After buying a Switch, most people start thinking about what accessories to get. But accessories come with more pitfalls than you might expect. Some things genuinely enhance the experience, some are pure tax on intelligence, and others can even damage your console. This article skips the fluff and gets straight to which accessories are worth it, which to avoid, and the details often overlooked when buying.

Joystick Caps and Screen Protectors: Basic but Don't Buy Carelessly

Let's start with the two most basic ones. A screen protector is essentially a necessity—the Switch's plastic screen is indeed prone to scratches, so applying one saves you trouble. But when it comes to joystick caps, many people regret buying them. Those silicone joystick caps on the market make the sticks feel thicker, and they can get stuck when placing the console into the original dock or carrying case. Forcing it shut might bend the joystick. If you often play action or fighting games from Switch game recommendations, where joystick operation is frequent, such caps can actually increase the risk of drift. If you really want to buy, opt for ultra-thin ones, or simply go bare—the feel is actually better.

Also, some players like to buy those patterned "painful stickers" that cover the entire console. This is a huge pitfall. When peeling them off, adhesive residue is highly likely to remain on the surface, impossible to clean completely, and it directly reduces the resale value. Moreover, stickers affect heat dissipation. The Switch itself generates a fair amount of heat, and if you play Nintendo game recommendations in docked mode for long periods, the console gets even hotter. Poor heat dissipation is bad for the motherboard.

Docks and Chargers: Saving Money Can Fry Your Console

This is the biggest minefield among accessories. The original dock is indeed bulky and inconvenient to carry, so many people buy third-party portable docks. But many cheap third-party docks lack protocol compatibility—plugging one in can directly fry the Switch's Type-C port or main control chip. Search online for "dock bricking" and you'll find plenty of cases. If you often take your Switch out for gatherings, for example, wanting to cast to a big TV while playing two-player Switch games with friends, it's best to choose a brand-certified dock, or simply buy an extension cable and disassemble the original dock to use it—low cost and safe.

Chargers are also a disaster zone. The Switch supports PD fast charging, but many people just plug in phone chargers or off-brand chargers. If the voltage and current are wrong, charging is slow, and long-term use wears down the battery. Some players use high-power laptop chargers for convenience. While it works, make sure not to exceed the original voltage range, otherwise the console heats up excessively during fast charging. If you like playing indie game recommendations and often move around the sofa and bed holding the console, a reliable charging dock and a long cable will save you a lot of hassle—but definitely don't buy those $10 ones.

Carrying Cases and Game Card Cases: Functionality Over Looks

Carrying cases are something people often overlook the details. Many buy based on appearance, only to find the case too thick to fit in a bag, or too thin with poor protection. If you often carry your Switch out, the case's inner lining should ideally be hard shell with fleece—hard shell resists pressure, fleece prevents scratches. Those cheap soft cases may not protect your console if dropped. Also, the internal space should accommodate a charger and game cards; otherwise, you'll need an extra small bag every time you go out, which is annoying.

Game card cases are similar—some people buy mini ones that hold only a few cards, and they fill up quickly. If you collect physical game cards or often buy second-hand cards to swap around, directly buy a large case that holds 24 or more cards to avoid needing another later. Especially for players who like buying games based on game rankings, buying several at once—a small case means buying another, wasting money.

Controllers: Pro Controller Is Worth It, But Don't Buy the Wrong Version

The Pro Controller is indeed the accessory that most enhances the Switch experience, with a feel far superior to the Joy-Con. But there's a catch: counterfeit products are everywhere. They look almost identical but lack HD rumble and motion controls, yet are only a few tens of dollars cheaper than the real thing. Many people buy them cheap and find during two-player Switch games that their partner's controller has no vibration feedback or motion aim is off, directly degrading the experience.

Also, some people think that if their Joy-Con drifts, they might as well buy a Pro Controller instead. But note that many Switch games require the Joy-Con's IR camera or detachable functionality—for example, Ring Fit Adventure or some party games—and can't be played with just a Pro Controller. So the Pro Controller is a supplement, not a complete replacement. If budget is tight, it's better to repair the Joy-Con first, then consider the Pro Controller.

Memory Cards and Stands: Match Specifications and Scenarios

The main pitfall with memory cards lies in speed class. Many players buy slow cards, resulting in noticeably longer load times for large games, or taking ages to export screenshots. Although the Switch only supports UHS-I, it's recommended to choose a card with a read speed of 100MB/s or higher. Otherwise, if you install many digital games, especially those highly acclaimed in game encyclopedia, slow loading can really affect your mood.

Stands are relatively niche, but worth considering if you often play in docked mode. The original dock's airflow design is average—after long sessions, the back of the console gets very hot. Buying a raised stand with heat dissipation holes lifts the console, providing more ventilation space, which helps extend the console's lifespan. But don't buy those very cheap plastic stands—they're unstable and the Switch may tip over easily.

Accessories aren't about having the most. Before buying, think clearly about what you actually play and how you play. If you mainly play first-party titles from Nintendo game recommendations, a Pro Controller and a good carrying case are essentials; if you prefer indie game recommendations or often take it out, charging accessories and a memory card are more important. The core of avoiding pitfalls is: don't blindly follow trends, don't skimp on quality, and do homework before buying. Once you navigate the Switch accessory pitfalls, your gaming experience will truly be enjoyable.