Best protective cases for your Nintendo Switch 2023

Amazon Basics Hardshell Nintendo Switch Case Cropped
Amazon Basics Hardshell Nintendo Switch Case Cropped (Image credit: Amazon Basics)

The Nintendo Switch is one of the best consoles around. Not only does it have an amazing catalog of games, but you can also play it on your TV at home or take it everywhere as a handheld device. Unfortunately, the Switch has a very delicate screen that's easy to damage. With that in mind, you're going to want a protective case that'll protect your Switch, even if you aren't on-the-go. Our overall favorite is the AmazonBasics Hardshell Case due to its storage capabilities and durable hardshell case. Here are some great options for your Switch.

Best overall: AmazonBasics Hardshell Case

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Amazon Basics Hardshell Nintendo Switch Case Hero Cropped (Image credit: Amazon Basics)

Your Nintendo Switch is delicate and this AmazonBasics is a knight in shining armor that is here to protect it through the worst life has to offer. From spills to drops, this waterproof, protective, hard-shell case has your favorite gaming device covered. It can withstand fall damage and is fitted with interior pockets that are sized just right, making this a great choice when looking for the best Switch protective case. The interior is just as protective as the outside of the case. With its foam padding, your Switch and items will be safe no matter how many times you drop it.

The AmazonBasics protective case goes beyond just protecting your Switch. You'll also be able to fit (and protect) your Joy-Cons, charger, Joy-Con grips, docking station, HDMI and AC cables, and the adapter. While it's great to take just your Switch with you, you can bring the whole thing with this option.

AmazonBasics Hard Shell Case

Storage for all

Reasons to buy

+
Large amount of room for storage
+
Waterproof
+
Durable hardshell

Reasons to avoid

-
Takes up more space than other cases

With storage for your Nintendo Switch and the accessories that come with it, this case is the overall best.

Best design: Funlab Faux Leather Case

Animal Crossing Fun Lab

Animal Crossing Fun Lab (Image credit: Fun Lab)

It's hard not to look at this case and instantly feel the urge to buy it. Animal Crossing fans, in particular, will no doubt be feeling the struggle. Its loveable design of the scheming tanuki, Tom Nook, is appealing against the sharp leather case. It's also easy to open and close, and the magnetic buttons keep the case from opening by itself.

Regardless of its appealing design, the case's interior inner lining is made from smooth, protective faux leather that helps negate against possible fall, dust, and scratch damage to your Nintendo Switch. The exterior is waterproof, so you won't have to worry if this case gets a little wet. Everything is well protected. Of course, in comparison to hardshell cases, this may not be enough protection for you.

However, if you're looking for a case that isn't bulky, the slim-fit (alongside the room to fit eight games inside) is appealing. All you need to do is slip the case into your bag, and it's small enough to fit into a handbag as well.

Funlab Faux Leather Case

Do it for the love of bells

Reasons to buy

+
Doesn't take up much room if on-the-go
+
Inexpensive
+
A must for Animal Crossing fans

Reasons to avoid

-
While protective, it's not as durable as it could be

While having a protective case is essential, repping your favorite Animal Crossing character is too!

Best theft protection: Magictodoor Anti-Theft Protective Case

Magic To Door Nintendo Switch Case Cropped (Image credit: Magictodoor)

If there's one thing that's a terrifying thought for Switch owners, it's the thought of someone stealing your Nintendo Switch. With the Magictodoor Anti-Theft protective case, protection from thieves is easy-peasy. This case has TSA travel locks; all you need to do is attach it to your case, enter your code, and press the tab to keep your case secured.

The case itself isn't hard either, meaning that it can be placed inside tight spaces with ease. That doesn't mean the case isn't protective. The material is shock-proof to prevent damage from drops, scratches, as well as dust. So even if your case is being thrown around, it'll be well-protected.

The case also includes storage on the lid, giving you access to put your game cartridges if you so choose, as well as various cables. The zip is also sturdy and designed so that not even sharp objects can penetrate the lining.

Magictodoor Anti-Theft Protective Case

Worth every cent

Reasons to buy

+
Case protects against sharp objects and drops
+
Anti-theft
+
Foam interior to protect accessories

Reasons to avoid

-
Not waterproof
-
Bulky

Expensive, but entirely worth it thanks to having an excellent protection lock.

Best slim case: tomtoc Ultra Slim Nintendo Switch Case

Tom Toc Nintendo Switch Case

Tom Toc Nintendo Switch Case (Image credit: Tomtoc)

The tomtoc is one of our favorite cases for the Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch Lite, and it's easy to see why. It's ultra-slim so it's a snug fit that doesn't allow your Switch to fly everywhere when on-the-go. It's even got a unique outer shell that takes the pressure of your Joy-Con sticks and buttons to prevent damage. Additionally, it has a soft interior that, along with the snug fit, helps keep the Nintendo Switch secure. It prevents slipping and ensures the prevention of bumps, scratches, and falls.

We reviewed the OLED version of this case and couldn't stop raving about its minimalist design. It also comes in different colors, such as gray, pink, red, black, sage, and even camouflage. If you're keen on getting a more personalized look with your case, then this one is for you.

tomtoc Ultra Slim Nintendo Switch Case

A slim chance of disappointment

Reasons to buy

+
Unique outer shell
+
Snug fit
+
Comes in a range of colors

Reasons to avoid

-
Can still be compressed by heavier objects
-
Isn't able to hold accessories

A perfect case for those who just want to hold their Nintendo Switch without carrying accessories.

Best value: AmazonBasics Nintendo Switch Carry Case

Amazon Basics Switch Case

Amazon Basics Switch Case (Image credit: Amazon Basics)

This AmazonBasics case may not look like much, but for a low price, you'll be able to have a case that comes in three different colors. It has an accessory pouch for HDMI cables, as well as your charger. However, it may not be all your accessories, but the essentials are good-to-go.

The case can also hold up to 10 game cartridges, which may not be all that much, but it is perfect for traveling. These cartridges are also well-protected, thanks to the soft interior lining. So, consider both your Switch and games in good hands! The combination of both rubber and metal may seem odd at first, but with the hard outer shell coupled with the soft interior, this case will prevent drop, scratch, and water damage with ease.

AmazonBasics Nintendo Switch Carry Case

Just the basics

Reasons to buy

+
Hard outer shell
+
Excellent quality for the price
+
Comes with accessory pouch

Reasons to avoid

-
Cannot hold more than a few accessories

The AmazonBasics Nintendo Switch Carry Case may not be as flashy as others, but that doesn't mean it isn't great at protection.

Best carry all: PowerA Everywhere Messenger Bag

Powera Messenger Bag Nintendo Switch Cropped (Image credit: PowerA)

This messenger bag is perfect for when you need to bring everything with you. It has space for the dock, includes a case for your Switch, and plenty of space for additional Joy-Cons, the AC adapter, cables, and dock. It doesn't come in many colors, but it does have a cool Mario variant, perfect for younger gamers. You can carry this case by the handle or use the shoulder strap to carry it more conveniently. This case isn't waterproof, so you'll want to be careful when traveling in inclement weather.

PowerA Everywhere Messenger Bag - Carrying case for Nintendo Switch

Protective transport for your Switch system

Reasons to buy

+
Lots of space to fit all of your Switch accessories
+
Includes a soft Nintendo Switch case
+
Carrying handle and detachable shoulder strap

Reasons to avoid

-
Isn't waterproof
-
Only comes in one color
-
No dedicated space for games

Store the Switch and accessories. The detachable strap makes it a perfect traveling case.

Switch it up with protection

Overall, there are a lot of great protective cases for your Nintendo Switch. However, our favorite has to be the AmazonBasics Hardshell Case, which offers a superior amount of protection for your Switch with its padded hardshell case. While it may not be the most stylish, it gets the job done and isn't even the most expensive case out there. For how little it costs, it's amazing quality, giving you peace of mind and letting you focus on some great Nintendo Switch games.

It's also perfect for anyone on the move with more than a fair share of accessories too. So even if you don't want to take absolutely everything, the essentials are still within reach. Even better, the case includes molds to fit these accessories. So, no matter how much you're moving around, your equipment will be packed nice and secure to lessen the chance of damage.

Zackery Cuevas

Zackery Cuevas is a writer for Windows Central, Android Central, and iMore. He likes playing video games, talking about video games, writing about video games, and most importantly, complaining about video games. If you're cool, you can follow me on Twitter @Zackzackzackery.