Cyberpunk 2077 was thought done and dusted, and with good reason — CD Projekt had said it was itself! But alas, just when you thought the developer was out, it pulled itself back in, and now fans are set to get a surprise last (for real this time) patch for the game.
CD Projekt announced patch 2.3 is coming to Cyberpunk 2077. “We have been cooking for you in secret for a bit,” Paweł Sasko, Associate Game Director at CD Projekt on Cyberpunk 2, said in a post on social media.
“As usual, I’m taking care of the update personally and we will communicate more, when it’s ready. Much love chooms 🥰”
CD Projekt didn’t say what is in patch 2.3, but given how meaningful December 2024’s patch 2.2 was, fans are already getting excited. Let’s remember that last patch, created in partnership with support developer Virtuos, added in lots more customization options and made Johnny Silverhand, played by Keanu Reeves, appear next to you more frequently. There were new secrets to discover, too. Could patch 2.3 go one step further and add new quests and characters? More information will be revealed later this month, CD Projekt said.
In the meantime, it seems the five-year-old Cyberpunk 2077 still has a lot to offer.
Wesley is Director, News at IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.
The Nintendo Switch 2 has finally arrived, and call me crazy but I’ve opted to celebrate its launch by playing the same game I played day one on the original Switch: The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This Nintendo Switch 2 Edition is of course an enhanced version with visual upgrades, faster loading times, and support for the Zelda Notes service via the Nintendo Switch App on your mobile device. It’s admittedly a fairly modest upgrade in terms of actual new features or content, but a welcome one, and it makes this undoubtedly the best way to play a sprawling epic that still stands tall as one of the greatest achievements in Nintendo’s iconic adventure series.
Before we get to what’s new, here’s what IGN said about Breath of the Wild in our original review:
Yes, Breath of the Wild is a 10 out of 10 game. It was a 10 out of 10 eight years ago, it’s a 10 out of 10 today, and it will probably remain a 10 out of 10 until the end of time. It’s just one of those milestone games that will be remembered as being hugely influential upon so many great games that were released in its wake, from Ghost of Tsushima to Halo Infinite and Elden Ring. Those incredible open worlds and many more have clearly been inspired by Breath of the Wild’s groundbreaking approach to experimental and emergent gameplay, and I’ve got no doubt that it will continue to influence game developers for many years to come.
Therefore, this is not a re-review of Breath of the Wild. Instead, it’s some early observations based on my first few hours back in Hyrule in the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.
It runs at 4K when docked and 1080p in handheld mode, and both look as sharp as a Master Sword’s edge.
This is Breath of the Wild as It Should Have Always Been
Gaming landmark that it was, Breath of the Wild almost seemed too ambitious for the original Switch – in fact it ran so poorly in parts that I really pity the poor folks who were somehow playing the Wii U version at the time. At any rate, the Switch 2 version has finally delivered Breath of the Wild as I assume the developers intended. It runs at 4K when docked and 1080p in handheld mode, and both look as sharp as a Master Sword’s edge. HDR is now supported also, and the kingdom of Hyrule really pops as a result – particularly once the blood moon is hanging in the sky above or the blue glow of a shrine can be glimpsed in the distance.
Of course, that resolution jump does have some downsides – the clarity it brings only makes it more obvious how basic a lot of the texture work on things like rocks and logs is when viewed up close, and it also doesn’t really clear up the jagged edges on blades of grass and the like. Still, the character models look fantastic, and more importantly it’s all so much smoother in motion than it was before thanks to the consistently 60fps framerate.
That Means You Can Now Explore Korok Forest Without Your Switch 2 Suffering a Nervous Breakdown
Pretty much the first thing I did when I hopped back into Breath of the Wild on Switch 2 was to beam myself directly into the Korok Forest, since that seemed like the best way to stress test this version’s improved framerate. Setting foot into the Korok Forest in Breath of the Wild on the original Switch forced the system to stutter like a shy Goron on a first date, but here in the Switch 2 it runs as smooth as goat butter.
In fact, no matter where I’ve roamed in this enhanced Breath of the Wild, the framerate has stayed locked at 60fps, whether I was shield-surfing down the slopes of the Hebra Mountains or scrapping with large groups of moblins in Hyrule Field. No matter what I do or where I go, Breath of the Wild on Switch 2 has been more stable than a barn full of Hyrulian horses. It really is a big step up.
No matter what I do or where I go, Breath of the Wild on Switch 2 has been more stable than a barn full of Hyrulian horses.
While the Framerate Now Holds Firm, the Weapons Still Break
Breath of the Wild on Switch 2 might look and load to the modern standards we’ve come to expect in 2025, but it otherwise plays in almost the exact same way that it did back on the original Switch. That’s either a really good thing, if, like me, you were a big fan of the sandbox structure, shrine-hunting, and unprecedented sense of freedom. However, if you tried Breath of the Wild on the original Switch and you bounced off it because the weapon degradation system ticked you off – and I know quite a number of people did – or perhaps you simply prefer an old-fashioned Assassin’s Creed style of open-world that leads you around by the nose instead of giving you the freedom to find your own fun, then you’re unlikely to change your mind with this Nintendo Switch 2 Edition.
The core Breath of the Wild adventure has been preserved, nothing has been tinkered with – at least nothing that’s been obvious to me in my first few hours with this Switch 2 port. If this style of Zelda game wasn’t your cup of tea before, then this is still that same flavour of tea. It’s just been poured into a noticeably prettier cup.
Loading Times Have Been Sped Up Significantly
It’s also a cup of tea that is served substantially faster, as this Switch 2 version of Breath of the Wild has had its loading times cut dramatically. Of course, that might not sound like the most sexy of features. You probably won’t want to invite your friends over to marvel at how quickly your game boots up, and you’re not going to buy a brand new TV to show off the rapid-fire rate at which Breath of the Wild now gets in and out of fast travel. But it becomes a meaningful difference the further you get into the main quest, because so much of Breath of the Wild involves hopping back and forth from one side of the sprawling map to the other searching for shrines or returning to quest givers and so on, and cutting down the time spent staring at the loading screen becomes hugely important after a while. In fact, you barely have enough time to watch the little animated silhouettes anymore, and you virtually have to speed read the loading screen pro tips!
There Is Some New Content, it’s Just on Your Phone Instead of Your Switch 2
Along with the performance upgrades, there is some new content to be found in Breath of the Wild on Switch 2, but you’re going to have to keep a phone or tablet handy in order to access it. By pairing your game with the Nintendo Switch App on your mobile device, you can get access to the Zelda Notes suite of tools. One enables voice directions much like Google Maps, which is handy for tracking down shrines, enemies, or even those hundreds of Korok seeds that are scattered across the map. It works as advertised, and will automatically adjust even when you beam in and out of fast travel. Since I’ve already completed Breath of the Wild I was fine with map spoilers, but I like that there’s a toggle to disable them if you’re a newcomer.
125 audio logs have been spread around the map as well, which are essentially recordings of Princess Zelda making observations on certain places and characters. These are signalled by a pinging proximity sensor in the phone app, and when you find the sweet spot they’re added to a collection of recordings that you can playback on your phone whenever you like. Theoretically, that is, because I can’t really see myself listening to any of these more than once. While I’ve only found a few so far, they’ve been pretty inessential anecdotes like Zelda describing the hospitality she was once treated to by Lurelin villagers, or explaining why the mayor of Hateno village had trouble selling Purah’s house. If you’re a completionist then these small scraps of backstory are yet another collectible to search for, but I doubt I’ll bother seeking them all out myself.
There’s also detailed stat tracking of your travels and enemy kills, the ability to share an item with a friend via the generation of a QR code if you’re particularly proud of that hearty meal you just made, as well as a daily bonus which is like a wheel of fortune you can trigger once a day to give you a prize like replenishing your hearts on the spot. One of them even allows you to repair a broken weapon! Most of these are welcome and useful additions, my only wish is that they were just added in-game rather than accessed through my phone. Sure, I do have my phone beside me at all times, even when I sleep at night. I’m not proud of that. However, I don’t really want to drain my phone battery if I don’t have to, and I feel like things like voice directions and audio logs could have easily been added into Zelda itself, saving me from playing through with both hands on the controller and my phone balanced on my knees.
You Can Now Add a Second Save File
Now, I had planned on spending the $10, or in my case, $20 AUD to upgrade my existing copy of Breath of the Wild to the Nintendo Switch 2 edition, mainly because it seemed like a relatively small asking price to be able to finally play at a higher resolution and stable framerate. In my mind, I was only going to play my existing save game for a few hours of fun before I got stuck into some of the other Switch 2 launch games. However, as it turns out eight years is quite a long time, and at least in my case it’s long enough for me to have forgotten large parts of the Breath of the Wild story and its various shrines and quests, and I’ve found myself sucked back in and eager for another full playthrough. Luckily, this Switch 2 version adds a second save game, and I fully intend on starting the story over again – so it’s nice that I can do so without having to write over my original completed save and lose the hundreds of hours I invested in Breath of the Wild back in 2017.
So there you have it, that’s a very quick look at The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition. If you’re yet to try this masterpiece then this is the best place to jump in, and if you’ve already got a copy of the original then the performance upgrades alone make the upgrade price worth it. We’ve got plenty more Nintendo Switch 2 launch coverage to come in the days and weeks ahead, so be sure to keep checking IGN for updates.
Tristan Ogilvie is a Senior Video Editor at IGN’s Sydney office.
This player just went from first to last in Mario Kart World
Nintendo has gone to great lengths to ensure its new GameChat feature is a safe experience for everyone, but it seems there’s a small but significant oversight.
Black Myth: Wukong, the action RPG inspired by the classical Chinese novel Journey to the West, will finally make its way to Xbox Series X/S on August 20, 2025, exactly one year after it was released on PS5 and PC.
Xbox shared the news on Twitter/X, saying, “You are the Destined One. Black Myth: Wukong is coming August 20. Pre-order begins June 18!”
“The only thing missing is the Xbox,” he said, per machine learning translation, “which somehow feels a bit wrong, but that 10GB of shared memory — without years of optimisation experience — is really hard to make work.”
Now, it appears those issues have been resolved and Xbox players will soon be able to add this game to their libraries.
In our Black Myth: Wukong review, we said, “Despite some frustrating technical issues, Black Myth: Wukong is a great action game with fantastic combat, exciting bosses, tantalizing secrets, and a beautiful world.”
Switch 2 is here and users are slowly discovering all sorts of compatibility issues with select games and accessories. If you happen to own an 8BitDo controller, you might have noticed it’s simply not working with Nintendo’s new hybrid device.
Oirbois a textless metroidvania where you control our robotic friend Oirbo through a malfunctioning space ship filled with robotic friends, foes, and lasers!
Oirbo’s spacecraft has five distinct areas, created and designed to challenge you with different enemies, contraptions, challenges and puzzles as you progress.
While designing Oirbo, one of our main goals was to ensure you could explore as much as possible, minimizing obstacles that might deter exploration. Being a Metroidvania, Oirbo naturally has some initially unreachable areas until the necessary power-up or condition is met. Nevertheless, we decided to include alternative paths and tricky challenges that allow any player to reach further parts of the game than one might initially think. So, in Oirbo, after you defeat the first boss, you can explore all areas, even with some limitations.
With this decision in mind, we meticulously planned the game map and how much of each area was unlocked by each power-up, ensuring there wasn’t any section a player could enter but not exit. While allowing players to backtrack might seem trivial in a game, designing a Metroidvania like Oirbo, where players can explore freely with just one power-up while always having a way back, isn’t as easy as it sounds.
As you explore Oirbo, you’ll notice the complete absence of text; every message we want you to understand is conveyed either through the game’s art or via a visual language system we created, similar to the emojis we all typically use on a daily basis.
Being such an open Metroidvania, Oirbo rarely restricts your movement, so if you’re struggling with a puzzle or challenge, you can always try another route. Each area usually has more than one way to reach the Boss.
Oirbo‘s biggest platforming challenges might initially seem impossible to traverse with your current power-ups. However, more often than not, if you can reach a platforming challenge, you can overcome it. Naturally, the difficulty will decrease as you unlock more power-ups, so don’t worry too much; you can always conquer them later!
Finally, don’t forget to take advantage of the map! As you unlock map memories, pins will start to appear on your map, highlighting various unlockables you might have missed. As you progress, you can even unlock a second, golden pin that will reveal unlockables in sections you haven’t even visited yet! The map also allows you to add custom pins at any time. Furthermore, you can unlock the entire area layout, granting you the ability to fast travel to that location from anywhere at any time!
Oirbo was developed with a lot of love by a small team of two, and we sincerely hope you enjoy playing Oirbo as much as we enjoyed creating it!
Assemble yourself in a hostile spacecraft where almost everything that moves is trying to get you. The reason? Yours to discover! Explore, fight, and learn your purpose in this galactic action-adventure.
Oirbo is a 2D action-platformer adventure that takes place on a huge spacecraft divided into interconnected areas. Search in every section for the pieces that make out the history of the journey and enhance your skills and components to get to new heights.
Explore a massive spaceship to find answers, but beware of the army of robots that are coming for you; avoid them; fight them, or simply outsmart them in this futuristic hand-drawn adventure in space!
Features
– Beautiful hand-drawn art
– Classic platforming and combat system
– Choose your own path to explore a monolithic spacecraft
– Not a single line of human text to read!
– Discover new skills and put them to the test on challenging platforming puzzles
– Piece together a fragmented story from the past
– Dozens of enemies to fight and overcome
– 5 bosses to vanquish
Gearbox Software is giving away Borderlands 2 for free on Steam, but some fans are warning others to stay away from the series due to a recent controversy surrounding its terms of service.
The studio behind the looter-shooter series surprised PC gamers with the free offer today, allowing all Steam users to add the sequel to their libraries for free. It’s a freebie that grants access to the 2012 title at no extra cost, but as many share their excitement online, Borderlands 2 Steam reviews are telling a different story.
While the All Reviews section boasts a “Very Positive” rating on Steam with more than 287,000 user reviews, the more than 3,300 Recent Reviews have the second Borderlands game’s reactions labeled “Mostly Negative.” The downward trend began around May 20, 2025, with a particularly large movement of negative responses filling its reviews section today.
This spike in negative Borderlands 2 reviews comes not from a gameplay update or troubled servers but instead key changes Gearbox parent company Take-Two Interactive made to its Terms of Service in February of this year. Players are using their reviews to point to a few topics, including concerns the end-user license agreement (EULA) condemns the use of mods, cheats, and VPNs. However, the primary concern being echoed across social media channels relates to fears Take-Two, 2K Games, and Gearbox are harvesting data and private information.
“One of the best games ever made. I cannot recommend it to anyone right now due to the publisher adding spyware into an updated EULA that you have to accept to launch it,” one popular review from Steam user RyeTheTactician says. “It’s called forced arbitration and it’s one of the scummiest things shady people want to normalize. I will not change it to a positive review until this is fixed, too bad, I had fun will all the Borderlands games in multiple devices, but will probably not play this or [Borderlands 4] for a long time.”
Another complaint working its way to the top of the conversation involves the wider idea of a publisher altering the terms of service for a game that launched nearly 13 years ago. Some have gone as far as to ask for refund options if they wish to decline the updated document’s conditions. Others are also highlighting Borderlands 2’s status as a relatively casual video game with a focus on single-player and co-op experience. The idea is that, without a substantial, competitive multiplayer component, there should be no reason for Take-Two to fear how cheaters may impact the experience of the average Borderlands player.
People are review-bombing the Borderlands games because Gearbox/2K made EULA changes
Looks like people are review bombing the entire **Borderlands** series because Gearbox/2K made EULA changes that can apparently gain root-level access to your machine under the guise of… pic.twitter.com/fZwAoSr9wo
Take-Two’s terms of service update can be found when booting up other 2K titles, including the original Borderlands and Borderlands 3, which are currently on sale for $9.89 and $3.99, respectively, on Steam. Each title has received a different level of review bombing, with nearly all users pointing to the EULA as the cause behind their freshly added thumbs-down rating. There’s even a specific list of grievances being copy-pasted across the Steam reviews section for each game, which includes concerns that Take-Two is taking advantage of sensitive information such as names, email addresses, IP addresses, billing details, phone numbers, and more.
“Changing the ToS and turning games into spyware and then offering the game for free in order to then steal data from unknowing people is pretty bold,” Steam user =SilvioHammer= alleges.
Many have used their reviews to specifically call out Gearbox boss Randy Pitchford, who attempted to address privacy fears with a post on X/Twitter last week. When one fan said the EULA update had “essentially turned every Borderlands game into spyware with access to all of our information,” Pitchford assured PC fans that there are no software-level changes to the Borderlands games that should have players worried about spyware.
“Nothing has or will change about the software,” Pitchford said at the time. “I think the publisher legal team is covering their bases, but that has nothing to do with what we’re doing. I cannot change the EULA – that’s decided at the publisher level. But I can assure that there is no spyware in the software.”
Yeah – humans are involved. It sucks to get brigaded when we’re over here making good games. Everyone should make their own decisions, though, so if running a protest because of fear over some lawyers covering their butts, I guess that’s the world we have to live in.
Pitchford’s comments have been backed by other players who feel the reaction to the Take-Two’s changes is a bit overblown. This includes clarification from some who say the EULA has gone largely unchanged for years, going as far as to say previous versions of the document already included several of the conditions players are voicing concern about now. It’s unclear how the significant the February changes to the terms of service were, but overreaction or not, it’s clear a vocal portion of the Borderlands community is no longer happy with what the agreement entails.
“People are overreacting for sure,” one Reddit comment says. “The EULA is hardly any different than the one before it all the way back in 2018. People are just freaking out now because some clickbaiting content creator told them to.”
It’s currently unclear if Take-Two will update its terms of service in any way that could alleviate privacy concerns or the criticism related to mod support. For those who pick up Borderlands 2, which is available to own for free until June 8 at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET, the terms of service agreement in question pops up when you boot up the game for the first time. Those who decline it can continue to enjoy the experience but only while playing offline.
The updated terms of service will likely need to be accepted in order to play Gearbox’s Borderlands 4 online as well. It’s set to launch September 12, 2025, for PC via the Epic Games Store, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X | S. A Nintendo Switch 2 version will launch at a later date. You can check out all of the latest gameplay details revealed as part of a Borderlands 4-focused State of Play here.
Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He’s best known for his work at sites like The Pitch, The Escapist, and OnlySP. Be sure to give him a follow on Bluesky (@mikecripe.bsky.social) and Twitter (@MikeCripe).
Gaming on the go has plenty of perks, but there are still a few drawbacks and risks involved, so your Nintendo Switch Lite may benefit from some quality accessories. Whether you’re looking for the extra protection a case can bring, the better ergonomics of a great controller, or a backup battery to ensure you’re never without juice, we’ve got you covered with great gear for your Switch Lite. Check out a detailed look at the best Nintendo Switch Lite accessories, or check the shopping list below:
TL;DR – These are the best Nintendo Switch Lite Accessories:
The Switch Lite is more compact with a smaller screen compared to the original Switch or OLED model, which means some of the best Nintendo Switch accessories aren’t compatible with this ultra-portable model. That’s why we’ve created a guide just for the Lite, so you can kit it out to be a real road warrior, and you might be able to score some awesome Nintendo Switch deals in the process.
1. Nintendo Switch Lite Carry Case + Screen Protector
Best Nintendo Switch Lite Case
Your Nintendo Switch Lite’s portability is one of its chief assets, and you shouldn’t have to sacrifice that to protect it when you’re on the go. The Nintendo Switch Lite Carry Case + Screen protector should have you covered. It adds minimal bulk by sticking close to the dimensions of the Switch Lite itself while providing 360-degree protection. There are also some fun designs to match different Switch games, like the Animal Crossing design we’ve linked, but unfortunately, Bells aren’t an accepted currency.
This is one of the best Nintendo Switch cases you can buy, adding simple convenience and peace of mind. It zips and unzips easily to slide your Switch Lite in nice and snug or out when you’re ready to get your game on. Though compact, the case still offers additional storage for you to carry a collection of game cartridges. Finally, with this combo, you get a screen protector, so even when you throw it in your backpack without the case, you don’t need to worry about scratching the screen. Coming in around $25, this is an excellent investment in protection.
2. ButterFox Switch Lite Carrying Case
Best Nintendo Switch Lite Rugged Case
If you don’t mind a little extra bulk while toting your Nintendo Switch Lite around, the ButterFox Switch Lite Carrying Case is an excellent option. It offers a sturdy shell with a nifty handle to protect your Switch Lite from drops and scratches and room to house all your favorite accessories. You even get a bunch of different color options to choose from. And best of all, this case is incredibly affordable, so you can snag it for under $20 and have money left over to score some great game deals.
Unlike the Nintendo Switch Lite Carry Case, ButterFox provides plenty of space for storage and uses it cleverly. Two organizer layers offer slots for 19 game cartridges and two microSD cards, so you should rarely be without your favorite games. These layers double as a protective microfiber lining over the screen and a buffer to keep other accessories from pressing the Switch Lite’s controls. A mesh pocket provides room to hold charging cables, earbuds, and even a modest portable charger, while quality zippers ensure everything remains safely tucked away in the case.
3. Hori DuraFlexi Protector
Best Nintendo Switch Lite Cover
While the Nintendo Switch is designed to be used with your TV and sometimes on the go, the Switch Lite is a true traveler. That makes it much more susceptible to damage out in the wild. The power of just a bit of plastic wrapped around the device could be the difference between making it or breaking it, literally. The Hori DuraFlexi Protector should hopefully prevent the latter from happening. It covers the Switch Lite around the sides and back in a flexible TPU that can absorb shock and protect the portable console, similar to a phone case. So, if you have butter fingers or just want to slide your Switch into a bag without hassling with a carrying case, this cover is for you.
The Hori DuraFlexi Protector is classy, simple with Pokemon and Animal Crossing designs available. The cover also features perfectly placed cutouts to ensure you can easily access all of the Switch Lite’s ports while the sleeve is on, so when you’re juicing up, you won’t have to remove the cover. The material used even gives you a bit of extra grip. And while the impressively low price tag may raise some red flags, it’s worth noting that the DuraFlexi protector is officially licensed by Nintendo.
4. Orzly Grip Case
Best Nintendo Switch Lite Rugged Cover
Are you one of those people prone to dropping all of your electronics? You’ll be covered, literally, with the Orzly Grip Case. This cover is rubberized and ready to put your Nintendo Switch Lite in a protective embrace, covering all around to shield it from your flimsy grip. It’ll prevent bumps and scrapes while also giving your hands more grip. And though this is an excellent rugged case, it adds just 25 grams of weight to your Switch Lite, so you won’t have to stop calling it Lite just because you’ve tucked it into this case.
What you get from the Orzly Grip Case is far more than just protection for the console. Orzly added thicker handles to the sides, making up for the lack of ergonomics around the Switch Lite’s controls. This kit also provides covers for the thumbsticks for more tactile control and less wear. There’s even some storage, so you won’t have to leave your favorite games behind, while a kickstand on the case allows you to enjoy content hands-free. Orzly makes this case in a variety of colors, and it’s super affordable, making it easy to keep your device safe and your vibe intact.
5. amFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector
Best Nintendo Switch Lite Screen Protector
The Nintendo Switch Lite features a plastic screen just like its console brethren, which means it’ll be very prone to scratching. You’re going to want a screen protector to prevent any damage. There are a ton of Switch Lite screen protectors popping up on the market, but amFilm’s Tempered Glass Screen Protector is the tried and true most trusted. It’s also a super affordable way to keep your Switch safe, costing just under $10.
This particular Switch Lite screen protector is made of tempered glass, which won’t scratch nearly as easily as the plastic screen, giving your handheld the glossy, premium glass screen it should have had from the get-go. You get more than just the screen protector, as the kit offers wet wipes, a microfiber cleaning cloth, and a squeeze card to ensure the smoothest installation possible without any dust bubbles or smudges. amFilm’s Tempered Glass Screen Protector also happens to be a three-pack, so you’ll have enough screen protectors to use as replacements for years to come—or if you screw up installation on the first attempt.
6. Satisfye Switch Lite Grip
Best Nintendo Switch Lite Grip
Don’t let your hands suffer from the small controls and tight grip that come along with the Nintendo Switch Lite. You can upgrade your hold with the grip from Satisfye. This attachment slides right onto your Switch Lite, adding two palm fins to give your hands something to really grab onto, while the included thumb pads add extra protection and a tactile feel. The grip also helps give your thumbs a bit more room to move, especially when reaching for the D-Pad or right thumbstick, making your entire gaming experience much more enjoyable.
We loved the version of the grip from Satisfye for the full-size Nintendo Switch, so it’s nice to see a model for the smaller Switch Lite. The technology loaded into this grip ensures your device is held tightly in place without any damage to the chassis, and the Switch won’t overheat, as there’s ample airflow. You’re not going to find a better way to improve the overall ergonomics of the compact device, as the grip offers more of a controller-like feel that your hands will thank you for.
7. PNY XLR8 128GB Gaming
Best Nintendo Switch Lite Memory Card
If you’re building up a healthy collection of games on your Nintendo Switch Lite, you want to ensure you’ve got enough storage for all of them. The 32GB of internal storage probably isn’t going to cut it, and that’s where a memory card like the PNY XLR8 128GB Gaming can come in handy. The 128GB of extra space should provide plenty of room for your game library. Best of all, it costs just $15. And if you think you’ll need more storage, you can snag a larger version of the microSD or grab a second one to split up your library onto multiple drives.
The PNY XLR8 128GB Gaming memory card comes toting not only the space but also all the speed needed to get cruising through your games. You get fast read speeds of 100MB/s to ensure you’re not wasting precious battery life while waiting for games to load up. Plus, the 90MB/s write speeds make it easy to save your progress in a game quickly. All this makes it the best SD card for the Switch Lite.
8. Anker PowerCore Essential 20000
Best Nintendo Switch Lite Portable Battery Power Bank
The Nintendo Switch Lite has plenty of battery to get you through a long commute. But if you know you’re going to have a long day away from a power outlet, it doesn’t hurt to have a bit of extra power available. Anker makes some of the best portable chargers you can get, and Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 is the perfect partner for your device. It’s nice and compact, just like the console, so you can easily tuck it into your bag, ensuring you’re good to game on the go.
The Anker PowerCore Essential 20000 packs in a beefy 20,000mAh battery, giving you hours of extra playtime. You get over two full charges from this backup battery, and it can bring your console back to life quickly thanks to 20W PD out of the power bank’s USB-C port. There’s also an additional USB-A port with PowerIQ 2.0, perfect for topping off other electronics, like the best smartphones or tablets. Even your low-power electronics are safe to plug in and charge up.
9. SteelSeries Arctis 1 Wireless
Best Nintendo Switch Lite Gaming Headset
The lack of Bluetooth audio support on the Nintendo Switch Lite was a shortcoming, though a software update did remedy it. However, the Switch is still plagued with some connection issues, but you can get around that problem with the SteelSeries Arctis 1. This wireless gaming headset offers a USB-C dongle that can plug directly into the bottom of the Switch to deliver a lag-free, lossless audio connection. You can also use a wired connection. It doesn’t get much better than that level of versatility.
The headset itself totes a durable, comfortable build with a decent clamping force to ensure a snug fit, while the plush earcups house 40mm neodymium drivers that deliver crisp, clear audio. Being wireless, battery life is important, and the 20 hours offered by the SteelSeries Arctis 1 should be plenty to last through your longest gaming marathons. Best of all is the sub-$100 price tag, making these cans a steal.
10. Razer Barracuda X
Best Nintendo Switch Lite Bluetooth Headset
Nintendo games are known for their quality soundtracks, but the little speakers on your Nintendo Switch Lite aren’t going to be the best way to experience them. You don’t even get the option to plug into an entertainment center like the standard Switch. Enter the best Nintendo Switch headset, the Razer Barracuda X. You can connect them to your Switch via Bluetooth for the basics or slide in the USB-C dongle and enjoy high-quality, low-latency audio piped wirelessly to the headset. If you forget the dongle at home and don’t like the latency of Bluetooth, the headset can connect over the classic 3.5mm headset jack.
The Razer Barracuda X totes all that capability while rocking a comfortable, lightweight build. You get a classy, subtle design with a detachable boom mic to fly under the radar when wearing them out and about. The earcups have a breathable material and house 40mm TriForce drivers to deliver crisp, detailed audio. You’d think there might be a few cut corners or missing features at this price point, but Razer didn’t even settle for lackluster battery life, as these headphones can run for up to 60 hours.
11. Nintendo Joy-Cons
Best Nintendo Switch Lite Controllers
The Nintendo Switch Lite might have a pair of integrated controllers, but they require a tight grip to hold on to and lack all the special functionality of the Nintendo Joy-Cons. By pairing these wireless controllers to your handheld, you’ll get back HD rumble as well as the infrared and motion-sensing sensors that some games like 1-2-Switch and Arms need for proper playing. They’re also way more comfortable to grasp for gaming marathons.
The Nintendo Joy-Cons really shine during multi-player games, as both the left and right controllers feature a full set of buttons, an accelerometer, and a gyro sensor, so they can be used independently of each other. There are even handy straps for a bit more to hold onto while playing this way. All of the added control is worth the $80 price tag, even when considering the Joy-Con drift issue.
12. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller
Going Pro
As portable as the Nintendo Switch Lite is, we can’t imagine it’s too comfortable to hold for hours on end, and the same goes for even a pair of Joy-Cons slotted into a Charging Grip. That’s why a Switch Pro Controller is the best Switch controller for extended play at home or on the go. Not only is this traditional, ergonomic controller easier to hold, but it also sports better triggers and bumpers while giving you back HD rumble and motion controls.
The Nintendo Switch Pro Controller works wireless and can charge using a USB-C cable. If you’re worried about keeping charge, it boasts a 40-hour battery life, so you’re set for an all-day gaming marathon. The larger, more tactile triggers and buttons, along with Nintendo’s signature D-pad should improve your gameplay while giving a retro feel. It even supports Amiibo with its NFC chip. Best of all, the controller should last the duration of your Switch Lite’s life cycle, making it a very sound investment.
13. Adonit Mark
Best Nintendo Switch Lite Stylus
Similar to most smartphones and tablets, the Nintendo Switch Lite offers a display with touch input. And sometimes, a finger isn’t always the ideal tool for the job, as they can leave oils and grease on the screen, making it harder to see over time and requiring more cleaning. Plus, your hands can get in the way of what you’re playing, especially where precision is concerned. So, if you plan to play games centered around the touch input on the Nintendo Switch Lite, like Scribblenauts Showdown, a stylus comes in handy.
The Adonit Mark is an affordable stylus, coming in under $10, that will register just like a finger on a touchscreen but won’t leave the same residue. This stylus features a mesh tip to hold up better over time than some of the soft, silicone-tipped styluses you might find. Its triangular shape ensures the stylus doesn’t roll away from you, while the durable aluminum body means you’ll be good to toss it in your bag or wherever. Since the Nintendo Switch Lite’s display is in charge of registering the touches, the Adonit Mark also doesn’t require any power, making it a portable partner for your Switch Lite.
What to look for in a Nintendo Switch Lite Accessory
The most important thing you should keep in mind while shopping for Switch Lite accessories is that all accessories designed for the original Switch won’t necessarily work with Nintendo’s smaller handheld system. The Switch Lite is simply a different system that has smaller dimensions, integrated controllers, a lack of motion, and IR sensors.
Some cases and battery cases for instance are just going to be too large. While the Switch Lite will fit, it’ll probably jumble around with all the extra space inside. The same thing goes for screen protectors unless you’re ready to cut them down with a box cutter or some kind of knife, they’re going to be too big for the Switch Lite’s smaller display.
Unfortunately, most if not all of the Labo Nintendo has released isn’t going to work with the Nintendo Switch Lite. This is especially true of any pieces of Labo designed to hold the screen by itself like the Labo VR Kit or Labo Piano, due to the system’s slightly different proportions and its inability to detach the controllers. While you may be able to use other Labo kits like the Vehicle Kit, it wouldn’t quite be the same because you can’t connect the Switch Lite to a TV.
Nintendo Switch Lite Accessories FAQ
Does the Switch support Bluetooth?
The Switch consoles have always supported Bluetooth pairing with controllers, but until recently, there was no support for Bluetooth audio. Luckily, if your Switch’s system version is updated to 13.0.0 or higher, Bluetooth audio should work without the need for an adapter. That means you can use the best wireless earbuds, headphones, and speakers with your Switch. However, Bluetooth microphones still aren’t supported. Take a look here for more information about how to connect via Bluetooth to your Switch.
What comes with the Switch Lite?
The Switch Lite is also on the lighter side when it comes to included accessories. This Switch model doesn’t connect to gaming TVs, so a dock and HDMI cord aren’t in the box. The Joy-Cons don’t detach either, meaning you won’t find straps or a grip for them. Instead, you’ll only find a USB-C charger. That’s why you’ll want to grab some of the accessories we’ve listed to make the most of your console.
When do Nintendo Switch Lite accessories go on sale?
Generally, the overall best times to buy a Nintendo Switch Lite console are also the very best times to buy Switch Lite accessories. Some of the more popular events where you’re guaranteed to find discounts on controllers, headphones, cases, and more, are Amazon Prime Day in July and Black Friday in November.
Danielle Abraham is a freelance writer and unpaid music historian.
Editor’s note: Having only gotten our hands on the game and the new system extremely recently, this is — as you can see from the title — a review in progress. We just haven’t had enough time with it yet, but we wanted to share our initial impressions (seeing as we’re all playing it at once).
We’ll be updating the text over the coming days and will deliver a final verdict as soon as possible. Until then, enjoy our early takes, and head down to the comments to let us know how you’re liking (or maybe disliking!) the headline Switch 2 launch game.
