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Gifts for Switch 2 owners

The best gifts for a Nintendo Switch 2 owner are a Switch 2 Pro Controller, a big new game like Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong Bananza or Pokémon Legends: Z-A, and the official carrying case to protect the console. These are the upgrades most new owners want first, and every one was checked against customer reviews for durability and common complaints. We skipped third-party controllers and cheap cases where reviewers kept reporting drift, disconnects or poor fit. Switch 2 also plays most original Switch games, so Minecraft is a safe pick too. Each card has a line on which kind of Switch 2 owner it suits, plus the most common complaint. One caution: Switch 2 needs microSD Express cards for extra storage, so an older microSD card is not a good gift for this console. This guide has 6 picks.

Heads up: we earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Commissions never decide what makes the list. We don’t show star ratings or prices; picks are in editorial order, and each one lists what reviewers love and the most common complaint, in our own words.

How we pick: we read customer-review summaries for every pick, drop anything with repeat durability complaints and show the most common complaint. How we pick

Quick picks

  1. Switch 2 players on the TV: Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller (Under $100) Check price on Amazon
  2. Multiplayer households with a Switch 2: Mario Kart World (Nintendo Switch 2) (Under $100) Check price on Amazon
  3. Switch 2 owners of any age: Donkey Kong Bananza (Nintendo Switch 2) (Under $100) Check price on Amazon
  4. Pokémon fans with a Switch 2: Pokémon Legends: Z-A (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition) (Under $100) Check price on Amazon
  5. Switch 2 on the go: Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector (Under $50) Check price on Amazon
Nintendo Switch 2 Pro ControllerTop pick

Photo: Kyu3a, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons; resized and cropped.

#1 · Under $100

Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller

Best for: Switch 2 players on the TV

On Amazon paid link

More info

Why we picked it: The controller Switch 2 owners upgrade to first, with back buttons for action games.

What reviewers love: Comfortable grip for long sessions, smooth sticks, strong battery life and a premium, solid feel.

Common complaint: Some reviewers question the value at its price.

Who it suits: A Switch 2 owner who plays Switch 2 on the TV and wants a proper controller.

Vetted Oct 27, 2026 against customer reviews.

Mario Kart World (Nintendo Switch 2) (illustrative)Illustrative imageParty pick
#2 · Under $100

Mario Kart World (Nintendo Switch 2)

Best for: Multiplayer households with a Switch 2

On Amazon paid link

More info

Why we picked it: The big Switch 2 racer, and the easiest game to hand to a whole family on Christmas morning.

What reviewers love: Great-looking, runs smoothly on Switch 2, and multiplayer makes it a hit for family game nights.

Common complaint: Some reviewers feel it is expensive for a game.

Who it suits: A Switch 2 owner who wants the big Switch 2 party game for family nights.

Vetted Oct 28, 2026 against customer reviews.

Donkey Kong Bananza (Nintendo Switch 2) (illustrative)Illustrative imageNew favourite
#3 · Under $100

Donkey Kong Bananza (Nintendo Switch 2)

Best for: Switch 2 owners of any age

On Amazon paid link

More info

Why we picked it: A smash-everything 3D platformer that reviewers rank among the best on the console.

What reviewers love: Vibrant graphics, inventive punching mechanics and hours of gameplay that also works in short bursts.

Common complaint: No repeated complaint stood out in the review summary when we checked.

Who it suits: A Switch 2 owner who loves big, bright 3D platformers on Switch 2.

Vetted Oct 27, 2026 against customer reviews.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition) (illustrative)Illustrative imagePokémon pick
#4 · Under $100

Pokémon Legends: Z-A (Nintendo Switch 2 Edition)

Best for: Pokémon fans with a Switch 2

On Amazon paid link

More info

Why we picked it: The newest Pokémon adventure, in the Switch 2 Edition, with a reworked real-time battle system.

What reviewers love: Engaging gameplay, a fresh battle system and a story that fans say brings new life to the series.

Common complaint: Mixed opinions on graphics and whether it is worth full price.

Who it suits: A Switch 2 owner who grew up catching Pokémon and wants the newest adventure.

Vetted Oct 28, 2026 against customer reviews.

Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector (illustrative)Illustrative imagePractical pick
#5 · Under $50

Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Case & Screen Protector

Best for: Switch 2 on the go

On Amazon paid link

More info

Why we picked it: The official slim case with a screen protector, a sensible add-on for a brand-new console.

What reviewers love: Solid quality, slim shape and thick protective padding around the console.

Common complaint: No room for extra accessories, and some think it is pricey for a case.

Who it suits: A Switch 2 owner who takes the Switch 2 on trips or the commute.

Vetted Oct 28, 2026 against customer reviews.

Minecraft (Nintendo Switch) (illustrative)Illustrative imageCrowd-pleaser
#6 · Under $50

Minecraft (Nintendo Switch)

Best for: Kids and families with a Switch

On Amazon paid link

More info

Why we picked it: The safe-bet game for almost any age, with cross-play to friends on other devices.

What reviewers love: Appeals to all ages, strong multiplayer and cross-platform play, and a reliable gift.

Common complaint: Some find it hard to figure out how to start playing.

Who it suits: A Switch 2 owner who likes to build, explore and play with friends.

Vetted Oct 27, 2026 against customer reviews.

Questions people ask

Will original Switch games and accessories work on Switch 2?

Most original Switch games play on Switch 2, which is why Minecraft is on this list. Storage is the exception: Switch 2 needs microSD Express cards, not regular microSD.

Why is there no microSD Express card here?

The cards we checked had either too little review data or mixed reports about compatibility and capacity. We will add one once a card clears our vetting.

Is the Pro Controller worth it if they have Joy-Con 2?

Reviewers say yes for longer docked sessions, praising the grip, sticks and battery. The common complaint is the price.

Can I buy these from Canada?

Yes, all 6 picks have an Amazon.ca button for the same product.

How did you check these picks?

We read the customer review summary and review themes for each of the 6 picks, looking for durability problems and the most common complaint, which is shown on every card. Anything with notable durability or quality complaints was dropped. This guide was last checked on Oct 28, 2026.

How we picked

  • We shortlisted popular gifts for this guide that are sold on Amazon.com, and on Amazon.ca where the listing matched.
  • We read Amazon’s customer-review summaries for durability and common issues, and dropped anything where durability or quality complaints came up again and again.
  • Each pick shows the most common complaint, so you can decide for yourself. We don’t show prices because they change daily; check today’s price on Amazon. More on how we pick