Best of Nintendo from the past decade (2010-2019): From revolutionizing the handheld to more great Pokémon

Best accessories

If you want to enhance your gaming experience, you need the proper accessories. Of all the gaming companies, Nintendo is best known for trying out new gadgets and playing experiences.

1. Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

The Pro Controller is a must-have for anyone with a Nintendo Switch. If you prefer to play your Switch games in Docked mode on a high-resolution TV, then the Pro Controller is a no-brainer. Even if you play in Tabletop mode with the kickstand, the Pro Controller should be in your arsenal too. The Pro Controller has a much more comfortable grip than the Joy-Cons and is in-line with other console controllers like the DualShock 4 and Xbox One S controllers. The buttons, including the trigger buttons, are also more comfortable to press, and there isn't the issue of drift as much as with the Joy-Cons. The Pro Controller also charges up via USB-C, and it has about 30–40 hours of battery life on a single charge, which is superb. -Christine Romero-Chan

2. amiibo

Looking at my beautiful collection of amiibo, it's hard to think that these figures were created in response to a competitor instead of being one of Nintendo's brilliant, original-albeit-strange ideas. Back in 2011, Activision started releasing a wide array of Skylanders-themed NFC-enabled figures that interacted with video games. It wasn't until 2014 that Nintendo released its first amiibo in response to them. They quickly found their way into the hands of collectors and children alike. The funny thing is it felt like the idea of figurines that interacted with video games fit better with Nintendo than the franchise that originally created them.

Nintendo initially didn't make enough of them — whether that was by design or happenstance is debatable — but it drove up the value for many amiibo and propelled serious collectors into a frenzy to collect them all. They were popular enough to function with Wii U, 3DS, and Switch games. I'll admit, I've collected some amiibo to unlock things in games, but the majority of them I've simply bought because they look amazing. I mean, unless you get a defective one, they're all made with care and provide a beautiful way for you to show off your love of a specific franchise. -Rebecca Spear

3. Mario Kart Wheels

Being able to place your controller inside of a plastic wheel while playing Mario Kart isn't new to the Switch. This kind of accessory was available with the Wii and the Wii U. However, it makes for a fun and more immersive racing experience on Switch. The Joy-Con controllers are so small that being able to hold onto something bigger makes these wheels appealing. We're not picky about who designed them, either. Several different companies offer Switch racing wheels and most of them are awesome. -Rebecca Spear

4. Labo / Labo VR

Nintendo is known for experimenting with strange and new experiences. It's part of what makes Nintendo what it is. Some of these inventions have forced other gaming companies to try and replicate their wacky designs. However, they usually don't work out as well as they do for Nintendo audiences. One of the things that only Nintendo could pull off is Labo and Labo VR. I remember being so shocked when I saw that Nintendo was shipping cardboard accessories that you had to assemble yourself. These simple creations allowed kids to experiment and interact with video games in ways that they hadn't been able to before. They've been a huge hit and are usually sold out whenever I check Amazon or go to an electronics store. All I can say is thank you Nintendo for being willing to experiment in ways that no other gaming company will. -Rebecca Spear

5. Ring-Con & Leg Strap

Speaking from personal experience, the Ring-Con is one of the most amazing accessories to launch for any of Nintendo's consoles. Using a loose interpretation of Pilates Toning rings, Nintendo created an exercise game that is so much more than just going through daily workout routines. With Ring-Con in hand and Leg Strap attached, players are taken on an adventure across the land, fighting the bodybuilding foe, Dragaux. The Ring-Con and Leg Strap act as your fitness equipment and your movement trackers. If you want to stop off at one of the in-game gyms, you can pump iron (or at least resistance train) and get swole before your next battle. -Lory Gil