Be Yourself, and Try to Have a Good Time: The Ultimate Guide for New Nintendo Switch Owners

So you just got a shiny, brand new, Nintendo Switch. While it's pretty awesome in its stock state, I'm sure you want to get the most out of your $300 console. So I compiled a big, long, list of some of the best accessories, commonly-asked questions, and other info to help you do just that. Let's get started.

#Accessories

From protecting your Nintendo Switch on the go to getting the most out of it at home, here are the accessories no Switch owner should go without.

##Screen Protectors

amFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector for Nintendo Switch

Cost: $9.99

Manufacturer: TechMatte

Officially Licensed: No

Everybody's favorite glass Switch screen protector, it's cheap, durable, and easy to apply. You get two in every pack, so that's nice as well.

HORI Screen Protective Filter for Nintendo Switch

Cost: $6.99

Manufacturer: HORI

Officially Licensed: Yes

Unlike the amFilm, this screen protector is plastic and consequently a bit cheaper. It also only comes with one screen protector instead of two. That said, HORI is a great brand for Nintendo accessories in general, and you can comfortably buy this screen protector in the knowledge that it's officially licensed.

##Carrying Cases

HORI Tough Pouch for Nintendo Switch

Cost: $17.99

Manufacturer: HORI

Officially Licensed: Yes

This is the cheapest decent case you can get for your Switch. It has dedicated space for five Game Cards and small, thin, accessories such as a charging cable, earbuds, or a pair of Joy-Con Straps. There isn't any sort of strap to hold the Switch in place, so you'll feel it move around a bit inside the case (although sticking a pair of Joy-Con straps in the accessory compartment provides enough weight to fix this). Just don't open the case upside down, or your Switch will fall out.

Nintendo Switch Game Traveler Deluxe Travel Case

Cost: $19.99

Manufacturer: RDS Industries

Officially Licensed: Yes

If you're willing to spend a little more money, this is one of the best carrying cases on the market right now. It comes with two Game Card cases (each having their own dedicated compartment in the case) that can hold four Game Cards each, as well as two microSD card cases that fit inside the Game Card cases and hold two microSD cards each. It also has a zippered mesh pocket that can hold small cables, Joy-Con Straps, earbuds, or additional Game Cards. The case comes in several different styles, themed after games such as The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Mario Kart, Splatoon 2, and Super Mario Odyssey.

Nintendo Switch Game Traveler Deluxe System Case

Cost: $38.49

Manufacturer: RDS Industries

Officially Licensed: Yes

If you want to carry the entire system with you wherever you go, this is the case for you. It has dedicated compartments for the console (with Joy-Con attached), the dock, the AC adapter, and the Joy-Con Grip/Pro Controller, as well as a mesh pocket that can hold an HDMI and USB cable and the two Game Card and microSD cases the case comes with.

PDP Nintendo Switch Elite Player Backpack

Cost: $50.00

Manufacturer: PDP

Officially Licensed: Yes

If you seriously need to carry a lot of Switch stuff to a lot of places, this backpack is for you. It has space for six extra Joy-Con, the dock, the HDMI cable, games, headphones, the Pro Controller, and any other personal accessories you wish to throw in there.

##Additional Controllers

Nintendo Switch Joy-Con (L/R)

Cost: $79.99

Manufacturer: Nintendo

Officially Licensed: Made by Nintendo

The stock controller for the Nintendo Switch. If you think you're ever going to play multiplayer with more than two people, another pair of these is a worthwhile investment - even if it is a bit on the pricey side. It's honestly a good purchase even if you only ever do two-player - playing with just a single Joy-Con is literal ass.

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

Cost: $69.99

Manufacturer: Nintendo

Officially Licensed: Made by Nintendo

The Pro Controller is a traditional controller for the Switch that comes with all the features of the Joy-Con, including a gyroscope, an NFC reader/writer, and HD Rumble. It can communicate with the Switch over a wireless or wired connection (note that using it wired requires you to enable a setting in your console's system settings). There have been reports of the controller's D-pad not working properly; my Pro Controller doesn't seem to have that issue, but it's still something you should be aware of. If a malfunctioning D-pad is a significant concern for you, all of the Xenoblade Chronicles 2 Edition Pro Controllers have been changed to eliminate this problem.

HORI HORIPAD for Nintendo Switch

Cost: $29.99

Manufacturer: HORI

Officially Licensed: Yes

If Nintendo's Pro Controller is too expensive, HORI's got you covered. The HORIPAD is a sleek, comfortable, cheaper, alternative to the Pro Controller that's unique in that it lets you swap between a traditional D-pad and a Joy-Con-esque directional button setup at will. The reduction in cost does come with a few downsides: the controller has no gyroscope, no HD Rumble, and no NFC reader/writer (meaning you can't use amiibo with it). It also only works over a wired connection. That said, if none of that matters to you, this is a great purchase.

Nyko Core Controller for Nintendo Switch

Cost: $19.99

Manufacturer: Nyko

Officially Licensed: No

An even cheaper alternative to the Pro Controller, Nyko's Core Controller is another wired-only controller that doesn't have a gyroscope, HD Rumble, or NFC reader/writer. It does, however, have a programmable turbo button. It's not a bad controller by any means, but I'd still be careful since Nyko doesn't exactly have the best track record when it comes to video game console accessories, Nintendo or otherwise.

Mayflash Nintendo Switch Magic-NS Wireless Controller Adapter

Cost: $24.99

Manufacturer: Mayflash

Officially Licensed: No

This isn't technically a controller, but it does let you use any existing PlayStation 4, PlayStation 3, Wii U Pro, and Xbox One S controllers you may have wirelessly with your Switch. You can also use Xbox One and Xbox 360 controllers over a wired connection.

Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Comfort Grip

Cost: $14.99

Manufacturer: PowerA

Officially Licensed: Yes

This also isn't technically a controller, but if you can't afford any of the other options and just want something more comfortable than the stock Joy-Con Grip, this is for you.

##Headphones and Earbuds

PDP Zelda Chat Earbuds

Cost: $21.95

Manufacturer: PDP

Officially Licensed: Yes

If you just want a pair of good, cheap, earbuds for your Switch, these are for you. They come with a cool-looking carrying case and are themed after Breath of the Wild.

HORI Splatoon 2 Stereo Headset

Cost: $31.67

Manufacturer: HORI

Officially Licensed: Yes

The infamous headset that made everyone ask, "Nintendo, what the fuck were you thinking?" If you want to be able to get voice chat and game audio through the same headset, this is the "official" way to do so (for those of you who don't know, voice chat is delivered through an app on your phone instead of directly through the console). You plug the headset into a dongle, then you plug one of the dongle's two cables into your Switch's headphone jack and the other into your phone's headphone jack. Here's a diagram that shows how it all works. Things get even more complicated if you own a phone without a headphone jack (looking at you, Apple and Google). It's unwieldy and looks stupid, but it works.

SteelSeries Arctis 3 Bluetooth

Cost: $129.99

Manufacturer: SteelSeries

Officially Licensed: No

If you need a more practical solution to the aforementioned voice chat fiasco and are willing to pay up, the SteelSeries Arctis 3 Bluetooth is the headset for you. It can connect to your Switch via a 3.5mm cable and your phone via Bluetooth simultaneously, seamlessly mixing chat and game audio. Although it's not officially licensed, SteelSeries is a very reputable brand for gaming peripherals.

##Charging Solutions

Google 18W USB-C Power Adapter

Cost: $35

Manufacturer: Google

Officially Licensed: No

Made for Google's Pixel smartphones, this power adapter and the USB-C to C cable it comes with are great for charging the Switch. It's relatively cheap, fast, and has the technological expertise of Google behind it. With this, you can dedicate the console's AC adapter to the dock while still having a way to charge it in portable mode.

Lumsing 13400 mAh USB-C Portable Charger

Cost: $23.99

Manufacturer: Lumsing

Officially Licensed: No

This is a good, relatively cheap, portable charger that can give your Switch one full charge when you desperately need it. It's small enough to fit in most pockets.

RAVPower 20100mAh Portable Charger

Cost: $49.99

Manufacturer: RAVPower

Officially Licensed: No

This is a slightly more expensive option that'll provide your console with about two full charges. It's larger than the Lumsing, but should still fit in most pockets. If you need a portable charger for your Switch, this is the one I would recommend.

Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Charging Dock

Cost: $29.99

Manufacturer: PowerA

Officially Licensed: Yes

If you have more then one pair of Joy-Con, buying an external charging dock is literally the only way to charge them without having both pairs take turns being attached to the console. This dock can charge four Joy-Con simultaneously.

Joy-Con and Pro Controller Charging Dock

Cost: $29.99

Manufacturer: PowerA

Officially Licensed: Yes

If you have multiple Pro Controllers (as in more than 2), you should consider purchasing this. It charges one Pro Controller and two Joy-Con simultaneously.

##Portable Docks

None.

You might've heard this several times already, but it never hurts to reiterate it: DO NOT BUY OR USE ANY DOCKS OTHER THAN THE NINTENDO-MADE ONE THAT CAME WITH YOUR SYSTEM. Third-party docks, especially those from Nyko, have been known to cause malfunctioning and/or destruction of the Nintendo Switch system.

If you so desperately require a portable dock, you can buy a dock mount (such as this one) and move the official dock's internals into it like so.

##Miscellaneous Accessories

Nintendo Switch Wired Internet LAN Adapter

Cost: $29.99

Manufacturer: HORI

Officially Licensed: Yes

The Switch's Wi-Fi card sucks ass, so unless your wireless internet is amazing or you don't ever intend to play online, a LAN adapter is a must-have.

HORI Compact Playstand for Nintendo Switch

Cost: $12.99

Manufacturer: HORI

Officially Licensed: Yes

HORI's playstand is the best way to use your Switch in tabletop mode, and the only way to do so while charging it. Combined with a charger, this is basically a mini-dock you can take wherever you go.

#Common Questions

Things you really ought to stop asking.

Q: I heard that the Switch has had a lot of manufacturing defects. Should I be worried?

A: Nope. From bent docks, to dead pixels, to malfunctioning Joy-Con, Nintendo will fix all of these issues and more for free so long as your Switch is under warranty (which, as of now, includes all Switch systems). Most of those defects were contained to launch day units, anyway - if you just got a Switch recently, you shouldn't have to worry about anything.

Q: Can I use Bluetooth headphones with my Switch?

A: While the Switch does support Bluetooth 4.1, it doesn't support external Bluetooth speakers - and yes, that includes your headphones. You can always use a Bluetooth transmitter, though.

Q: If my Switch gets lost or destroyed, what happens to my save data?

A: It's gone. Sorry. Save data is stored on the console regardless of whether you buy physical or digital, so if your console is gone, so are your saves.

Q: So the Switch doesn't let you back up your saves?

A: Nope, even though previous Nintendo systems did.

Q: So there's seriously no way to protect my save data?

A: No. Stop asking.

Q: If I send my Switch in for repair, will it return with my save data intact?

A: Although Nintendo will try their hardest to keep your save data alive, they don't guarantee they will succeed. If your save data is lost in the repair process, you will be notified.

Q: Is Nintendo seriously making us pay for online multiplayer?

A: Yes. Called Nintendo Switch Online, the paid service is proposed to launch sometime in 2018 and cost $20 per year.

Q: Will I be able to buy one online subscription for the whole console or will I have to buy one for every user?

A: You'll have to buy a Nintendo Switch Online subscription for each user that wants to play online.

Q: If I don't want to pay for Nintendo Switch Online, what games should I avoid?

A: Splatoon 2, ARMS, and Rocket League. The bulk of those games is online multiplayer. ARMS does have local multiplayer and singleplayer modes that will work without a subscription, but Splatoon 2 and Rocket League are basically paperweights without online access.

Q: What are some good games to buy?

A: Essential titles are The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. From there, things are largely dependent upon your interests; shooter fans will enjoy Splatoon 2, RPG fans will find solace in Xenoblade Chronicles 2, fighting game fans will be satisfied with ARMS. If you want personalized recommendations, feel free to ask around in the Daily Question Thread or subreddit Discord.

Q: Should I buy digital or physical?

A: That's a good question. Each medium has its upsides and downsides, so it's important to choose the right one for you.

######You should buy physical if you:

• Are a member of Amazon Prime or Best Buy Gamer's Club Unlocked (Amazon Prime and Best Buy GCU members get 20% off physical preorders; GCU members get 20% off new games)

• Treat games as a collectible

• Like to put your games on display

• Regularly sell, trade in, or gift your used games

• Don't want to spend money on a microSD card*

• Don't mind having to switch cartridges every time you want to play a different game

• Don't mind paying for a new copy of a game in the event it is lost, stolen, destroyed, or otherwise rendered unusable

######You should buy digital if you:

• Don't want to switch cartridges every time to want to play a different game

• Don't want to run the risk of a physical cartridge being lost, stolen, or destroyed

• Want to be able to download your games again for free in the event your Switch is lost, stolen, or destroyed

• Don't sell, trade in, or gift your used games

• Don't mind spending money on a microSD card (if you plan to go all digital, you'll need one)

• Anticipate buying a large number of games (more than eight)

• Want to be able to take all your games with you wherever you go

*Even if you buy physical, you still may need a microSD card. Larger games like DOOM, L.A. Noire, and Resident Evil Revelations only have a portion of the game on the cartridge, with the rest being a free download.

Q: I'm buying digital. What microSD card should I get?

A: The 128GB SanDisk Ultra. It's a lot of space for just $40. If you feel you're gonna need more than that, you can buy the 200GB variant for $75, the 256GB variant for $150, or, if you're just that insanely paranoid about running out of space, the 400GB variant for $250.

You might've seen or heard of Nintendo Switch-branded, officially licensed SanDisk microSD cards floating around. Don't buy them. While they are genuine SanDisk products that really are officially licensed, they're exactly the same as a regular SanDisk microSD card but more expensive because of the Nintendo branding. They are, for all intents and purposes, a ripoff.

Q: The Switch is missing a lot of basic features.

A: That's not a question.

Q: Is the Switch really missing so many basic features, or am I just losing my mind?

A: You are, unfortunately, entirely sane. The Switch currently lacks features that were present on previous Nintendo consoles, such as save data backup, an internet browser, folders, and themes, as well as features that have grown to become industry standards, such as a controller with a headphone jack, on-console voice chat, and a party system. Nintendo has yet to announce plans to implement any of these things, but many speculate they will come with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.

#Other Information

Miscellaneous tips and tricks.

• If you have a Nintendo Network ID from the 3DS and Wii U days, you can migrate it to your Nintendo Account by signing in to the latter, then going to User Info > Linked Accounts and selecting Nintendo Network ID.

• Even though Miis have taken a backseat with the Switch, you can still use one as your profile picture. Go to HOME Menu > Settings > Mii > Create/Edit a Mii, then choose whether to create a new Mii or receive one from another Switch. Then go to HOME Menu > Your User Page and select your profile picture to edit it, then select Mii and choose a Mii. Fun fact: if you own an amiibo and a 3DS or Wii U, it's possible to transfer the same Mii all the way from a Wii to a Switch.

• If you ever have the misfortune of encountering someone online who's just a total dick (looking at you, squid partiers), you can prevent them from being matched with you again by blocking them. Go to HOME Menu > Your User Page > Add Friend > Users You've Played With, then find the offending user and select Block.

• On the subject of online assholes, if you happen to find them in Splatoon 2 in particular, you can take the extra step of reporting them. Open up the Nintendo Switch Online app and access SplatNet 2. From there, go to Battles, tap the battle where you encountered the offending player, tap the offending player, and tap the tiny Report button at the bottom of the screen. You can report players for a variety of reasons, including inactivity, unsportsmanlike conduct, and cheating.

• Friend codes aren't the only way to add people anymore. You can now add people who are physically near you (and have their Switch with them), who you've played with online, and who you've friended on 3DS, Wii U, or in one of Nintendo's mobile games (e.g. Miitomo, Super Mario Run, Fire Emblem Heroes). Just head over to HOME Menu > Your User Page > Add Friend to get started.

• Lost a controller? No worries! So long as it's a Joy-Con or Pro Controller, you can find it by going to HOME Menu > Controllers > Find Controllers. From here, you can make nearby paired controllers loudly vibrate so that they can be more easily located.

• If you're a parent who just bought their kid a Switch, set up parental controls, associate your child's Nintendo Account with yours, and set Nintendo eShop restrictions.

That's about all I have. Enjoy your Switch, and welcome to our community.