The Nintendo Switch 2 is already an expensive console, so here are five budget-friendly accessories to go with it. Prices below were correct when we filmed in June 2025 and have probably changed.
1. amFilm tempered glass screen protector
We put glass protectors on all our portable devices. This one was $8.99 on Amazon and includes an installation tray that makes it easy to apply without bubbles. Nintendo said the Switch 2 comes with a plastic screen protector that shouldn’t be removed, because it protects the actual glass from shattering. Whether a second protector is safe or affects the system wasn’t known when we filmed. We doubled up and said we’d update the video description if we ran into problems.
2. Onn soft carry case
This case was $11.99 at Walmart. We’ve bought many Switch cases, bulky, slim, custom, cheap and expensive, and most didn’t fit our needs. For us the best travel case isn’t bulky, doesn’t add weight and fits in a backpack. This one does all three. It isn’t the prettiest, which is fine since the more inconspicuous the better. The inside is velvety soft, it holds up to 10 games and has space for cables. We rarely use a case except when travelling, since we keep our Switch docked most of the time.
3. Onn 512GB MicroSD Express card
It was $65.77 at Walmart, which isn’t cheap, but the Switch 2 needs the newer MicroSD Express format with transfer speeds up to 900MB/s. These are rare and pricey: a 256GB card alone can cost $70 to $80, and we couldn’t find a 512GB card on Amazon. GameSpot named the Onn 512GB card the one to get. We’re a little wary about the long-term reliability of Onn storage, but Switch 2 games are much larger than Switch 1 games, so more storage helps. A 256GB version was $36.
4. 8BitDo Pro 2 controller
We weren’t going to spend $85 on the new Switch 2 Pro Controller. The 8BitDo Pro 2 is one of our all-time favourites and often sells for $35 to $50. It works with Switch, PC, Android, Steam, iPhone, iPad, macOS and Apple TV, with a toggle on the back to choose. It charges over USB-C, has a 20-hour replaceable battery pack and Hall Effect joysticks, which the official Pro Controller lacks. A budget alternative is the original Nintendo Pro Controller, at $40 to $45 at Walmart when we filmed. It has excellent battery life and a comfortable grip, but it doesn’t support the new C Button and can’t wake the Switch 2 from sleep.
5. A 3D-printed Joy-Con mouse adapter
The Joy-Con 2 can be used as a mouse, but it isn’t the most ergonomic option. MrFoxMakes designed a Joy-Con mouse adapter on MakerWorld that improves comfort in mouse mode and protects the controller from scratches. Nintendo’s own strap attachments cost around $100 a pair. The adapter is free if you have a 3D printer and filament.
Our one complaint: the key-card games. What’s the point of physical media if the game isn’t on the card? Some links in our original video description are affiliate links.
