The best Nintendo Switch cases for every type of situation
Overview
Table of Contents
This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.
Since the Nintendo Switch hit the scene, it has been a dominant piece of hardware in the games space. Beloved for killer first-party titles like Super Mario Odyssey and Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, plus its ease of use, it has been able to satisfy most picky gamers.
One of the best parts of the system is its portability, and if you find yourself on the go, you're going to need the right accessories to fit your needs.
These are some of the best cases for the Nintendo Switch in 2022.
PowerA Everywhere Messenger Bag
Best Overall
The Good & The Bad
- Fits the entire system
- Includes small zip case for tablet
- Comfortable design
- Large bag
Why We Like It
The Washington-based PowerA is one of biggest accessory manufacturers in gaming, with products available for Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, and PC, through every possible retailer. And when it comes to the Switch, they haven't skimped on quality.
The Everywhere Messenger Bag is one of the bigger means of transporting your Switch, games, and any additional accessories you have for it. And for £29.99, bigger definitely means better. The shoulder slung bag allows you to pack everything up, from controllers to the charging/video dock, and transport it in one case. There's also the added bonus of a small, hard shell zippered case for the Switch itself, which turns this bag into a great two-for-one deal.
Subtle detailing on the black back (like a gold interior and lightly embossed emblems) lets you show your love for Zelda: Breath of the Wild in an understated way. But let's be honest, who wouldn't want to show off their love of Zelda in every way possible.
Details
Smatree Hard Carrying Case
Best For Serious Travellers
The Good & The Bad
- Cut out slots for each system piece
- Thick foam to hold and protect system
- 16 Switch game slots
- Bulky design
- Not as spacious as other bags/cases
Why We Like It
If a messenger bag doesn't float your boat, there are plenty of other "big bag" options available. The sturdiest, most heavy duty of the bunch is the Smatree Hard Case. Do loads of travelling and need to slog your gear through security at the airport? This is the bag you'll want.
Much like the messenger bag, the N600 is capable of transporting every Switch component and accessory you might have, including the Pro Controller. Spaces cut out of the padding create specific compartments for your system and all the corresponding gear, while a strap makes it easy to carry while you juggle the rest of your luggage. Pop it in the overhead bin and relax. The sturdy build of this case means you won't have to worry about things shifting around, or that your precious controllers will get scratched.
Details
Zecti Switch Carrying Case
Best Small Travel Case
The Good & The Bad
- Securely hold the Switch tablet and Joy-Cons
- 20 game card slots
- Only meant for the tablet
- Top pocket can fill up quick
Why We Like It
The aforementioned cases are great if you're looking to take every last accessory for the Switch with you everywhere you go, but sometimes you just can't. Or maybe you don't like the overall size and just want something smaller that takes care of the Switch tablet only. Don't worry, there are still plenty of options that can fit those needs and desires.
The Zecti Switch case is one such case, and it only costs £16.99. At first glance it might not stack up to the larger bags/cases, but it is able to strike a nice balance between size and function. While it won't transport the dock and every cable you might need, you will always have the essentials, like extra Joy-Cons and cables. It doesn't skimp on the games space either, as its able to hold up to 20 games.
Details
UGREEN Carrying Case
Best For Hidden Space
The Good & The Bad
- Mesh pocket to securely hold the Switch tablet
- Slots are big enough for general storage
- Slightly bulkier than comparable models
- Few game card slots
Why We Like It
There are several cases that try to give you the best of both words: portability and protection. Striking that balance can prove to be harder than most would suspect. How big should it be? How much gear can you fit inside? Is it practically built so you can easily carry it around?
The UGREEN case seems to strike that balance pretty well. As a carrying case, the UGREEN, like the Zecti, keeps the focus on the Switch tablet itself, rather than the whole unit (like the PowerA bag does). The UGREEN offers more space that it first seems, with a pockets where you can stuff all your cords, which only allows for more flexibility.
Details
FYOUNG Dockable Case
Best To Leave On All The Time
The Good & The Bad
- Slim, simple protective case
- Comes as three pieces for tablet and Joy-Cons
- Can easily fit in Switch dock
- May not fit with certain screen protectors
- Case material may not be long lasting
Why We Like It
There are no gimmicks with the FYOUNG Dockable Case, but that's not a knock on it. This is a simple, protective case for the system that doesn't prevent the tablet from being placed in the Switch dock. The casing is slim, with just a bit of give, making it easy assemble. Once on, you're still able to see the bright colours of the Switch.
This kit includes a tempered glass screen protector for that extra level of protection. The screens on most devices, whether it be a Switch or iPhone, are often the most at risk, so having a screen protector is a nice bonus.
Details
Mumba Case
Best For Durability
The Good & The Bad
- Durable snap-on case
- Great value
- Choice of colours
- Only for the Switch
Why We Like It
While the dockable case is good in its own right, sometimes you may want something a little more durable. The trick becomes finding a case with that durability that doesn't restrict use, which can sometimes be a problem.
Luckily, the Mumba case checks off both boxes, with a more durable snap-on case that doesn't limit use of the Switch. Like the dockable case, this is purely to protect against general wear and tear and any scratches, in hopes of keeping your precious Switch looking as good as the day you unboxed it. But that doesn't make it any less valuable. The rubberised body makes it more durable when it comes to potential drops and body damage. And at less than £20 it's a total steal.
Details
AmazonBasics Vault Case
Best For The Commute
The Good & The Bad
- Hard shell case for protection
- Switch tablet and Joy-Cons are secured by foam cutout
- Can't hold anything beyond Switch tablet, attached Joy-Cons, and a few games
Why We Like It
The AmazonBasics Vault Case is about as simple as it gets, providing a no-frills means of transporting the Switch tablet and a handful of games.
It may not look like much, but it'll satisfy the needs of people who don't require a messenger bag or portable charger with their Switch. This is simply a structured way to take your gaming with you. That said, the hard shell case offers an extra level of protection for the system and foam shell cutouts keep things stable inside.
Though it may not be great for extended trips, it's an excellent setup for your daily commute.
Details
Topics Gaming Nintendo Nintendo Switch
Joseph Green is the Global Shopping Editor for Mashable. He covers VPNs, headphones, fitness gear, dating sites, streaming, and shopping events like Black Friday and Prime Day.
Joseph is also Executive Editor of Mashable's sister site, AskMen.