The best Nintendo Switch cases you can buy

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It costs a dime a dozen to protect the Nintendo Switch. Even if they can protect your console from more superficial damage, most cases on the market may not do well against drops and other blunt force trauma.

There is a question of space Most only have enough room for your console and a couple of Joy-Con controllers, so you have to throw the case away. This level of hassle can make you rethink using a case for your Switch at all, which is why you might want to look for an option that not only protects your console but has enough room for your daily essentials as well. You're better off with an accessory that does more than one thing.

Some of the Nintendo Switch cases we tested stood above the competition. We used them as our day bag after testing them against impacts and wear. Our current favorite is the PowerA Protection Case with Kevlar, a case that offers excellent protection and storage, but we have also compiled premium options like WaterField's CitySlicker Case, travel friendly picks like Timbuk2's Crossbody Sling, and a budget-conscious choice We have an honorable mention for the person who is the most stylish in us.

There is enough discrepancy between the standard Nintendo Switch, Switch lite, and Switch OLED models that some cases may not have the right amount of real estate for your console. All of the cases on our list have enough space to support the current models of the switch.

Photo by Alice Newcome-Beill / The Verge

1. PowerA Protection Case with Kevlar

The best Nintendo Switch cases of 2022

Sometimes a basic case is all you need to get the job done. The Switch case is tough for the price, even though it isn't as bulletproof as the name suggests.

There is a carrying handle on the outside of the case. PowerA has more of a home feel due to a lack of loops for a shoulder strap. The plastic exterior is firm yet flexible to absorb impacts. The side of the case meant to hold your switch has some negative space that protects it from spills and drops.

There is a form-fitting compartment inside that holds the Joy-Cons. The case has a foam insert for holding the smaller switch lite, as well as two compartments with felted dividers that can hold up to 19 cartridges. The mesh pocket on the interior can be used to keep Joy-cons and other accessories out of harms way.

The PowerA case can handle a lot of things. The hardened shell and impact buffer does a great job of protecting your switch without weighing it down.

It's not bulletproof but it's pretty darn tough. The case from PowerA is lightweight and strong to protect against unforeseen drops and impacts.

• $20 at PowerA
• $30 at Amazon

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Photo by Alice Newcome-Beill / The Verge

2. Game Traveler Deluxe Travel Case

The best budget Nintendo Switch case

If you want a case that covers all bases without costing a grip, Game Traveler's Travel Case is your best bet. The Game Traveler case is slightly smaller than PowerA's Switch case due to the lack of buffer space on either side of the case. There is plenty of padding on either side of the travel case to keep the Nintendo Switch safe.

Photo by Alice Newcome-Beill / The Verge

Each case has an even smaller case forSD cards. If you don't have a switch inside the case, it's likely that the cases will shake loose when traveling.

The cases are nice. The felted flip cover on the insides of the case is a great way to keep your console in place and cover the switch's display when it's not in use. If you want to share your screen with another player, the built-in cover can be used as a kickstand.

It is easy to find an inexpensive switch case, but finding one that doesn't make too many compromises can be more difficult. Game Traveler's Travel Case checks a surprising number of boxes without sacrificing much.

All current models of the Nintendo Switch are compatible with this tough and textured carrying case.

• $15 at Amazon
• $15 at Target

Photo by Alice Newcome-Beill / The Verge

3. WaterField CitySlicker Case

The best premium Nintendo Switch case

WaterField's CitySlicker Case would be the winner if the "best smelling switch case" category was included. A San Francisco-based accessory manufacturer makes a number of sleeves, bags, and carrying cases, all of which use a combination of nylon or canvas with distressed leather that smells amazing.

The CitySlicker Case is a sling bag that's specifically designed to hold the Nintendo Switch, with different size variations available depending on which model you have. If you put a shell case on your console, the company makes bags that account for the extra space needed for the switch.

Photo by Alice Newcome-Beill / The Verge

The CitySlicker Case is just as nice as you can get. Waterfield supplies a number of leather finishes, including black and brown, as well as blue, white, and red-stained leather. Both nylon and wax canvas offer a small amount of water resistance. If you get caught in a sudden rainstorm, you shouldn't have to worry about tossing your bag in the dunk tank.

The larger felted area inside the case offers a snug fit for your Switch and a number of accessories. The bag has a pocket on the side opposite the leather enclosure that is perfect for storing a slim wallet. The leather cover is held in place with a pair of magnets as well as five slots that are designed to hold physical Switch games.

The WaterField CitySlicker case is more expensive than a bag made for the Nintendo Switch. If money is not an object, it will be hard to find a case with better quality.

The City Slicker case by Waterfield is the classiest carrying case that has ever been made for a Nintendo device. The felted interior of the body makes it less likely to be scratched.

Photo by Alice Newcome-Beill / The Verge

4. Bionik Power Commuter Travel Bag

The best Nintendo Switch charging case

Running out of power is the worst thing that can happen to a gaming session. It can be difficult to find a slim battery pack with the right capacity and output because of the Nintendo Switch's small size. The Bionik Power Commuter Travel Bag addresses both of these problems by combining a clamshell case with a slim, 10,000mAh battery pack that's designed to charge your switch as well as protect it.

Photo by Alice Newcome-Beill / The Verge

The case has a pair of secured compartments. The first is for the console and the other for games and accessories. The divider for the battery pack is included in the latter compartment. A gap in the divider allows your switch to get power while it's stowed, which will allow you to charge a dead switch one and a half times over. You can attach the case to a backpack strap or another handle if you don't want to use the included strap.

The battery pack is located on the outside of the bag. You're never without a charging cable when you need it, and there is a built-in light that shows the status of the charge, because the cable is built directly into the battery pack. The battery can be charged via Micro-usb and the port can be used to top off other devices.

The Bionik Power Commuter Travel Bag gives you a large battery pack that can be used to charge other devices. The bag can be quickly attached to a backpack or a rolling suitcase for easy transport, as well as keeping all of your accessories secure.

A 10,000mAh battery pack is included in the Bionik Power Commuter travel bag, which can be used to charge the Nintendo Switch.

• $70 at Amazon
• $70 at The Home Depot

Photo by Alice Newcome-Beill / The Verge

5. Timbuk2 Astro Gaming CS03 Crossbody Sling

The best Nintendo Switch travel case

You will need more than just your console if you are on the road. The Astro gaming crossbody sling is a collaboration with Timbuk2 Anyone who is a fan of the "techwear" aesthetic will be delighted by the nylon bag's features. The all-black design with glossy highlights is something I like.

It's all about space. Not to mention your everyday carry, the bag has enough pockets to hold a lot of things. The bag has a total of three pockets that are divided into smaller sections to keep things organized, as well as a bandolier of 14 pockets that can be used for storing things. The slimmest pocket is a good place to keep things.

All of the interior pockets are felt-lined to prevent scratches and are secured with zippers to prevent leaking. The Sling is the most waterproof of the recommendations. I was surprised to find the inside of the bag to be bone dry after rinsing the outside. I wouldn't try to float it down, but you can carry it through the storms.

There is a magnetic clasp on the outside pocket. It wouldn't open even with the pocket full of my everyday carry items.

The crossbody sling is a well-built bag. The roomy and protective interior is great for keeping sensitive devices intact, as well as for toting any other essentials you might need. One of the more expensive options on our list is justified by the bag'sVersatility andDurability.

The crossbody bag from Timbuk2 and Astro has enough room for your Switch, as well as any other items you need throughout the day. This bag has a padded interior and is waterproof.

• $80 at Astro Gaming
• $80 at Timbuk2

Photo by Alice Newcome-Beill / The Verge

6. PowerA Clutch Bag

Honorable mention

The Power A Clutch Bag is mature. The Nintendo Switch logo is used to great effect in the design of the bag, which is meant to look like a bunch of bags from Coach or Louis Vuitton.

Photo by Alice Newcome-Beill / The Verge

The bag is made of nylon and has imitation leather and brass hardware. The Clutch Bag has enough space for a Nintendo switch, but not much else. A single pocket on the outside, along with holsters under the clasp, is what it has. The bag has a strap that you can use to keep your hands out of your person's clutches.

A single button strap on the main compartment keeps your switch from falling out if the bag is held upside down, while a pair of strong magnetic buttons hold the top cover in place. The flattened base of the clutch makes it stand out from the other cases on our list.

The PowerA Clutch Bag is a simple and cost-effective way to keep your switch secure and it also looks great.

The Clutch Bag is similar to a designer handbag. Your switch is sandwiched between a pair of pads built into the bag in the brown nylon and leatherette case.

• $22 at Walmart
• $30 at PowerA