What Comes With a Nintendo Switch: Everything Inside the Box
If you're picking up a Nintendo Switch for the first time — or buying one as a gift — knowing exactly what's included helps you plan ahead. The contents vary slightly depending on which Switch model you buy, and understanding those differences saves you from unexpected trips back to the store.
The Three Nintendo Switch Models (And Why It Matters)
Nintendo currently sells three versions of the Switch hardware, and each comes with a different set of accessories:
- Nintendo Switch (standard/OLED model) — the full home console/portable hybrid
- Nintendo Switch Lite — handheld-only, smaller form factor
- Nintendo Switch OLED — upgraded screen, enhanced dock
What's in the box depends entirely on which version you purchase, so it's worth being clear about that before unpacking expectations.
What Comes in the Standard Nintendo Switch Box 🎮
The original Nintendo Switch and the OLED model both ship with a fairly complete starter kit. Here's what you'll typically find:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch console | The main unit with built-in 6.2" screen (6.2" LCD or 7" OLED depending on model) |
| Left and Right Joy-Con controllers | One each: neon red/blue or grey, depending on edition |
| Joy-Con grip | A plastic holder that combines both Joy-Cons into a traditional gamepad shape |
| Joy-Con wrist straps | Two small straps that attach to individual Joy-Cons |
| Nintendo Switch dock | The cradle that connects to your TV and charges the console |
| HDMI cable | For connecting the dock to a TV or monitor |
| AC adapter | Powers the dock (and can also directly charge the console) |
That's a reasonably complete package for both handheld and TV play right out of the box — no extra cables required to get started.
What Comes With the Nintendo Switch Lite
The Switch Lite box is noticeably lighter because the handheld-only design removes anything TV-related:
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch Lite console | Compact unit with built-in 5.5" LCD screen and fixed controls |
| AC adapter | For charging the device |
No dock, no HDMI cable, no Joy-Cons — because the Lite's controls are built directly into the unit and it doesn't connect to a TV. This also means the Joy-Con wrist straps and grip aren't included.
What's NOT in Any Nintendo Switch Box
This is where many first-time buyers get caught off guard. Regardless of which model you buy, several things are not included:
- A game — No game cartridge or digital title comes bundled with the standard retail hardware (though some special bundle editions do include games, and those vary by retailer and region)
- A microSD card — The Switch has limited internal storage (32GB on standard/Lite, 64GB on OLED), and downloadable games can consume that quickly
- Extra controllers — Only one set of Joy-Cons is included; a second set or a Pro Controller costs extra
- Nintendo Switch Online membership — Online multiplayer and cloud saves require a paid subscription, sold separately
- Carrying case or screen protector — No protective accessories are bundled
The internal storage situation deserves a specific callout. 32GB sounds reasonable until you start downloading games — a single large title can run 10–15GB or more. A microSD card is a near-essential add-on for most users, but the capacity you'll need depends entirely on how you plan to buy games (digital vs. physical cartridges).
Joy-Con Controllers: What You're Actually Getting
The included Joy-Cons are more capable than they look. Each one contains:
- Motion controls (gyroscope and accelerometer)
- HD Rumble — haptic feedback with nuanced vibration
- IR motion camera (right Joy-Con only) — detects shapes and distance in some games
- NFC reader (right Joy-Con only) — for Amiibo compatibility
- Screenshot button (left Joy-Con)
Both can function as independent mini-controllers for local multiplayer in certain games — which is part of why the Switch markets itself as a social gaming device. That said, some games work better with a Pro Controller or a full Joy-Con pair rather than single vertical Joy-Cons.
Special Editions and Bundles 🎁
From time to time, Nintendo and retailers offer bundle packages that include a game alongside the hardware — titles like Mario Kart 8 Deluxe or Pokemon games have been bundled previously. These bundles change frequently and availability varies by region and retailer, so checking current listings makes more sense than relying on any fixed list.
Special edition consoles (themed hardware with custom designs) typically include the same in-box accessories as standard models unless explicitly stated otherwise.
OLED vs. Standard: What's Different in the Box
The Switch OLED box contains nearly identical accessories to the standard Switch, with two meaningful differences:
- The dock is upgraded — the OLED dock includes a built-in LAN (ethernet) port, which the original dock lacks
- A stand on the console itself is wider and adjustable, rather than the small kickstand on the original
Otherwise, the Joy-Cons, straps, grip, HDMI, and AC adapter are consistent across both full-size models.
The Variables That Shape What You'll Actually Need
What comes in the box is the same for everyone — but what you'll need beyond that varies significantly based on your situation:
- How you plan to play — TV mode only, handheld only, or both
- Where you'll play — at home, on the go, on long trips
- Whether you're sharing with others — multiplayer setups require more controllers
- How you buy games — digital-heavy users will hit storage limits much faster than cartridge buyers
- What screen you're connecting to — some older TVs or monitors may need adapters not included in the box
The box gives you what you need to start. Whether it gives you everything you need long-term is a question that hinges on how and where you actually game.