A few days ago, I stumbled onto a forum thread where someone shared how, when they first got their Nintendo Switch, they hadn’t really thought about accessories. They figured the console alone was enough — until they realized after just one weekend of gaming that their hands were cramping, their screen was scratched, and their poor Joy-Cons were already begging for mercy. It made me smile, because that was exactly my experience too.
When I finally got my Switch back in 2018, it was a dream come true. I’d spent most of my childhood squeezing every ounce of joy out of a dusty Super Nintendo and whatever used cartridges I could find at local markets in Lagos. Owning a new Nintendo console — not an older hand-me-down — felt monumental. But just like that forum poster, I didn’t realize at first how much extra gear I’d need to really make the most of it.
Within a month, I was forced to buy a tempered glass screen protector (because I refused to let my beautiful screen suffer the same fate as my old scratched-up Game Boy Advance). Then came a Pro Controller, after I realized my hands just weren’t built to marathon Fire Emblem: Three Houses sessions with Joy-Cons alone. I also caved and picked up a sturdy carrying case — not a cute one, unfortunately, just something that could survive being tossed in a crowded danfo.
Now, with the Switch 2 on the horizon, I already know better. I’m planning my accessory list ahead of time, and honestly, it’s half the excitement. At the very top of my list is another Pro Controller — assuming Nintendo keeps supporting them. If they release a new model, especially one themed around Chrono Trigger (a girl can dream), I’ll be first in line. A durable carrying case is non-negotiable too. I travel a lot between cities these days, and I’m not about to risk my Switch 2 rattling around unprotected. And of course, a tempered glass screen protector is day-one essential. I’d also love to see an improved kickstand or even some kind of better dock design, but we’ll have to see what Nintendo actually delivers.
One thing I’m hoping Nintendo learned from the first Switch generation is that a console meant to be played everywhere needs a little more resilience built in. For now, I’m planning to be ready on my end.
How about you — what accessories are you planning to grab for the Switch 2?
