The best Nintendo Switch cases are an essential purchase for those who like to take their console out and about. The handheld nature of the system means that it can easily be exposed to the elements if you go without one, not to mention pick up wear and tear if it's placed in a bag or rucksack with no protection. Keeping your Nintendo Switch nice and secure in a specialised case designed for portable travel will help you keep your system in good condition over the years.
As a result, having one of the best Nintendo Switch cases will give you lots more peace of mind should you want to game on the go. Although the Nintendo Switch may feel like a reasonably sturdy console thanks to the company's use of high quality materials, it actually won't withstand major drops quite as well as some older hardware would - seriously, the Nintendo GameBoy is borderline indestructible in comparison.
So, if you’re looking for something to help your console survive an unlucky fall or just a neater way to pack it away with some of the best accessories for Nintendo Switch as you travel, this is our breakdown of some of the best Nintendo Switch cases available right now to make the purchasing process easier for you. We've taken a wide range of budgets and preferences into account with all our choices here in order to offer a good range of options.
For more accessory recommendations, also visit our guides to the best Nintendo Switch controllers and best SD cards for Switch.
The list in brief
The best Nintendo Switch case overall
For the low price and high level of quality here, the Orzly Essential Pack for Nintendo Switch takes the top spot as the best Nintendo Switch case overall.
The best Nintendo Switch case for long journeys
With its messenger bag design and comfortable strap, the PowerA Everywhere Messenger Bag is rugged enough to be brought just about anywhere and keeps your handheld firmly secure.
The best premium Nintendo Switch case
While it was originally designed for Hori's own controllers, the manufacturer has confirmed that it also works excellently with Nintendo's hybrid console. There's space for Nintendo Switch games and a hardback shell for added protection in here too.
The best budget Nintendo Switch case
While the Fintie Shockproof Hard Shell Carrying Case may not impress in every possible regard, its super affordable price point and solid build quality mean it's a great pick for those who want to protect their console without shelling out too much.
The best Nintendo Switch case for games
The Younik Hard Travel Carrying Case features support for up to 19 Nintendo Switch games at a very competitive price point, which should be more than enough room to take a large chunk of your library on the go.
The best Nintendo Switch cases in 2024
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The best Nintendo Switch case overall
The Orzly Essential Pack does exactly what it says on the tin and is absolutely everything you could want in a carry case. It’s spacious enough to hold the console and any extra accessories like a pair of spare Joy-Con for a few additional players or any wires and charging cables that you may need to take with you. In addition, it’s a very hard and durable case that should protect your console's screen from even a pretty substantial drop. You’ll also receive a glass screen protector and a snap case for the console in the package, which is a great bonus that helps prevent further damage.
The internal lining of the case also holds up to eight game cartridges meaning that you won't be tied to just playing the cartridge currently in your console. The case also comes with a handful of plastic cartridge cases for any spare games you don’t want to leave loose in the netting. Generally, this carry case is ideal for a first-time buyer, as it is an affordable price and comes in a variety colors in case you have a particular preference.
The best Nintendo Switch case for long journeys
The PowerA Everywhere Messenger Bag may look a little bulky for a Nintendo Switch Carry case but, if you’re often transporting your entire setup rather than just the console, it’s the perfect bag to suit your needs.
In addition to the console and its docking station, this case also has space and support for a controller and a smaller pouch for Joy-Con, wires, or any other accessories that you may need. The detachable Neoprene pouch within this bag also fits the Nintendo Switch Lite, so there’s a great element of added versatility here.
For someone who travels a lot, the cross-body strap of this bag makes it easier to carry around and the durable strap on the top of the case ensures you have a little extra security in carrying when needed.
If you like to have access to a handful of games at one time, the Everywhere Messenger can hold up to six cartridges in its detachable pouch, too. But with a bigger bag comes a slightly high price, putting the PowerA Everywhere Messenger on the more expensive end of the scale.
The best premium Nintendo Switch case
The Hori Split Pad Pro Case guarantees protection to your console with its padded chambers and screen protection pad and also has ample space to store your console and accessories. In addition, its 20 cartridge compartments mean you’ll always have access to your favorite titles while on the go without having to fill your system internal storage by exclusively buying download software.
Although the hard shell of the case doesn’t come with any print, its practical design makes it incredibly easy to fit in a bag or suitcase, but the strap at the top also means you can take the case out comfortably. Although not incredibly expensive, the Hori Split Pad Pro will still set you back a fair amount. Even so, we think that it's worth every penny given the high level of protection that it offers your console.
The best budget Nintendo Switch case
If you’re prone to dropping your Nintendo Switch or even dropping the bag that you’re carrying it in, then the Fintie Shockproof Hard Shell Case may be the answer to your problems. Although it’s relatively simple in design with no embellishes or graphics across its shell, it is a well-made accessory that should help prevent any damage from drops.
Internally, the case has enough space for either the Nintendo Switch or the Nintendo Switch OLED, with an additional mesh pocket to hold any wires or rails. This is on top of ten cartridge slots between the lid and the main compartment, which should be plenty to store your games. Even though it’s a relatively simple case, it does the job without putting you too much out of pocket. It is one of the cheapest options on this list, too.
The best Nintendo Switch case for game storage
The Younik Hard Travel Carrying Case is essential for any gamer who doesn’t plan on taking their Switch everywhere but needs a little extra protection for anything from a long journey to a weekend away.
This is very simple but incredibly spacious design, with a hard shell to take some of the blow from large drops, 19 in-built game cartridge sleeves, and a mesh pouch for any accessories you might want to bring with you.
The Younik Carry Case doesn’t break the bank either and even though it’s one of the cheaper cases on the market, no corners are cut in quality. It’s a decent case for a decent price, and even though it’s not sizable enough to transport your entire setup, it suits anyone who likes to take their console out and about every now and then.
How to choose a best Nintendo Switch case
Choosing a case is quite a personal decision, after all it's something that most people are going to see every time they want to use their console. In order to pick the right case for you, you should consider the kind of materials that you're after and the level of protection that you want.
Many go for soft fabric cases, which may be good for preventing a scratch while your console is in a bag but can be less effective when it comes to drops. If you think you're likely to give your Nintendo Switch quite a beating, look at hard shell options instead - just make sure that they have adequate padding inside to prevent any damage.
Also bear in mind any features that you might want from the case. If you're looking for a good way to keep your game cartridges secure on the move, select a case that offers plenty of its own little slots for them. Those who want to take the Nintendo Switch on particularly long journeys may also benefit from a travel case which has its own dedicated strap, allowing you to keep your Nintendo Switch close to hand.
FAQs
Does the Nintendo Switch come with a case?
When buying a Nintendo Switch console, all accessories such as a case or screen protector are sold separately. You may, however, be able to find a good deal or potentially a bundle that includes both the console and a case if you want to keep costs down.
Why do I need a case for my Nintendo Switch?
Needing to get a case for your Nintendo Switch depends on whether or not you move out and about in your day-to-day life. If you’re constantly on the go and have your Switch in hand, having a carry case could be a necessary way to protect it from any potential damage.
Does a standard Nintendo Switch case fit a Nintendo Switch OLED?
The Nintendo Switch OLED screen is slightly larger than the screen of teh standard Nintendo Switch console so there isn’t a tremendous amount of difference between them. Still, the size difference does mean the OLED might not fit in a case designed for the standard Nintendo Switch. It's always best to check the product description of your chosen case or the manufacturer's website, as most will specify whether or not it will fit the OLED too.
