It's Never Too Late to Protect Your Nintendo Switch – These Are the Best Switch Cases Right Now
Keep your Switch or Switch OLED safe and sound forever.
The Nintendo Switch was a game-changer in handheld gaming space, acting as both a portable device and a console, when it came out seven years ago. Even though the Switch 2 is officially out, there's still plenty of life left in the Switch, Switch OLED, and Switch Lites. One of their biggest virtues is also a drawback: Its versatility means it’s susceptible to damage, especially to the screen and Joy-Con when you're on the go. To prevent any major or minor scratches and blemishes, a case is the absolute best Nintendo Switch accessory you can grab. If you're upgrading, we have a separate guide for our recommended Switch 2 accessories.
TL;DR – These Are the Best Nintendo Switch Cases:
GeekShare Large Capacity Multifunctional Switch Messenger Bag
Waterfield Designs Nintendo Switch Magnetic Case
There are a range of Nintendo Switch cases to choose from. Some offer a hard shell and space to hold extras like game cartridges or chargers, while others go all out, offering plenty of room to house extra Switch controllers, power banks, and more. For those with butter fingers, some options wrap the console in 360° protection and have grips to prevent and keep the Switch safe during drops. No matter what type of case you’re after, our team of experts has selected the top options to suit your needs.
If you’re looking to grab a future-proof case that will fit the Nintendo Switch 2, you’ll want to grab one of the larger cases in this guide, like one from GeekShare or Controller Gear. Nintendo’s newest console has larger dimensions than its predecessor, so not all of our picks will fit the Switch 2.
Additional contributions by Georgie Peru
1. Orzly Carry Case
Best Switch Case
Orzly Carry Case
The Orzly Carry Case is our number one choice for the best Nintendo Switch case, regardless of which version of the Switch you have. Its hard outer shell provides plenty of protection, ensuring your console, Joy-Con, games, and accessories avoid accidental damage. Inside, the microfiber screen cover and lining offer soft cushioning, preventing scratches to the Switch’s screen.
Thanks to the water-resistant EVA outer shell, no spillages will leak into the case. If you don’t want to stuff your Switch in a bag, then the Orzly Carry Case's rubberized handle makes it easy to carry. There’s also storage for up to eight cartridges, so you won’t be without your favorite games away from home base.
The inner mesh pocket can store a range of accessories, including cables, SD cards, and so on. If you’re looking for a secure case to store your Nintendo Switch in, this is an absolute steal at under 20ドル. Plus, it comes in nine different colors like midnight blue, red, and pink.
2. Game Traveler Zelda Nintendo Switch Lite Case
Best Nintendo Switch Lite Case
Game Traveler Zelda Nintendo Switch Lite Case
With smaller dimensions than the original, the Switch Lite needs its own set of accessories. The Game Traveler Zelda Nintendo Switch Lite Case will keep the compact console safe with a hard outer shell made with ballistic nylon, a soft interior lining, and a durable handle. Cutouts and a large tongue protect the screen and hold the Nintendo Switch Lite tightly in place, preventing any major wiggling.
You won’t find much extra space for accessories, but you get a plastic game holder that can hold up to four games and will remain secure in a recessed area underneath the console. There’s an adjustable viewing stand, but that’s it for extras, though the case's nods to Zelda with a Hylian shield on the front and zipper are nice touches.
3. Game Traveler Nintendo Switch Deluxe Case
Best Budget Case
Game Traveler Nintendo Switch Deluxe Case
A Switch might be a bit of an investment, but a case for it doesn’t have to be. For just 15,ドル Game Traveler has designed a reliable option licensed by Nintendo to keep the console safe.
The Game Traveler Nintendo Switch Deluxe Case keeps compact dimensions that can house the original Switch, OLED, or Lite. Its hard shell is wrapped in ballistic nylon for added durability, while the inside features a soft felt to prevent scratches to the display. For added protection, a tongue keeps the Switch securely in place, and everything gets zipped up to keep the device safe from short drops, debris in your backpack, and even a bit of water – just don’t dunk it.
Beyond protecting the Switch, Game Traveler’s case has a bit of extra space to hold some accessories. It’s pretty limited storage, but it comes with two plastic game cases that live in a recessed cutout that can hold up to eight cartridges or SD cards for a healthy on-the-go game library. When playing on a tabletop, a stand is included on the case to prop up the Switch at various angles for added convenience.
4. Tomtoc Carrying Case
Best Compact Case
tomtoc Carrying Case
To take your Nintendo Switch or Switch OLED safely on the move without sacrificing portability, grab the Tomtoc case. Rather than a brick of a carrying case that’ll fit your console and all its accessories, this one wraps up the Switch for a snug, skin-like fit. There’s almost no extra bulk, and it weighs less than half a pound.
You might be concerned that your Switch’s joystick and buttons will have unnecessary pressure placed on them or be accidentally activated, but Tomtoc includes raised sections to accommodate those controls. The case has a soft exterior layer and interior that helps cushion the blow if dropped, and sandwiched in between is a hard, water-resistant EVA shell. Though it's especially slim, the Tomtoc case still has space to squeeze in a 10-slot organizer for game cartridges.
5. Zadii Hard Carrying Case
Best Rugged Case
Zadii Hard Carrying Case
For the toughest Switch case, you'll want the Zadii Hard Carrying Case. This rugged case is surprisingly affordable and offers plenty of protection with its ample padding, even having precut foam slots to snuggly tuck away your whole setup: the console, controllers (Joy-Con, Pro Controller, or third-party), dock, and battery adapter.
The lid of this carrying case also provides a pocket for an HDMI cable and a set of sleeves to hold 21 game cartridges, and a detachable shoulder strap makes carrying the whole thing easier. It's basically a briefcase purpose-built for the Switch.
6. GeekShare Large Capacity Multifunctional Switch Messenger Bag
Best Nintendo Switch Sling Bag
GeekShare Large Capacity Multifunctional Switch Messenger Bag
Sure, the Switch can fit in plenty of sling bags. But for those serious about the Switch and its accessories, it’s best to grab one specifically designed for the console, and GeekShare did just that. This bag made for Switch goes on quickly, offers plenty of storage space, keeps things organized, and provides solid protection for your gear while on the move.
GeekShare’s bag offers one sizable main pocket ready to house the Switch, a smartphone, and even one of the best handheld PCs. Inside that pocket, a soft nylon material helps prevent scratches to the display on those pricey devices, and there’s even a small zipper pocket to tuck away cash, credit cards, or other items for safekeeping. While the large main compartment is ideal for the console, a few outside pockets – including a clear one ready to show off some fun-colored Joy-Con and a larger pocket for USB-C chargers, power banks, and stray cords – are great for other for accessories.
The durable and waterproof Oxford cloth fabric used in the bag’s design and sturdy zipper should keep your console and accessories safe. However, it doesn’t feature a hard shell like many other cases in this guide for that added layer of protection. Still, this versatile bag is perfect for those looking to take the Switch and a slew of accessories on the go.
7. Tomtoc Sling Shoulder Travel Bag
Best Shoulder Bag
tomtoc Sling Shoulder Travel Bag
If you want the simplicity of a bag you can sling over your shoulder, then tomtoc Sling Shoulder Travel Bag should do the trick. This bag comes with an adjustable shoulder strap to fit the bag exactly to your liking. It’s also built to withstand the outside world with a splash-resistant polyester material and high-quality zippers.
Inside the tomtoc Sling Shoulder Travel Bag, you’ll find a soft lining to prevent scratches alongside a removable W-shaped padding structure and a 20-game cartridge holder. The W-shaped design hugs your Switch in place, preventing accidental joystick presses and separating the console from other accessories in the bag. You can even slip a portable charger in and run a charging cable between compartments to charge on the go. An additional pocket on the front of the bag is perfect for smaller items you might need, like earbuds or charging cables.
8. Mumba Dockable Case
Best Always-On Protective Case
Mumba Dockable Case
Mumba’s Dockable Case offers full-time protection for your Switch, and there’s little reason to ever take it off. If you want to use your Joy-Con separately from the console, you can slip them out effortlessly without this case getting in the way. Specially placed cutouts give access to all the essential ports, and it’s even possible to leave it on when docking your Switch, hence the name.
If you’ve got butterfingers, Mumba’s 24/7 protection is ideal. This case wraps your Switch in a shock-absorbing, rubberized material that’s easy to grip and will keep your console safe from bumps, scratches, and drops. And it’s available in multiple colors, so you can choose one that best fits your aesthetic.
9. Newdery External Battery Station
Best Charger Case
NEWDERY External Battery Station
If you take your Switch everywhere, battery life might be your top concern. The Newdery External Battery Station has an integrated 10,000mAh battery, which can extend gameplay considerably, up to an extra 1.6 charges or around 8 hours of gameplay. You’re not limited to just juicing up your Switch, as it also works as a portable charger to top up your phone or tablet.
This Nintendo Switch battery case is rocking some handy extras, like a kickstand in the back to use your Switch in tabletop mode, and a slot behind that kickstand can stow two game cartridges. It also offers an 18W PD, ensuring your Switch’s fully drained battery is back to full in less than two hours. There’s even a smart chipset to help protect your device against overvoltage and short-circuiting, while cutouts and air vents on the case prevent overheating.
10. Bionik Power Commuter Travel Bag
Best Commuter Case
Bionik Power Commuter Travel Bag
Bionik’s Power Commuter Travel Bag has a beefy 10,000mAh battery. But rather than charging directly in the case like the Newdery External Battery Station, this option includes an integrated USB-C charging cable to plug in when you stop and play. Of course, that means it’s easy to use this battery to juice up your other devices, and the bag even includes a USB-A connector.
Beyond the battery, the Power Commuter Travel Bag features a durable canvas exterior, and you can wear it across your shoulder or strap it to other luggage. Inside, this bag is padded and plush to keep your Switch safe. It’s also spacious and ready to house a slew of Switch accessories, including slots for game cartridges and Joy-Con.
11. Controller Gear Animal Crossing Backpack
Best Nintendo Switch Backpack
Controller Gear Animal Crossing Backpack
Who said you had to keep your Nintendo Switch in a little case? The Animal Crossing backpack from Controller Gear offers plenty of room for your Nintendo Switch and won’t set you back too many bells. You can even throw in a few of the Switch controllers and other accessories, like the best Switch headsets, since you won’t be limited to stuffing everything into tiny compartments.
Your console can slide into a dedicated sleeve, and there's even a holder to toss in your dock with its associated cables. Maybe you're going to get the Nitro Deck for your Switch so you can take advantage of the deck’s comfortable-to-hold form factor with reliable sticks and remappable buttons. The backpack offers plenty of room for it, all of your daily essentials, and more.
12. Waterfield Designs Slip Case
Best Nintendo Switch Sleeve Case
Waterfield Designs Nintendo Switch Magnetic Case
Keep the Nintendo Switch safe while remaining easy to access by gearing up with a sleeve-style case. Waterfield Designs crafts some great bags for a range of devices, and it has created a sleeve specifically for the Switch or Switch Lite. Unlike most cases that require fussing with a zipper or velcro to access the console, this one features a case-length rare earth magnetic strip secures the opening when needed but lets you slip out the console for gaming in seconds.
The lightweight and compact carrying sleeve is basically a Switch dopp kit with a subtle design to suit just about anyone's style preferences. Each bag is made in the USA with high-quality fabrics, including canvas, nylon, and leather, which are all stain and water-resistant. Inside the pouch is a fuzzy lining to stay gentle on the screen, and two slim interior pockets hold a few accessories like cords and games.
How to Choose a Nintendo Switch Case
If you need something to carry your console around, look for a carrying or travel case; basically, something with straps and is big enough to hold a charger. If you're throwing it in bag, something with a hard shell is a smarter bet. It should have a way to protect the screen from scratches (usually with a flip-down tongue or sleeve). Consider what you need to carry. Perhaps all you need is the console itself, maybe a few game cartridges. But if you're traveling away from home for a while, you might need a case large enough to hold the dock and an HDMI cable.
Some cases come with an integrated battery. It’s probably not worth considering a charging case with less than about 10,000mAh of power, as that’ll power your Switch through just short of two complete charges. Bonus points if the battery charges quickly, and can also charge other devices in your inventory.
Remember that these are cases you’ll need to cart around in the real world. What, exactly, do you want to be seen wearing or carrying? Some cases look a little goofy or childish, which is fine if you’re a child, and less so if you’re a grownup who takes a Switch to work to game on a lunch break.
Nintendo Switch Case FAQ
Will my Switch case fit the Switch 2?
Unfortunately, the vast majority of Switch and Switch OLED cases will not fit the Switch 2, especially if they were made to be slim and discreet. Measuring 10.5 inches, the Switch 2 is a full inch wider than the Switch OLED, which is just a hair bigger than the original. Unless your case or bag is already fairly roomy, you'll have to size up with a new one. We'll be testing Switch 2 accessories to find the best of them as they're available.
Does a Nintendo Switch need a case?
Unless you’re playing your Switch exclusively at home, you will absolutely want a case to ensure the longevity of the device. Although the portable console is relatively durable, if you toss it in a bag or accidentally drop it without protection, you always run the risk of cracking the screen, damaging the Joy-Con, or breaking other key components, essentially bricking the device or needing to fix it for far more than the cost of a case.
Cases also add convenience, as many come with extra storage for game cartridges and accessories and straps for easy carrying. You’ll even find options that serve as grips to make gameplay more enjoyable or cases offering integrated batteries, ensuring you’re never without juice during crucial moments in the action.
Do new Nintendo Switches come with a case?
None of the Nintendo Switch models come with a case. In some instances, there may be a bundle deal that includes a case, but for the most part, you’ll have to seek out a case on your own.
What size does a Switch case need to be?
A Nintendo Switch is 4 x 9.4 x 0.55 inches with the Joy-Con attached; a Switch OLED is 4 x 9.5 x 0.55 inches; and the Switch Lite is . You’ll need to account for the material required in the case’s design, about 0.1-0.2 inches or so, but by no means does the case need to be massive. Sleeve-type cases, like Waterfield Designs Magnetic Case, are especially good for keeping a low handling footprint.
If you’re looking for a hard-shelle case to boost protection or want additional storage for accessories, the case size will increase more drastically. You can expect to add an inch or more to the Switch’s size to accommodate these additions. When putting accessories into a case, it’s also important they don’t press up against your device, causing accidental misspresses or damage to the screen. Pockets and separate storage areas can help prevent this.
Danielle is a Tech freelance writer based in Los Angeles who spends her free time creating videos and geeking out over music history.