Buying guide for best nintendo switch carrying cases
When the Nintendo Switch launched in 2017, video game enthusiasts were excited to take their home console games out of the living room and with them wherever they wanted to play. Since the Nintendo Switch is both a home and portable console, you might like to buy a dedicated carrying case to make sure your new favorite video game platform is safe every step of the way.
Key considerations
Since all worthwhile Nintendo Switch carrying cases are designed to securely stow your console, as well as a few games and controllers, there aren’t many exceptional features that help certain models stand apart from the crowd. Protection, a comfortable grip, and an accommodating storage section should be the biggest things to look for.
Protection
If you’re planning to take your Nintendo Switch along on your next vacation, perhaps the most important consideration is whether the carrying case will protect your expensive video game console from damage. Prepare for the worst by comparing carrying cases that note a shockproof design, durable materials such as leather and ballistic nylon, and a series of compartments that are specifically designed to gently cradle your Nintendo Switch console, controllers, and accessories.
Carrying ease
What’s the point of buying a carrying case for your Nintendo Switch if it’s a pain to carry around? Make waiting for your next flight that much easier by selecting a carrying case with a sturdy rubberized handle, adjustable and comfortable shoulder strap, or – better yet – both.
Storage space
At the very least, a small Nintendo Switch carrying case should easily hold your console, a pair of Joy-Con controllers, and a few game cards. While that may be good enough for short trips, a larger carrying case allows players to bring along extra controllers, an AC adapter, and even more games.
Nintendo Switch carrying case features
There are a few additional features to keep in mind as you shop:
Size
Storage is one thing, but are you prepared to lug around a large carrying case that’s loaded down with every Nintendo Switch game card, accessory, and controller you own? A smaller and lighter case will take up far less space in your luggage, even if you won’t be able to bring along your entire game collection!
Style
Sadly, most online retailers tend to display the plainest Nintendo carrying case colors and designs as the default when there are many eye-catching styles available. There are lots of cool carrying cases out there that feature graphics from popular Nintendo games like Super Mario, Splatoon, and The Legend of Zelda, so be sure to check out the available options before you buy!
Nintendo Switch carrying case prices
While storage space and designs vary widely between individual models and manufacturers, you can expect to find a quality Nintendo Switch carrying case for between $14 and $46. As a general rule, larger carrying cases sporting a comfortable grip, cushioned compartments, expansive storage, and a strong exterior are more expensive than smaller models.
Tips
Use Airplane mode on flights. If you’re using the Handheld mode on your Nintendo Switch to get you through a long flight, be sure to turn on Airplane mode during takeoff and landing. You can toggle Airplane mode on or off from the System Settings menu. You’ll have to dock your Joy-Con controllers to the Switch console to play while in Airplane mode.
Save battery power. If you’re planning to use your Nintendo Switch for an extended time between charges, save a little more battery power by selecting the Basic Black theme from the System Settings menu.
Buy a case big enough for a battery pack. An external battery pack will let you to play your Nintendo Switch long after its internal battery runs out, and if you’re not in a situation where you can connect an AC adapter, consider buying a carrying case large enough to hold a rechargeable battery pack. Just don’t forget to charge the device before you leave home!
Find a lost controller. Don’t freak out if you lose track of a Joy-Con controller on your journey! Simply click on the Controllers tab on the main menu and select the Find Controllers option. Tap the Joy-Con you’re searching for and the device will immediately activate and begin vibrating until you recover it. Note that this feature only works if the misplaced Joy-Con is within range of the Nintendo Switch.
FAQ
Q. What’s the best way to store my controllers inside of a Nintendo Switch carrying case?
A. Your Joy-Con and Pro controllers are precisely tuned devices, and they need to be stowed away properly to keep them safe during transit. The best Nintendo Switch carrying cases include fitted pouches and compartments that are just large enough to insert a Joy-Con or Pro controller. Position your controllers so that the carrying case and its other contents won’t put any pressure on any buttons or control sticks and you’ll be good to go!
Q. Should my Nintendo Switch carrying case have a screen protector?
A. Not necessarily, but it’s an excellent bonus! Accessories, controllers, and even the Nintendo Switch itself may pop out of its corresponding pocket during your travels, and finding out that the screen on your Nintendo Switch suffered a ding or scratch along the way would sour anyone’s vacation. Note that even if your preferred Nintendo Switch carrying case doesn’t include a screen protector, there are plenty of other screen-protecting devices available online.
Q. What is the minimum storage space that I would need from a Nintendo Switch carrying case?
A. At the very least, a Nintendo Switch carrying case should hold a pair of Joy-Con controllers and the Switch console itself. If you prefer to play the Nintendo Switch in Handheld mode for shorter bursts of gameplay, this might be fine for you. On the other hand, if you’re planning on traveling for longer than a day, we suggest buying a larger carrying case to bring along your AC adapter, additional game cards, and some of your favorite accessories.
