The Steam Deck and ROG Ally are enjoyable gaming machines, however we’ll all the time have a particular place in our hearts for the Nintendo Swap and its incredible recreation library that features Zelda, Animal Crossing and, after all, Mario. It’s possible you’ll be anticipating the potential launch of the next-gen console in 2024 (we all know we’re), however that doesn’t imply you possibly can’t benefit from the system you have got in entrance of you proper now. An effective way to make that few-years-old Swap really feel nearly like new once more is with a number of alternative equipment, and on high of that, they’ll make your gaming expertise higher each at dwelling and on the go. We’ve chosen a few of our favourite Swap equipment to present your system the royal therapy.
SanDisk microSD card
SanDisk
With solely 64GB of on-board storage, you’re going to need to get a microSD to your Swap OLED to retailer downloaded video games, save recordsdata and screenshots. And with the system’s redesigned slot, it’s simpler than ever to place a card in or take it out too. You should utilize just about any microSD card together with your Nintendo Swap, however the Nintendo-branded ones from SanDisk are stable, and you may get a 256GB mannequin at a fairly inexpensive charge. They’ve been particularly examined with the system so that they’ll work seamlessly, plus they’ve cute Mario or Fortnite-themed designs. (Although, when you slide the cardboard in you gained’t be seeing a lot of these.)
$23 at Amazon
8Bitdo Professional 2
8Bitdo
With the improved stand on the again of the OLED Swap, it’s now extra handy to play in tabletop mode. However you’re nonetheless coping with the identical outdated Pleasure-Con controllers, which may be a bit too cramped for gamers with bigger palms. In that case you’ll need to improve to a extra pro-level gamepad. And sure, there’s Nintendo’s Professional Controller, which remains to be your best option to your Swap total if you may get one, however 8Bitdo’s Professional 2 can be nice, to not point out extremely versatile. You should utilize it with Android units, a PC or Mac desktop and even the Steam Deck when you have one — and it’s $20 cheaper than the Nintendo-made possibility.
$50 at Amazon
8Bitdo Lite SE
8Bitdo
It might all the time really feel a bit bizarre to play your Swap OLED in tabletop mode, hunched over a desk or desk with the controller clutched in each palms. The Lite SE is made for players with restricted mobility, however everybody can profit from this controller that places the shoulder buttons on the entrance and has a grippy again so you possibly can simply lay it flat on the desk for a extra arcade-like expertise. It’s additionally nice if you happen to simply need to play it one-handed once you’re busy with a drink or a needy pet.
$33 at Amazon
FastSnail grips
FASTSNAIL
If you happen to’d wish to make your Pleasure-Cons extra snug with out breaking the financial institution, one straightforward repair is a pair of ergonomic grips from Fastsnail. Their rubberized nature means they’re straightforward in your palms and tremendous sturdy – a should for anybody with rambunctious, electronics-destroying youngsters. Grownup players will respect how significantly better they’re to carry than a naked Pleasure-Con, they usually slip on and off easily, making them simpler to scrub and transport. Our solely remorse is that they don’t are available in white to match the OLED’s Pleasure-Cons — however there’s a pair of black grips that ought to nonetheless look trendy.
$32 at Amazon
SteelSeries Arctis 1
SteelSeries
Nintendo pushed out a firmware replace some time again that permits you to use any Bluetooth headset natively together with your Swap, which is incredible if you happen to already personal a wi-fi gaming headset. However if you happen to don’t have one, or discover the headset you do have a bit of too cumbersome, we suggest the Arctis 1 from SteelSeries as an excellent possibility for the Swap. It sounds nice, is tremendous snug and trendy, and the included USB-C dongle remains to be simpler than connecting to the console through Bluetooth. At $100, it’s additionally fairly priced for a gaming headset.
$96 at Amazon
Razer Barracuda X
Razer
Just like the Arctis 1, the Barracuda X makes use of a USB-C dongle to connect with your console. Not like the Arctis, although, this headset is available in assorted colours like quartz pink and white, the latter of which matches the Swap OLED’s Pleasure-Cons. Other than that, it’s simply as stable because the Arctis 1, with 40mm drivers and a brilliant gentle however sturdy design that feels and appears nice in your noggin.
$90 at Amazon
SteelSeries Tusq in-Ear Cell Gaming Headset
SteelSeries
In order for you most of the benefits of a gaming headset with out all the majority, the Tusq is a good cellular answer you possibly can tuck into your bag. Like many earbuds made for cellular, the Tusq has a built-in mic. However, not like most, it additionally has a removable growth mic that’ll guarantee your voice is available in crystal clear once you want it essentially the most. The headset makes use of an ordinary 3.5mm plug so it’ll play good with the headphone jack in your Swap, too.
$42 at Amazon
iVoler Tempered Glass Display Protector
ivoler
The Swap OLED’s display screen is gorgeous sufficient that you just’ll positively need to give it an additional layer of safety. As a result of it’s barely bigger than the display screen on the usual Swap, you’ll have to be sure to get a display screen protector that’s particularly made for the OLED mannequin, and we suggest a tempered glass equipment as a result of it’s extra sturdy than plastic. The iVolver display screen protector prices $10 for a pack of 4, so it’s tremendous inexpensive, and your system will nonetheless match properly within the dock once you slide it in for a cost.
$10 at Amazon
Anker PowerCore+ 26,800 charger
Anker
In case your Swap lives in your bag or backpack, it will be helpful to maintain a battery pack with you for everytime you run out of juice. Most of Anker’s high-capacity energy packs will cost up the Swap, however we like this 26,800 mAh energy financial institution for its comparatively slim design and talent to cost two units without delay. This pack can be airplane-friendly and fewer than $100, making it essential for any gamer’s journey equipment.
$100 at Amazon
Amazon Fundamentals Nintendo Swap case
Amazon Fundamentals
The Swap Professional may be a premium-level system however you don’t need to spend huge bucks to guard it. The Amazon Fundamentals Carrying Case is our most popular methodology for toting a Swap console round. And, even with its ever-so-slightly altered dimensions, the Swap OLED suits inside it simply positive. There’s a pocket for carrying round all of your cords and different small equipment, and a panel with slots for 10 Swap recreation playing cards that’s padded on the opposite aspect to guard your display screen. You too can embellish the surface of the case with stickers.
$15 at Amazon
Amazon Fundamentals massive case
Amazon Fundamentals
If you happen to’re the kind who likes to take your complete system with you say, to a buddy’s home or a gaming conference like PAX, this huge protecting case from Amazon Fundamentals is a simple and inexpensive technique to carry the entire rigamarole. It might match the brand new dock, the console, a controller and all of the cabling you want, comfortable and tidy. This deluxe case even is available in some snazzy colours like neon yellow or crimson to match your Pleasure-Cons or a favourite outfit.
$32 at Amazon
Timbuk2 x ASTRO Gaming CS03 Crossbody Sling
Timbuk2
If you happen to don’t thoughts dropping a number of extra {dollars}, TIMBUK2 did an ideal collaboration with Astro, developing with this rugged sling bag you can simply strap on and carry your entire important Swap gear in. It has slots to your bodily recreation playing cards, pockets for all of your cords and a lined pouch to guard the gorgeous OLED display screen of your Nintendo Swap. It’s an effective way to maintain your Swap shut at hand for some impromptu gaming in your commute or whereas ready in line.
$80 at Amazon