Best Switch Grips In 2022: 5 Grips That Make The Nintendo Switch Even Better
The Nintendo Switch grip can really be a game-changer when it comes to handheld play. While we love the Switch, its form factor can be a bit awkward, especially during long gaming sessions. Even the portable Switch Lite, with its small form factor, suffers from the same problem. That’s why the grip is arguably the number one Switch accessory of choice for handheld-focused gamers. From the Satisfy Switch grip case (which your Switch just slides into to give you a better grip) to the more expensive Hori Split Pad Pro (which actually replaces your Switch Joy-Con controllers with wider controllers), there are now plenty of Nintendo Switch grip options. which make the handheld experience much better than it really is, and we’ve tested many of the major options on the market. We’ve rounded up the best Switch pens, most of which are available at affordable prices.
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Best Nintendo Switch grips
Since there are currently three different Switch models – the standard, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED – you need to make sure you’re buying the grip that’s compatible with your device. With the exception of the Hori Split Pad Pro, most standard Switch grips do not work with the Switch OLED due to the slight size difference. There aren’t many Switch OLED grips currently, although Satisfye recently released an updated ZenGrip Pro is designed for Switch OLED which we highly recommend.
For other great accessories, be sure to check out our selection of the best Switch controllers, screen protectors and carrying cases for 2022.
Note. The prices below are the standard list price of the product and may not reflect any current discounts or other fluctuations.
$30-$50
Good:
- Comfortable, the ergonomic design prevents cramps
- Can be used as a sturdy stand with space for the charging cable.
- Internal silicone tabs prevent damage to the console
- Works with OLED Switch and Switch
Badly:
The Satisfy Nintendo Switch Grip has been one of our favorites for a while now, and its updated version, the ZenGrip Pro 3, is an absolute must-buy as this newly released model works with both the Switch OLED and the original Switch.
As with the previous Satisfye model, the ZenGrip Pro is extremely light – it doesn’t make the console heavier (in fact, since it makes holding the Switch so much easier, it almost feels lighter). There are two hooks at the bottom of the handle for additional support for the console, and they also allow the Switch to stand securely in an upright position, leaving enough room for the charging cable underneath.
Thanks to its smart design, ZenGrip Pro 3 works great with both the OLED Switch display and the regular Switch, despite the small size differences. It has a white design that matches the white Joy-Cons that come with one of the Switch OLED models. The back of the handles has a textured grip that feels good to hold during long gaming sessions.
Like previous Satisfye grips, you can purchase the ZenGrip Pro 3 as a standalone product or as part of a kit that includes a carrying case that can store the Switch and its attached grip.
Whether you’re looking for a grip for the Switch OLED or the regular Switch, we recommend choosing the ZenGrip Pro 3 as it’s compatible with both and available at the same price.
13 dollars
Good
- Clear design keeps the Joy-Cons look and feel
- Doesn’t block footrest
- budget price
- Reliable ergonomics
Badly
- Doesn’t have traditional handles like other grips
This crisp grip is great for those who want to improve ergonomics without obscuring the look of their Joy-Con controllers. This is especially good if you think (like we do) that white Joy-Cons look amazing. The handle of the JETech Switch OLED is made of soft plastic that easily wraps around the console. Critically, the grip form factor doesn’t block the large Switch OLED stand, so you can use it while gaming in tabletop mode as well. While this grip isn’t as comfortable as some of the standard Switch grips, it’s the best we’ve tested for the Switch OLED. This makes playing in handheld mode much more convenient. Moreover, it is available at a very reasonable price. Note that this handle must be removed in order to dock the console.
We also recommend the original JETech grip version for the regular Switch. It’s also available for about 10 bucks.
20 dollars
Good:
- Extremely comfortable, ergonomic design
- Interchangeable grips to help you find the best fit for your hands
- Easy to remove
- More affordable than other grips on this list
Badly:
- Not quite suitable for charging dock
- The positioning of the right joystick seems a little awkward
The Skull & Co Switch Grip is a slip-on case, just like the one you put on your phone, except it also turns your Switch into something that feels like a real controller – a much more ergonomic handheld device. . The case comes with three pairs of interchangeable handles so you can decide which shape is best for your hand. The Snap Grip is the smallest of the three options and features rounded edges. The Plus Grip is a larger version of the Snap Grip that sticks out much further. Finally, we have the Trigger Grip, which is the most similar to a regular controller. It also has a small curved visor that you can rest your middle finger on, making the Switch very easy to hold even with one hand. The Skull & Co case is a huge improvement over the flat and defenseless Switch Joy-Cons.
Handles aside, Skull & Co’s Nintendo Switch Grip Case covers everything but the front of the Switch. This means that the shoulder buttons are covered as well, so you need to press down on the body button covers to press the L, R, ZL, and ZR buttons. However, the distance between the button cover and the button itself is so small that it is not much different from simply pressing the trigger buttons. It also doesn’t cover the part of the console reserved for Switch game carts, which means you can switch games fairly easily. It makes it a little it’s harder to replace microSD cards, but that’s not a big deal.
You can get the Skull & Co. case. alone or with a carrying case that includes a good place to store your Switch game cards, as well as a versatile mesh pocket. The newer Grip Case Crystal has a see-through design, a good option if you have a themed switch or just want the color to show through.
$60
Good:
- Ergonomics feel good
- The external battery provides approximately two hours of additional play time.
- Great sturdy stand that’s great for desktop mode
- The rubber grips connect and can be used with Joy-Cons as a more traditional controller.
Badly:
- Switch battery does not fully recharge while playing
- More features means higher price
- Not designed for Nintendo Switch Lite
The HyperX ChargePlay Clutch offers a lot more than just a chunky, grippy form factor. The hippopotamus that Clutch is is a pleasure to hold in your hand if you have large hands, as it adds a significant amount of comfortable plastic that nestles into the heart of my palms, making it easy to play any Nintendo Switch game. Of course, this size adds a fair amount of weight, especially compared to the other grips on this list, and it can take a while to get used to the extra weight. However, the ChargePlay Clutch has a few key benefits that make it especially attractive, even if it’s a little on the heavy side.
Aside from the ergonomic factor, the most obvious benefit is the name: the ChargePlay Clutch boasts a portable battery that can charge the Switch while you play. However, there is one catch. The battery charge is not enough to fully charge the Switch battery while playing. However, the charging case will keep your Switch running for another two hours before the battery itself runs out.
The rubber grips also have a sturdy kickstand that feels solid and gives you the confidence that your Switch won’t fall if you hit it. The Clutch is great for desk work, especially since you can remove the grips from the device, pop in the Joy-Cons, and use it as a more traditional controller with a similar fit to the official Joy-Con Switch grip. . The two handles connect with magnets for a smooth and easy transition between handheld and tabletop play.
HyperX’s ChargePlay Clutch is a great Switch grip with more functionality than the competition. These features allow it to be more expensive than alternatives, but battery life, a great kickstand, and detachable handles make the ChargePlay grip an easy choice.
Grip battery life while playing Breath of the Wild:
- About 2 hours 15 minutes
- Kept Switch alive, charged from 5% to 13%
Charge the Switch in sleep mode from 0% to 100%:
- Approximately 2 hours, after which 1 of 4 batteries lights up
Grip battery charging from 0% to 100%:
$50
Good:
- Great for those with larger hands thanks to the larger handle
- Turbo function comes on the clutch for repetitive action
- Remaptable buttons optimize gameplay
- Inserts into Switch dock when plugged in
Badly:
- Not suitable for most portable bags
- Still prone to drift during the first year
- Can’t be used wirelessly
That 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-Con controllers to allow for a wider grip. The Straight-Up Split Pad Pro replaces them with your own left and right controllers. 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 means you’ll have trouble fitting the Switch with the Split Pad Pro attached. In most carry-on bags, although there are third-party cases on Amazon that claim to match this.
Split Pad Pro
Notably, with the Split Pad Pro, you get a more traditional D-pad on the left controller (as opposed to the four directional buttons on the Joy-Cons) that is soft and precise. Analog sticks are also a significant improvement over Joy-Cons, offering the full range of motion. And constant resistance required for precise inputs. Which is especially useful in shooters. And like other premium controllers, the Hori Split Pad Pro features programmable rear paddles. They are well placed and feel natural to use. But their functionality is somewhat limited as you can only program them. As a button on the corresponding side of the controller. This is because each end of the Split Pad Pro is not connected to each other. And only works when connected to a switch – there are no wireless capabilities or vibration functionality.
This will change when the Split Pad Pro is released next month. The $80 set includes a Split Pad Pro that can be used for docked play by connecting controllers to a wired mount similar to the Joy-Con grip.