The Nintendo Switch 2, released on June 5, 2025, will be an improvement over hybrid gaming, blending portability and power. And with the console comes an entire range of accessories that will enhance the experience, from silly trinkets to useful upgrades.
Leading the pack is HORI's Piranha Plant Camera, and other high-end peripherals like the Pro Controller and Joy-Con 2 Wheels. The lineup embodies Nintendo's love for balancing functionality and having fun, accommodating multiple play styles. The focus here is on the top accessories that will define the Switch 2 era.
HORI's Piranha Plant Camera is an oddball among Switch 2 accessories, condensing Super Mario magic into a functional USB-C webcam. Shaped like the iconic nemesis, the accessory has a detachable head that attaches to the console for convenience or resides in its pot base beside the TV. The plant's mouth is used as a privacy shutter; folding it over the lens is a nice aesthetic touch both to functionality and to character. In Europe, at €39.99, it undercuts Nintendo's official camera by €20, although resolution details are not yet announced.
This peripheral connects into the Switch 2's GameChat mode, available through the new "C" button on controllers. From livecasting Mario Kart World racing competitions to in-game chat, the camera fuses Mushroom Kingdom style with contemporary convenience. Its flexible stem allows for adjustment of angle, providing versatility between docked or portable use. Pre-release hype on initial listings in Germany's Media Markt suggests strong pre-release demand, forecasting a must-have for enthusiasts seeking a shot of nostalgia.
Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller leads the pack as a premium experience for gamers who value precision over Joy-Con convenience. Priced at $79.99, this reimagined controller features HD Rumble 2, programmable back buttons, and "smooth-gliding" analog sticks for accurate inputs. A 3.5mm audio jack rounds out the package for headset users. The gray-and-silver two-tone color scheme offers a clean aesthetic, and ergonomic enhancements provide comfort for long play sessions of Metroid Prime 4 or Street Fighter 6.
Unlike its predecessor, this controller includes the "C" button for direct GameChat access, affirming the social focus of the console. Hands-on preview reviews praise the better build, but some note that it is tested by third-party options like the $40 Gulikit KK3. Backward compatibility with existing Switch 1 Pro Controllers means there is a sense of familiarity, but the new controller's features signal a clear departure for serious gamers.
For racing fans, the Joy-Con 2 Wheels add a little realism to Mario Kart World. At $19.99 per pair, the plastic steering shells hold the retooled Joy-Con 2 controllers, featuring better triggers and a better "C" button. The styling is reminiscent of a miniature steering wheel, engendering immersion as players drift around Delfino Square or navigate around Piranha Plants. Minor refinements over the initial Switch wheels—greater grip, snugger fit—respond to past criticism.
This add-on excels in multiplayer, with Joy-Con inserted into wheels transforming living rooms into racing circuits. While not required for single-player, the low cost and retro aesthetic make it a desirable add-on. Joy-Con 1 model support is not a certainty, but the focus on Joy-Con 2 suggests specialized software for the Switch 2's enhanced hardware.
The universe of accessories lies beyond these mentioned headliners. There is the Dbrand Killswitch Ultimate Case, which is dock-compatible with game card storage, keeping the console safe on the go. SteelSeries' Arctis Nova 1 headset delivers crisp sound through the 3.5mm jack to immerse oneself in gaming. The GameCube Controller Adapter bridges the past and present, enabling longtime Smash Bros. players to play with classic pads on the Switch 2's 4K-capable dock.
HORI's Compact PlayStand is also worth noting, offering a light, adjustable shelf for tabletop gaming as the console charges. Each of the accessories serves to enhance the console's hybrid character, marrying function with fun design. Pre-orders for all but the Wireless Controller begin April 8, 2025, along with the console, with prices striking a balance between affordability and premium appeal.
The Switch 2 accessory lineup embodies Nintendo's blend of whimsy and innovation. The offbeat charm of the Piranha Plant Camera is complemented by the Pro Controller and Joy-Con 2 Wheels, which emphasize precision and fun. Concurrently, these peripherals extract the maximum from the console, from multiplayer to single-player games. As the launch day approaches, the question is: will these controllers change the face of how we play Nintendo's next title? The world has to wait until June 5, 2025, to find out.