Which Nintendo Switch Accessories Work on Switch 2

If you're pondering which of your OG Switch accessories work on the Switch 2, this article is the right place to be. The reality is that compatibility is pretty limited. We're mostly talking controllers and a handful of other accessories. While many of your gamepads and wireless controllers made the cut, most other official Nintendo accessories like docks, charging grips, and even microSD cards won't work due to hardware changes.

The good news is that your controller collection is largely compatible with Switch 2, often with only minor caveats or adjustments. Nintendo clearly didn't want you to toss out your Pro Controllers and various gamepads, though most other accessories didn't make the transition.

In this list, I've included the top 8 practical first and third-party accessories that will actually be of service. There's also a dedicated section for three exclusive Switch 2 accessories at the end, so you might want to check that out as well.

Let's dive in and see which trusty Switch companions are still game for the next generation!

1. Joy-Con Controllers 

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• Battery Life: ~20 hours per charge
  
• Features: HD Rumble haptic feedback, accelerometer & gyro motion controls, IR depth sensor (right Joy-Con), Amiibo NFC reader.
  
• Compatibility: Pairs with Switch 2 for multiplayer or legacy games; cannot attach to the Switch 2’s body, and requires separate charging.
  

Your trusty Joy-Cons aren’t obsolete...far from it! The original Switch Joy-Con controllers still work like a charm on the Switch 2 as wireless gamepads. Just pair them via Bluetooth and you’re off to the races. Essentially, all the tech that made Joy-Cons special, from the accelerometer/gyro for motion tracking to the IR camera that can detect hand shapes – is available to use on Switch 2.

However, there is a catch we should note: because Switch 2’s hardware design changed, you can’t physically slide old Joy-Cons onto the new console’s sides. The Joy-Con 2 controllers for Switch 2 snap on magnetically.. So, you’ll use your OG Joy-Cons wirelessly only with Switch 2. That also means you’ll need a way to charge them (such as an old charging grip or Joy-Con charger), since docking them on the console is a no-go. 

The upside is that if you have a stash of Joy-Cons in various colors, you can still bust them out for multiplayer sessions on Switch 2 without buying extra new controllers. In fact, for certain games it’s recommended – for example, the Ring Fit Adventure leg strap and ring controller require the old Joy-Con R’s IR sensor and shape, so playing those fitness games on Switch 2 means connecting your original Joy-Cons wirelessly.

2. PocketPro Wireless Controller

• Hall-Effect Sticks: No more stick drift issues
  
• Full Feature Set: Rumble vibration, motion control gyros, Turbo (rapid-fire) mode
  
• Battery & Multi-Platform: (~480 mAh) 15-20 hours of gameplay per charge.
  

You can easily toss this pint-sized controller in your crossbody bag. Initially designed for the Switch 1, this little guy is a collaboration between Genki and renowned controller maker 8BitDo, essentially a special edition of the SN30 Pro optimized for portability and style. 

The best part is that it is also compatible with Switch 2 through a firmware update via support.8bitdo.com. Since this is a collaboration between Genki and 8BitDo, firmware updates are handled through 8BitDo's official support website. You connect the controller to your computer, visit their site, and download the latest firmware.

That’s just the start. The hardware packs in plenty of perks, with the Hall effect sticks being one of the biggest. Unlike Joy-Cons or even the Pro Controller (which still use traditional potentiometers prone to wear), the PocketPro’s sticks won’t drift over time. Movements feel smooth and accurate, and the gyro sensor means you can still enjoy motion aiming or steering in games like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, something many other third-party mini controllers lack. And the inclusion of rumble gives you feedback that some smaller gamepads forego.

In terms of battery, expect roughly 15–20 hours on a charge. That’s not as epic as the Pro Controller’s 40 hours, but it’s plenty for travel or daily commute usage. You can easily recharge it via USB-C – a quick top-off and you’re set. 

In practical terms: this is the perfect accessory if you want an extra controller for multiplayer that doesn’t take up space, or if you dislike tabletop mode gameplays.

3. ShadowCast 2 (Portable Capture Card)

• Use Cases: Ideal for Switch 2 owners who want to stream gameplay on Twitch or record for YouTube, or anyone who likes using a laptop screen as an alternative display.
  
• Compatibility: Works with any HDMI source up to 1080p – including Switch 2.
  

The ShadowCast 2 is one of those tried-and-true accessories that has been transforming how Switch users game and create content, and now brings that same versatility to the Switch 2.

It’s basically a portable dock alternative for your PC – plug this tiny dongle into your handheld’s dock (or USB-C-to-HDMI adapter), and you can beam the console’s display to your laptop or desktop computer, where you can record or stream it. 

The original ShadowCast had muddy compression, high latency, and was limited to 1080p/30fps. The ShadowCast 2 fixes these issues with clearer capture, reduced lag, and full 1080p60 recording.

And thanks to that USB 3.2 bandwidth, the latency is greatly reduced and image quality is sharper (less compression mush in dark scenes, for example). In practice, this means when you connect your Switch 2, you can actually play via your computer screen without feeling a big delay – perfect if you’re traveling and only have a laptop, or if you’re doing a casual stream and don’t want a complex setup.

But if you want the top-tier setup for streaming or recording Switch 2 gameplay, go for the ShadowCast 2 Pro. It sends a crisp 4K60 signal to your display while recording buttery-smooth 1080p60 to your computer, and the latency is so low that even fighters and racing games feel just as responsive as playing straight on the console.

4. Pro Controller

• Connectivity: Bluetooth wireless pairing; can also plug into the Switch 2 dock via USB-C for wired play or charging.
  
• Battery Life: ~40 hours on a full charge
  
• Features: two analog sticks, D-pad, and all standard buttons; includes motion controls, HD Rumble, and NFC reader for Amiibo support
  
• Compatibility: Fully compatible with Switch 2 via wireless or wired (USB) connection. Can be charged through the Switch 2’s dock USB port.
  

The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller has been a fan-favorite since day one – and happily, you can keep using this top-tier gamepad on the Switch 2 without missing a beat. Either sync it wirelessly or connect it to the dock via USB-C once to register it. Once connected, it works just like it did on the original Switch, complete with motion aiming, HD Rumble feedback, and Amiibo scanning by tapping figures on the controller’s center.

 If you’re the type who prefers a more traditional controller for long play sessions or competitive games like Smash Bros. or Mario Kart, your trusty Pro Controller remains your best friend on Switch 2.

Gamers rave about this controller’s battery life, and for good reason – it lasts around 40 hours on a charge, absolutely trouncing most other controllers on the market. Performance-wise, nothing changes: the buttons, sticks, and triggers on the Pro Controller deliver the same precise, comfortable experience on Switch 2. In fact, many players won’t even notice a difference, which is exactly what you want in backwards compatibility.

One small footnote: on Switch 1, you could press the Pro Controller’s Home button to wake the console from sleep. On Switch 2, apparently the old Pro Controller cannot wake the system from sleep mode. It’s a minor inconvenience at most, and certainly not a deal-breaker. 

5. Ring Fit Adventure – Ring-Con

• Includes: Flexible Ring-Con, Leg Strap, Ring Fit Adventure game
  
• Uses: Motion sensors and IR camera in the original right Joy-Con to track movement and heart rate
  
• Compatibility: Switch 1 (full), Switch 2 (requires original Joy-Cons)
  

Ring Fit Adventure is Nintendo's fitness-meets-RPG experiment. You hold the Ring-Con in both hands, strap another Joy-Con to your thigh, and every squat, squeeze, or jog gets turned into an in-game action.

It's not "compatible" with the Switch 2 on paper according to Nintendo, but you can still make it work on your Switch 2 with a little trick. The new Joy-Con 2 controllers won't fit in the Ring-Con or Leg Strap since they attach magnetically and lack the IR camera for pulse checks.

The workaround? Use original Joy-Cons from Switch 1. They still pair wirelessly to Switch 2 and work exactly as before once you slot them into the accessories. The only drawback is charging - since they can't dock on Switch 2, you'll need a charging grip or separate charger as well. 

In short: yes, Ring Fit works on Switch 2, but only if you still have or buy a set of the original Joy-Cons.

6. GameCube Controller

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• Adapter Required: Uses the Nintendo GameCube Controller Adapter (plugs into the Switch 2 dock’s USB port).
  
• Use Case: Ideal for games like Super Smash Bros 

For a lot of Nintendo fans, the GameCube controller is the gold standard. Smash Bros. players in particular swear by it because it just feels right. The sticks have the kind of resistance that lets you nail precise tilts or flicks without overshooting. 

The big green A button is perfect for fast confirmation, while the smaller B, X, and Y buttons make combos feel quick and deliberate. And analog triggers, which have that smooth pull before the satisfying click at the end, are great for shielding or pulling off perfect air dodges. 

You can take the same Wii U/Switch USB adapter and plug it into the Switch 2’s dock, then plug in your GameCube controllers and play away. The new system will recognize them just like the old one did.

Essentially, in docked mode the Switch 2 supports wired controllers via USB, and the GC adapter falls under that umbrella nicely. The adapter provides the ports, and the console treats it as a supported accessory. Do keep in mind that this, of course, only works in TV mode (you can’t use the GC adapter in handheld mode since there’s nowhere to plug it in when undocked). But that was the case on the original Switch as well.

7. Saya Carry Sling Bag

• Compatibility: Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, PlayStation Portal.
  
• Premium Materials: 500D Nylon (Saya Green), 1000D Cordura (Urban Black)
  
• Smart Features: Fidlock magnetic buckle, elastic bands to secure cables and accessories, dedicated slots for game cards
  

Look, if you're serious about handheld gaming, you've probably dealt with the frustration of cramming your Switch into whatever bag you have lying around, only to find your charging cable wrapped around your Joy-Con like a digital pretzel. The Saya Carry actually gets what gamers need.

What catches the eye first is the sizing strategy. The interior fits a Steam Deck comfortably, which means your Switch 2 will have plenty of breathing room (even with a grip or thin case attached).

The build quality feels deliberate. The 500D and 1000D fabrics aren't the lightest materials available, but they're chosen for people who actually use their gear daily rather than baby it. Water resistance is standard, but the internal organization system is where this bag separates itself from generic cases.

The elastic management system keeps cables from turning into that inevitable knot we all know too well. There are dedicated slots for game cards, which sounds basic but you'd be surprised how many "gaming bags" overlook this entirely. You can fit a power bank, some earbuds, maybe a compact dock—basically everything you'd actually want to carry for a gaming session away from home.

3 Exclusive Switch 2 Accessories for Pro Gamers

A lot of original Switch gear won't work with the new console and vice versa due to console size, changes in controller shape, and updated connection methods that make older docks, grips, and certain cases incompatible. 

To be frank, you don't need much. There are plenty of really handy accessories out there for the Switch 2, but these 3 are what you really need as a pro handheld gamer, especially if you're running long marathon gaming sessions. 

Below I've included a modular grip case for comfort and gaming precision, a high-speed storage card, and a tiny clip-on power bank designed to triple your playtime. Let's see what each of these is all about and how they can really enhance your gaming.

1. Modular Grip Case for Comfort

A modular grip case for comfort is only part of the story. What the Attack Vector really brings to the table is better control. You'll perform better; racing feels tighter and your aim gets way more precise. Instead of leaving you with the flat, narrow edges of the console, it adds contoured shells over the Joy-Con 2 and a rigid backplate that clips securely to the console.

The real difference comes from its three interchangeable back grips — Feather for a slimmer hold, Balance for even weight distribution, and Anchor for a deep, controller-like grip — letting you choose the shape that puts the least strain on your wrists. It still fits into the dock without removing it. This setup changes the ergonomics entirely, turning the Switch 2 into something that feels closer to a full-size gamepad in handheld form.

2. High-Speed Storage Card

Storage might not be the most exciting upgrade, but on the Switch 2 it's one of the first things worth sorting out. The console has moved to a new standard called microSD Express, which uses a PCIe/NVMe interface. It's the same kind of tech that makes modern SSDs so fast. That means games load quicker, textures stream in smoothly, and you're better prepared for future titles that pull in data constantly while you play. Who wouldn't want that?

That's why Samsung's licensed 256GB microSD Express is literally a game-changer. It's built specifically for the Switch 2, giving you the extra space for downloads along with the read and write speeds to handle large game files or even 4K video capture without stutter. Slip it in once, let the console format it, and you're set for years of fast, hassle-free storage.

3. Magnetic Power Bank

Battery anxiety is real. Nothing kills your gaming momentum like watching that battery icon flash red right when you're hitting your stride. The Switch 2 can drain in about two hours if you're playing anything graphically intense, which is where the Energy Pack stops being a nice-to-have and becomes absolutely essential.

Here's what makes this thing work: the 10,000 mAh battery snaps magnetically onto the back of your console. But here's the clever part—it doesn't mess with your grip. I've used plenty of power banks that either make your handheld feel like a brick or create this weird tug from a dangling cable. This one actually keeps the weight balanced, so you can game for hours without your hands cramping up or constantly shifting position.

That fixed USB-C connector pumps out 30W straight to the top port, which means you’re actually maintaining or even gaining charge while playing demanding games. 

The display on the pack shows you exactly what's happening: how much juice is left, how much power it's pushing, even the internal temperature. No more battery guessing games or wondering if your charger is actually doing anything.

Conclusion

When you move from the original Switch to the Switch 2, not everything in your old kit makes the cut. Your Pro Controller, roomy carry cases, and first-gen Joy-Cons still work perfectly, but most fitted shells, charging grips, and docks won’t line up with the new design. 

Replacing those with Switch 2-specific gear, such as faster storage cards, ergonomic grips, and magnetic power banks, makes a noticeable difference. These upgrades are not about collecting more accessories. They are about keeping the console ready for hours of smooth and comfortable play both at home and on the go.