Key Takeaways
- MicroSD Express cards are essential since the Switch 2's 256GB internal storage fills quickly, but prices have spiked in recent months
- The 8BitDo Ultimate 2 controller offers hall effect triggers and TMY joysticks for less than Nintendo's official Pro controller
- A Piranha Plant-shaped camera provides a quirky alternative to Nintendo's standard camera-on-a-stick design
Amazon Prime Day 2026 marks the first major sales event since the Nintendo Switch 2 launched in June 2025. For owners looking to expand their setup, this is the moment to grab controllers, storage cards, and protective gear before component prices climb further.
The accessory ecosystem for Nintendo's hybrid console has matured quickly. Tom's Hardware rounded up the best deals across official Nintendo products and third-party alternatives. The bad news: memory, storage, and component prices have risen sharply over the past several months. The good news: Prime Day still offers discounts worth chasing.
Why microSD Express cards should be your first purchase
The Switch 2 ships with 256GB of internal storage, double what the OLED model offered. That sounds generous until you install a few AAA titles. Nintendo's own 256GB microSD Express card, manufactured by SanDisk, sits at the entry point for expansion. Faster third-party cards cost only slightly more and deliver better read/write speeds for game loads.
If storage expansion is your priority, check Tom's Hardware's dedicated list of Prime Day microSD Express deals. Just know that pricing across the board has jumped. Expect to pay more than you would have six months ago.
Controllers: Nintendo Pro vs. 8BitDo Ultimate 2
Nintendo's official Pro controller remains the safe choice. It works flawlessly, supports motion controls, and feels premium. But 8BitDo's Ultimate 2 Bluetooth controller has become a favorite for players who want more for less.
The Ultimate 2 includes TMY joysticks, switchable hall effect or tactile triggers, vibration, and motion control. Hall effect triggers resist stick drift, a problem that plagued the original Joy-Cons for years. The trade-off: camera resolution drops to 640x480, lower than Nintendo's option. For players who prioritize controller feel over camera quality, that's an easy call.
The Ultimate 2 is currently on sale, priced below Nintendo's Pro controller. For households with multiple players, grabbing two or three at the discounted rate makes sense.
Cases, skins, and screen protectors
The Switch 2's 8-inch LCD screen is larger than any previous Nintendo handheld. A screen protector is non-negotiable if you travel with the console. Tempered glass options offer better scratch resistance than film protectors and cost only a few dollars more.
For grip and drop protection, the Killswitch skin stands out. It shields against bumps while adding thickness to the side Joy-Con grips. That extra bulk improves handheld comfort, especially for players with larger hands who find the stock Joy-Cons cramped.
Carrying cases designed for the Switch 2's dimensions are worth the upgrade. Original Switch cases fit poorly due to the size difference, leaving the console rattling around or the screen exposed.
A camera that doesn't look like every other camera
Most Switch 2 cameras follow the same blueprint: a camera on a stick, or a clip-on module. Functional, boring. The officially licensed Piranha Plant Camera breaks the mold. Shaped like the iconic Mario enemy emerging from a pipe, it sits on your desk and adds personality to streams or video calls.
It's also cheaper than Nintendo's official camera-on-a-stick. For players who stream gameplay or use video features, the Piranha Plant is a rare accessory that's both useful and fun to look at.
What to expect from accessory pricing
Component shortages and supply chain pressures have driven prices up across RAM, storage, and video cards over the past several months. Switch 2 accessories haven't been immune. Prime Day discounts help, but don't expect 2023-era pricing. If you find a deal that looks reasonable, buy it. Waiting for deeper cuts may backfire if supply tightens further.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Switch 2 need a microSD Express card?
Not immediately. The 256GB internal storage handles several games. But if you buy digital titles or plan to keep a large library installed, you'll fill that space within months.
Are original Switch accessories compatible with Switch 2?
Some are, some aren't. Controllers using Bluetooth generally work. Cases designed for the original Switch or OLED model do not fit the larger Switch 2 properly.
Is the 8BitDo Ultimate 2 better than Nintendo's Pro controller?
It depends on priorities. The Ultimate 2 offers hall effect triggers and lower price. Nintendo's Pro controller has better camera resolution and guaranteed first-party support.
Why have Switch 2 accessory prices increased?
Broader component shortages affecting RAM, storage, and semiconductors have pushed prices up across consumer electronics, including gaming peripherals.
Logicity's Take
The Switch 2 accessory market is following the original Switch's playbook: third-party manufacturers racing to undercut Nintendo's official gear while adding features Nintendo won't. 8BitDo's hall effect triggers address a years-old complaint about Joy-Con drift that Nintendo never fully solved. For buyers, Prime Day 2026 is probably the best window before holiday demand spikes and prices climb again.
If you're chasing Prime Day storage deals, this SSD discount is worth checking.
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Source: Latest from Tom's Hardware
Huma Shazia
Senior AI & Tech Writer
Produced with AI assistance and reviewed by the Logicity editorial team. Learn more in our Editorial Policy.
