Buying guide for Best Nintendo Switch cases
The Nintendo Switch is the first video game system from Nintendo that doubles as a home console and a portable handheld. While it’s amazing to battle, adventure, and race on the go or at home on the big screen, the Switch also raises a few issues about storage — issues worth exploring to help you determine the best Nintendo Switch case for your needs.
A new Nintendo Switch costs $300, and games are usually $60, so if you’re going to rely on a case to store your console when it’s not in use, you’d better make sure that it will protect the Switch and your collection of accessories from an accidental drop, kick, or any other misfortune you may encounter.
We’ve tested out a range of Nintendo Switch cases, and while only you know how many controllers and accessories you need to stash alongside your console, our handy guide provides answers for any questions you might have while shopping for a storage case.
Key considerations
Outer shell
Keep an eye out for Nintendo Switch cases that have outer layers made of rugged materials, such as ballistic nylon, leather, or surprisingly tough EVA plastics.
Internal padding
Ensuring that your fragile Nintendo Switch console and perfectly calibrated controllers will be firmly placed into snug cavities may be an even bigger must-have than a sturdy exterior. Storing your Switch, game cards, and accessories in an inferior case that doesn’t feature padded pockets or precision-cut compartments may leave your equipment susceptible to damage.
Size
You should expect even the most basic of cases to securely hold your Nintendo Switch console, but superior cases sport a number of pockets and slots for additional Joy-Con controllers, game cards, and other accessories. Not only will buying a larger Switch case allow you to store additional games and controllers as your collection grows, it may also fit other essentials like the charging dock, headphones, or a USB Nintendo Switch AC adapter.
We look for Nintendo Switch cases that are spacious enough for the console and accessories but small enough to fit in most bags and backpacks.
Bonus points go to Nintendo Switch cases with a dependable zipper that’s made to last for years and protect your valuable electronics.
The outer shell of the Nintendo Switch cases we recommend may be made of leather, tough plastic, hardy nylon, or another rugged material.
We give special consideration to Nintendo Switch cases that serve as stands when you want to play in portable mode but use controllers when detached.
One thing we’ve noticed in our research is that most Nintendo Switch cases don’t fit over protective silicone covers or USB-C adapters.
During research, we take note of the brands that make dependable Nintendo Switch cases you can trust to protect your investment.
We look for Nintendo Switch cases that have room for storing a couple games and small accessories, like a USB-C wireless audio adapter.
We appreciate lightweight Nintendo Switch cases that barely add any weight to a purse, bag, or carry-on.
We investigate low-profile Nintendo Switch cases designed to protect the device from damage during travel as well as during regular use.
We tend to favor Nintendo Switch cases that are tough and rigid on the outside with just enough soft padding on the inside.
Nintendo Switch case features
Every Nintendo Switch case worth buying will secure your collection of games, controllers, and the console itself on the inside, while protecting it from unforeseen bumps, slams, and falls on the outside. But beyond that baseline requirement, there are a couple of features that vary depending on the case.
Ergonomic design
Some people will want to take their Nintendo Switch to a party with friends or family, and that’s when the presence of convenient handles and carrying straps may make or break a purchase. If you plan on taking your Nintendo Switch collection on the go, look for a case that features a sturdy hand grip.
Color
Why be boring? Nintendo Switch cases are available in many designer colors, and some are styled after popular Nintendo Switch games, including Splatoon 2, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Nintendo switch case prices
Although durability and storage are the core design concerns of any worthwhile Nintendo Switch case, prices often vary from around $14 to $35.
Factors that may influence the cost of a Nintendo Switch case include storage space, premium materials, case size, and whether or not the case sports an ergonomic design for carrying it around.
Smaller Nintendo Switch cases featuring fewer storage pockets and lighter materials are generally going to be more affordable than models with thicker padded exteriors, an array of compartments to hold your game cards, controllers, and accessories, and a convenient handle or strap.
Tips
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Store your Nintendo Switch in a case when it’s not in use, which will prevent its delicate touchscreen from getting dusty while sitting beside your TV.
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Remember to carefully coil, rather than bend, cables when placing them into a storage case. Power cables and AC adapters are essential, and you need them to last.
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Always store your controllers with the stick side facing up and without any buttons in a “pressed” position. Controllers and accessories may not function as intended if they are not stored in a neutral position.
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Exposing even the most rugged Switch case to extreme heat or cold may damage the console. We recommend storing your Switch, game cards, and accessories in a cool, dark place when not in use.
FAQ
Q. Why do I need a case to store my Nintendo Switch game cards?
A. It’s a matter of storage space and convenience. Some people don’t want to look at, dust, or fill a shelf full of red plastic Nintendo Switch game boxes, and a game case makes it easy to safely store a large chunk of your collection in one small package.
Q. Do I need a Nintendo Switch case that will hold more than two Joy-Con controllers?
A. Not necessarily. Even the most basic Nintendo Switch case will hold a left and right Joy-Con controller, and many games allow you to share one of your Joy-Con controllers for two-player games. If you’re planning on traveling with your Nintendo Switch to play multiplayer titles that support many players at once, like Super Smash Bros Ultimate, consider buying a larger case so you can store up to eight separate controllers.
Q. I’ve noticed that all of these Nintendo Switch cases will hold Joy-Con controllers, but what about my Pro Controllers?
A. The Nintendo Pro Controller is a fantastic device for playing Nintendo Switch games with a more traditional control scheme, but unfortunately, most Nintendo Switch cases aren’t built to safely store a Pro Controller. There’s no need to worry, as some premium Nintendo Switch cases were designed to carry a wide range of accessories, including the charging dock, AC adapter, and the Pro Controller.
