Gifts for a Nintendo Switch 2 Owner: Storage, Controllers and What to Check First

The Switch 2 and the original Switch look alike, and many accessories only work with one of them. Joy-Con 2 controllers, for example, are listed for Switch 2 only. A microSD Express card is only needed on Switch 2; on an original Switch, a regular microSD card works and costs less. If you're not sure which console they own, a Switch 2 has a C button on its right Joy-Con.

Nintendo's support pages say the Switch 2 needs a card labeled microSD Express, often shown with an EX mark, to install and store Switch 2 games. A regular microSD card fits the slot but can't be used for that, however fast it is. Downloaded games fill the built-in storage quickly, so a card is a gift that gets used.

PNY's 256GB card is an Express card that PNY markets as compatible with Switch 2; it isn't a Nintendo-licensed product, so compare Nintendo-branded cards if that matters to them. Capacity is the main choice: a 256GB card matches the console's 256GB of built-in storage, and the 512GB version helps if they keep many large games installed.

The Switch 2 Pro Controller is Nintendo's full-size pad. Nintendo lists two assignable rear buttons, a C button, a 3.5 mm headphone jack, motion controls, HD Rumble 2 and NFC for amiibo, with about 40 hours of battery per charge. It suits someone who mostly plays docked and finds the Joy-Con 2 cramped.

A second pair of Joy-Con 2 is the simplest way to add a player, and both sides can work as a mouse in compatible games. They charge on the console or in a charging grip, which is sold separately. For a lower-cost extra pad, PowerA makes an officially licensed Switch 2 controller with a C button and motion controls.

• A regular microSD card for a Switch 2: it fits, but it won't store Switch 2 games.
• Joy-Con 2 or a Switch 2 Pro Controller for someone with an original Switch: they're made for Switch 2.
• A game they already own digitally: if you give a game, a physical game card can be lent or resold, while a download code is tied to their account.
• Assuming controllers come with a charger: the Joy-Con 2 charging grip is sold separately.