The Switch 2 is here: everything you need to know about Nintendo’s new console – The VergeThe Verge is about technology and how it makes us feel. Founded in 2011, we offer our audience everything from breaking news to reviews to award-winning features and investigations, on our site, in video, and in podcasts.2026-06-02T17:48:33+00:00https://www.theverge.com/rss/stream/676901https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/01/verge-rss-large_80b47e.png?w=150&h=150&crop=1Cameron Faulkner<![CDATA[I tested a bunch of Switch 2 screen protectors, and these are the best]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=6949482026-06-02T13:48:33-04:002026-06-02T13:48:33-04:00
This is what a Switch 2 looks like with a glossy glass protector attached to its screen. | Image: Cameron Faulkner/The Verge
A glass screen protector is one of a few essential accessories that I strongly recommend to every Switch 2 owner. In fact, it should be a priority to stick one onto the console’s screen as soon as possible to avoid accidental scratches.
To test the candidates below, I installed and removed Switch 2 screen protectors on my console at an alarming rate, more than any sane person should, and here are the most important takeaways:
Do not buy a flimsy plastic screen protector. They are a waste of money and won’t protect your Switch 2 enough.
It’s impossible to tell different brands’ protectors apart once they’re on your screen; product packaging and the installation process are the biggest differences (as well as the key factors that increase cost).
Some protectors are glossy and some are anti-reflective, each with its own tradeoffs. For my money, glossy is the way to go. The matte finish looks good, but it reduces the screen’s vivid quality and its viewing angles.
Of the options below, it’s easiest to recommend amFilm’s three-pack of glossy screen protectors. Not only is the pack affordable ($9.99 from Amazon), but the tray also allows for perfect alignment of the glass protector for easy, bubble-free installation. I’ve used this company’s screen protectors on various gadgets for years, and I particularly like its glossy option over the matte finish, since it lets the Switch 2’s screen fully shine through.
amFilm three-pack of glossy screen protectors
My go-to screen protector brand for years has been amFilm. Three glossy tempered glass sheets come in the box, and the tools make installation fairly simple. JSAUX’s model is just as good based on my testing, and just as affordable.
In keeping up with some brands that offer faster installations, amFilm offers a two-pack of glossy protectors that includes a “OneTouch” tray. Remove the protector’s bottom film, attach the tray to your device, and then press gently on the protector until it’s fully applied.
Dbrand Prism 2.0 two-pack of glossy screen protectors
Dbrand’s Prism 2.0 includes two glass protectors for the Switch 2, each nestled into plastic cases that fit perfectly around the edges of the console (with the Joy-Con 2 removed). $34.99 is expensive for two protectors, but if simplicity and elegant packaging trump value, then this is a good option.
Genki Aegis Shield two-pack of glossy screen protectors
Genki offers a cheaper alternative to Dbrand with the Aegis Shield. It includes two protectors, and the installation process is nearly identical: just align the plastic frame with the console, pull the tab, and run your finger across the exposed section of the frame. Spigen makes a similar product that costs $24.99 for a two-pack.
Let’s start with one of the most affordable options if you want to go the matte-textured route. AmFilm sells a two-pack of protectors at Amazon for $8.99. The set includes a plastic frame that serves as a guide to align the protector just right. JSAUX makes a similar product that’s the same price.
amFilm OneTouch two-pack of matte screen protectors
AmFilm also sells a two-pack with a OneTouch frame for easier installation. Again, keep in mind that opting for matte over glossy will reduce glare, but at the cost of viewing angles as well as the full vivid quality of the Switch 2’s screen. That’ll be an acceptable tradeoff for some, but not all people.
]]>
Cameron Faulkner<![CDATA[These are my favorite Switch 2 accessories]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=7201602026-05-28T10:00:46-04:002026-05-28T10:00:00-04:00
The Nintendo Switch 2 can be enjoyed right out of the box, but it’s even better with the right accessories. Some of these add-ons are more crucial than others, especially if you’re deciding what to buy early on. For example, a case and a screen protector can keep your console safe from scuffs, scratches, and drops, so both are what I’d consider to be essential. If you’re not a fan of how the Joy-Con 2 feel to use, a cheap but good wireless controller wouldn’t hurt, either.
On the other hand, a microSD Express card lets you add even more digital games to your library, although the console’s somewhat generous 256GB of internal storage means you may not need one right away. Some other accessories don’t add enough to the gaming experience to justify the cost. Those Joy-Con 2 steering wheel accessories? You can probably pass on those.
The Switch 2 and its games are expensive enough, so we’ve assembled this guide with picks that are a great value. No matter your budget, we’ve included numerous categories, beginning with a starter kit of recommendations we think everyone should consider.
The best Switch 2 controllers
Our list of the best Switch 2 controllers is always evolving. It started with just a few alternatives to Nintendo’s great, yet imperfect Switch 2 Pro controller that costs $90. Now it’s full of options covering a range of budgets. Currently, the best wireless controller for most Switch 2 gamers is the EasySMX S10. It offers comfort, great-feeling rumble, it includes a floating eight-way direction pad, and has support for motion controls and amiibo. It’s the total package, but I have minor complaints. The home, GameChat, and screenshot buttons are placed awkwardly, and not everyone will dig the design or the gritty texture on the grips.
It’s technically not a controller, but I’m a broken record when it comes to recommending 8BitDo’s USB Adapter 2 for households already with more than one console. In the case that you have an Xbox or a PS5 and would rather not buy a bespoke Switch 2 controller, just buy this $20 adapter instead, and use it to connect a wireless controller you already own. The Sony DualSense’s rumble and motion controls work seamlessly, for example, and you can remap buttons as you please within the console’s OS.
8BitDo Wireless Bluetooth USB Adapter 2
The 8BitDo’s latest adapter resembles a flash drive, but once connected to your Switch’s dock, it allows you to wirelessly pair it with a variety of PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo controllers.
The Killswitch is a great Switch 2 companion, whether you’re someone who primarily uses the console in handheld mode or while it’s docked. It’s a case that wraps around the Switch 2, with detachable components that snugly grip onto each Joy-Con 2 to make them more comfortable to hold. Above all else, it’s a great way to protect your console from scratches and slightly more significant damage.
What’s also great is that it doesn’t limit its flexibility as a hybrid console. Each Killswitch ships with a USB-C dock adapter that is inserted into the Switch 2 dock. Since the case-equipped console can no longer fit in Nintendo’s dock, this adapter lets you connect it to your TV without taking off the case. It’s tougher to correctly align the Switch 2’s USB-C jack with this adapter than it is to put it in the dock, but it gets easier with practice.
The best, slimmest zip-up case you should buy is made by Tomtoc. Its FancyCase slim case feels durable, and it has plenty of vertical clearance above the Joy-Con 2 sticks, so it’ll never press them in on accident. Like most zip-up cases, it features a screen cover that doubles as cartridge storage. This one can hold 12 cartridges.
I’m confident that it’ll absorb more potential damage over time than other cases I’ve tried. Plus, it just looks cooler, with low-profile designs for gamers who don’t want to draw attention to their console. That said, its “Froz Edition” has ice cream-inspired looks that are more expressive.
When I’m relaxing after putting our kid to sleep, I want everything to be easy. Like, I don’t even want to hold a Switch 2 while I play, if at all possible. The console’s kickstand is nice, but Mechanism’s Gaming Pillow is better, since its articulating arm can suspend the console at eye level while its plush bottom rests on my lap. You can detach the Switch 2’s Joy-Con and hold them where it’s most comfortable, or better yet, just connect a wireless controller that offers better ergonomics. The Gaming Pillow works with many other devices, too, whether it’s a PlayStation Portal, an Xbox ROG Ally, or even a Kindle with the right Mechanism adapter.
Jsaux’s OmniCentro is a wall charger that doubles as a HDMI dock for the Switch 2 and other handhelds. It retails for $45.99, which isn’t a bad price given its specs. Its USB-C port tops out at 65W, which is more than enough for a Switch 2 and most other gaming handhelds. The adapter supports 4K resolution at 120 frames per second with HDR (though the console only supports 60Hz at 4K), or 1440p and 1080p at up to 120 frames per second. You can also use it as a compact hub for your tablet or laptop, as its USB-A port comes in handy for wireless dongles or for charging small accessories.
If you use Nintendo’s GameChat feature, you might want a webcam to show your face to friends. The best webcam that you can get for your Switch 2 should be the cheapest one you can find that’s guaranteed to work with it. Almost all of Logitech’s webcams support the Switch 2. It’s worth knowing that the Switch 2 displays low-fidelity video feeds during gameplay, so unless you plan to use the webcam with your PC as well, it’s not worth spending a lot for a model that promises great video quality.
The Switch 2 is more powerful than the original Switch. However, it doesn’t require all that much more power to charge, even while you’re playing games. A power bank that can deliver at least 20W is totally sufficient to get the fastest-possible charging speeds with the Switch 2 in handheld mode. The Switch 2 usually pulls a maximum of about 15-17W of power (sometimes less) from a USB-C battery during gameplay. When the system was asleep, the rate went down to between 8-13W, fluctuating at different points during the charging process.
Thankfully, your options for compatible batteries are plentiful. You’ll likely be paying for more power than you’ll need with the Switch 2, but more power (and especially more ports) are never a bad thing to have too much of.
The Switch 2 supports microSD Express cards of up to 2TB, even though models with that amount of storage aren’t yet available for purchase. Most brands make cards in 128GB, 256GB, and 512GB configurations, and some offer 1TB cards as well. I’d suggest grabbing the cheapest microSD Express card you can find, as so far they all offer similarly fast read/write speeds. Right now, Samsung’s P9 is one of the most affordable models you can get, with the 256GB version going down to $34.99 sometimes.
If you travel often or just really want heightened immersion, AR glasses are a good purchase to consider. Instead of using a TV or a monitor, they put the screen right up to your eyeballs, and modern models offer head-tracking to let the screen follow your movements, as well as sensors that let you lock the screen in place virtually. There’s more than one good set of AR glasses out there, too. Viture’s $549 Beast and its Pro mobile gaming dock, which is necessary for connecting a Switch 2 and HDMI-based consoles, are a solid pair that offer both great contrast and brightness. Better yet, the glasses offer built-in three degrees of freedom (3DoF) that lets you lock the screen’s location in virtual space.
There are two extra low-cost items that I think most people should consider buying. The first is a screen protector. The console’s screen is its most fragile component, so spend the $10 or so necessary to get a multipack of tempered glass protectors so you don’t have to think about it again. Many brands make them, but I’ve had great experiences with stuff from amFilm.
The other accessory is a USB-C-to-Ethernet adapter. It’s possible that you may get a ton of usage out of this, especially if you play online multiplayer games and you want to nip latency in the bud. Or, if you’re like me, you’ll just plug it in when it comes time to download a game. The Switch 2’s Wi-Fi is awfully slow when it comes to downloading games, even when you have fast internet. Plugging this accessory into either of its USB-C ports greatly increases download speeds.
Update, May 28th: Updated to reflect current pricing and availability.
]]>
Cameron Faulkner<![CDATA[The best microSD Express card for the Switch 2 is the cheapest one you can find]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=6760752026-03-07T11:00:06-05:002026-03-06T15:30:00-05:00
Don’t buy one unless you can see the “EX” label on the card and package. | Image: Cameron Faulkner / The Verge
Unlike the original Switch, the Nintendo Switch 2 requires microSD Express cards for storing and playing games. While physically identical to microSD cards (aside from a small, easy-to-miss “EX” emblem etched onto the front of the card, as highlighted in the main image above), microSD Express cards are significantly faster. They advertise a 4.4x increase in transfer speeds over regular microSD cards.
That speed boost is necessary for loading Switch 2 games that have more detailed textures and larger worlds than those that are possible on the original Switch. You may not need to buy one immediately, however, unless you foresee quickly using up the Switch 2’s built-in 256GB SSD.
If you do want a microSD Express card, there are many options available. Yet, all of them boast the same speed and performance. I suggest getting the most affordable microSD Express card you can find and buying it from a brand you trust, just in case anything goes wrong with it while the warranty is still valid.
While microSD Express cards were initially very expensive — costing nearly $200 for 1TB of extra storage — prices have come down a bit for certain storage amounts. What’s more, deals occasionally drop the price of the 256GB and 512GB models below the price of some games ($35 for 256GB and $75 for 512GB are among the lowest prices we’ve seen on Amazon). The Switch 2 supports microSD Express cards up to 2TB in size, although 1TB is the largest capacity available, with some cards selling for up to $200 a pop. Walmart’s Onn model is a beacon of light even when there are no deals, as the regular cost for its 512GB model is around $84.
If you’re in the market for one of these storage expansion cards, we’ve listed the available options below.
Update, March 6th: Updated pricing and availability.
]]>
Andrew Liszewski<![CDATA[You’ll be able to change the color of Virtual Boy games on Nintendo Switch Online]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=8685692026-02-27T09:05:18-05:002026-01-27T10:15:23-05:00
The color-changing feature is only available for Nintendo’s $100 Virtual Boy Switch accessory. | Screenshot: YouTube
Following the initial reveal last September, Nintendo has released a new trailer detailing which Virtual Boy games will be available to Switch Online subscribers starting on February 17th alongside revamped headsets, and which titles will launch later this year. The company also revealed some new features for the games, including the option to change the color of Virtual Boy titles, which were notoriously limited to only bright red on the original hardware.
]]>
Cameron Faulkner<![CDATA[The 11 best Nintendo Switch 2 games we played in 2025]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=8454012025-12-23T08:58:52-05:002025-12-31T08:00:00-05:00
2025 was a big year for gaming, and that includes gaming hardware. Nintendo launched its Switch 2 console in June, and since then, numerous Switch 2 titles and noteworthy updates for original Switch games have launched. These include brand-new Nintendo experiences like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza, as well as some belated but welcome third-party titles, including Cyberpunk 2077 and Divinity: Original Sin 2. Even classics like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild got some new life on the upgraded console.
If you're considering buying a console, or you're getting one for someone else, there are 11 games that we think are a must …
]]>
Cameron Faulkner<![CDATA[A recent Switch 2 update blocks some third-party docks, but Nintendo isn’t saying why]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=8212502025-11-14T18:48:57-05:002025-11-14T15:00:27-05:00
Nintendo recently issued an update (21.0.0) for its Switch 2 console that, in addition to some small changes, has caused some third-party docks to stop working as intended. In the early weeks and months of the console's availability this summer, companies raced to figure out the right commands, the right power draw, and the right chips to use in order to trick the Switch 2 into thinking it had connected to the real thing - Nintendo's dock, which is included with every console. Now, some of them will have to figure out how to do it again.
You're not alone if you think Nintendo did this on purpose. But did it? According to Nintendo, not exact …
]]>
Cameron Faulkner<![CDATA[8BitDo’s latest wireless controllers can now shake-to-wake the Switch 2]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=8145512025-11-05T14:26:37-05:002025-11-05T14:26:37-05:00
The Pro 3 and Ultimate 2 can now shake-to-wake the Switch 2.
Third-party controller makers that have figured out how to wirelessly wake the Switch 2 from its standby mode are generally loud and proud about that feature. That's because there still aren't many controllers that can mimic one of the $89.99 Switch 2 Pro's biggest selling points, which is letting owners turn the console on from their couch. It's still something to brag about, and yet notable accessory company 8BitDo doesn't seem keen to boast that it recently debuted new firmware for its Pro 3 and Ultimate 2 that enables this handy trick.
Version 2.0 of its firmware for both controllers (available now in its Ultimate Software V2 on Windows …
]]>
Cameron Faulkner<![CDATA[Kirby Air Riders feels more like F-Zero than Mario Kart]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=7811772025-09-18T14:00:11-04:002025-09-18T14:00:11-04:00
I got to try Kirby Air Riders this morning at a Nintendo holiday showcase, and I wasn't prepared for how difficult it was - and how bad I am at it. The Switch 2-exclusive racer launches November 20th, and it's full of modes, collectibles, and new characters to play as. To be clear, there's absolutely nothing chill about Kirby Air Riders. It's the sequel to Kirby Air Ride, a cult classic GameCube game, and a passion project for Masahiro Sakurai, the game's director who was previously at the helm of the Super Smash Bros. franchise (it's easy to spot the shared DNA).
The demo had us play through some tutorials, which were easy to grasp, yet it …
]]>
Cameron Faulkner<![CDATA[I tried Jsaux’s new anti-glare Switch 2 screen protector, and it revealed a glaring bug]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=7706672025-09-03T16:39:00-04:002025-09-03T16:39:00-04:00
Testing this anti-glare screen protector revealed a very dead cockroach in my ceiling.
I have a dead cockroach in my ceiling, and I only noticed it thanks to a Switch 2 screen protector that, ironically, is supposed to tame reflections. The protector in question is a pre-production sample of the Jsaux Obsidian AR screen protector, which is coming in October for $21.99.
The company claims it's better than standard screen protectors because it features a similar physical vapor deposition (PVD) coating found in the Apple Studio Display. It's supposed to reduce glare while retaining a glossy appearance - an ideal combination for gamers, since you can't always choose where you'll play games.
]]>
Ash Parrish<![CDATA[Friendslop is coming for the Switch 2]]>https://www.theverge.com/?p=7562362025-08-07T15:38:00-04:002025-08-07T15:38:00-04:00
During today's Nintendo Indie World showcase, I had two epiphanies. The first was the realization that friendslop games are about to hit the Switch 2 like a falling piano in a Road Runner cartoon. The second was that I love that for me, because that means I can finally play them.
My friends love "friendslop," the initially derisive but now descriptive nickname given to indie co-op games with a loose gameplay structure that permits the kind of chaos that can make games go viral on social media. And from what I've seen, I would love it, too. Friendslop is known for low-quality graphics (hence the "slop" part) that give a game a stylized look …
