Nintendo Switch Accessory Review Round Up
There are a lot of different accessories out there for the Nintendo Switch, like with all new consoles. I was lucky enough to get review samples from Techmatte and Snakebyte. Let’s find out what they have and if they are any good.
First up is the Techmatte amFilm Tempered Glass Screen Protector. I have never been one for screen protectors. I take very good care of my consoles, phones and tablets. I find applying them very hard because of dust and air and usually get fed up with them not looking as clear as the screen. When Techmatte offered to send one for review, I wasn’t sure how it was going to go. I never had a tempered glass protector but with the Switch screens getting scratched even in the dock I thought I would give it a try. I’m happy to say that is easy to apply and looks so clear you can’t tell it is there. They are available on Amazon right now for $11. What you get is two screen protectors, a wet and a dry cleaning wipe, dust removal stickers and a squeegee. Pretty much, you clean the screen with the alcohol wipes, dry it, then apply the protector. I had no bubbles and it looks great. There have been some reports of bubbling from heat off the system, but I have played for hours in and out of the dock with no problems. I can't recommend these enough.
Next up is Snakebyte. One of the best things about the Snakebyte accessories are while they are very affordable, they are very well made. They were kind enough to send over their current collection of accessories for the Switch.
First up is their Foldable Stereo Headsets. If you are like me and you are not a fan of earbuds, sometimes over the ear headsets can get pricey. These are small, 40mm drivers that give nice stereo sound with good base. They are very light and the ear pads are soft and comfortable for long play sessions. They even have another headset jack in the earcup to plug another headset in for two player gaming. They do fold up and include a travel pouch that is a nice touch. At $19.99 they are the same price as earbuds, but more comfortable and better sound quality.
Next is the Switch Starter Kit. Priced at $19.99, you get a lot for your money. The set includes a Hard-Shell Carry Case, Stereo Earbuds, Cleaning Cloth, Screen Protector, Control Stick Caps and Cartridge Case. The hard-shell case is a must for those that travel with their Switch. It seems very durable and has a mesh net in the top for storage. The earbuds are adequate and would pair nicely with the Stereo Headset. The screen protector is your average protector and is better than nothing if you don’t have a tempered glass one. The control stick covers are the one thing I was disappointed with in the set. They really don’t give you any more grip and they are difficult to put on. At $19.99 though, this is a great choice for a starter kit.
Last but not least from Snakebyte is the neoprene Carrying Bag. While this bag really won’t protect against damage when dropped, it is perfect for those that travel and want something light and soft to put in a carry-on or suitcase. There is a small pouch on the outside to put game carts or ear buds in. Coming in at $16.99, it is more stylish than the hard case that looks and feels good.
Hori has been tapped by Nintendo to be the official provider of accessories for the Switch. There are two that I personally bought that interested me.
First up is the Hori Compact Playstand. It's a well-known fact that people haven’t been very happy with the Switch's kick stand. I personally haven’t had any issues with it as only as I use it on a hard, flat surface. But I travel for work and spend a lot of time in hotels. There aren't really many good surfaces to stand up the Switch and play. The Playstand is great, because it will support the system even on a bed or other uneven surfaces. There are not only rubber pads on the bottom, but rubber pads on the back where the Switch sits, as well as on the edge that hold the system in place. The system is totally stable on the stand no matter what angle you sit it in. The best part, you can charge the system while using the stand. This is a must if you are using the system in table top mode. The unit folds up and is compact enough to fit in most carrying cases. At $12.99 this is a must buy, if you can get your hands on one.
Most gamers hoped that Nintendo would include an Ethernet port on the Switch dock. Even though they didn’t, Hori has made a USB Ethernet adapter for the Switch. Coming in at $29.99 it isn’t cheap. I like having all my systems hardwired in the game room to get the best speed out of online gaming and downloading. While this device works well, I was surprised to find that it was not USB 3.0. While this does the job, you can find USB 3.0 Ethernet adapters on Amazon for half the price that will get double the speed. If you are one of those that must have official products I say go for it, but you can get a better value somewhere else.
I hope this helps you with making some decisions for accessories from your new Nintendo Switch. Thanks to Snakebyte and Techmatte for providing samples for review.