I tested dozens of Nintendo Swatch 2 accessories, and these are ones I'd actually spend money on
The Nintendo Switch 2 is a shiny piece of hardware, our best handheld gaming console, and arguably Nintendo's most premium console ever made. While it comes built in with many great features out of the box, from its incredible noise-cancelling mic to its magnetic Joy-Con that can act as single controllers and mice, there's still plenty more you'll want to buy to enhance the experience.
Of course, if you owned a Switch previously, you'll be pleased to know that many of your old accessories will still be compatible, albeit with some limitations, but some things need to be upgraded, such as the new microSD Express cards, while old controllers can't be used to turn on your console.
Whether you're after extra controllers for different play styles or occasions, need extra juice when taking it on the go and also want to make sure it's well protected, we've put together some of the best accessories you'll want to get your hands on along to go with your new Nintendo investment.
Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller
Given that the Pro Controller for the original Switch has proven popular for even those who don't own Nintendo's console, there wasn't much that needed to change with this new version. The design is almost the same but sports a sleeker matte finish that complements the new, more premium-feeling console, though it does feel a bit more slippery without textured grips.
The d-pad, however, feels like an improvement, a test of Tetris in Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S, showing I was no longer mis-dropping blocks like before.
There are, however, more additions, such as the C-button for GameChat and a much-requested headphone jack for you to plug in a headset. But the standout feature (and likely why this is more expensive than its predecessor) is two programmable back buttons on the rear grips called GL and GR, which you can even map the capture button to so that you can finally take screenshots while still fully in control of gameplay.
Nintendo Switch 2 Camera
The console already has a built-in mic to take advantage of the new GameChat feature, but if you also want to be seen by your friends, then you'll want to get an official camera.
While you can also plug in any USB-C webcam as well, this camera has both 1080p resolution and a wide lens to ensure it can capture you or anyone else in your living room and zoom in accordingly while ensuring you still appear visible on your friends' Game Chat feeds as if you were streaming directly to them.
The camera also comes with a stand that is easy to adjust, at a height you can place behind the Switch 2 dock, or you can also use it when playing in handheld or tabletop mode.
SanDisk MicroSD Express Card
While the Switch 2 comes with 256GB of internal storage, the larger size of Switch 2 games means you'll definitely need to expand your storage, and your old microSDs will not be good enough.
MicroSD Express has much faster read speeds and enables games to load much faster than previously. However, the only cards you're likely to find only offer an additional 256GB, with larger sizes either scarce or running extortionate prices.
You might get confused by the labelling over whether or not you have the right card. Fortunately, you'll be glad to know that Nintendo is selling an officially licensed express card and isn't charging extra for it.
GameCube Controller – Nintendo Classics
GameCube games are finally available to Switch Online members with the expansion pack tier, and the best way to enjoy them is with a GameCube controller – indeed, the analogue shoulder buttons make it essential for F-Zero GX.
While it's been possible to use OG wired GameCube controllers and an adaptor for dedicated Super Smash Bros. players, this new wireless controller, available exclusively on My Nintendo Store, has a nicer matte finish as well as additional buttons like the Home, Capture and C-Button.
Just bear in mind that it's not going to be ideal as your only other controller since it's missing several inputs that a modern controller has.
Beyerdynamic MMX 330 Pro Gaming Headset
While this is a professional studio-quality open-back gaming headset for PC, a console adaptor means you can still plug it into either your Switch 2's audio jack or a Switch 2 pro controller so that you can enjoy incredible sound and comfortable pads for extended gaming sessions, whether at home or on the go.
It's admittedly quite pricey for what it is, and annoyingly, its microphone isn't detachable, which might make it less appealing to take on the train, but you'll at least also be able to make use of it during GameChat sessions, as the noise-cancelling tech is in the Switch 2 hardware itself.
Belkin Portable Power Bank with Integrated Cable
Switch 2's battery life is unfortunately not great, so you want to ensure you have a power bank if you're planning to take it on a long-haul trip. This power bank from Belkin is about the size of an iPhone (albeit thicker) and has a rechargeable 20,000 mAh battery, which can recharge your console twice.
It also comes with an integrated cable in case you forget to bring a cable, just enough to plug into the device's USB-C port on top when playing in tabletop mode. Of course, it also has an additional USB-C and USB 2.0 port if you need to charge your phone or another device.
SnakeByte System Organiser S2
This is a bargain because only for a quid more than the official carry case, you actually get not just a carry case for your Switch 2 but also for its other components, including the dock, cables, and even room for other accessories like a controller and power bank.
The Switch 2 case itself is moulded nicely for the triggers, buttons and sticks and contains space for 10 game cards and comes with a wrist strap if you want to carry it hands-free. This can then fit on the top part of the system organiser, while an an attachable and adjustable shoulder strap makes it easy and comfortable to take your whole console with you whether it's for a house party or you're heading home for the holidays.
Belkin Gaming Nintendo Switch 2 Charger Case
If you're taking your Switch 2 places, then a protective case is essential, but this dedicated case also comes with a power bank that fits snugly inside the case with a cable that can neatly plug into the console while stored, ensuring that once you're seated and have time to relax you'll find your Switch 2 has plenty of juice.
That does however make for a bulkier case though it does have a handle so that you can carry it in your hand instead of putting it in your bag, while it also has room to store 12 game cards, additional cables or Joy-Con wrist straps, and even a hidden space you can fit an AirTag.
PowerA Advantage Wired Controller
If you're after a budget controller, PowerA has a range of wired Switch 2 controllers, each sporting some Nintendo-themed designs. On the whole, it's not that different from the company's Switch 1 range, apart from of course the addition of a C-button and headphone jack to take advantage of GameChat functionality.
Its lower cost does mean it skimps on a few other features, such as HD rumble, gyro controls and NFC support for Amiibo, but it does have programmable back buttons. The caveat is that these are not the same as the GL and GR buttons on the official Switch 2 pro controller. For that reason, you won't be able to use these back buttons to take a screenshot.
SnakeByte Twin Charge S2
While you can still use Switch 1 Joy-Cons, if you do plan to buy more Switch 2 Joy-Cons you'll also want new charging docks for them since they have new designs. For this Twin Charge, you just need to put each Joy-Con down on its side much like when using them as a mouse and an LED light on the front will let you know when it is charging or fully charged.
There's also a Quad Charge available if you plan on buying more of Joy-Con 2s, perhaps when more colours and designs are available in future.
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Stuff.tv
6 hours ago
- Stuff.tv
I tested dozens of Nintendo Swatch 2 accessories, and these are ones I'd actually spend money on
The Nintendo Switch 2 is a shiny piece of hardware, our best handheld gaming console, and arguably Nintendo's most premium console ever made. While it comes built in with many great features out of the box, from its incredible noise-cancelling mic to its magnetic Joy-Con that can act as single controllers and mice, there's still plenty more you'll want to buy to enhance the experience. Of course, if you owned a Switch previously, you'll be pleased to know that many of your old accessories will still be compatible, albeit with some limitations, but some things need to be upgraded, such as the new microSD Express cards, while old controllers can't be used to turn on your console. Whether you're after extra controllers for different play styles or occasions, need extra juice when taking it on the go and also want to make sure it's well protected, we've put together some of the best accessories you'll want to get your hands on along to go with your new Nintendo investment. Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller Given that the Pro Controller for the original Switch has proven popular for even those who don't own Nintendo's console, there wasn't much that needed to change with this new version. The design is almost the same but sports a sleeker matte finish that complements the new, more premium-feeling console, though it does feel a bit more slippery without textured grips. The d-pad, however, feels like an improvement, a test of Tetris in Puyo Puyo Tetris 2S, showing I was no longer mis-dropping blocks like before. There are, however, more additions, such as the C-button for GameChat and a much-requested headphone jack for you to plug in a headset. But the standout feature (and likely why this is more expensive than its predecessor) is two programmable back buttons on the rear grips called GL and GR, which you can even map the capture button to so that you can finally take screenshots while still fully in control of gameplay. Nintendo Switch 2 Camera The console already has a built-in mic to take advantage of the new GameChat feature, but if you also want to be seen by your friends, then you'll want to get an official camera. While you can also plug in any USB-C webcam as well, this camera has both 1080p resolution and a wide lens to ensure it can capture you or anyone else in your living room and zoom in accordingly while ensuring you still appear visible on your friends' Game Chat feeds as if you were streaming directly to them. The camera also comes with a stand that is easy to adjust, at a height you can place behind the Switch 2 dock, or you can also use it when playing in handheld or tabletop mode. SanDisk MicroSD Express Card While the Switch 2 comes with 256GB of internal storage, the larger size of Switch 2 games means you'll definitely need to expand your storage, and your old microSDs will not be good enough. MicroSD Express has much faster read speeds and enables games to load much faster than previously. However, the only cards you're likely to find only offer an additional 256GB, with larger sizes either scarce or running extortionate prices. You might get confused by the labelling over whether or not you have the right card. Fortunately, you'll be glad to know that Nintendo is selling an officially licensed express card and isn't charging extra for it. GameCube Controller – Nintendo Classics GameCube games are finally available to Switch Online members with the expansion pack tier, and the best way to enjoy them is with a GameCube controller – indeed, the analogue shoulder buttons make it essential for F-Zero GX. While it's been possible to use OG wired GameCube controllers and an adaptor for dedicated Super Smash Bros. players, this new wireless controller, available exclusively on My Nintendo Store, has a nicer matte finish as well as additional buttons like the Home, Capture and C-Button. Just bear in mind that it's not going to be ideal as your only other controller since it's missing several inputs that a modern controller has. Beyerdynamic MMX 330 Pro Gaming Headset While this is a professional studio-quality open-back gaming headset for PC, a console adaptor means you can still plug it into either your Switch 2's audio jack or a Switch 2 pro controller so that you can enjoy incredible sound and comfortable pads for extended gaming sessions, whether at home or on the go. It's admittedly quite pricey for what it is, and annoyingly, its microphone isn't detachable, which might make it less appealing to take on the train, but you'll at least also be able to make use of it during GameChat sessions, as the noise-cancelling tech is in the Switch 2 hardware itself. Belkin Portable Power Bank with Integrated Cable Switch 2's battery life is unfortunately not great, so you want to ensure you have a power bank if you're planning to take it on a long-haul trip. This power bank from Belkin is about the size of an iPhone (albeit thicker) and has a rechargeable 20,000 mAh battery, which can recharge your console twice. It also comes with an integrated cable in case you forget to bring a cable, just enough to plug into the device's USB-C port on top when playing in tabletop mode. Of course, it also has an additional USB-C and USB 2.0 port if you need to charge your phone or another device. SnakeByte System Organiser S2 This is a bargain because only for a quid more than the official carry case, you actually get not just a carry case for your Switch 2 but also for its other components, including the dock, cables, and even room for other accessories like a controller and power bank. The Switch 2 case itself is moulded nicely for the triggers, buttons and sticks and contains space for 10 game cards and comes with a wrist strap if you want to carry it hands-free. This can then fit on the top part of the system organiser, while an an attachable and adjustable shoulder strap makes it easy and comfortable to take your whole console with you whether it's for a house party or you're heading home for the holidays. Belkin Gaming Nintendo Switch 2 Charger Case If you're taking your Switch 2 places, then a protective case is essential, but this dedicated case also comes with a power bank that fits snugly inside the case with a cable that can neatly plug into the console while stored, ensuring that once you're seated and have time to relax you'll find your Switch 2 has plenty of juice. That does however make for a bulkier case though it does have a handle so that you can carry it in your hand instead of putting it in your bag, while it also has room to store 12 game cards, additional cables or Joy-Con wrist straps, and even a hidden space you can fit an AirTag. PowerA Advantage Wired Controller If you're after a budget controller, PowerA has a range of wired Switch 2 controllers, each sporting some Nintendo-themed designs. On the whole, it's not that different from the company's Switch 1 range, apart from of course the addition of a C-button and headphone jack to take advantage of GameChat functionality. Its lower cost does mean it skimps on a few other features, such as HD rumble, gyro controls and NFC support for Amiibo, but it does have programmable back buttons. The caveat is that these are not the same as the GL and GR buttons on the official Switch 2 pro controller. For that reason, you won't be able to use these back buttons to take a screenshot. SnakeByte Twin Charge S2 While you can still use Switch 1 Joy-Cons, if you do plan to buy more Switch 2 Joy-Cons you'll also want new charging docks for them since they have new designs. For this Twin Charge, you just need to put each Joy-Con down on its side much like when using them as a mouse and an LED light on the front will let you know when it is charging or fully charged. There's also a Quad Charge available if you plan on buying more of Joy-Con 2s, perhaps when more colours and designs are available in future.
Stuff.tv
a day ago
- Stuff.tv
These are the games from Nintendo's back catalogue I want to make a Switch 2 comeback
We all love Mario and Zelda, but Nintendo has such a rich and vast history of franchises that deserve to shine. A few dormant series were revived towards the end of the original Switch's lifespan – but a cynic might say unexpected remaster Another Code: Recollection and new Famicom Detective Club entry Emio: The Smiling Man were scraping the barrel while we waited for Switch 2 arrive. On the other hand, it showed just how diverse Nintendo's first-party library really is. The first Switch's huge install base helped many of these niches reach a wider audience than ever, and there are plenty more from the firm's history I think are worth reviving. Instead of just another Mario-themed spinoff to plug the gaps, here are the franchises I desperately want Nintendo to bring back on its new platform. Wario Land Given the WarioWare series saw two releases on the Switch 1, it's a surprise that Mario's evil doppelganger hasn't been given the chance to have his own standalone platforming outing again. Wario Land started out with the former villain becoming the antihero protagonist for Super Mario Land 3, before going on to have multiple entries (including one on the ill-fated Virtual Boy), each different from the last. An emphasis on abilities and non-linear progression made it more Metroid-influenced than a typical side-scrolling platformer. Wario Land 4's gameplay and expressive graphics were influential on indie hit Pizza Tower, so this series is ripe for Nintendo to re-explore. Alternatively the Switch 2 could be the chance for Wario to make the leap back to 3D, which he's only done previously in GameCube title Wario World, which was developed by arcade legends Treasure. F-Zero Okay, technically we got F-Zero 99, which was one of many classic games given the online battle royale-style treatment, but fans of this hardcore high speed racer deserve more than this – or racing through Mute City and Big Blue at 200cc in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. Thanks to GameCube: Nintendo Classics, you can already play the last mainline entry F-Zero GX, and the no-frills Fast Fusion might also scratch that high-velocity itch. But come on, imagine what could be achieved putting Captain Falcon and the gang at breakneck 120 FPS on Switch 2 hardware. It'll probably still be impossibly hard for most of us mere mortals, but you'd expect nothing less. Get Sega to develop it again if you must, just make it happen! Kid Icarus This fantasy series based on Greco-Roman mythology admittedly hasn't had many entries, starting out on the NES followed by a Game Boy sequel and then nothing for two decades. But it was vibrantly reimagined as third-person shooter with Kid Icarus: Uprising on the 3DS, directed by none other than Smash Bros creator Masahiro Sakurai. The 3DS title was famously awkward to control, making a circle pad pro add-on practically essential. A modern remaster should be no problem on a console with dual sticks but you can imagine the rail-shooting sections benefitting from the Switch 2's mouse controls. Of course, without hardware constraints, it would be even better to have a new title that gives you a whole world to fly around and fight in. Sakurai might already be busy with reviving another of his IP with Kirby Air Riders, but a new Kid Icarus would be a terrific follow-up. Wave Race One of the new features in Mario Kart World is that you race on the surface of water instead of beneath it. That alone is enough to give Wave Race vibes, to the extent that this groundbreaking series is also overdue for a new instalment. Wave Race 64's water physics still hold up incredibly, but otherwise the series has been dormant after GameCube release Blue Storm, which admittedly didn't go down that well as many saw it as little more than a retread of the superior N64 title. But it would be a waste not to build on MK World's incredible water effects in a game dedicated to water racing. It could even be a proper showcase for the Switch 2's supposed ray-tracing support. Golden Sun Nintendo has given Xenoblade Chronicles a lot of love, considering the original Wii game took a fan campaign to bring it to the West in the first place, but it's not the only RPG in its stable that deserves attention. Golden Sun started life on the Game Boy Advance where you play as a group of magic-attuned teenagers known as Adepts on a journey to protect the world from a destructive power referred to as Alchemy, only for you to play the perspective of the apparent bad guys in its sequel. In some cases, it was only ever envisioned as a duology (though a 3D follow-up did come to the DS), but it's so beloved by fans that there's surely an appetite for a new story in that world. If nothing else, it would also allow developer Camelot to flex its RPG muscles once more, because its talents feel wasted simply pumping out Mario sports spin-offs. Earthbound The request for Mother 3 (the original Japanese title) to come to the Switch lasted as long as the console itself, which finally came to fruition last year – but only in Japan. Yet while an official localisation might seem like a distant dream, another possibility could be to revive the series with a new entry altogether. This weird RPG where you play as kids in an alternate surreal version of contemporary America where you're using psychic (and psychedelic) abilities to fight not just monsters but inanimate objects or cops has been so influential to a new generation of indie RPGs, in particular Undertale and its spiritual successor Deltarune, that the OG deserves another go round too. It might be tempting to give it a 3D makeover but there would probably be more charm in retaining its pixel art origins, or perhaps something akin to Square Enix's HD-2D style. Elite Beat Agents As a team of groovy agents riffing on Blues Brothers and Men in Black, you're sent on missions to use your rhythmic cool to inspire people to overcome their hardships across numerous comic book-inspired vignettes soundtracked to a roster of contemporary pop songs. It's totally bizarre but utterly hilarious and unforgettable, at least for those who actually discovered this cult DS classic. EBA always deserved some kind of comeback on Switch, and while its controls had been designed specifically for touchscreens, the Switch 2's mouse function could make it viable to play on the TV too. Better yet, given how Japanese culture has gotten more in vogue in recent years, it would also be timely to port the game's original predecessor Ouendan, which has you playing as hot-blooded Japanese male cheerleaders. ARMS Is it strange to include ARMS on this list given that it only debuted on Switch? Well, it launched in the first year of the console's life and despite critical acclaim, it never got the love it deserved, and so after a few updates seems all but doomed to fade into obscurity. That would be a shame because its stretchy-limbed fighters are just so full of charm (something that several other new Switch 2 games seem to be lacking), while its mechanics make perfect use of the Joy-Con's dual motion controls. It's something rare for a fighting game to feel this approachable while still offering depth and customisation. ARMS has however received a free Switch 2 update that improves its resolution and performance, so let's hope that's a sign that Nintendo hasn't thrown in the towel on this just yet.
Stuff.tv
3 days ago
- Stuff.tv
Why I found microSD Express won't solve your Nintendo Switch 2 storage problems
The Nintendo Switch was the first console I embraced going digital with my games. There's something alluring about having your entire library installed and ready to play at any time. Sadly, that kind of luxury isn't really an option on my Switch 2. Nintendo's new console might have a seemingly generous 256GB of internal storage (more like around 230GB after accounting for system files), compared to the paltry 32GB of its predecessor and 64GB of the Switch OLED – but I used all of it up testing just a fraction of the Switch 2's launch line-up. Simply put, Switch 2 game file sizes are way larger than before. Mario Kart World weighs in at 23.4GB; the majority of my Switch 1 game collection ate between 2-8GB apiece. Third-party ports have absolutely ballooned, too; Hitman: World of Assassination – Signature Edition is around 60GB, and an update temporarily demanded an additional 55GB of space on top of that. If you're wanting to play the big blockbusters, you're likely going to find yourself fitting no more than around five games. Express yourself And that's before even thinking of your back catalogue if you had upgraded from the original Switch. Over the course of eight years, I had amassed hundreds of games, and although I eventually did have to uninstall some, I could still retain a significant portion of my library. That's because it was always possible to gradually expand the console storage with relatively affordable microSD cards. I started with one 128GB card, but as time went by I would upgrade to larger sizes until eventually peaking with 512GB. However, Switch 2 uses microSD Express cards. The name itself isn't the most obvious differentiator, especially when many cards come with a bunch of other nonsensical acronyms (you're essentially looking for the 'EX' logo). But there's another distinction that'll stand out: they cost a lot more. You can pick up a 256GB microSD card under £20, but a microSD Express with the same storage will currently set you back £50. The only upside is that Nintendo isn't charging extra for an officially licensed one, like it has done in the past. These new Express cards have much faster read speeds than the bog-standard ones. While not on the same level as SSDs, they're essential for loading up the seamless interconnected tracks in Mario Kart World or those hugely reduced loading times when fast-travelling in Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Switch 1 games saved to microSD Express also see reduced loading times, even without a Switch 2-specific patch. However, Nintendo has blocked any old microSDs you'd previously bought from working at all, even if you just wanted to use them for storing Switch 1 games. It's an annoyingly inflexible move, when PC-based handhelds like the Steam Deck let you mix and match whatever SSD and microSDs you like. Other consoles at least let you connect an external HDD drive, too. Low-key game-keys Even if money is no issue, you're going to have a hard time finding a larger storage card. Nintendo says the Switch 2 supports up to 2TB capacity microSD Express cards, but only the 256GB ones are currently doing the rounds at most retailers. Lexar said it would be the first company with 1TB cards, but the single listing I've found so far pegs it at a hefty $200 – and went almost instantly out of stock. A terabyte would've been a luxury on the OG Switch, but when you're dealing with beefier games that require regular updates, that's looking like it'll become the standard for Switch 2, as with PlayStation and Xbox. Don't go thinking the alternative is to just buy more physical games again, either. A lot of Switch 2 cartridges are glorified game-key cards, which don't contain any game assets and simply let you download a digital version of it to your console. With the exception of Cyberpunk 2077, virtually all third party publishers are selling their physical games as game-key cards, including launch titles Street Fighter 6, Hitman: World of Assassination, and Yakuza 0: Director's Cut. Even Bravely Default, a remaster of a 3DS game, has no on-cartridge files. The cost-saving measure also forces the retail boxes to carry ugly disclaimers. PlayStation and Xbox gamers have long gotten used to physical games installing on their console's storage. But Nintendo's USP used to be that it was different to the other platform holders. Unfortunately, with Switch 2, it looks like you'll have to get used to taking your games in and out of rotation a lot more.
