If you regularly play your Nintendo Switch in handheld mode, the absolute best accessory you can buy is a detachable grip. Though the Switch is one of Nintendo’s best gaming consoles ever, not everyone finds the default form factor very comfortable–especially when playing for hours in a row. Thankfully, there are third-party accessories that drastically improve the Nintendo Switch’s ergonomics. We’ve rounded up a handful of the best Nintendo Switch grips available in 2023.
Nintendo Switch grips come in all shapes and sizes. Some are designed exclusively for the regular Switch or Switch OLED, while others, like the stellar Satisfye ZenGrip Pro, are compatible with both models. Naturally, the significantly smaller Switch Lite requires its own separate grip, but there are great options for the handheld-only Switch, too.
In addition to detachable grips that enhance your experience holding the Joy-Con controllers, there are accessories that completely replace the Joy-Cons while also functioning as ergonomic grips. Our favorite option in 2023 is still Hori’s Split Pad, but now there are two different models: the Split Pad Pro and Split Pad Compact.
Check out all of the best Switch grips below. For more recommendations for making you Switch gaming experience better, take a look at our roundup of the best Nintendo Switch controllers.
The Satisfye Nintendo Switch grip has been one of our favorites for some time, and the updated version of it, the ZenGrip Pro 3, is absolutely the one to buy, as this model works for both Switch OLED and the original Switch.
As with Satisfye’s previous model, the ZenGrip Pro is extremely lightweight–it doesn’t make the console feel any heavier (in fact, because it makes holding the Switch so much easier, it almost feels lighter). The bottom of the grip has two hooks for additional console support, and they also allow the Switch to stand securely upright on its own, with enough room for the charging cable to run underneath.
Thanks to a clever design, the ZenGrip Pro 3 works perfectly with either the Switch OLED or regular Switch, despite their slight size differences. It comes in a white design to match the white Joy-Cons that come with one of the Switch OLED models. The back of the handles have a textured grip that feels wonderful to hold throughout lengthy gaming sessions.
Like previous Satisfye grips, you can purchase the ZenGrip Pro 3 as a standalone product or as part of a bundle that includes a carrying case capable of storing the Switch and the attached grip.
Whether you’re in the market for a grip for Switch OLED or the regular Switch, we’d recommend opting for the ZenGrip Pro 3 since it’s compatible with both and is available for the same price.
This clear grip is great for those who want better ergonomics without hiding the look of the Joy-Con controllers. This is especially good if you think (like we do) that the white Joy-Cons look awesome. JETech’s Switch OLED grip is made of a soft plastic that easily wraps around the console. Critically, the grip’s form factor doesn’t block the Switch OLED’s large kickstand, so you can use it while playing in tabletop mode, too.
Even though it may not look like much, the rounded handles make playing in handheld mode far more comfortable. It’s a great grip for those who don’t want their Switch to become bulky. After all, the Switch is a portable console. Better yet, this grip is available at an extremely reasonable price. Keep in mind it needs to be removed to dock the console.
We’d also recommend the original version of the JETech grip for the regular Switch.
Like this style of grip but want something more colorful? Orzly makes a very similar grip that comes in a bunch of different colors. We’ve also tested that one, and it’s pretty much on par with the JETech grip.
Skull & Co has made a series of great Nintendo Switch grips that offer something most other grips don’t: customization. Skull & Co’s NeoGrip is a lightweight attachment for Switch and Switch OLED. It comes with three different handle sets that can be swapped on the fly.
The Snap Grip is the smallest of the three and has a unique ridged design. The rounded Plus Grip is aimed at those who want some added bulk. Meanwhile, the Trigger Grip mimics the feel of a conventional controller, with a contoured design that probably suits most Switch users. Essentially, you’re getting three different grips in one, so chances are at least one of them will be a great fit for you.
Designed with both the Switch and Switch OLED in mind, the NeoGrip only blocks off a small portion of the back panel, so the Switch OLED’s large kickstand is still accessible. Additionally, the NeoGrip’s sleek design allows it to be dockable.
The NeoGrip comes in two different color schemes to match the pair of Switch OLED models: white and Neon Red/Blue. You can grab a bundle containing the NeoGrip and a special Switch carrying case for the console and grip at Amazon. If you own a Switch Lite, you should check out the GripCase Lite from Skull & Co.
The Hori Split Pad Pro has become one of the most popular Switch grip options over the past few years. Instead of sliding over your existing Joy-Cons to give a wider grip, the Split Pad Pro straight-up replaces them with left and right controllers of its own. It offers a much wider grip than any other on this list, making it the most ideal option (in terms of fit) for those with large hands. Its ample size does mean that you’ll have trouble fitting your Switch with the Split Pad Pro attached into most carrying cases, though there are third-party cases on Amazon that claim to fit it.
Notably, with the Split Pad Pro, you get a more traditional D-pad on the left controller (unlike the Joy-Cons’ four directional buttons), which is soft to press and accurate. The analog sticks are also a massive improvement over the Joy-Cons, offering a full range of motion and the consistent resistance needed for accurate inputs, which is particularly helpful in shooters.
And like other premium controllers, the Hori Split Pad Pro features programmable back paddles. These are well-placed and feel natural to use, but their functionality is somewhat limited since you can only program them as a button on the corresponding controller side. This is because each end of the Split Pad Pro isn’t in communication with each other and only works while attached to the Switch–there are no wireless capabilities, nor rumble functionality.
If you think you’ll want to use the Split Pad Pro while your console is docked, you can buy the model with a grip attachment (similar to the official Joy-Con grip). The only caveat here is that it can only be used with a wired connection.
The Split Pad Pro is available in a variety of colors, including themes centered around Pokemon and Sonic.
If the Split Pad Pro looks too bulky for you but you’re still interested in its features, the newer Split Pad Compact for Hori is an excellent choice.
The Split Pad Compact has the same features as its older sibling, just in a smaller form factor. From the front, the attachments look like wider Joy-Con controllers. You’re losing the conventional handles found on the Split Pad Pro, but the rounded backs of each side still boast stellar ergonomics. The Split Pad Compact is somewhat similar to the JETech and Orzly grips in terms of feel.
The smaller form factor also means that the buttons, triggers, and sticks are not as large as the ones found on the Split Pad Pro. Still, you’re getting more conventional sticks, triggers, and a standard D-pad–all of which feel great.
Both Split Pad models are definitely worth considering if you’re goal is to not only improve the ergonomics of handheld mode, but add more traditional controls.
The Split Pad Compact comes in gray/yellow, Apricot Red, and two different Pokemon themes.
This Switch grip offers a feature the others on this list don’t: extended battery life. Fitted with a built-in 10,000mAh internal battery, Newdery’s grip roughly doubles the battery life while playing in handheld mode. It’s only compatible with the regular Nintendo Switch, though.
Since the grip has a power bank inside, it is heavier than the other grips on this list. The bulkiness that it adds works in its favor when it comes to ergonomics, though. The increased depth combined with rounded handles makes the Switch more comfortable to hold for longer play sessions. As the main draw here is extended playtime, that’s certainly a good thing.
Though it blocks off the Switch’s built-in kickstand, Newdery’s grip has a kickstand of its own that’s located in the center of the grip and provides more stability than the regular kickstand. Underneath the kickstand, there are slots to store two game cartridges, which is a nice little bonus.
If your primary concern for a Switch grip is ergonomics, we’d recommend the others on this list first. But if the Switch’s battery life bothers you and you don’t want to carry around an external power bank, this is an intriguing option.
The products discussed here were independently chosen by our editors.
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