Switch controllers
A new controller is always a welcome gift for any gamer – whether it’s used as a backup or to enable multiplayer fun. Here are some controllers that are a) definitely compatible with the Nintendo Switch and b) great gift ideas!
⭐️ The best of the best: official Nintendo controllers
When you’re looking for a new Switch controller, nothing compares to Nintendo’s official offering. Below, we’ve rounded up plenty of options for Nintendo’s Pro Controller (a comfortable, premium pad designed for longer gaming sessions) and Joy-Con (the detachable controllers that come standard with the Switch). There are many designs to choose from.
✅ Best for comfort and playing: Split Pad Pro
Hori’s Split Pad Pro range has become something of a favorite here at Nintendo Life, serving as the perfect Joy-Con replacement for those who want extra comfort – and especially for anyone with large hands who struggle to use Nintendo’s smaller controllers. If you want to treat your loved one to something a little different this year, maybe try some of these…
✅ Best designs: PowerA
Strangely, when it comes to controllers, Nintendo doesn’t tend to release that many options with fun designs that feature its top mascots. Fortunately, this is where companies like PowerA are stepping in, launching more affordable pads with fantastic designs.
The controllers shown below don’t have all the features of Nintendo’s (you won’t find HD Rumble or NFC capabilities here), but we’ve had plenty of time to play with PowerA’s offerings and we’ve never been disappointed.
Here are some of our favorites that have recently launched.
Replacement of headphones
Whether you want to play with friends online or simply enjoy gaming without disturbing the whole house, the headset is a great accessory for any Switch owner. Here are some of our top picks:
⭐️ Best wireless network: SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless
When it comes to the best wireless gaming headset at a price that reflects the quality of the headset, you’ll find the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless right at the top of almost everyone’s list.
Recommended by popular gaming streamers, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pros boast active noise-cancelling technology to immerse you in gaming, have truly stunning sound quality, and come with two easy-to-swap rechargeable batteries so you’ll never run out of power.
If you’re looking for a premium set at an impressive price, this is a fantastic choice.
⭐️ Best Wired: Razer BlackShark V2 X
If you choose wired headphones, you can often save quite a bit of money but still enjoy the same great sound quality – just be aware that wired headphones will need to be plugged directly into the Switch console, even when playing on the dock.
BlackShark V2 X is a lightweight headset with comfortable memory foam ear cushions, perfect for longer gaming sessions. Its noise-isolating microphone is great for chatting with friends in games like Fortnite, and the Windows-only 7.1 surround sound feature makes it even better if you’re gaming on PC as well as Switch.
💰 Best Budget Pick: Best Affordable Switch Headphones
There are many cheap headsets available in the market today that allow you to plug and play for a very small price. Below, we’ve rounded up three more affordable headset brands we can heartily recommend – just be aware that the sound quality and comfort, while still more than good enough for Switch gaming, won’t quite match the more expensive options listed above.
Nintendo clothing
What’s almost as important as saving Zelda? Apparel! Yes, even gamers need to dress up sometimes, so here are some cool Nintendo-themed options.
Split across the US and UK markets, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite pieces from Amazon (due to their ease of ordering and returns) and Zavvi (due to the fantastic quality we’ve always received when ordering there ourselves). Still, if you want even more options, we invite American readers to check it out GameStop clothing rangeand for British readers to look at both GAME and Just a nerd.
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Nintendo Christmas Sweaters
Or how about taking it a step further with an ugly Christmas sweater? Some of these look perfect.
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Nintendo Christmas Cards
Want to go the extra mile and make their Christmas even more Nintendo? Check out these Christmas cards!
In fact, we’ve found that Etsy is often the best place for cute Nintendo-themed Christmas cards, with lots of sellers offering customizable designs so you can put your special someone’s name on the front. View the full range here or keep scrolling to see some of our top picks.
books
There are a surprising number of fantastic gaming books that we’re sure would make great gifts for any Nintendo fan. Here are some of our favourites…
✅ Best overall: The Legend of Zelda series
This series of The Legend of Zelda books is quite frankly essential reading for any fan of the series, and indeed anyone with a deep interest in Nintendo’s game development practices. These books dive deep into the legend of Zelda’s lore, offering concept art, timeline details, artist interviews, in-game character maps and databases, and more.
✅ Best for older children: Super Mario Encyclopedia
This official Super Mario Encyclopedia is packed with information and images detailing the first 30 years of the franchise. It offers information about the series’ gameplay, characters, items, worlds, and more, including an interview with Super Mario producer Takashi Tezuka. It’s the perfect resource and timer for kids with advanced reading abilities – and it’s pretty great for us big kids too!
✅ Best for younger kids: Pokémon Primers
Designed for younger children, the Pokémon Primers series of books are board books full of color and interactive flips that engage your little one’s mind. The first three in the series deal with letters, numbers and colours, which we think is a great start – if they like the first three, there are even more Primer books.
✅ Best educational: Nintendo encyclopedias
If you’re looking for the ultimate coffee table full of interesting facts about Nintendo’s biggest games, Chris Scullion’s Encyclopedia is a great place to start. You may have seen Chris’s words on this site from time to time – what further proof would you even need to show that they will be top quality?
Below you will find books related to specific Nintendo consoles.
✅ Best biography: Two former presidents of Nintendo
In recent years we’ve had not one but two fantastic books relating to Nintendo’s flagship release. Both of these books – the autobiography of former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils Aime and the collection of words of wisdom from the late Nintendo president Satoru Iwata – are excellent reads that will no doubt prove to be perfect gifts for die-hard Nintendo fans.
Nintendo Homeware
In our opinion, there’s nothing better than seeing little Nintendo trinkets scattered around the house. So we thought it only fair to share some of our favorite pieces with you here.
We’ve re-split our favorite picks into those available in the US and those from the UK, so head to your region section below and browse.
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Nintendo statues and figures
Statues and figurines can be quite expensive, but if you’re on a budget, there’s nothing quite like them. These would make any fireplace surround twenty times better in no time – you can’t go wrong!
Our top choice for stunning statues and figures is, without a doubt, The first 4 figures. The items available here can be quite expensive, but boy do they look amazing.
Browse their entire collection at the following link, or keep scrolling to see some of our top picks (don’t worry about US prices – they ship to most locations worldwide!)
Nintendo artwork
Cry? Printouts? You got it. Help your special someone transform their home with these beautiful works of art:
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Nintendo LEGO
In recent years, Nintendo has been expanding into the world of LEGO with lots of official collaboration gatherings.
If Nintendo + LEGO sounds like the dream combination for your loved one, check out our dedicated Nintendo LEGO guide, which provides all the links you need to buy the best sets and offers more information:
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