The Nintendo Switch 2 has been out for just over a month, with the fantastic new console feeling like a success so far. With the first big release since launch, Donkey Kong Bananaza, just around the corner, it seems like a great time to reflect on accessories for the Nintendo Switch 2. While the console itself is all you really need, there are a few accessories that feel essential to getting the most out of your shiny new console. For this list, I've gone with accessories that feel genuinely useful and great to have, not accessories that are novel, but ultimately not for everyone, like the camera.

4 Nintendo Switch 2 Pro controller

It's a bit expensive, but it's so much nicer than the Joy-Cons

The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is a bit expensive at $85, but it's such a high-quality controller that the price doesn't feel too bad once you have it in your hands. It features a matte-smooth black finish that feels pleasant to hold while still providing a secure grip. The triggers and sticks feel like huge improvements over the original, both in build quality and feel. The previous triggers and sticks often felt stiff or mushy, depending on how long you have had your controller. The sticks feel much smoother, and the triggers have just the right amount of resistance. It also comes with two back buttons that can be programmed to different buttons on the controller depending on what game you are playing. It's also got a fairly long battery life, lasting me upwards of 20 hours without a charge. The Joy-Con 2s are better than the original Joy-Cons, but if you have larger hands or just prefer a traditional controller, the Switch 2 Pro Controller is a must-have.

3 Micro SD Express

More storage is always great, especially with increasing game sizes

Another important pick-up is a MicroSD Express card, which can give you more storage. I initially expected the 256GB internal storage to last without issue for the first year or two, but I have found myself wanting to download and play Switch 1 games, thanks to the upgrades some games have received. I also played Cyberpunk 2077, which takes up just under 60GB all on its own, quickly resulting in me needing to think about extra storage.

The Switch 2 allows you to use up to a 2TB microSD Express card, although anything above 512GB has been tough to track down since the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2. You can only have one SD Card inserted at a time, so you should go with a higher capacity one if you turn between two sizes. That way, you won't have to replace it later. You could also be good at managing your installed games, but if you're like me, you don't want to choose.

2 Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube controller

If you plan on playing GameCube games on NSO, you might as well do it with the right controller

This one is a bit more of a luxury than the other items, as you truly do not need it, but the Nintendo Switch 2 GameCube controller is quite nice. You can play a selection of GameCube games that Nintendo said will continue to grow on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, and while the Joy-Cons and Pro Controller 2 work for those games, it's just not the same. This controller retails for $65, but it also works with regular Nintendo Switch games. It doesn't have sticks that click in, nor can it have its buttons remapped outside the NSO GameCube games, but it does work for most games.

The reason it's on this list is that if you have any nostalgia for the Nintendo GameCube, like I do, it's absolutely worth having a controller that feels exactly like the actual GameCube controllers. It makes for a more authentic experience. It's still well-made and has great battery life, so it's not like you're getting a poorly-made controller here. That said, if you don't plan on playing GameCube games on your Nintendo Switch 2, you don't need this.

1 Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case

If you want to take this handheld console on the go, you probably want a carrying case

If you ever plan on taking the Nintendo Switch 2 out of your home and on the go, maybe on a trip or a flight, you are going to want a carrying case. There are tons of options out there, including the best Switch 2 cases as determined by XDA-Developers, but I'm not necessarily recommending a specific one here. I personally have the CoBak Switch 2 case in black, which costs a little under $30. It's fairly sturdy, with a soft exterior case. It has little flaps to hold cartridges, and a pouch for any wires as well. These features are pretty common in different cases, and while I have loved mine for the month I have had it, I've only gone on one trip so far, so it hasn't been tested too thoroughly. I would advise against getting a DBrand case, since there have been faulty ones (via TheGamer), and it's unclear if the issue has been totally solved just yet.

All the other accessories are nice to have, but not a must-have

There are some accessories, like the Switch 2 camera, which have cool features and functions, but are absolutely a luxury pick-up. In addition to that wacky accessory, items like an extra set of Joy-Cons or a spare Switch 2 Dock are available to get, but that's only going to appeal to people with specific use cases. For most gamers, the above four accessories will be all you need to get the most out of your Nintendo Switch 2.