The Nintendo Switch has captured the imagination of creative types the world over! From controllers, to alternate docks and transportation receptacles; there are a lot of options when it comes to parting with your hard-earned cash. So without further ado, let’s explore some of my own personal favourite products available to improve your Nintendo Switch experience. Everything on this list* is a product that I’ve spent a lot of time with and can wholeheartedly vouch for. Anything I’ve missed? Let me know in the comments and I’ll put it through the ringer in a future feature.
Anything Genki
Human Things, under their gaming umbrella – Genki – have made some truly lovely products to improve the enjoyment of Nintendo Switch/life in general: The Genki Bluetooth Adapter, Covert Dock, ShadowCast, and WaveForm. The first two products address issues that Nintendo inexplicably overlooked themselves, and provide style and substance, pazazz and practicality. With their third – The Shadowcast – they’ve created an entry-level capture card that is as portable and practical as the Nintendo Switch is. I haven’t covered WaveForm so can’t sing its praises from the rooftops, but I can only imagine it’s a tip-top gaming accessory. Human Things continue to go from strength to strength and are set to launch an all-new, upgraded, next-gen-ready ShadowCast soon. Back it on Kickstarter, right here.
*Waveform mentioned in goodwill. Doesn’t come with a Fifield Fives comendation!
The OG
The Nintendo Pro-Controller is a damned near-perfect specimen. The ergonomics are up there with the best, the battery life puts literally everybody else to shame and it’s suitably equipped with all the bells and whistles that you’d find in the Joy-Con themselves. A headphone jack and mechanical triggers would make any future iterations an absolute GOAT, the likes we haven’t seen since the days of the mighty Wavebird. The designs on the limited editions could be better though…
Original model
Tears of the Kingdom Edition
Fixture Gaming are on the case!
The S1 Fixture, previously known as the Switch Fix is a wonderfully delightful peripheral that allows you to mount your Nintendo Switch atop a Pro Controller, negating the need for Joy-Con and with it, elevating the experience exponentially. As if that wasn’t enough, they’ve also made a case that securely houses your hybrid console, the S1 Fixture Grip, and a Pro Controller. Neato-burrito! What’s more, there’s an OLED model now, the Fixture S2, which is largely the same but made to house your shiny SWOLED. I haven’t fucked with that, but I’d wager a large pot of gold that it works just as well as the S1.
To summarise, the Fixture Gaming grip is a lovely way to continue gaming in handheld mode. It elevates the Nintendo Switch experience, offers unrivaled comfort, and as far as I’m aware, drift is far less of an issue on the Pro Controller. Improve your handheld experience today.
The Pros of Joy-Con
OK, I’m overly harsh on Joy-Con, on account of them being uncomfortable, finicky and don’t even get me started on the trash-tier thumb sticks they put inside them!! However, I understand that they are just about a cromulent controller option, and for many, the only option. With that being said, the fine folk over at PDP Gaming have put together a grip that makes them a little more robust, offering rounded grips for your hands, more pronounced triggers, and the option to charge the Joy-Con with one of those loved-by-companies-the-world-over-including-Apple, USB-C. As always with PDP products it’s a well-made, sturdy product that has moving parts that can handle some wear and tear. If the overall Joy-Con experience was a six out of ten before, this handy grip bumps it up to a solid eight! Grab a Joy-Con Charging Grip Plus here.
Smol boys!
Maybe your hands are surprisingly petite. Perhaps you have kids with whom you game. Maybe your domicile is scarce of space and you need something more minuscule to keep the chateaux clutter-free. If you answered yes to any of these points, then you need to (nimbly) grab yourself a Nano Enhanced Wireless Controller from PowerA.
