Summary
TheNintendo Switch 2has finally arrived after a long wait, and it feels like a true evolution of its predecessor. From its larger screen to improved resolutions and load times, this console seems to be bigger and better in every way imaginable.
Alongside the Nintendo Switch 2, there are also a decent number of accessories available for purchase to improve your overall experience. While many of them are non-essential, you might want to consider picking up an extra item or two to help you keep the console safe from damage or enhance your interactions with games like Mario Kart World and Mario Party Jamboree.
9Joy-Con 2 Wheel
Since the Nintendo Wii, every Mario Kart game has been accompanied by plastic shells in the shape of steering wheels to help improve your immersion with motion controls. To nobody’s surprise, Nintendo has done it again with a new product specifically designed for the Joy-Con 2 controllers.
If you like using motion controls in Mario Kart World or have young children who want to emulate the feeling of driving, the Joy-Con 2 Wheel is an inexpensive accessory that can also be used for other racing games down the line. There are two wheels in each box, so you and someone else can both pretend to be driving a car in the shape of a Blooper.
8All-In-One Carrying Case
If you’re someone who travels a lot and plans on bringing your Nintendo Switch 2 with you wherever you go, then the All-in-One Carrying Case is a no-brainer. It has specific spots for the dock, Joy-Cons, and other accessories, and the padding on the interior makes sure it all stays protected even if you accidentally drop it.
On the other hand, if you never plan on unplugging your dock from your TV to take it somewhere else, there are cheaper options for just carrying the console in handheld mode that also take up less space. The All-in-One is great for anyone who travels a lot or for someone younger who might bring it over to a friend’s house for a sleepover.
7Amiibo
Amiibo were first introduced as an accessory for the Wii U in 2014, and they are somehow still thriving with the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. There arecurrently over 200 of these figures available(including seven that came out the same day as the Switch 2), and each one unlocks items, skins, or unique benefits to games by tapping them on an NFC sensor.
As nice as these perks can sound, Amiibo are really more of a collector’s item and not something you need to enjoy a game more than you already do. Whether you’re using a Legend of Zelda Amiibo to earn free items in Breath of the Wild or a Samus Amiibo to restore health in Metroid Dread, the benefits are definitely nice, but ultimately don’t impact the experience too much.
6Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip
The Nintendo Switch 2 comes with a grip for the Joy-Con 2 in the packaging, but it doesn’t let you charge the controllers while you’re using them. If you plan on using the Joy-Cons as your main controller, it might be worth picking up the Charging Grip so they don’t die on you in the middle of a tense boss fight.
The Joy-Con 2 controllershave roughly 20 hours of battery life, which should get you through most play sessions without any issues. If you forget to charge them overnight, though, this could lead to some unexpected problems that restrict your playtime. The Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip circumvents these issues and lets you enjoy whatever game you’re playing without worrying about battery life.
5Nintendo Switch 2 Camera
The Nintendo Switch 2’s GameChat mechanic is one of its defining features. The console itself has a built-in microphone you can use in handheld or docked mode to talk with friends, but if you want them to see you, you’ll need to own the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera accessory.
Alongside being able to video chat with friends while you play games together, the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera has a couple of other features that make it a compelling purchase. You can use it for local multiplayer matches in games like Mario Kart World, where you can see each person’s face over their character, and it can also be used to detect motion for exclusive modes in titles like Super Mario Party Jamboree - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.
4Nintendo GameCube Controller
Another exclusive feature of the Nintendo Switch 2 is that it allows you to play classic games from the GameCube library if you have asubscription to Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack. You can play any of the games on this service with your Joy-Cons or Pro Controller, but nothing feels better than experiencing them with the controller they were meant to be played with.
This wireless version of the GameCube controller also includes extra buttons, including one that activates GameChat and an extra shoulder button. While there are only a handful of games to play right now (including Wind Waker and Soul Calibur 2), you can also use this controller with some Nintendo Switch games, though it might not be compatible with everything.
3Carrying Case/Screen Protector
The Nintendo Switch 2 is a significantly more expensive console than the original unit, and the last thing you want to do is drop and break it during the first week of owning one. If you want your Nintendo Switch 2 to last you the next five to eight years, it’s always a good idea to verify you’re keeping it safe with a proper carrying case and a screen protector.
Even if you’re the most meticulous person you know, mistakes happen, and all it takes is one small mistake to ruin how your console looks or functions. The official Carrying Case & Screen Protector combo by Nintendo is a great deal with high-quality products that will keep your mind at ease while you begrudgingly bring the console to your niece and nephew so they can go wild with it for a bit.
2Samsung MicroSD Express Card (256GB)
The Nintendo Switch 2 has an internal storage of 256GB, which should be more than enough to support launch games like Mario Kart World and Cyberpunk 2077. If you plan on importing all of your games and data from your original Nintendo Switch, that couldquickly deplete how much free space you have, but there is a great solution to this problem already.
Unlike the Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch 2 only accepts microSD Express Cards, and while there aren’t many of these on the market, Samsung has released an official product that adds an extra 256GB to your storage. This might not be essential if you only plan on playing a handful of games, but if the Nintendo Switch 2 is your go-to console for everything, you might want one of these sooner rather than later.
1Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
The Joy-Con 2s are decent controllers that are comfortable to use with either the standard or Charging Grip, but if you’re looking for something a bit more traditional, the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is the ultimate choice. It can do almost everything the Joy-Con 2s are capable of and more, making it the best thing you can purchase to enhance your experience with your new console.
Nintendo has been developing great Pro Controllers since the Wii U, but the changes made to the Switch 2 version take things to another level. From major additions like the extra GL/GR buttons on the back of the controller to smaller changes like the inclusion of an audio jack and improved analog sticks, it’s absolutely worth picking up on day one.
