The Nintendo Switch is almost here, and everyone and their mom wants to know about games, price, and a release date (including us). That’s nice and all, but let’s talk about what accessories the Big N is going to put out for the hybrid console/handheld.
Every Nintendo system in the past has been over-saturated with plastic trashware (looking at you, Wii), but quality add-ons can truly enhance the experience on-the-go and at home. Here are five that we need.
5. Screen Protector
It’s been awhile since we’ve had to worry too much about the screen of our Nintendo handheld. Disregarding the weird 2DS, Nintendo has found ways to keep our precious hardware safe with the clamshell design featured in the SP, DS, and 3DS. Even the Wii U’s gamepad with its tablet-esque design is meant solely for use at home, so cracks are less of a concern there.
The Switch is unique, though, being basically a tablet meant to be played anywhere and everywhere. Lacking the signature folding of the other handhelds, the screen is at extreme risk of cracks and breaking. Here’s hoping Nintendo and 3rd-party manufacturers has thought ahead and will offer a case or at least a screen protector to prevent some costly disasters.
4. Adapter for Old Controllers
Nintendo has created an impressively interconnected ecosystem in recent years when it comes to its controllers. From Gamecube to Wii to even the ever-elusive NES Classic, many of their controllers offered are usable on the Wii U. Even the Wii and NES Classic are backwards-compatible with previous generations through adapters.
While it is understandable that Nintendo wants to start fresh with the Switch, it would be a smart move to remember the dozens of Wiimotes lying around every household and create an adapter for them, especially if motion control is integrated into the tablet. And as some wishful thinking for the Wii U owners, it would be nice to see the gamepad compatible at home since the tablet system will be docked and unusable as a second screen.
3. Wireless Headset
Sony’s proprietary wireless headset is a pretty good deal and I would like to see a similar offering for the Switch. For a reasonable price, Sony’s headset gives high-quality surround sound and a noise-canceling mic all built into a stylish, cord-free package. Nintendo has been building up its online network and assuming they continue that trend with long-desired additions like party chats, a Nintendo-branded headset that matches the more mature color scheme of the Switch would be a welcome accessory.
2. Storage Upgrades
In 2012, the Wii U was shipped with two measly versions featuring 8GB or 32GB of storage. Considering the size of the Switch’s tablet and Nintendo’s lack of confirmation of additional storage available in the dock, its onboard memory most likely won’t be much larger and that simply won’t cut it in this digital age. Nintendo needs to sell or at least support external hard drives for the dock at home and SDXC cards like the recently announced Sandisk 1TB to make sure micro-managing our games isn’t as much of a problem anymore.
1. Larger Battery
Easily the most important accessory for me is a bigger, better battery for the Switch. Looking at graphically-intensive games like Breath of the Wild and Skyrim, I don’t expect a single charge to last beyond a few hours. If Nintendo really wants us to play Mario Kart on a roadtrip like we saw in the announcement trailer, then they need to offer larger batteries with an extended life or at least a car charger.
