If you fork out for a Nintendo Switch and a few games, you probably won't be very comfortable just dumping it in your bag. The Switch isn't particularly flimsy, but even the strongest devices break without the appropriate care. However, if you're thinking 'How do I keep my Nintendo Switch safe?', there is a solution: get yourself a nice Switch case.
We've put together a bunch of the best Nintendo Switch cases to suit every need and budget. Our options include the best deals on slim Switch cases, messenger bags, and everything in between.
Of course, there are a plethora of accessories available for your Nintendo Switch or Switch Lite, from wired and wireless headsets to a wide range of different Switch controllers, so make sure you've got the kit you need and deck your Switch out with some nice extras. Alternatively, there are also extra goodies available for Switch Lite, too. Choices, choices!
On this page: Best Nintendo Switch Cases
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Nintendo Switch Carry Cases - Best Deals
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a case for Nintendo Switch?
You don't need a case, but we would recommend getting one. That is unless you don't plan on playing away from your TV at any point.
If you're not playing in handheld mode, a case may well be surplus to your requirements! For anybody taking their Switch on adventures, though, A Switch case is definitely worth it to help protect it from the elements with a carry case.
What is the best case for the Nintendo Switch/OLED?
In all honesty, the vast majority of Switch cases are all much of a muchness. If you see one with a design that appeals, and you like the look and feel of it in the shop, you're probably going to be happy with it. Nearly all of the officially licensed ones are very similar in both form and function.
We've reviewed several Switch cases over the years, and we are partial to WaterField Design's output, personally. They are, however, on the expensive side. tomtoc's range of Switch cases makes for a more affordable alternative.
Do you need a new case for a Nintendo Switch OLED? Do all Switch cases fit OLED?
We'd say that most Switch cases also fit Switch OLED, as their overall dimensions are very similar. It's not like the situation with Switch grips, which are made with a much tighter and more precise fit and generally aren't compatible with all models. With the vast majority of soft-lined pouches and carry cases, though, you should be fine.
However, we wouldn't say that all Switch cases will definitely fit Switch OLED. Check on the packaging of the case you're interested in for 'Compatible with Switch OLED' or similar to be 100% sure.
Do you have a favourite case we've missed? Feel free to link to it below and tell us all about it!
Comments 88
Rocking the Sheikah Slate case right now. It is pretty roomy. I took my game card case back after I saw all the slots for games on it. Should take me a little while to fill up.
Edit: How times have changed. I had to upgrade to the pikachu deluxe case to hold my DxM joycons, nfc amiibo cards, ac adapter, stylus and over 70 games. Sigh. Zelda case is for work.
I have the hori one, it's nice and sturdy and for now, space for 5 gamecards is more than enough.
Just out of interest, what case would you say is your favourite overall?
As for me, the perfect case is the Link's Tunic one. If they'd restock it that is...
Switch will never leave its dock as i already have a 3DS
The Hori accessories and the zelda case can all be found in argos!
Pre-ordered the RDS one in the UK but it's a bit unclear whether it launches this week or at the end of the month - hopefully sooner. Was tempted to import the PDP case (the more generic one rather than Zelda themed) but read some bad reviews.
I'm planning to take my Switch everywhere so I ended up getting the messenger bag. It's been pretty perfect so far, fits my Switch along with whatever accessories and everything else I decide to bring.
I'd be too paranoid about losing it if I was just throwing it in my backpack in a carry case.
I already have the best case with the master edition!
UK price for the Orzly case is £5 out.
Some cheaper cases have popped up on Amazon UK now. Only catch is that you have to allow shipping time from China so may be waiting a month, but I've not been sold on any of the early offerings enough, so I think I'll get me a £7 jobby instead.
I went all out and invested in a Waterfield Switch Cityslicker case (my Imgur album link is below). Expensive but, just like my older 3DS XL Cityslicker case (which Nintendo Life has reviewed), Waterfield make amazing handmade bespoke durable, high-quality cases for game consoles that look amazeballs.
They originally announced three cases, but combined two of their larger bags into one, Waterfield Switch MultiPlayer Pro bag, and today announced a super minimal Waterfield Switch Pouch.
Waterfield Switch Blog:
https://www.sfbags.com/pages/waterfield-nintendo-switch-case
Waterfield Switch Cityslicker case:
https://www.sfbags.com/products/nintendo-switch-cityslicker-case
&
My Imgur album of the case:
https://imgur.com/gallery/nPWlJ
Waterfield Switch MultiPlayer Pro bag:
https://www.sfbags.com/products/nintendo-switch-multiplayer-pro-case?variant=30558300240
Waterfield Switch Pouch:
https://www.sfbags.com/products/nintendo-switch-pouch
Of course, these are a niche and expensive, but my alternative would be RDS Industries cases.
^^
I got the PowerA messenger bag. It also comes with a smaller case for the switch. The only downside is that there are no game holders.
@TheOneInYellow I was going to say that sfbags have a great looking case out. I have other bags from them and while not cheap, they are fantastic, well made and last. I don't have a switch, but when i get one, I'll have to factor in one of these bags for it.
Just curious, but what's NintendoLife's problem with screen protectors? Can be extremely fiddly to install, but given the potential issues of scratching, surely they're a good idea?
Lol it won't fit in your pocket now,well looks like I will need a wheelbarrow.. Just messing guys
I got the official accessory set, which seems to do the job.
It's not as rigid or padded as I thought it would be, but it still seems to be enough to keep the Switch safe, and keeps the size down as much as possible.
There is also space for some game cards, which I'm sure will come in handy when I get more games, and the fold-out stand looks like it'll be more stable that the one on the Switch itself.
The screen protector also fits quite nicely, and seems to be doing it's job.
I have the Hori case, which seems to be a common design, and I hate it. The pouch has no zipper so the joy-con straps float around in there. Looking at other options.
@gaga64 No idea. I screen protect all my devices. Makes them nice and shiny if I ever resell them.
@Ryu_Niiyama I envy you. Went to the midnight release for the Switch, they had extra BotW special editions, but I decided to turn it down to save money.
Biggest financial regret of my life.
@Chris77 Spot on and thanks dude! Yeah ever since I read about Waterfield 3DS XL Cityslicker case from Nintendo Life, Kotaku, and other places, I bought one and used it almost every day for the past two and a bit years. Very happy and love how it has its own character on the leather (patina).
The new Switch version was an instant YES as soon as Waterfield started their blog and asked for community feedback. Super happy that I got it yesterday and using it as normal on my travels.
Will take time for it too to patina but that's ok, I'm patient (ish).
Definitely get their Switch case dude, but bear in mind that it is a bespoke hand made case in high demand, so the production lines are long.
@BinaryFragger
PS1 bag, LOL XD
Orzly case for me, simple minimal and sturdy.
Ah...
I can buy regular hand bag with desire color, plenty space and cheaper price.
Not interested with Black color.
Not trying to be a jerk to those who can't find one but the Sheikah Slate case is really nice. I didn't expect it to be so sturdy.
I do want to pick up a Switch carrying case at some point, but I'm waiting for more versions to become available. Something with Ness, Kirby or even Bayonetta on it would be great.
I have the RDS case which is built really well, but...I got it for the handle and the case opens away from the handle. I therefore live in fear that one of my kids will pick the case up by the handle without zipping it shut and the switch will fall out. (There is an internal velcro strap which, if employed, may avert a fall). Not the best deaign choice for an otherwise attractive and tough case.
Got the standard Nintendo one (with screen protector safely installed, like a sensible person). But I was disappointed by how soft it is. Very disappointed actually. Not great protection.
Picked up the RDS case and is using it for the first time on a business trip at this very moment. Seems quite sturdy, light and fits nicely in my luggage. The padded screen protector/pouch is a nice touch.
Usually I get Hori ones but this one has not been garnering much praise so decided to skip it. So far the RDS one has caught my interest but stock is limited and remains U.S. Only so far.
If anyone knows of a good quality hard case, even a bespoke expensive one please drop me a line.
Those Waterfield ones whilst nice are not hard enough to assuage my fears of a drop or crush whilst perhaps a bit too big to fit inside my messenger bag / backpack / camera case, etc.
@NintendoLife
Are you planning to give some reviews on the cases at all? Bit late for me as I've already bought the orzly case (hasn't arrived yet), but it would have been great to get some opinions about it first.
i got the hori one. issokay. SUGGESTION if you are going all digital, get a pouch/case with the elastic game cart holders. they can hold sd card adapters to hold microsd cards.
Loving my Sheikah Slate case! Now if only it had a belt loop so I could cosplay with it...
@2CUTE4YOU question: i saw that thing was huge. does it have room up for a bluetooth adapter for the 3.5mm jack? it adds about a half an inch of height to the switch.
I got the one with my BOTW Special Edition, but the top seems thicker than the bottom portion where the system actually goes. So my fiancé is going to crochet me a Switch pillow to give the system some extra pading.
Got the PDP Nintendo Switch Premium Console Case with Link on the front. It serves its purpose.
@Ralizah Is that this one:
If so, how 'premium' does it feel? Is there much padding or does it just feel like cardboard?
You forgot to list the RDS deluxe system case, it holds the dock, HDMI, and comfort grip and switch softly and tightly, it's just a bigger version of the one listed
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01N23OP50/ref=pd_aw_sbs_63_of_4?ie=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=6MXAZ3YEEC52NEP7K6YT
Its also on Target's website 10 dollars cheaper, or was, I managed to get one launch week, it's great actually holds more than you think. It's super compact, beware of the wierd plastic smell
@gaga64 heat from the system In the dock peels them off
@gcunit Yep. Preordered it after I managed to secure an order for a Switch.
Squeezing it, it feels like there's cardboard or some sort of equivalent inside. The cloth on the outside feels nice, though. The zipper has a pretty Sheikah eye symbol on it. Inside is pretty rudimentary: there's a little mesh pouch thing to fit the Switch (with joycons attached) on one side and two rows of cloth cartridge slots on the other. It also comes with a microfiber cloth with the sheikah eye symbol.
It doesn't feel "premium," but it's a decent case for the price.
@0upshroom7 For what it's worth, my screen protector is fine, and I play it docked more often than I expected to.
I have the:
RDS Traveler Deluxe Travel Case- Zelda Breath of the Wild – Link – Blue
I got it at Walmart for $18 something, I absolutely love it, it's VERY well built, easy and quick to open, lots of padding for the screen.
I can't believe it's so hard to find right now.
@chiptoon I absolutely concur.
The included in-built stand and game cart holders is nice and cool, but outside of that the case itself is just a light, dust-proof case; not very protective at all.
I only got it temporarily whilst I waited for my Waterfield Switch Cityslicker case, but RDS Industries and Hori make better cases than the standard Nintendo Carrying Case (not tried the premium version).
@Ralizah well I'm just repeating what most are saying.
@0upshroom7 I'm aware. I'm chipping in based on my personal experience with a Switch that has a screen protector installed.
@Ralizah same, honestly. I've had little to no problems, but I also only use screen protectors for a little while then I eventually remove them, because I eventually find dust or a eyelashe underneath
@0upshroom7 I definitely have some dust and other particles trapped underneath, but it doesn't really bother me when I'm playing, and I prefer having the beautiful screen protected.
I am actually really glad Nintendo Life made an article about cases for the Nintendo Switch! I have been wondering what the best case for my needs would be and this helps out alot. I want somethinf simple that doesn't attract a ton of attention and holds the Nintendo Switch snug. One of these will definitely accomplish that.
@NewAdvent Orzly one is really good. It's sturdy as all-get-out, comes with some game card and Micro SD card cases along with niches for them under the Switch itself, it's molded quite well to the Switch and its Joy-Cons, and the zipper up front can easily take the Joy-Con straps, a pair of small earbuds, and a cleaning cloth with room to spare. Unfortunately, I don't see being able to pack in a Joy-Con grip or a Pro Controller, so if those are must haves for your case, look elsewhere. Personally, I've got a plain-Jane single shoulder backpack that I'll throw the case, my Joy-Con grip, charger, and dock into if I wanna take the whole shebang with me.
@0upshroom7 oh really? Good to know, thanks
The PDP Nintendo switch starter kit is pretty good. For 15 dollars more than the regular PDP cases, you get earbuds, joy con guards, joy con joystick nubs, a screen protector, a screen protector applier, and a cleaning cloth.
The version I got they raised the pric won but here it is: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01N4NWKRI/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1489515401&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=nintendo%2Bswitch%2Bstarter%2Bkit&dpPl=1&dpID=41Kc5YZA6zL&ref=plSrch&th=1&psc=1
The $30 link edition: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01N4NWKRI/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1489515401&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=nintendo%2Bswitch%2Bstarter%2Bkit&dpPl=1&dpID=41Kc5YZA6zL&ref=plSrch&th=1&psc=1
The $30 Mario M edition: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01N4NWKRI/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1489515401&sr=8-3&pi=AC_SX236_SY340_QL65&keywords=nintendo%2Bswitch%2Bstarter%2Bkit&dpPl=1&dpID=41Kc5YZA6zL&ref=plSrch&th=1&psc=1
Been looking for one. But all the ones with decent reviews (most.on this list) seem to be either sold out (Target, Walmart, Gamestop) or shipping in 1 to 2 months (Amazon)
The RDS one is the one I've had in my hands on and I must say it feels really nice and durable.
@TheOneInYellow The bigger one (Multiplayer Pro) would be really nice to have when I go on vacation or something, and I'm taking the dock with me. Very fancy. Also very expensive.
I'm using my Sheikah Slate case for now and really loving it. It can fit quite a lot inside it, including the Switch and two Joy-cons (obviously), twelve cartridges, two wrist straps, the Joy-con grip, and a spare battery and USB-C cord. I could probably fit a pair of ear buds in there as well if I used them.
have the HORI tough case...I like the protector flap in it....and it's small enough I can carry it in a laptop bag...along with my other EDC items..and my Chromebook if i need it..
You should really checkout play-asia and yes-asia. they both have many more japanese exclusive accessories for the nintendo switch.
A little tip for anyone trying to find sold out accessories: If you're in an Amazon Prime Now delivery area, they have a different set of stock than regular Amazon. I've been checking online for weeks looking for a Pro Controller for under $100 in the states with no luck, I just checked Prime Now on a whim and found one at regular price that'll be here in 2 hours.
I've got the All in One Armour Case - love how roomy it is. I've got the Switch, JoyCon charger, 2 Joycon straps and a 3DS in there. Could probably fit a USB cable in there too, but not the AC adaptor without removing the JoyCon charger. Considering I've been using the Switch as a portable a lot more than I expected, it's great to just chuck in a rucksack. Only fiddly thing is having to detach the JoyCons from the Switch to fit it in.
I've been using the Everywhere Else case, which is a messenger bag designed to carry everything, including the cradle, which includes a additional case like the first one in your list (might actually be the same one). I use it with that Zelda case listed above, which fits inside it just fine. Both are, or were at least, available in the U.K. At GAME.
The picture of the Orzly case in this article is out of date. It has a padded flap that folds down to cover the Switch screen which has slots in the back for game cards.
It has also gone up to £14.99 now.
I used to like Hori stuff best, but I have to say their collection of Switch accessories is fairly underwhelming. I tried the Hori and PDP GameCard case, and while the Hori is much more compact and more stackable, the PDP is larger, but also easier to get large fingers it to pop out gamecards, and definitely sturdier. The Hori is softer plastic and thus less likely to crack, but the hinges are just "flex the plastic till it turns white and cracks in time" versus actual hinged joints on the PDP.
Most of the cases are unappealing except for the soft-back PDP that offers too little protection. Went with the RDS myself....it's definitely oversize, so it's not a compact solution (there's a large intentional gap between the bottom platform holding the console and the actual exterior bottom of the case.) If bulk isn't an issue, it's a very nicely made case with enough give to absorb drop shock.
The official Nintendo case is really nice, it's pretty much sold out everywhere now.....
I'd really like a carry case that doubles as an adjustable kickstand - and allows you to charge the Switch in tabletop mode...
eg. a combination of the Hori Tough Case...
...and the Hori Play Stand
The idea of carrying a case AND a separate stand (+AC adapter & other accessories) doesn't really appeal to me - an all-in-one product would be a more portable solution which would suit me better...anyone know of anything I should check out?
Thanks in advance!
I like the breath of the wild case (not the special edition one, Walmart cancelled my preorder...) but it feels too soft. If I drop it, I don't know that it would be anymore protected than if I dropped it while holding it not in a case.
One of my friends has the RDS deluxe travel case and it's really nice. Special cutouts for the dock, switch, pro controller, extra room for cables, and more.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01N23OP50/ref=ya_aw_od_pi?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I have the Butterfox case. It's been great so far. Lots of game storage.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06WVCWY41/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Hori all the way.
Sheikah Slate case works great for me! Plenty of Game Card slots, room for the switch, earbuds, and more. Great case, and is the main reason I got the special edition! I still wish the special edition came with the BOTW DLC, though.
I absolutely love the RDS case. It's small and portable but fits the switch, 8 games, and the joycon top grips. It's sturdy too. I've been using it 5 days a week since the Switch came out and it's held up perfectly. I HIGHLY recommend it.
@Ryu_Niiyama
THIS. I was surprised that it wasn't on the list. Perhaps because it's an exclusive pack-in with Special and Master Edition copies of the game?
@SegaBlueSky The RDS case has been available in the UK for some time - I bought 2 - they really are the best case that I've seen! - although I haven't found a perfect case yet.
I have the Sheikah Slate case but now I kinda want another case to carry 2 pairs of extra joy-cons with me (for playing ARMS w/ friends lol). However, the quality of the Sheikah slate case is holding me back because I can't seem to find any other case that can beat it... I wanted that switch messenger bag for a while but I need to have my laptop and other stuff for work all the time. It would be really silly carrying a backpack and a messenger bag at the same time. :/
https://www.amazon.com/Nintendo-Carrying-Protective-Storage-Console-Accessories/dp/B0711K97BS
might be a ton of late, but I buy this for my Switch, right now waiting and hoping it'll be amazing. (If anyone here owns it...?)
Mine is from a company called Surge. It was about $12 bucks Canadian, and it has space for 8 game cards, as well as a little mesh area for the joycon straps and stuff. Super awesome case.
@RGnsd Check this one out, it's from a company called Surge. The mesh area is super handy for extra stuff.
https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41suW4yOaZL.jpg
I am definately getting a zelda case for my switch!
You say in the article you wouldn’t use the screen protector and use it as a coaster but I’m glad I put mine on the right hand side of the screen is seriously scratched without the protector my switch would look a right mess
@TheOneInYellow I can't recommend the City Slicker line enough. I now have one for my Switch, 3DS, and Vita. Absolutely awesome cases and worth the price to me, but I understand it is a bit of a niche product.
I've got the case included in the Splatoon 2 bundle (with the pink & green JoyCons) from the U.S., but for the life of me can't figure what this flap in it is aboot outside of the bit of it for holding game cards.
I got a hard-shelled gray zippered case with the elastic straps on both sides to hold it securely, the flap in the middle which holds 8 game cards and the pouch for cords. It was pretty cheap, like $13 CDN at Walmart and it's worked great.
https://www.walmart.ca/en/ip/surge-nintendo-switch-carry-all-case/6000196787222
I kept it simple and got the Insignia Switch Go Case from Best Buy
https://www.bestbuy.com//site/insignia-switch-go-case/5822001.p?skuId=5822001
Not bad for $14.99, looks like another version of others available. It does have the elastic straps to hold the Swich, although the interior is big enough that it ends up sliding around a bit. It also has elastic bands to hold game cards in the middle flaps, and a pocket that can hold stuff. Presumably the AC adapter, but I haven't tried it yet. The outside is sturdy enough to not be crushed by the rest of the stuff in my bag. So yeah, it's pretty good.
You forgot this bad man ting!
https://www.thepelicanstore.com/cases/specialized/1170-nins-case
My case must be some kind of strange mythical item as I have seen it no where else. It is a Switch version of the old Black and White Game Boy cases. That tough black material with the logo in white on the outside. It's not perfect, but I really like it.
I personally use the Wayerfield design CitySlicker (dark blue) with leather shoulder strap, it’s awesome and it looks awesome too!
@roadrunner343 I couldn’t not agree more, I have it for both my 3DS and my Switch!
@roadrunner343
Ha ha, yeah dude, I own two!
My first was a 3DS XL Cityslicker Grizzly Brown case (originally for my TLoZ: ALBW 3DS XL console), which I use for my TLoZ: Majora's Mask New 3DS XL.
Then I patiently waited for Waterfield to release the Switch Cityslicker, and followed the crowdsourced (not crowdfunded) project on their blogs and questionnaires.
Purchased a Grizzly Brown version as soon as it was available.
Here's a pic of my setup, and an Imgur album of the comparison between my old and then brand new Cityslicker cases!
https://twitter.com/theoneinyellow/status/910780726869659648
https://imgur.com/gallery/nPWlJ
Here comes a quick review of both official Nintendo and Hori cases:
Nintendo: had to return it to the shop because it´s way too soft and don´t offer very good protection imo. I don´t care about the included screen protector because I hate those things.
Hori: The best case imo, hard on the outside giving perfect protection and not too bulky. It can hold up to five games but for me that´s more than enough, I don´t like to go out carrying so many precious physical games.
@TheOneInYellow Came here to post this(also my first post on Nintendo Life). I have the city slicker for my N3DSXL and LOOOVE it. Currently looking at the switch version under the christmas tree! Monday can't come soon enough haha
GOSH!! what a way to get your audience to do the work for you NL
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