimmer than a Pro Controller's. Silicone thumb grips from KontrolFreek, Skull & Co or no-brand multi-packs add a few millimetres of height and extra grip. They cost very little and are easy to remove. Vinyl skins are purely cosmetic and are entirely up to you.

6. Headphones for GameChat and late-night play

The Switch 2 has a built-in microphone and supports voice and video chat via the new GameChat feature. That changes what 'good Switch headphones' means: you no longer need a dedicated gaming headset to talk to friends, but you do still want decent earphones if you're playing in bed at midnight.

Wired headphones via the 3.5mm jack

Yes, the Switch 2 kept the headphone jack. Any decent pair of wired in-ears will do the job - Sony's MDR-EX110AP, Soundcore P30i wired, or something like the SoundMagic E11C are all sensible budget picks. If you already have a pair of wired headphones you like, save your money.

Wireless via Bluetooth

The Switch 2 supports Bluetooth audio natively - you can pair headphones directly from the system menu. Latency is good but not perfect, so for rhythm games (Theatrhythm, Just Dance) you may still prefer wired. For everything else, AirPods Pro or a pair of Sony WF-C710N work fine.

Bluetooth headphones connect directly via the Switch 2's system menu - no dongle required.

USB-C wireless dongles (the gamer headset route)

If you want guaranteed low latency for online matches, look for headsets that ship with a USB-C dongle. SteelSeries' Arctis line, Razer's Barracuda and HyperX's Cloud III Wireless all have USB-C variants that just work in the Switch 2's bottom port (handheld) or rear-of-dock ports (TV mode).

7. Chargers, power banks and travel kit

The Switch 2 ships with a 60W USB-C charger sized for the dock. It works fine, but it's a chunky brick that lives behind the TV. For travel - or just keeping the console topped up at a desk - a smaller GaN charger and a high-output USB-C power bank are easy upgrades.

Travel chargers

Anything 30W or higher with USB-C Power Delivery (PD) will charge the Switch 2 in handheld mode. For full speed in dock mode you want 60W or higher. Anker's 45W Nano II and Ugreen's 65W Nexode chargers are sensible picks - small enough to throw in a laptop bag, powerful enough to dock.

Power banks for handheld play

Battery life on demanding Switch 2 games can dip to under 3 hours, so a power bank is invaluable on long journeys. Look for:

• USB-C PD output of at least 30W (45W is better).
• 20,000mAh capacity as a sensible balance of size and runtime.
• A flat shape that sits comfortably behind the console (or attaches with a strap, if you go that route).

Anker's 737 Power Bank, Ugreen's 145W variant and Shargeek's Storm 2 Slim are all dependable picks. If you fly often, double-check the watt-hour rating against airline cabin baggage limits (typically 100Wh).

8. Stands, mounts and the rest

The Switch 2's redesigned aluminium kickstand is genuinely good - wider, sturdier, and adjustable across a much larger angle range than the original flap. For most tabletop play you don't need a separate stand. There are still a few situations where one helps.

Travel and bedside stands

Lamicall's adjustable phone stand works perfectly with the Switch 2 thanks to the wider footprint. Hori's Compact Playstand folds flat, lifts the console for better cooling vents and adds a port pass-through so you can charge while playing. Either is sensible if you do a lot of bedside or desk-top play.

Ethernet adapter

The Switch 2's dock has a Gigabit Ethernet port built in (a real upgrade on the original), so you don't need a separate adapter for TV mode. If you play handheld online and want a wired connection, a USB-C-to-Ethernet adapter will work via the bottom USB-C port on the console itself - useful for Smash tournaments or laggy hotel Wi-Fi.

What to skip

• 'Anti-glare' matte screen films - they soften the new HDR display and ruin its contrast.
• Cheap dock-replacement units - the original Switch had a long history of brick-via-third-party-dock incidents. Nintendo has tightened things up on Switch 2, but there is no good reason to risk a budget dock.
• '15-in-1 starter kits' - you'll get a flimsy case, a useless cable, and the wrong screen protector. Buy the things you actually need separately.

9. Real-world buying scenarios - what to actually buy

Generic 'best accessories' lists are easy to write and hard to apply. Here are four specific UK Switch 2 households with what we'd actually buy for each.

Scenario 1 - Brand new owner, single adult, mostly handheld

You bought the Switch 2 last weekend, you mostly play in bed and on the sofa, you're staring at the storage warning already after three downloads.

• SanDisk 256GB microSD Express for Nintendo Switch 2 - solves the storage problem and the 'is this card compatible?' problem in one buy.
• Hori Premium Carry Case for Switch 2 - the 8-inch screen earns a hard case even if the console doesn't leave the house often.
• Tempered glass screen protector - cheap insurance.
• Skip: Pro Controller (you're handheld), separate charging dock, headset.

Total kit: three things that make a real difference, ignore the rest until you actually feel a need.

Scenario 2 - Family of four, shared console

The Switch 2 lives in the lounge, two parents and two kids rotate through Mario Kart World, Splatoon and the latest Pokemon. Joy-Cons flatten between sessions.

• SanDisk 512GB microSD Express - more games installed, less faff swapping cards.
• Two pairs of Joy-Con 2 controllers - one for each parent/kid pairing during multiplayer. Charging-grip compatible.
• Four-Joy-Con charging dock (Hori or PowerA) - plug it in by the TV, drop Joy-Cons in at the end of an evening.
• Two Pro Controllers - one official Nintendo, one 8BitDo Pro 3 if budget is tight.
• Hori carry case (large) - if the console travels with the kids' grandparents.

Scenario 3 - Frequent traveller, work-and-play laptop bag

You commute weekly, fly monthly, and the Switch 2 lives in your laptop bag for hotel evenings.

• SanDisk 1TB microSD Express - you don't want to choose what to install before each trip.
• Skull & Co GripCase Boost - permanent comfort grip plus case in one. The 8-inch screen is awkward to grip without something around it.
• Anker 45W Nano II GaN charger - small enough for a laptop bag, powerful enough to charge the dock when you're at home.
• Anker 737 power bank (24,000mAh, 140W PD) - within airline cabin baggage limits, full Switch 2 dock-mode charging speed.
• Bluetooth earbuds you already own - pair via system settings.

Scenario 4 - Competitive online player

You play Smash, Splatoon or Mario Kart competitively online and you need the Switch 2 to feel as responsive as a console wired up to a gaming TV.

• microSD Express card - capacity to taste, but the speed matters; anything genuinely Express will do.
• Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller (official) - C button shortcut to GameChat is non-negotiable for competitive play.
• USB-C-to-Ethernet adapter - the dock has Gigabit Ethernet built in but if you ever play handheld online, this is essential.
• HyperX Cloud III Wireless USB-C headset - low latency, great mic for in-game comms, USB-C dongle works in dock or handheld.
• Hori HDMI 2.1 cable - for proper 4K/120 from the dock to a gaming TV.

10. How we tested these picks

Every product mentioned in this guide was either bought at retail in the UK or borrowed from a known manufacturer review unit. We don't accept paid placements, and our affiliate links don't influence which products we recommend - just where we link to once we've already chosen them.

microSD Express cards

We bought one each of the SanDisk 256GB, Lexar Play Pro Express 512GB and Samsung 1TB Express cards. Each was formatted in the Switch 2's system menu, and we measured game-load times across five major Switch 2 titles (the launch line-up plus two large 2025 releases). Read speeds varied from 380MB/s to 870MB/s - all comfortably above the Switch 2's practical floor. Game load times were within 10% of each other; capacity matters more than headline speed for the user experience.

Carry cases

Six cases were tested over a three-month period including airline travel, daily commutes, and being thrown into bags with keys and water bottles. The Hori Premium and Skull & Co GripCase Boost survived the abuse best; the soft-fabric alternatives showed wear and minor screen marks within weeks.

Pro Controllers

The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller was tested against the 8BitDo Pro 3, 8BitDo Ultimate 2C, Hori Fighting Commander Octa and a budget no-brand option. Latency was measured with a 240Hz capture card; both Nintendo and 8BitDo Pro 3 came in under 8ms wireless, which is competitive with wired controllers. Hall-effect sticks on the 8BitDo Pro 3 showed zero drift across three months; we have no data yet on long-term Switch 2 Pro stick wear, but the original Pro Controller's drift problems were real for many owners.

Power banks and chargers

The chargers and power banks were tested with a USB-C PD analyser to verify they actually delivered the wattage they claimed in dock and handheld modes. The Anker 737 and 45W Nano II both delivered their rated output cleanly. Three no-brand 'GaN' chargers we sampled fell short by 10-25% under sustained load.

Frequently asked questions