Best Nintendo Switch Accessories: 2019 Gift Guide

The Nintendo Switch is undeniably the hot console of the season, but with so many peripherals out there, it's not easy to know what Nintendo Switch gifts your loved ones might want alongside their favorite video game this holiday season. In addition to the two new Nintendo Switch models that hit the market in time for Black Friday, there are plenty of great Nintendo Switch gifts out there that'll enhance their gaming experience, from grip cases and headsets to extra controllers and more. These ideas for Nintendo Switch gifts will hopefully make shopping for your favorite Nintendo fan a bit easier this holiday season.

Need more ideas beyond Nintendo Switch gifts? Check out more of our 2019 holiday gift guides below for the best gift ideas across gaming, entertainment, and tech.

Note that prices are accurate at the time of publication but subject to change without notice.

Nintendo released an upgraded version of the Nintendo Switch console a few months ago as a replacement for the launch model. The most notable change is its extended battery life: This new model can last for 4.5-9 hours, while the original model had 2.5-6.5 hours of battery life (more hardware-intensive games will drain the battery faster). It'll cost you the same as the original model, $300, but if you want to buy a Nintendo Switch for someone this Christmas, be sure you're spending money on this upgraded version, which comes with the red packaging shown above. While more expensive than the Switch Lite, this model comes with more flexibility as you can play it handheld or docked and connected to the TV.

The smaller, handheld-only Nintendo Switch Lite released this fall as a more affordable option for those who prefer to take their console and games on the go rather than play it on the TV. It comes in three colors--turquoise, yellow, and gray--and sells for $200. While many Switch games can be played in handheld mode and are therefore compatible with the Switch Lite, not all of them are--check out our Switch Lite compatibility guide for more info on which games won't be playable. Finally, if you're shopping for a Pokemon fan, you may want to consider the Zacian and Zamazenta special-edition Switch Lite releasing on November 8, one week before Pokemon Sword and Shield.

PowerA's "enhanced" wireless controllers for Nintendo Switch are an affordable alternative to the Switch Pro Controller, regularly selling for $50 but often on sale for cheaper. This Princess Zelda design inspired by Breath of the Wild is stunning, but there are over a dozen different designs available, which you can browse through at Amazon. Note that these controllers are powered by two AA batteries, which will last for up to 30 hours of gameplay.

The Switch Lite has a real D-pad, but for the full-sized model, Nintendo opted for four directional buttons so the Joy-Cons could be detached and shared. For those who prefer the traditional feel of a D-pad, this Hori Joy-Con is an excellent solution. Note that this purchase will get you one left Joy-Con; it doesn't come with a matching right side. The Joy-Con is available in Zelda, Mario, and Pikachu designs, and while its list price is $25, it's often on sale at Amazon.

• Zelda
• Mario
• Pikachu

Nintendo Switch grips are a lifesaver for handheld play, but it's an accessory many people don't realize they need--until they try one for the first time. Satisfye's grip is one of the best Nintendo Switch grips we've tried; its ergonomic design prevents your hands from cramping while playing the Switch handheld, and the console slides into it easily but securely. You can pick it up for $27 at Amazon.

The Nintendo Switch doesn't allow for Bluetooth headphones to connect directly to the system, so you generally have to buy a third-party dongle if you want to use a wireless headset with the Switch. SteelSeries is changing the game with the Arctis 1 wireless headset, which comes with a 2.4 GHz dongle and USB adapter to let you use the wireless headset whether the Switch is docked or in your hands. The adapter makes this headset also compatible with the PS4 and PC, but it can't connect wirelessly to the Xbox One; you'll have to use the bundled cable for that system. The Arctis 1 wireless headset is available for $100.

This product is more about aesthetics than utility, but it's still one of our favorite accessories for the Nintendo Switch. PDP's light-up dock shield casts a lovely glow in a darkened room, and it has 17 different colors and light effects to choose from. Two different sets of designs are available: one bundle with two Pokemon-themed panels, and another bundle that includes one Mario and one Zelda-themed panel. The product comes with an electronic base that your original Switch dock sits on top of, and the acrylic panel slides in at the front, displaying the design. These dock shields have a list price of $20, but you can sometimes find them for $15.

Available for $50, the same price as PowerA's wireless Switch controllers, the 8Bitdo Sn30 Pro Plus is another one of our favorites and earned a spot on our best Switch controllers list. It's notable for its extensive customization options for button mapping, analog sticks, trigger inputs, and more. It also includes a removable, rechargeable battery but allows for disposable batteries too, making it the perfect gift for retro game fans.

Here's another third-party Switch controller that sells for $50, but the Hori Split Pad Pro is for handheld-mode only. Released in September, the Split Pad Pro solves the same problem that a grip case does in that it has a more ergonomic design to make handheld play much more comfortable. It also has an excellent D-pad, more accurate analog sticks, and programmable back paddles for added customization. Note that it's compatible with the original Switch, not the Switch Lite. Not having cramped hands while playing is surely one of the best Nintendo Switch gifts you can get your loved one this holiday season.

For this holiday season, GameStop is offering a Legend of Zelda-themed accessory bundle for the Nintendo Switch, an easy gift idea for someone that you know loves the Zelda franchise. The bundle sells for $30 and includes the excellent Faceoff Deluxe Wired Controller with three interchangeable faceplates, protective console skins, a case for game cards, and a car adapter for charging on the go.

Pokemon Sword and Shield releases November 15, and if you're planning to buy the game for your favorite Pokemon fan this Christmas, you could also consider picking up this collector's edition of the official strategy guide. Sure, walkthroughs are available for free online these days, but there's still something to having a physical strategy guide that many fans still appreciate. Plus, this edition has a gorgeous hardcover design and contains exclusive artwork, making it a true collector's item, and it also comes with a Pokemon Sword and Shield Joy-Con controller skin and tech decal pack.

Here's another great all-in-one bundle if you're looking to surprise your loved one with some new Nintendo Switch accessories. The Orzly Geek Pack sells for $60 (though we've seen go for as low as $39) and includes many basic essentials they'll be grateful to have, including:

• Carrying case
• Tempered glass screen protector
• Two racing wheels
• Two Joy-Con grips
• Joy-Con and Pro Controller charging station
• Compact playstand
• Grip case
• Cartridge case
• USB cable
• Spare earphones
• Stylus

This brushed aluminum case from Hori will offer excellent protection for their Switch when they take it on the go. It comes with built-in game card storage and a padded pocket for accessories. This case sells for $25 and is also available in a plain black, Mario, or Pikachu design.

• Black
• Zelda
• Mario
• Pikachu

Nintendo's Amiibos aren't just cute collectibles; they also unlock in-game content. This adorable Link Amiibo, which sells for $16, is based on Nintendo's remake of The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening. This little guy (along with any other Legend of Zelda Amiibo) unlocks content for the game's dungeon creator mode and lets you share your dungeons with friends.

Several new Super Smash Bros. Amiibos released this fall, and each of them is available for $16. Scanning one allows you to unlock an Amiibo fighter in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate and save stats to the Amiibo. You can check out the new and upcoming figures that will be out before Christmas below.

• Ivysaur (Pokemon)
• Squirtle (Pokemon)
• Incineroar (Pokemon)
• Chrom (Fire Emblem) - pre-order; available 11/15
• Snake (Metal Gear Solid) - pre-order; available 11/15
• Simon (Castlevania) - pre-order; available 11/15

Still have some names left on your shopping list? Check out our sister sites for tech gift ideas, foodie gift ideas, entertainment gift ideas, and fashion and beauty gift ideas this holiday season.