Gaming on the go has plenty of perks, but there are still a few drawbacks and risks involved, so your Nintendo Switch Lite may benefit from the aid of some quality accessories. Nintendo went all-in on the portability side of the equation with the Switch Lite compared to the original Nintendo Switch. This more compact design and smaller screen can sip on the battery for longer — although the new Nintendo Switch OLED is also offering some extra battery life.
With all of the portability, the Switch Lite should have some additional protection with cases, sleeves, and screen protectors to avoid scratches when tossing it in your bag or the minor heart attacks that come with the inevitable drop. You can also upgrade the ergonomics with a holder or expand the battery and storage with a battery bank and a microSD card. Those are just a few ways you can kit out your Switch Lite, but you’ll find our recommendations below for even more options to make your Switch Lite a real road warrior.
Your Nintendo Switch Lite's portability is one of its chief assets, and you shouldn't have to sacrifice that to protect it when you're on the go. The Nintendo Switch Lite Carry Case + Screen protector should have you covered. It adds minimal bulk by sticking close to the dimensions of the Switch Lite itself while providing 360-degree protection.
This case adds simple convenience and peace of mind. It zips easily to slide your Switch Lite in nice and snug, and though it's compact, it still offers additional storage for you to carry a collection of game cartridges. The added bonus of an included screen protector makes this the perfect investment in protection.
If you don't mind a little extra bulk when you're taking your Nintendo Switch Lite around with you, the ButterFox Switch Lite Carrying Case is an excellent option. It offers a sturdy shell to protect your Switch Lite and other accessories inside from drops and scratches.
When it comes to other accessories, this case provides a decent amount of space and uses it cleverly. There are two organizer layers that provide slots for 19 game cartridges and two microSD cards. These layers double as a protective microfiber lining over the screen and a buffer to keep other accessories from pressing the Switch Lite's controls. A mesh pocket provides room to hold charging cables, earbuds, and even a modest portable charger. For all of the protection and additional storage, this case is still incredibly affordable.
While the Nintendo Switch is designed to be used with your TV and sometimes on the go, the Switch Lite is a true traveler. That makes it much more susceptible to damage out in the wild. The power of just a bit of plastic wrapped around the device could be the difference between making it or breaking it, literally. The Hori DuraFlexi Protector should hopefully prevent the latter from happening. This covers the Switch Lite around the sides and back in a flexible TPU that can absorb shock and protect the portable console.
This sleeve conveniently doesn't cover up the design of your Switch Lite either, since it's transparent. It even has perfectly placed cutouts to ensure you can easily access all of the Switch Lite's ports while the sleeve is on. You'll even get a bit of extra grip thanks to the material used. And, if the impressively low price raises any concerns about quality, it's worth noting that the DuraFlexi protector is officially licensed by Nintendo.
If you're one of those people prone to dropping all of your electronics, we've got you covered. The Orzly Grip Case is ready to put your Nintendo Switch Lite in a protective embrace with coverage all around shielding it from your flimsy grip. This excellent rugged case will make all the difference.
The Orzly Grip Case adds just 25 grams of weight to your Switch Lite, so you won't have to stop calling it Lite just because you've tucked it into this case. What you get from the case is far more considerable than its weight. It covers the front, back, and sides in a rubberized sleeve that protects that device from bumps and scrapes while also giving your hands more grip. Orzly even added some thicker handles to the sides to make up for the lack of ergonomics around the Switch Lite's controls. This kit also provides covers to protect the thumbsticks from wear. You can even snag this case in a variety of colors or opt for a clear model.
The Nintendo Switch Lite features a plastic screen just like its console brethren, which means it'll be very prone to scratching. You're going to want a screen protector to prevent any damage. There are a ton of Switch Lite screen protectors popping up on the market, but amFilm's Tempered Glass Screen Protector is the tried and true most trusted.
amFilm produces screen protectors for a variety of devices, and luckily the Switch Lite is included in the lineup. This particular Switch Lite screen protector is made of tempered glass, which won't scratch nearly as easily as plastic and it'll give your handheld the glossy, premium glass screen it should have had from the get-go. This also happens to be a three-pack so you'll have enough screen protectors to use as replacements for years to come.
Don't let your hands suffer from the small controls and tight grip that comes along with the Nintendo Switch Lite. You can upgrade your hold with the grip from Satisfye. This attachment slides right onto your Switch Lite, adding two palm fins to give your hands something to really grab onto. This can help give your thumbs a bit more room to move, especially when reaching for the D-Pad or right thumbstick.
We loved the version of the grip from Satisfye for the full-size Nintendo Switch, so it's great to see a model for the smaller Switch Lite. This grip will greatly improve the ergonomics of the device, and your hands are going to thank you for it.
If you're building up a healthy collection of games on your Nintendo Switch Lite, you're going to want to make sure you've got enough storage for them all. The SanDisk 128GB Ultra drive is a helpful option, as it'll provide plenty of room for your game library while costing just $20. If you think you'll need more space, you can grab a larger version or you can grab a second one to split up your library onto multiple drives.
The SanDisk 128GB Ultra microSD card doesn't just have the space you need for your games but also the speed. It offers fast read speeds of 120MB/s. This can help ensure you're not waiting forever and wasting precious battery life while your games load up.
The Nintendo Switch Lite has more than enough battery to get you through a long commute. But, if you know you're going to have a long day away from a power outlet, it doesn't hurt to have a bit of extra power available. Anker makes some of the best portable chargers you can get, and this one is specifically tailored to work for Nintendo Switch.
This charger is officially licensed by Nintendo and can give you hours of extra playtime from its 13,400mAh battery bank. With two available ports, you can even charge a second device like a smartphone or tablet as well.
The lack of Bluetooth support on the Nintendo Switch Lite has always been a shortcoming though a new update on the Switch has remedied this. But, it is still plagued with some connection issues. You can get around it with this wireless gaming headset. The SteelSeries Arcits 1 is one of the best gaming headsets you can get, and it's even better given it will work wirelessly with the Nintendo Switch.
It pulls off a better wireless connection using a USB-C dongle that can plug directly into the bottom of the Switch to deliver a lag-free, lossless audio connection. You can also use a wired connection. It doesn't get much better than that level of versatility. Plus, the sub-$100 price tag makes it a steal.
Nintendo really failed to acknowledge the times with the Switch and Switch Light when it omitted Bluetooth support for Bluetooth earbuds and wireless headphones. Though there is a new update for Switch which that allows for Bluetooth audio pairing there are still a variety of issues with the feature. Fortunately, there are workarounds like the GuliKut Route Air Pro. This little kit can get you up and running with your favorite Bluetooth audio devices, and when we say little, we mean little.
The GuliKut Route Air Pro is a super-compact little dongle that plugs into the bottom of your switch and largely stays flush with the device. It even includes a tiny microphone you can plug into the Switch Lite's headset jack. With the adapter plugged in, you can pair it with up to two audio devices and even stream audio to them simultaneously. The adapter supports aptX for higher quality audio and aptX LL for the lower audio latency that's crucial in games. This is the perfect way to fix this lack of Bluetooth inconvenience.
The Nintendo Switch Lite might have a pair of integrated controllers, but they lack much of the special functionality that comes with the Nintendo Joy-Cons. By pairing these wireless controllers to your handheld, you’ll get back HD rumble as well as the infrared and motion-sensing sensors that some games like 1-2-Switch and Arms need to be played properly. These are perfect if you are tired of the tight grip necessary to hold on to the controllers on the Nintendo Switch Lite. It also means that you can enjoy multi-player games, as each Joy-Con can be used separately.
As portable as the Nintendo Switch Lite is, we can’t imagine it’s too comfortable to hold for hours on end and the same goes for even a pair of Joy-Cons slotted into a Charging Grip. That’s why users should pick up a Switch Pro Controller for extended play at home or on the go. Not only is this more traditional controller easier to hold, but it also sports better triggers and bumpers while giving you back HD rumble and motion controls.
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller works wireless and can charge using a USB-C cable. If you're worried about keeping charge, it boasts a 40-hour battery life. You will be all set for an all-day gaming marathon. The larger, easier-to-use controls should improve your gameplay and will immerse you further into the game. Best of all, this controller should last the duration of your Switch Lite's life cycle making it a very sound investment.
Like most smartphones and tablets, the Nintendo Switch Lite offers a display with touch input. And sometimes a finger isn’t always the ideal tool for the job. Your fingers can leave oils and grease on your display, making it harder to see over time and requiring more cleaning. Plus, your hands can get in the way of what you’re playing.
So, if you plan to play a lot of games that are centered around the touch input on the Nintendo Switch Lite, like Scribblenauts Showdown, a stylus can come in handy. The Adonit Mark is an affordable stylus that will register just like a finger on a touchscreen, but it won’t leave the same residue as your fingers. As the Adonit Mark has a mesh tip, it can also hold up better over time than some of the soft, silicone-tipped styluses you might find. Since the Nintendo Switch Lite’s display is in charge of registering the touches, the Adonit Mark also doesn’t require any power, making it a portable partner for your portable Switch Lite.
Nintendo games are known for their quality soundtracks, but the little speakers on your Nintendo Switch Lite aren’t going to be the best way to experience them. You don’t even get the option to plug into an entertainment center as you do with the standard Switch. Enter the Razer Barracuda X. These headphones provide a ton of flexibility for how you enjoy the audio from your Nintendo Switch Lite.
You can connect them to your switch via Bluetooth for the basics or slide in the USB-C dongle and enjoy high-quality, low-latency audio piped wirelessly to the headset. If you forget the dongle at home and don’t like the latency of Bluetooth, the Razer Barracuda X will let you connect over the classic 3.5mm headset jack. This capability all comes in a comfortable, lightweight headset that provides 20 hours of battery life. With a subtle, black design and a detachable boom mic, these headphones can also fly under the radar if you want to wear them while you’re out and about.
The most important thing you should keep in mind while shopping for Switch Lite accessories is that all accessories designed for the original Switch won’t necessarily work with Nintendo’s smaller handheld system. The Switch Lite is simply a different system that has smaller dimensions, integrated controllers, a lack of motion and IR sensors.
Some cases and battery cases for instance are just going to be too large. While the Switch Lite will fit, it’ll probably jumble around with all the extra space inside. The same thing goes for screen protectors unless you’re ready to cut them down with a box cutter or some kind of knife they’re going to be too big for the Switch Lite’s smaller display.
Unfortunately, most if not all of the Labo Nintendo has released isn’t going to work with the Nintendo Switch Lite. This is especially true of any pieces of Labo designed to hold the screen by itself like the Labo VR Kit or Labo Piano, due to the system’s slightly different proportions and its inability to detach the controllers.
While you may be able to use other Labo kits like the Vehicle Kit, it wouldn’t quite be the same because you can’t connect the Switch Lite to a TV.
Kevin Lee is IGN's SEO Updates Editor. Follow him on Twitter @baggingspam
Mark Knapp is a regular contributor to IGN and an irregular Tweeter on Twitter @Techn0Mark
Continue reading...
With all of the portability, the Switch Lite should have some additional protection with cases, sleeves, and screen protectors to avoid scratches when tossing it in your bag or the minor heart attacks that come with the inevitable drop. You can also upgrade the ergonomics with a holder or expand the battery and storage with a battery bank and a microSD card. Those are just a few ways you can kit out your Switch Lite, but you’ll find our recommendations below for even more options to make your Switch Lite a real road warrior.
TL;DR – These are the best Nintendo Switch Lite Accessories:
- ButterFox Switch Lite Carrying Case
- Hori DuraFlexi Protector
- Orzly Grip Case
- amFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector
- Satisfye Switch Lite Grip
- SanDisk 128GB Ultra
- Anker PowerCore Nintendo Switch Edition
- SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless
- GuliKit Route Air Pro
- Nintendo Joy-Cons
- Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
- Adonit Mark
- Razer Barracuda X
1. Nintendo Switch Lite Carry Case + Screen Protector
Best Nintendo Switch Lite Case
Your Nintendo Switch Lite's portability is one of its chief assets, and you shouldn't have to sacrifice that to protect it when you're on the go. The Nintendo Switch Lite Carry Case + Screen protector should have you covered. It adds minimal bulk by sticking close to the dimensions of the Switch Lite itself while providing 360-degree protection.
This case adds simple convenience and peace of mind. It zips easily to slide your Switch Lite in nice and snug, and though it's compact, it still offers additional storage for you to carry a collection of game cartridges. The added bonus of an included screen protector makes this the perfect investment in protection.
2. ButterFox Switch Lite Carrying Case
Best Nintendo Switch Lite Rugged Case
If you don't mind a little extra bulk when you're taking your Nintendo Switch Lite around with you, the ButterFox Switch Lite Carrying Case is an excellent option. It offers a sturdy shell to protect your Switch Lite and other accessories inside from drops and scratches.
When it comes to other accessories, this case provides a decent amount of space and uses it cleverly. There are two organizer layers that provide slots for 19 game cartridges and two microSD cards. These layers double as a protective microfiber lining over the screen and a buffer to keep other accessories from pressing the Switch Lite's controls. A mesh pocket provides room to hold charging cables, earbuds, and even a modest portable charger. For all of the protection and additional storage, this case is still incredibly affordable.
3. Hori DuraFlexi Protector
Best Nintendo Switch Lite Cover
While the Nintendo Switch is designed to be used with your TV and sometimes on the go, the Switch Lite is a true traveler. That makes it much more susceptible to damage out in the wild. The power of just a bit of plastic wrapped around the device could be the difference between making it or breaking it, literally. The Hori DuraFlexi Protector should hopefully prevent the latter from happening. This covers the Switch Lite around the sides and back in a flexible TPU that can absorb shock and protect the portable console.
This sleeve conveniently doesn't cover up the design of your Switch Lite either, since it's transparent. It even has perfectly placed cutouts to ensure you can easily access all of the Switch Lite's ports while the sleeve is on. You'll even get a bit of extra grip thanks to the material used. And, if the impressively low price raises any concerns about quality, it's worth noting that the DuraFlexi protector is officially licensed by Nintendo.
4. Orzly Grip Case
Best Nintendo Switch Lite Rugged Cover
If you're one of those people prone to dropping all of your electronics, we've got you covered. The Orzly Grip Case is ready to put your Nintendo Switch Lite in a protective embrace with coverage all around shielding it from your flimsy grip. This excellent rugged case will make all the difference.
The Orzly Grip Case adds just 25 grams of weight to your Switch Lite, so you won't have to stop calling it Lite just because you've tucked it into this case. What you get from the case is far more considerable than its weight. It covers the front, back, and sides in a rubberized sleeve that protects that device from bumps and scrapes while also giving your hands more grip. Orzly even added some thicker handles to the sides to make up for the lack of ergonomics around the Switch Lite's controls. This kit also provides covers to protect the thumbsticks from wear. You can even snag this case in a variety of colors or opt for a clear model.
5. amFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector
Best Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Protector
The Nintendo Switch Lite features a plastic screen just like its console brethren, which means it'll be very prone to scratching. You're going to want a screen protector to prevent any damage. There are a ton of Switch Lite screen protectors popping up on the market, but amFilm's Tempered Glass Screen Protector is the tried and true most trusted.
amFilm produces screen protectors for a variety of devices, and luckily the Switch Lite is included in the lineup. This particular Switch Lite screen protector is made of tempered glass, which won't scratch nearly as easily as plastic and it'll give your handheld the glossy, premium glass screen it should have had from the get-go. This also happens to be a three-pack so you'll have enough screen protectors to use as replacements for years to come.
6. Satisfye Switch Lite Grip
Best Nintendo Switch Lite Grip
Don't let your hands suffer from the small controls and tight grip that comes along with the Nintendo Switch Lite. You can upgrade your hold with the grip from Satisfye. This attachment slides right onto your Switch Lite, adding two palm fins to give your hands something to really grab onto. This can help give your thumbs a bit more room to move, especially when reaching for the D-Pad or right thumbstick.
We loved the version of the grip from Satisfye for the full-size Nintendo Switch, so it's great to see a model for the smaller Switch Lite. This grip will greatly improve the ergonomics of the device, and your hands are going to thank you for it.
7. SanDisk 128GB Ultra
Best Nintendo Switch Lite Memory Card
If you're building up a healthy collection of games on your Nintendo Switch Lite, you're going to want to make sure you've got enough storage for them all. The SanDisk 128GB Ultra drive is a helpful option, as it'll provide plenty of room for your game library while costing just $20. If you think you'll need more space, you can grab a larger version or you can grab a second one to split up your library onto multiple drives.
The SanDisk 128GB Ultra microSD card doesn't just have the space you need for your games but also the speed. It offers fast read speeds of 120MB/s. This can help ensure you're not waiting forever and wasting precious battery life while your games load up.
8. Anker PowerCore Nintendo Switch Edition
Best Nintendo Switch Lite Portable Battery Power Bank
The Nintendo Switch Lite has more than enough battery to get you through a long commute. But, if you know you're going to have a long day away from a power outlet, it doesn't hurt to have a bit of extra power available. Anker makes some of the best portable chargers you can get, and this one is specifically tailored to work for Nintendo Switch.
This charger is officially licensed by Nintendo and can give you hours of extra playtime from its 13,400mAh battery bank. With two available ports, you can even charge a second device like a smartphone or tablet as well.
9. SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless
Best Nintendo Switch Lite Gaming Headset
The lack of Bluetooth support on the Nintendo Switch Lite has always been a shortcoming though a new update on the Switch has remedied this. But, it is still plagued with some connection issues. You can get around it with this wireless gaming headset. The SteelSeries Arcits 1 is one of the best gaming headsets you can get, and it's even better given it will work wirelessly with the Nintendo Switch.
It pulls off a better wireless connection using a USB-C dongle that can plug directly into the bottom of the Switch to deliver a lag-free, lossless audio connection. You can also use a wired connection. It doesn't get much better than that level of versatility. Plus, the sub-$100 price tag makes it a steal.
10. GuliKit Route Air Pro
Best Nintendo Switch Lite Bluetooth Adapter
Nintendo really failed to acknowledge the times with the Switch and Switch Light when it omitted Bluetooth support for Bluetooth earbuds and wireless headphones. Though there is a new update for Switch which that allows for Bluetooth audio pairing there are still a variety of issues with the feature. Fortunately, there are workarounds like the GuliKut Route Air Pro. This little kit can get you up and running with your favorite Bluetooth audio devices, and when we say little, we mean little.
The GuliKut Route Air Pro is a super-compact little dongle that plugs into the bottom of your switch and largely stays flush with the device. It even includes a tiny microphone you can plug into the Switch Lite's headset jack. With the adapter plugged in, you can pair it with up to two audio devices and even stream audio to them simultaneously. The adapter supports aptX for higher quality audio and aptX LL for the lower audio latency that's crucial in games. This is the perfect way to fix this lack of Bluetooth inconvenience.
11. Nintendo Joy-Cons
Best Nintendo Switch Lite Controllers
The Nintendo Switch Lite might have a pair of integrated controllers, but they lack much of the special functionality that comes with the Nintendo Joy-Cons. By pairing these wireless controllers to your handheld, you’ll get back HD rumble as well as the infrared and motion-sensing sensors that some games like 1-2-Switch and Arms need to be played properly. These are perfect if you are tired of the tight grip necessary to hold on to the controllers on the Nintendo Switch Lite. It also means that you can enjoy multi-player games, as each Joy-Con can be used separately.
12. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Going Pro
As portable as the Nintendo Switch Lite is, we can’t imagine it’s too comfortable to hold for hours on end and the same goes for even a pair of Joy-Cons slotted into a Charging Grip. That’s why users should pick up a Switch Pro Controller for extended play at home or on the go. Not only is this more traditional controller easier to hold, but it also sports better triggers and bumpers while giving you back HD rumble and motion controls.
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller works wireless and can charge using a USB-C cable. If you're worried about keeping charge, it boasts a 40-hour battery life. You will be all set for an all-day gaming marathon. The larger, easier-to-use controls should improve your gameplay and will immerse you further into the game. Best of all, this controller should last the duration of your Switch Lite's life cycle making it a very sound investment.
13. Adonit Mark
Best Nintendo Switch Lite Stylus
Like most smartphones and tablets, the Nintendo Switch Lite offers a display with touch input. And sometimes a finger isn’t always the ideal tool for the job. Your fingers can leave oils and grease on your display, making it harder to see over time and requiring more cleaning. Plus, your hands can get in the way of what you’re playing.
So, if you plan to play a lot of games that are centered around the touch input on the Nintendo Switch Lite, like Scribblenauts Showdown, a stylus can come in handy. The Adonit Mark is an affordable stylus that will register just like a finger on a touchscreen, but it won’t leave the same residue as your fingers. As the Adonit Mark has a mesh tip, it can also hold up better over time than some of the soft, silicone-tipped styluses you might find. Since the Nintendo Switch Lite’s display is in charge of registering the touches, the Adonit Mark also doesn’t require any power, making it a portable partner for your portable Switch Lite.
14. Razer Barracuda X
Best Nintendo Switch Lite Bluetooth Headset
Nintendo games are known for their quality soundtracks, but the little speakers on your Nintendo Switch Lite aren’t going to be the best way to experience them. You don’t even get the option to plug into an entertainment center as you do with the standard Switch. Enter the Razer Barracuda X. These headphones provide a ton of flexibility for how you enjoy the audio from your Nintendo Switch Lite.
You can connect them to your switch via Bluetooth for the basics or slide in the USB-C dongle and enjoy high-quality, low-latency audio piped wirelessly to the headset. If you forget the dongle at home and don’t like the latency of Bluetooth, the Razer Barracuda X will let you connect over the classic 3.5mm headset jack. This capability all comes in a comfortable, lightweight headset that provides 20 hours of battery life. With a subtle, black design and a detachable boom mic, these headphones can also fly under the radar if you want to wear them while you’re out and about.
What to look for in a Nintendo Switch Lite Accessory
The most important thing you should keep in mind while shopping for Switch Lite accessories is that all accessories designed for the original Switch won’t necessarily work with Nintendo’s smaller handheld system. The Switch Lite is simply a different system that has smaller dimensions, integrated controllers, a lack of motion and IR sensors.
Some cases and battery cases for instance are just going to be too large. While the Switch Lite will fit, it’ll probably jumble around with all the extra space inside. The same thing goes for screen protectors unless you’re ready to cut them down with a box cutter or some kind of knife they’re going to be too big for the Switch Lite’s smaller display.
Unfortunately, most if not all of the Labo Nintendo has released isn’t going to work with the Nintendo Switch Lite. This is especially true of any pieces of Labo designed to hold the screen by itself like the Labo VR Kit or Labo Piano, due to the system’s slightly different proportions and its inability to detach the controllers.
While you may be able to use other Labo kits like the Vehicle Kit, it wouldn’t quite be the same because you can’t connect the Switch Lite to a TV.
Kevin Lee is IGN's SEO Updates Editor. Follow him on Twitter @baggingspam
Mark Knapp is a regular contributor to IGN and an irregular Tweeter on Twitter @Techn0Mark
Continue reading...