Best Budget Handheld Gaming Accessories for Switch 2, Steam Deck, and ROG Ally (AliExpress Picks for First-Time Buyers)
(Note: the links below also show premium & mid-tier products from other retailers just to give readers more options.)
If you’re buying your first handheld gaming console in 2025, the choice between Switch 2, Steam Deck, and ROG Ally can feel overwhelming. Each system has its strengths, unique accessories, and must-have protection options. The good news? You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a complete setup.
In this guide, I’ll compare the best budget accessories for first-time buyers, focusing on carrying cases, protective shells, and essential add-ons you can snag on AliExpress. Whether you’re looking for travel-friendly cases, protective shells, or extra grips, these picks are affordable and practical for each console
Table of Contents
Why You Need Accessories for Your Handheld Console
Best Budget Handheld Gaming Accessories
Handheld consoles are portable, but that portability comes with risks. Without a budget-friendly carrying case or protective shell, even a minor drop can damage your device. Accessories don’t just protect your console — they make your gaming life easier and more enjoyable.
- Protection: Avoid scratches, dents, and broken triggers.
- Organization: Store cables, SD cards, and chargers in one place.
- Comfort: Extra grips and ergonomic cases improve long gaming sessions.
- Customization: Skins and shells let you personalize your device without breaking the bank.
Buying accessories on AliExpress gives first-time buyers the best deals without sacrificing quality. Many items are under $15, making them perfect for anyone looking to kit out their console on a budget.
Switch 2 Accessories (Budget Picks)
(Click here to view all recommended Switch 2 Accessories)
1. Protective Shell Cases & Slim Travel Cases
A protective shell case is a must-have for any first-time Switch 2 owner. It protects your console while traveling or commuting. If you commute lightly, a slim travel case keeps your Switch 2 safe without adding bulk.
Why these are great:
- Drop protection on a budget – sturdy shells help absorb everyday bumps and drops.
- Slim and portable – easy to slide into backpacks or luggage without bulk.
- Scratch-free interiors – soft lining keeps your Switch 2 safe from scuffs.
- Extra storage built-in – pockets for chargers, cables, and SD cards.
- Budget-friendly picks – many cases are under $15 on AliExpress.
The table below features the different types of shells cases and slim carrying cases you would find on AliExpress and other online retailers.
(NOTE: the links below compare budget, premium, & mid-tier products from other retailers to give readers more options.)
| Switch 2 Slim Travel Cases | Featuring standard slim carrying cases for those looking for a smaller case to hold their Switch 2. | View Products |
| Switch 2 Non-Split Protective Shells | “Non-Split-Type” shells come in one piece, keeping the console and Joy-Cons feel more together and secure. Good for players who prefer handheld mode. | View Products |
| Switch 2 Split Protective Shells | “Split-Type” refers to shells/cases/grips that come in multiple pieces that can split from the shell/case when the Joy-Cons are separated. | View Products |
2. Switch 2 Joy-Con Mouse Accessories & Large Carrying Cases
(Click here to view all recommended Switch 2 Accessories)
Level up your setup with budget Joy-Con mouse adapters and roomy carrying cases. Great for first-time buyers who want extra control and space to haul all their Switch 2 gear without spending much.
Why these are great:
- Extra precision – Joy-Con mouse adapters give smoother aim and control for certain games.
- All-in-one storage – large cases fit the Switch 2, Joy-Cons, chargers, and more.
- Travel ready – designed to carry everything in one secure spot.
- Affordable upgrade – both accessories and cases are easy budget buys on AliExpress.
See table below to view products.
(NOTE: the links below compare budget, premium, & mid-tier products from other retailers to give readers more options.)
| Switch 2 Mouse Accessories | View Products |
| Large Switch 2 Storage/Carrying Cases | View Produtcs |
3. Switch 2 Chargers and Cables
(Click here to view all recommended Switch 2 Accessories)
Stay powered up with budget-friendly USB-C chargers, fast cables, and docks. Perfect for keeping your Switch 2 charged at home or on the go without overspending.
Why these are great:
- Affordable and reliable – AliExpress options cost a fraction of official chargers but still get the job done.
- USB-C universal fit – works not just with the Switch 2, but also phones, tablets, and other handhelds.
- Fast-charging ready – many support quick charge so you spend less time waiting and more time gaming.
- Perfect for spares – cheap enough to grab extras for travel, the office, or a backup in your bag.
See table below to view products.
(NOTE: the links below compare budget, premium, & mid-tier products from other retailers to give readers more options.)
| Switch 2 Joy-Con Grip Chargers | View Products |
| Joy-Con Charging Docks | View Products |
Steam Deck Accessories (Budget Picks)
(Click here to view all recommended Steam Deck accessories)
1. Steam Deck Carrying Cases & Protective Shells
Keep your Steam Deck safe without spending a fortune. From sturdy protective shells to roomy carrying cases, these budget-friendly picks make it easy to game on the go while keeping your handheld secure
Why These Are Great
- Affordable protection – cases and shells guard against bumps and drops without breaking the bank.
- Travel-ready design – carrying cases fit easily in backpacks or luggage.
- Scratch-free interiors – soft linings keep your Steam Deck looking new.
- Extra storage – many cases include pockets for chargers, cables, and SD cards.
See table below to view products.
(NOTE: the links below compare budget, premium, & mid-tier products from other retailers to give readers more options.)
| Steam Deck Carrying Cases | View Products |
| Steam Deck Protective Shells | View Products |
2. Steam Deck Docking Stations
(Click here to view all recommended Steam Deck accessories)
*Note: Some docking stations are compatible with multiple consoles
Level up your Steam Deck setup with budget-friendly docking stations. Perfect for first-time buyers who want to connect to monitors, TVs, or external devices without overspending.
Why These Are Great:
- Affordable expansion – get extra ports and screen options without the high price tag.
- Easy setup – simple plug-and-play docks for quick connection at home or on the go.
- Multi-device ready – connect your Steam Deck to TVs, monitors, or external storage.
- Compact design – small enough to keep on your desk without taking up much space.
See table below to view products.
(NOTE: the links below compare budget, premium, & mid-tier products from other retailers to give readers more options.)
| Steam Deck Docking Stations | View Products |
ROG Ally / ROG Ally X Accessories (Budget Picks)
(Click here to view all recommended ROG Ally/Rog Ally X Accessories)
1. ROG Ally Carrying Cases & Protective Shells
Keep your ROG Ally safe wherever you go with these budget-conscious cases and protective shells. Designed for portability and durability, they help you game on the move without worrying about scratches or bumps.
Why These Are Great:
- Durable and protective – shields your device from everyday knocks and drops.
- Compact and travel-friendly – easy to carry in backpacks or luggage.
- Soft interior padding – prevents scratches and keeps your ROG Ally looking fresh.
- Handy storage – compartments for chargers, cables, and game cards make organization simple.
See table below to view products.
(NOTE: the links below compare budget, premium, & mid-tier products from other retailers to give readers more options.)
| ROG Ally Carrying Cases | View Products |
| ROG Ally Protective Shells | View Products |
2. ROG Ally Chargers & Docking Stations
(Click here to view all recommended ROG Ally/Rog Ally X Accessories)
*Note: Some docking stations are compatible with multiple consoles
Keep your ROG Ally powered up anywhere with budget-friendly chargers and docking stations. These picks double as docks and charging hubs, making it easy to game at home or on the go without spending a fortune.
Why These Are Great:
- Dual-purpose design – works as both a dock and a charger for convenience.
- Affordable power – budget options that keep your ROG Ally ready to play.
- Travel-friendly – compact enough to take on the road or use at your desk.
- Easy to use – plug-and-play setup so you spend less time fussing and more time gaming.
See table below to view products.
(NOTE: the links below compare budget, premium, & mid-tier products from other retailers to give readers more options.)
| ROG Ally Chargers & Docking Stations | View Products |
Tips for Buying Budget Accessories on AliExpress
- Check reviews with photos — see what real users are saying.
- Allow for shipping time — budget 2–3 weeks.
- Compare sellers — the same product may be sold at different prices.
- Verify compatibility — some accessories differ between Steam Deck, Switch 2, and ROG Ally X.
- Start simple — first-time buyers don’t need everything at once; focus on cases and protective shells first.
Which Console is Right for You? (Quick First-Time Buyer Guide)
Nintendo Switch 2
Pros
- Big upgrade over the original Switch — sharper screen, smoother gameplay, even 4K when docked.
- Nintendo exclusives (Mario, Zelda, Pokémon) you won’t find anywhere else.
- Backward compatibility with your old Switch library.
- Better storage and audio than the first model.
- Redesigned Joy-Cons with bigger buttons and better grip.
Cons
- Battery still drops fast with demanding games (3–4 hours).
- Joy-Con drift might still be a thing.
- Not repair-friendly if something breaks.
- Games and accessories add up fast — Nintendo stuff rarely drops in price.
Steam Deck
Pros
- Access to the full Steam library (and you can load other stores too).
- Handles a ton of PC games surprisingly well in handheld mode.
- Great for tinkerers — easy to mod, customize, and expand.
- SteamOS is smooth and gets regular updates.
Cons
- Chunky — not as grab-and-go as a Switch.
- Battery drains quick on modern, high-demand games.
- The higher-end models with more storage cost a lot.
- Not every game runs perfectly out of the box — sometimes you’ll need to tweak settings.
ASUS ROG Ally
Pros
- One of the most powerful handhelds right now — runs modern PC games at high settings.
- Gorgeous 1080p screen with a high refresh rate.
- Slimmer and lighter than the Steam Deck.
- Runs Windows, so you’re not tied to one storefront.
Cons
- Battery life is rough — expect to recharge often.
- Windows isn’t really built for handhelds, so menus and controls can feel clunky.
- Runs hot and can get noisy when pushed.
- Higher price tag, plus extra costs if you want docks or accessories.
Final Thoughts
For first-time handheld console buyers in 2025, budget handheld gaming accessories make all the difference. Using AliExpress to find affordable carrying cases, protective shells, and skins means you can protect your console without spending a fortune.
Whether you choose Switch 2, Steam Deck, or ROG Ally, a hard case and protective shell are the most essential purchases. From there, you can add grips, skins, or multi-storage travel cases depending on your needs.
By focusing on budget-friendly options and practical protection, you’ll get your handheld gaming setup up and running quickly, safely, and affordably.
[Check out budget Switch 2 accessories on AliExpress]
[Check out budget Steam Deck accessories on AliExpress]
[Check out budget ROG Ally accessories on AliExpress]
Game smart, protect your investment, and enjoy your handheld gaming without worry.