Which Type of Carrying Case is Best?
Choosing the right Nintendo Switch 2 carrying case isn’t just about size — it’s about how you actually use your console.
Large carrying cases can hold everything: dock, cables, extra Joy-Cons, even a Pro Controller. But do you really need all that space — or will it just add bulk?
Slim cases are lightweight and easy to toss into a backpack. But what if you use a protective grip for larger hands? What if your console no longer fits a standard case?
There’s more to consider than most buyers realize — especially if you’re using shells, grips, or travel frequently. This guide breaks down the differences between large, slim, and mid-size Switch 2 carrying cases so you can choose what actually fits your setup.
*If you’re also deciding on a protective grip, you may want to review these guides first:
→Best Dock-Compatible Switch 2 Protective Shells (That Fit the Official Dock)
→Best Nintendo Switch 2 Carrying Cases That Fit With Protective Shells & Grips
Quick Comparison: Slim vs Mid-Size vs Large Switch 2 Carrying Cases
| Case Type | Best For | Accessory Capacity | Extra Storage | Bulk Level |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Slim Case | Everyday protection, backpack carry | Limited (small cables, game cards, low-profile accessories) | Usually mesh pocket + card slots | Minimal |
| Ultra-Slim Case | Maximum portability, minimal bulk | Very limited (console-focused) | Minimal to none | Very Minimal |
| Grip / Shell Hybrid Case | Keeping protective shell or grip attached | Moderate (designed around bulkier console profile) | Small accessories + cards | Slightly bulkier than slim |
| Mid-Size Case | Balance between slim and large | Moderate to High (extra Joy-Cons, cables, small power bank) | Structured storage compartments | Moderate |
| Large / XL Case | Travel with full setup | High (controllers, charger, power bank, sometimes dock — XL more likely) | Multiple compartments | Moderate to Large |
Choosing the Right Slim Carrying Case (With Examples)
If you’re leaning toward a slim or standard carrying case, you probably just want light protection — something that keeps your console safe inside a backpack and protects it from minor scratches or small drops.
Here are the main options in the “slim carrying case” category:
Standard Slim Cases
Slightly thicker than ultra-slim options. These usually fit the console plus small extras like extra Joy-Cons, a charger, game cards, or a few small accessories.
Ultra-Slim Cases
True minimalist cases. Designed to hold only the Switch 2 with Joy-Cons attached and maybe a few game cards — nothing more.
Example: PowerA Slim Case for Nintendo Switch 2 (Officially Licensed by Nintendo)
Grip/Shell Hybrid Cases
Protective shells (sometimes with ergonomic grips) that include an attachable front cover for the screen and buttons. Depending on the design, this can actually be the slimmest overall setup — especially if you don’t want to carry extra accessories.
What it really comes down to: Do you want just protection, or protection plus a little storage?
Choosing the Right Mid-Sized Carrying Case (With Examples)
These medium carrying cases are built for more storage than slim options, but without going full oversized. They can usually hold larger accessories like the official dock or a Pro Controller / Joy-Con grip — just not everything at the same time.
Here are a few examples:
- R.D.S. INDUSTRIES, INC. – Licensed System Medium Carrying Case for Nintendo Switch 2
- Fits standard small accessories plus your choice of either a Pro Controller, the dock, or a Joy-Con grip controller.
- Mumba All-in-One Carrying Case for Nintendo Switch 2
- Holds the console, Joy-Con grip, straps, charger adapter, game cards, cables, and other smaller accessories. A solid middle-ground option.
- JSAUX Carrying Case Compatible with Steam Deck/ROG Ally/Switch 2
- Primarily designed for larger handhelds like the Steam Deck and ROG Ally, but the listing states Switch 2 compatibility. Since it fits bigger devices, it can comfortably hold a Switch 2 — with or without a grip attached plus other larger accessories.
Medium carrying cases are ideal if you use a Pro Controller or occasionally travel with your dock for docked play — but don’t want the size and bulk of a true large Switch 2 carrying case.
They give you extra room when you need it, without turning your setup into a full travel bag.
Choosing the Right Large/XL Carrying Case (With Examples)
Large carrying cases are built for two types of people:
- Someone who plans to travel and wants to bring their entire setup.
- Someone who wants one dedicated storage case to keep everything organized at home.
Either way, these are designed to hold nearly all your accessories at the same time — console, dock, controllers, cables, and more.
- JSAUX All-in-One Carrying Case
- Popular, trusted brand with strong reviews. Overall, this is one of the safest and most reliable choices in this category.
- ivoler All-in-One Carrying Storage Case
- This large carrying case also has strong reviews for overall quality. It doesn’t have quite the same premium look or feel as the JSAUX option, but it’s still a highly rated and solid alternative.
- STARTRC GAMES Hard Carrying Case for Nintendo Switch 2
- This is essentially a heavy-duty hard carrying case. The design almost resembles a carrying case for a hand drill, with a rigid outer shell for maximum protection. The tradeoff is flexibility — the accessory slots are precisely molded for specific items, which means less room to adjust or store different gear outside of the intended setup. This specific one also has high reviews.
- PGmoon Travel Storage Backpack
- This isn’t just a carrying case — it’s a full backpack built around the Switch 2. You can carry your entire console setup plus extras like a laptop, keyboard, headphones, and anything else a standard backpack would normally hold. If this specific style isn’t your thing, the brand also offers other gamer-focused bags with different layouts and designs.
These picks represent the most common types of large carrying cases you’ll find when searching online.
The specific options listed here are among the more highly rated choices compared to similar look-alike products in the large Switch 2 carrying case category.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Buying a slim case without considering your grip thickness
- Assuming “large” means oversized (many are still backpack-friendly)
- Forgetting to account for power banks and charging cables
- Not checking internal dimensions
Most sizing issues happen after someone upgrades to a grip case.
Choosing the right size the first time prevents return headaches.
Final Recommendation
If your setup is simple and portable → Slim makes sense.
If you use a grip, carry accessories, or travel with more gear → Large (or XL) is the safer choice.
When in doubt, sizing up once is easier than replacing a case later.
The goal isn’t the smallest case — it’s the one that actually fits your setup.