The Standard Switch Box Contents

A new Nintendo Switch comes with the console itself, a dock for connecting to your TV, two Joy-Con controllers (one red, one blue), wrist straps for those controllers, a USB-C charging cable, and an AC adapter. You also get a small HDMI cable to connect the dock to your television. That covers the hardware you need to play games on a TV or in handheld mode right away.

The console arrives with no games installed. You will need to buy games separately, either as physical cartridges or digital downloads through the Nintendo eShop. The system does come with a trial version of Nintendo Switch Sports on some units, but this is not a full game and expires after a set period.

Nintendo includes a quick-start guide and safety information, but no printed manual for the console itself. Setup takes about 10 minutes: connect the dock to power and your TV, place the console in the dock, and follow the on-screen prompts to create a user profile and connect to Wi-Fi.

Key Takeaways

  • The Switch box includes the console, dock, two Joy-Con controllers, charging cable, AC adapter, and HDMI cable — everything needed to play on a TV or handheld.
  • No games come with the standard Switch, so you must buy them separately as cartridges or digital downloads.
  • The included Joy-Con controllers work for most games, but many players buy a Pro Controller or additional Joy-Con pairs for comfort or multiplayer.
  • A microSD card is not included but is strongly recommended for storing digital games, since the console's built-in storage fills quickly.
  • The Switch OLED model includes a larger screen and better speakers but costs more and comes with the same core accessories.

What You'll Want to Buy Right Away

A microSD card is the first purchase most owners make. The Switch has 32 GB of built-in storage, but a single large game can use 10 to 20 GB. If you plan to read games instead of buying cartridges, you will run out of space within a few purchases. A 128 GB or 256 GB microSD card costs $15 to $30 and solves this problem for years. The Switch accepts microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC cards; any brand works as long as it meets Nintendo's speed requirements (UHS-I is fine).

A Pro Controller is optional but worth considering if you play docked games regularly. The included Joy-Con controllers are small and can feel cramped during long sessions. The Pro Controller costs around $70, has a traditional layout with full-size grips, and lasts 40 hours per charge. It is not required — many players are happy with Joy-Con — but comfort matters if you play for hours at a time.

A carrying case is practical if you take the Switch anywhere. The console is portable but fragile; a case protects the screen and controllers during travel. Cases range from $15 soft sleeves to $50 hard shells. This is a personal choice based on how often you move the console.

Joy-Con Controllers and Multiplayer Needs

The two Joy-Con controllers that come with the Switch can be used separately for two-player games, or held together in a grip (included) for single-player games. Many games support four players with four Joy-Con controllers, so if you want to play with friends or family, you will need to buy additional pairs. A single Joy-Con pair costs around $80; buying them in pairs is cheaper than buying individual controllers.

Joy-Con controllers have a known issue called drift, where the analog stick registers movement even when you are not touching it. This happens to some units within the first year and to most within three to five years. Nintendo offers free repairs for drift under warranty, but out of warranty the repair costs $40 to $50 per controller. Some players buy extra Joy-Con early to have backups, or switch to a Pro Controller to avoid the issue.

If you play games that require motion controls — like Ring Fit Adventure or Mario Party — the Joy-Con controllers are essential because the Pro Controller does not have motion sensors. For games that do not use motion, the Pro Controller is more comfortable for extended play.

Storage and Game Formats

Games come in two formats: physical cartridges and digital downloads. Physical cartridges cost the same as digital but take up no storage space on the console. Digital games read to the console's storage or microSD card. If you buy mostly digital games, a large microSD card becomes necessary quickly. If you buy mostly physical cartridges, you can get by with the 32 GB built-in storage for a long time, though a microSD card is still useful for system updates and save data.

Game cartridges are small and durable. You can store dozens in a case and swap them in seconds. Digital games are convenient — you can start playing without waiting for a cartridge to arrive — but they take up storage space and cannot be resold or traded. Most players use a mix of both.

Screen Protectors and Dock Accessories

The Switch screen is plastic, not glass, and scratches easily if the console is placed in the dock repeatedly without protection. A tempered glass screen protector costs $8 to $15 and prevents scratches from the dock edges. This is a cheap way to protect your investment if you dock the console regularly.

The dock itself is functional but basic. Some players buy a third-party dock with better ventilation, more USB ports, or a smaller footprint. Official Nintendo docks are hard to find and expensive; third-party options from brands like Nyxi or Skull & Co cost $30 to $60 and offer useful upgrades. Make sure any third-party dock is designed for the Switch model you own — OLED docks are different from standard docks.

Differences Between Switch Models

The standard Switch and the Switch OLED come with the same core accessories: dock, Joy-Con, charging cable, and HDMI cable. The Switch Lite comes with none of these extras — it is a handheld-only console with built-in controllers and no dock. If you buy a Switch Lite, you will need to purchase a USB-C charging cable separately (around $15), and you cannot connect it to a TV.

The Switch OLED has a larger 7-inch screen compared to the standard Switch's 6.1-inch screen, and the OLED display is brighter and shows colors more vividly. The OLED model also has better speakers and a wider kickstand. These upgrades cost about $50 more than the standard model. The accessories are compatible between standard and OLED models, so a Pro Controller or microSD card bought for one will work with the other.

What You Do Not Need Right Away

You do not need a second dock unless you want to keep the Switch set up in two different rooms. The console charges fine with just the included cable and adapter, and you can play handheld games without a dock at all. A second dock is a convenience, not a necessity.

You do not need a charging dock for Joy-Con controllers. They charge when connected to the console or when placed in the grip with the console docked. A separate Joy-Con charging dock (around $30) is convenient if you have multiple pairs and want to charge them while playing, but it is not essential.

You do not need Nintendo Switch Online to play single-player games or local multiplayer with friends in the same room. You only need it to play online multiplayer or to access the library of classic NES and SNES games. Nintendo Switch Online costs $20 per year for the basic plan or $50 per year for the Expansion Pack, which includes Nintendo 64 and Sega Genesis games.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a microSD card before I start playing?

Not when ready. You can play physical cartridge games without one. But if you read even one or two large games, you will fill the 32 GB storage quickly. Most players buy a microSD card within their first week of ownership. A 128 GB card costs around $20 and is worth buying upfront.

Can I use the Joy-Con controllers that came with my Switch on another Switch?

Yes. Joy-Con controllers pair with any Switch console. You can use them on a friend's Switch, or move them to a new console if you upgrade. The same applies to the Pro Controller.

What is the difference between the Switch, Switch OLED, and Switch Lite?

The standard Switch connects to a TV and has detachable controllers. The Switch OLED is the same but with a larger, brighter screen and costs more. The Switch Lite is handheld-only, smaller, and cheaper, but cannot connect to a TV and has controllers built in. All three play the same games.

Do I need a Pro Controller to play most games?

No. The included Joy-Con controllers work for nearly all games. A Pro Controller is more comfortable for long play sessions and has better battery life, but it is optional. Games that use motion controls require Joy-Con, not a Pro Controller.

Can I charge the Switch with any USB-C cable?

Technically yes, but Nintendo recommends using the included cable or an officially licensed one. Third-party cables work for most people, but using a low-quality cable or a charger with too much power can damage the console. The included cable is safe and reliable.