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The best Nintendo Switch and Switch Lite cases

Picture it: You’ve just dropped hundreds of dollars on your Nintendo Switch, but after only a couple days of owning it, you accidentally spill your drink on it and render the console useless for playing the best Switch games. As scary as that scenario is, you might be able to avoid it if you invest in a Nintendo Switch case.

Finding a case that will protect your Nintendo Switch or Switch Lite from harm isn’t always easy. Thankfully, we’ve already done the research for you.

We’ve also found the best Switch controllers, the best screen protectors, and the best Nintendo Switch deals to shop right now.

Small cases

Orzly Carry Case

The snug design and hard plastic exterior of the Orzly Carry Case make it an excellent option for protecting your Switch, one that will easily fit in your purse or backpack. But if stashing your console in the bottom of your bag isn’t your thing, this case also has a handle that allows you to carry it like a briefcase.

The Orzly Carry Case includes a cushioned flap that can store eight game cartridges and further protect your screen from harm, as well as a mesh pouch in the upper section of the case for your smaller but still essential Switch accessories. It doesn’t have space to accommodate larger accessories, but if you’re just looking to bring your Switch along for your commute or to a local coffee shop, this case will likely fit the bill. It currently comes in black, blue, pink, and red.

AmazonBasics Vault Case

Smaller Nintendo Switch cases don’t have to sacrifice protection. The AmazonBasics Vault Case for Nintendo Switch looks like it could take an explosive blast from the outside, and on the inside, you’ll find a compartment to store your system with the Joy-Con controllers attached, and a flap inside has enough room for eight game cartridges.

The case snaps shut to keep everything secure, and there are corresponding cutouts for the buttons and sticks on the Switch so that they aren’t damaged if it happens to get dropped or bumped. AmazonBasics includes a one-year warranty, as well, should anything happen to it.

Tomtoc Carry Case for Nintendo Switch

Tomtoc’s amazingly compact hard-shell case is perfect for when you want to travel light, and it includes a sturdy loop for connecting to bags, belts, bikes, and so on. Despite the extra-slim size, it does come with 10 built-in slots for game cards and has military-grade drop protection in case the worst happens, along with splash protection thanks to the hard case hiding underneath the fabric exterior. This is also an excellent model to choose for color options, with more than a dozen shades available.

Mumba Rugged Clear Case

If you want the protection of a full-fledged carrying case but need to play your Switch at a moment’s notice, Mumba’s Rugged Clear Case has you covered. It’s made of shock-absorbent materials and polycarbonate, and it’s designed to keep your console safe from drops you might encounter while playing.

The back also has a slip-proof surface to keep it from falling off a table if you set it down in a precarious situation, and it has a one-piece design so you don’t have to worry about it coming apart. Perhaps the best part, however, is that it makes your Switch look tough without adding a substantial amount of size.

Large cases

HORI Splatoon 2 Squid Plush Pouch

Younger Nintendo Switch fans might not want to carry around a bulky case for their console and accessories, but HORI has the perfect alternative with the Splatoon 2 Squid Plush Pouch. Officially licensed by Nintendo, the case is shaped like the Inkling creatures from Splatoon 2 and comes in gorgeous neon green or neon pink.

The pouch is large enough to fit the Switch, Joy-Con controllers, Joy-Con straps, and a vertical stand, so you’ll be able to play your Switch in tabletop mode wherever you go. A matching shoulder strap lets you carry the system in style, and there are even little compartments to keep the controllers from bouncing around inside.

Nintendo Switch Game Traveler Deluxe System Case

This tough ballistic nylon case by RDS Industries can house all of your Switch accessories. The interior is lined with felt and features an additional case to store your cables, as well as two smaller cases that hold up to four games apiece.

Although expensive, the RDS Deluxe System Case offers higher quality than many of the other products on our list and comes features a hard exterior, rubberized handle, and heavy-duty zipper. Even if you’re not using this case for traveling, it’s a good option if you intend to stow your console in a drawer or closet for safekeeping.

PowerA Everywhere Messenger Bag

The PowerA Everywhere Messenger Bag represents the best of both worlds, letting you transport your Switch using either a backpack or a removable case designed for the hand-held mode. The removable case is pretty basic as it uses a single elastic strap to hold your Switch in place and lacks additional storage options.

The smaller case provides additional protection for your Switch when it’s in the bag, while a slew of fitted compartments helps secure various components. Last but not least is the shoulder strap, which ensures the bag fits snugly and comfortably around your body. It’s one of the more stylish Switch cases out there, with dark colors and a minimalist Switch logo.

Zadii Hard Carry Case for Nintendo Switch

On the outside, this case has a hard shell for extra-sturdy protection against bumps, drops, rain, and other hazards. Inside, the perfectly cut foam lets you insert just about every Switch accessory you have, including the dock, power adapter, Joy-Con grip, extra Joy-Con, Joy-Con straps, extra Switch Pro controller, up to 21 game cards, and more. On the top is a sleeve for holding cables or whatever else you want to include. It’s the ideal case for more extended travel!

Bionik Power Commuter Travel Bag with Battery

Traveling with your Switch isn’t much good if you suddenly run out of battery with no outlets to be found. This Bionik case has a solution: It includes a 10,000mAh battery pack that you can charge and use to give your Switch the life support it needs when it’s about to die. The case also includes mesh pockets for your cables and games, padded panels for extra protection in case of an accident, and a little zipper flap you can use to connect the case firmly to other bags or luggage. There’s also a removable shoulder strap if you are traveling light!

Switch Lite cases

JETech Protective Case

The JETech Protective Case lets you play your Nintendo Switch Lite while it’s attached to your system. It snaps around the Switch Lite to provide additional shock absorption and protection from scratches if you drop it while you’re carrying it.

We love this case because it’s made of transparent plastic, letting you see your Switch Lite’s vivid colors unobscured. Some gamers may not care about this feature, but if you got a system in your favorite color, it’s pretty cool to be able to see the original while still protecting your technology.

ButterFox Slim Compact Carrying Case

You can use some Switch carrying cases while you’re playing, but others are designed with travel in mind. The ButterFox Slim Compact Carrying Case is protective and has room for storing extra microSD cards and games, making it ideal for travel.

A rigid, durable shell protects your Switch from bumps and drops. Plus, you don’t have to worry about finding an electrical outlet, thanks to additional space that lets you store your charging cord and a power bank.

A Velcro tab attaches to a soft screen protector and keeps the Switch securely in place. The screen protector also prevents your games and microSD cards from scratching or damaging the screen while it’s in transit.

Gabe Gurwin
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Gabe Gurwin has been playing games since 1997, beginning with the N64 and the Super Nintendo. He began his journalism career…
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