8 must-have Nintendo Switch accessories for better gaming

By Vikka Abat-Francisco

A simple search for accessories will most likely lead you to a plethora of results which can no doubt be overwhelming. From cases to chargers to controllers, both Nintendo and third-party brands are constantly churning out new peripherals for the Switch.

To help you out, we’ve crafted this list of what we think are the best Nintendo Switch accessories that will further enhance your gaming experience. Although, as much as we love them, this list will be leaving out products that are meant for aesthetic enhancement or protection, such as cases and skins. And for full disclosure, this is not a sponsored post, but simply personal recommendations from a fellow gamer.

Anker PowerCore 20100 Nintendo Switch Edition

Let’s start with the basics. You’ve got a new (or old) Switch and, being the genre-bending, portable console that it is, you take it everywhere and probably play any chance you get. You wouldn’t want to run out of juice just as you’re finishing a boss battle, that’s why we highly recommend the Anker PowerCore 20100 Switch Edition. This Nintendo-licensed power bank has been specifically optimized for the Nintendo Switch, as the name so obviously points out, so it works well.

Utilizing a USB-C output like its dock, it can charge up the Switch pretty fast. Fast enough that you can actually play while it’s charging. At 20100mAh, it can charge the Switch 2.5 times and takes about three hours to fully charge when drained. If you don’t need to charge, it also has PowerIQ with Intelligent Device-Detection that works perfectly well for phones and tablets.

Nintendo Joy-Con charging grip

One of the main weaknesses of the Nintendo Switch is the controllers’ ergonomics or lack thereof. The thin Joy-Cons are fine when mounted on the unit but when you’re zoned out during an at-home gaming session, you’d most likely end up with cramped fingers. The Nintendo Switch Joy-Con Charging Grip will take your joy-cons and fit them into a more familiar design.

This grip is very similar to the one shipped with the switch but with one major difference: it has a charging port. This small addition makes it a worthwhile upgrade especially for those who are just starting out and not ready to commit to a more expensive controller.

Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

If you’re ready to invest in something a bit more premium, your first choice will most probably be the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. This officially licensed controller may be a bit of an investment but thousands of users have already considered it a must-have addition.

Reminiscent of an Xbox controller, the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller addresses the ergonomic problems of the original joy-cons and is perfect for extended gaming sessions. And since it’s an officially licensed product, you can be sure its performance will be up to par.

8BitDo Wireless Bluetooth Adapter

Now, it’s quite possible that you already own a Bluetooth controller and don’t really want to shell out for a brand new one. The 8Bitdo Wireless Bluetooth Adapter may just be the accessory for you.

Once plugged into the USB port on the Switch’s dock, you can pair and use a number of supported controllers such as PS4 or PS3 controllers, XBOX One controller, or even a Gamecube controller. Additionally, you can get headphone support from controllers like the DualShock 4 and Xbox controllers because of their onboard 3.5mm jacks.

Genki Bluetooth Audio Adapter

Another issue the Nintendo Switch has is the lack of support for wireless headphones. The Genki Bluetooth Audio Adapter aims to solve this problem by providing Bluetooth connectivity for your wireless audio.

This simple plug-and-play device that fits into your Switch’s USB-C slot allows connection for up to two wireless headphones simultaneously. And should you need to charge, this adapter comes with a passthrough charging port so you can still connect your headphones while charging at the same time.

Afterglow Deluxe + Audio Wired

Another cost-effective controller option would be going the wired route. The Afterglow Deluxe + Audio Wired offers a 10-foot long wired controller with a 3.5mm jack for wired headphones. This is the first Nintendo-licensed controller that offers a 3.5mm jack. It’s not only a lot more affordable than the Switch Pro Controller but also sports a really cool and impressive design.

PowerA Joy-Con and Pro Controller Charging Dock

Once you’ve got all your headphones and controllers, it only makes sense to get an upgraded charging stand as well. The PowerA Joy-Con and Pro Controller Charging Dock is an affordable, licensed product that’s able to charge two joy-cons and one Nintendo Switch Pro controller. It’s well-designed and allows the controllers to easily slip in and out of the dock for those quick gaming sessions.

Hori Nintendo Switch Multiport USB Playstand

The Nintendo Switch is intentionally made to be portable and, more often than not, it fulfills that intention. Unfortunately, the original Nintendo Switch dock just missed the mark in terms of portability. While it is quite small, it’s still not as travel-friendly as it could be. With the Hori Nintendo Switch Multiport USB Playstand, you get an extremely portable charging dock that’s also been upgraded with extra ports.

This officially licensed folding playstand has not one, not two, but four extra USB-A ports. This means that you can connect more peripherals than the original dock just as long as they’re compatible. You can even use this with the aforementioned 8BitDo adapter to add wireless controllers. It can also be easily adjusted into different positions so you can find the perfect viewing angle. And, of course, it similarly charges your Nintendo Switch through a pass-through USB-C port on the side.

So there you have it. Hopefully, these peripherals step up your gaming experience on-the-go. If you have any suggestions for more Switch accessories, be sure to drop by your comments below.

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5 workout and fitness motivation tips

03/09/2020

So you’ve started on your fitness journey and sure, for the first couple of weeks, you’d jump at the chance to get in a workout or get excited about meal prep. But lately, you’ve slowed down, skipped a couple of gym days and traded in your healthy meal plan for takeout food. Keeping motivated is probably just as hard as starting the journey and the more you’re without it, the more likely you’ll fall back into your old patterns.

Don’t fret! With these tips, you’re sure to keep that motivation streak going and get one step closer to finally fulfilling your fitness goals.

There’s an app for everything

Let’s face it. We take our phones everywhere and that includes our gym and workout sessions. While it’s most obvious use is to supply you with your personal background music for that pretend fitness montage you’re imagining, it’s also quite a helpful tool to keep motivated. How? With a great fitness app!

You might not know it but your phone’s native fitness app is actually great to keep you motivated to lose weight or to keep working out. Whether Google Fit for Android or Apple Health for iPhone, these apps keep track of the basic information you’ll need to pay attention to your fitness journey. Though, when comparing the two, Google Fit is more versatile in terms of third-party and cross-platform capabilities.

If you do run on a purely Apple ecosystem (Apple Watch, Macbook, etc.), then it won’t be too much of a problem. And despite using different technologies to collect data, these two apps are able to collect steps made and calories burned, log and graph body measurements, as well as track workouts and daily activities. You can even set your own goals for things like minimum step count per day and move minutes so the app can remind you.

Apart from monitoring your basic statistics, seeing your progress through numbers, charts, and graphs can surprisingly provide a boost in motivation. As long as you keep a proper mindset, data that these apps collect will drive you further towards your goal. And once you’ve got that set up, the next best thing to do is to give your app a partner…

Invest in a fitness band or smartwatch

This may not be a necessity for everybody but it’s definitely a great investment for those who want to maximize their fitness journey. With a fitness band or smartwatch, you have a dedicated device that can not only show you information at a glance but also provide extra pertinent data to help you closely monitor the effectiveness of your workout. Some fitness bands, like the Garmin Forerunner, have a built-in heart monitor which continuously tracks your heart rate. Knowing how fast your heart beats during a workout is actually a great deal of help in keeping your workouts efficient and effective.

There are also some watches with features such as water intake reminders, workout trackers, and reminders which are meant to help motivate you. You definitely won’t find it difficult to find the right device for you whether it be feature-packed with all the bells-and-whistles you can possibly ask for or something cute and functional that goes really well with your gym outfit. This brings us once more to the next item on our list.

Dress for success

Think of working out or going to the gym as an event and that it’s an opportunity to dress up and look your best. Not to mention, it’s a scientifically proven fact that wearing something that makes you feel great can lead to you performing better with the task at hand. In the study by Science Direct, they found that “clothes systematically influence wearers’ psychological processes”.

Basically, if you look good, you feel good. And when you feel good, you essentially get excited to do things including working out. One of the most important things to remember is that you don’t need to look like some fitness Instagrammer (unless you really want to) but to wear clothes that make you feel confident and comfortable.

Grab a buddy

One of the many challenges of hitting the gym or working out is getting discouraged when seeing other people who are already incredibly fit. It’s completely normal to feel vulnerable at the gym especially when you’re just starting out but don’t let that hinder you from continuing on your fitness journey. A quick fix to this is to find yourself a fitness buddy so you can feel more comfortable. Researchers at the University of Aberdeen have reported that having a partner or companion while you work out is a great tool for motivation and leads to an increased amount of exercise.

Even if you and your partner don’t share the same fitness goals, as long as you are both emotionally supportive of each other, motivation and productivity increase. Dr. Rackow of the University of Aberdeen reports that “the emotional social support from the new sports companion was the most effective. Thus, it is more important to encourage each other than doing the actual activity together. “

Alternative workout

There are just days when you don’t feel like leaving the house to work out. This is fine once in a while but the danger is if it becomes a habit and you end up abandoning your fitness goals altogether. The best way to remedy this is to find an alternative workout that you can do at home. Sure there are tons of videos online but if you have a Nintendo Switch lying around, you should definitely give Ring Fit a try!

This isn’t just an instructional workout video but a fully actualized game, with boss battles and everything. The Ring Fit works with a special round controller which you connect your Joy-Cons to and a leg strap to help monitor movements (i.e. no cheating). This RPG will have you squatting, jumping, running, and squeezing your way to victory. You won’t even feel like you’re working out but you will definitely feel the sweat. It may not be the most intense workout you’ll have but the key to maintaining a healthy lifestyle is consistency and the Ring Fit can definitely help with that.

BONUS: HAVE A PROPER MINDSET

All of the things mentioned above can definitely help motivate you in attaining your fitness goals, but the most important thing to have is still a proper mindset. You can have the best outfits or gear but your intention will be the most effective force in driving up your motivation.

Find an intention that’s sincere and close to your heart. Whether it’s as simple as wanting to do something you’ve never done before, a move to avoid future illnesses, or even just because you feel you deserve a fit and healthy body.

Fitness isn’t just about the amount of muscle you build or fat you burn, it’s a choice to keep you and your body healthy. This, in turn, will positively affect your outlook on life and on yourself.