The standard Nintendo Switch comes with the console, two Joy-Con controllers, a dock, an AC adapter, an HDMI cable, and a wrist strap pair
When you open a new Nintendo Switch, you get the tablet-like console itself, two detachable controllers called Joy-Cons (one red, one blue on the standard model), a docking station that connects to your TV, a power adapter, an HDMI cable to connect the dock to your television, and two wrist straps that attach to the Joy-Cons. That is the complete hardware set. There is no game included, no microSD card for storage, and no carrying case — those are sold separately.
The exact contents depend on which model you buy. The original Switch (released 2017) and the Switch OLED (released 2021) come with everything listed above. The Switch Lite, released in 2019, is a handheld-only device with no dock, no TV connection, and no detachable controllers — it comes with the console, a USB-C charging cable, and wrist straps, but no HDMI cable or dock because it cannot connect to a television.
Key Takeaways
- The standard Switch and Switch OLED both include a dock, HDMI cable, and AC adapter for TV play, but the Switch Lite does not because it is handheld only.
- You get two Joy-Con controllers with every Switch model, but you will need to buy additional controllers if more than two people want to play at once.
- No game is included in any Switch box, and storage space for digital games requires a separate microSD card purchase.
- The wrist straps are included to prevent Joy-Con drift damage during motion-control games, though they are optional for most play.
What you can and cannot do with what comes in the box
Out of the box, you can turn on the Switch, connect it to a TV (if you have the standard model or OLED), and play any physical game cartridge you own. You cannot read games from the Nintendo eShop without setting up a Nintendo Account and connecting to the internet. You cannot store many digital games without buying a microSD card, because the console's built-in storage fills up quickly — the standard Switch has 32 GB of storage, but the operating system takes up about 13 GB, leaving roughly 19 GB for games. A single large game like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild takes up 14 GB.
The Joy-Cons that come with your Switch work when ready for most games. Some games require additional controllers if you want four people to play together, and some games (like Mario Party Superstars) work better with a Pro Controller, which is sold separately. The dock is purely for convenience — you can play the standard Switch or OLED handheld without the dock, or charge it with the included USB-C cable plugged directly into the console.
Differences between what each Switch model includes
| Item | Standard Switch | Switch OLED | Switch Lite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Console | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Joy-Con controllers (2) | Yes | Yes | No |
| Dock | Yes | Yes | No |
| HDMI cable | Yes | Yes | No |
| AC power adapter | Yes | Yes | No |
| USB-C charging cable | No | No | Yes |
| Wrist straps (2) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
The Switch Lite is fundamentally different because it is designed for handheld play only. It has built-in controllers that do not detach, so it does not come with separate Joy-Cons or a dock. It charges via USB-C cable instead of the AC adapter that comes with the other models. The Switch Lite is smaller and lighter than the standard Switch, which makes it portable, but you cannot connect it to a TV or use it in tabletop mode with the kickstand.
The Switch OLED is the newest full-featured model. It has the same dock, HDMI cable, and AC adapter as the standard Switch, but the screen is larger and brighter. Both the standard Switch and OLED come with the same Joy-Cons and wrist straps. The main practical difference is the screen quality and size — the OLED screen is 7 inches compared to 6.2 inches on the standard model.
What you need to buy separately to get your free guide
You will need a game to play. Physical cartridges work when ready when you insert them into the console. If you want to read games from the Nintendo eShop, you need a Nintendo Account (free to create) and an internet connection. Most people also buy a microSD card for storage — a 128 GB or 256 GB card is common and costs between $15 and $30. Without one, you can store only a few digital games before running out of space.
If you plan to play with more than two people, you will need additional Joy-Cons or a Pro Controller. A single Joy-Con costs around $35 to $40, a pair costs around $70 to $80, and a Pro Controller costs around $60 to $70. For handheld play or travel, a carrying case is useful but not required — these range from $15 to $50 depending on the brand and features.
Why the wrist straps matter
The wrist straps are included because Joy-Cons can slip out of your hands during motion-control games like Mario Kart or Ring Fit Adventure. The strap loops around your wrist and attaches to the Joy-Con, preventing it from flying across the room if you lose your grip. They are not required for games that do not use motion controls, and many people who play in handheld mode or with the console docked never use them.
The straps also serve a secondary purpose: they provide a larger grip surface, which some people find more comfortable than holding a bare Joy-Con. If you lose or damage a strap, you can buy replacements separately for a few dollars.
Storage and what takes up space
The Switch console itself has limited built-in storage. The standard Switch and Switch OLED both have 64 GB of total storage, but the operating system uses about 13 GB, leaving roughly 51 GB for games and saves. The Switch Lite has the same storage capacity and the same operating system overhead. This sounds like enough for several games, but large modern games are substantial — The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is 16 GB, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is 14 GB, and Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is 7 GB. If you read three large games, you will run out of space.
A microSD card solves this problem. You insert it into a slot on the back of the console (or the bottom of the Switch Lite), and the Switch treats it as additional storage. A 128 GB card gives you roughly 120 GB of usable space for games, which is enough for 8 to 12 large games depending on their size. Game saves are stored on the console itself, not on the microSD card, so you do not lose your progress if the card fails.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I get a game with my Switch?
No. The Switch console comes with no games included. You must buy or read games separately. Physical cartridges are available at retailers, and digital games can be downloaded from the Nintendo eShop if you have an internet connection and a Nintendo Account.
Can I use the Switch without the dock?
Yes. The standard Switch and OLED can be played handheld without the dock, or set up in tabletop mode using the built-in kickstand. The dock is only needed if you want to play on a TV. The Switch Lite has no dock and cannot connect to a TV at all.
Do I need a microSD card right away?
Not when ready. You can play physical games without one. If you plan to read digital games, a microSD card becomes necessary after you read a few large titles, since the console's built-in storage fills up quickly. A 128 GB card is a practical choice and costs $15 to $25.
What if I want to play with four people?
The two Joy-Cons that come with your Switch support two players. To play with four people, you need two additional Joy-Cons (sold as a pair) or two Pro Controllers. Each Joy-Con or controller can be used by one player, so four controllers total are needed for four-player games.
Can I charge the Switch with any USB-C cable?
The standard Switch and OLED come with an AC adapter and dock that charge the console. You can also charge them with any USB-C cable connected to a USB power source, though the included adapter is faster. The Switch Lite comes with a USB-C cable and charges the same way as the other models.