A Nintendo Switch comes with the console, two Joy-Con, a grip, wrist straps, a dock, an AC adapter and an HDMI cable. The exception is the Switch Lite, whose box has only the system and an AC adapter. No standard box includes a game. Nintendo’s Switch store page says “Just pop in a game (sold separately) and go!”
Here’s Nintendo’s list for each model, taken from its US store pages. Nintendo sells bundles as separate listings, so check the listing for the exact box you’re buying.
What’s in each box
| Item | Switch 2 | OLED Model | Switch | Switch Lite |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Console | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| AC adapter | Yes (Switch 2) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Dock | Yes (Switch 2) | Yes | Yes | No |
| HDMI cable | Ultra High Speed | High Speed | High Speed | No |
| Two Joy-Con | Joy-Con 2 | Yes | Yes | No |
| Grip | Joy-Con 2 Grip | Joy-Con Grip | Joy-Con Grip | No |
| Straps | Joy-Con 2 Strap, two | Wrist straps | Wrist straps | No |
| USB-C charging cable | Yes | Not listed | Not listed | Not listed |
Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo’s store page lists the console, Joy-Con 2 (L) and (R), then “Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter USB-C Charging Cable Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Joy-Con 2 Grip Joy-Con 2 Strap (×2) Ultra High Speed HDMI” cable. It’s the only list here with a separate USB-C charging cable. Nintendo also notes “Each system comes ready for multiplayer fun right out of the box (games sold separately).”
Nintendo Switch OLED Model
The list is “Nintendo Switch Console – OLED Model Nintendo Switch Dock – OLED Model – White Joy-Con (L) White Joy-Con (R) White Joy-Con Wrist Straps Joy-Con Grip High speed HDMI Cable Nintendo Switch AC Adapter”. Nintendo’s FAQ describes its dock as the “Nintendo Switch dock with LAN port”.
Nintendo Switch
For the original model, Nintendo lists “Nintendo Switch Console Nintendo Switch Dock Joy-Con (L) Gray Joy-Con (R) Gray Joy-Con Wrist Straps Joy-Con Grip High Speed HDMI Cable Nintendo Switch AC Adapter”. Joy-Con colors vary by listing.
Nintendo Switch Lite
This box is much smaller: “Nintendo Switch Lite system Nintendo Switch AC Adapter”. There’s no dock or HDMI cable, which fits Nintendo’s statement that “Nintendo Switch Lite does not support TV Mode.”
What you may still need
- A game. The standard lists above don’t include one.
- More controllers, for bigger groups. Nintendo’s FAQ says “You’ll be able to play select games for up to two players with the included Joy-Con (one controller per person).” Here’s how 2 player works.
- A Charging Grip, if you want one. The grip in the box isn’t listed as one. Nintendo says “The Joy-Con Charging Grip (model No. HAC-012) is not included in any Nintendo Switch bundle.” and “The Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip (model No. BEE-010) is not included in any Nintendo Switch 2 bundle.”
- Charging accessories on Lite. If you use Joy-Con with a Lite, Nintendo says “either the Joy-Con Charging Grip (sold separately) or the Joy-Con Charging Stand (sold separately) are required to charge the Joy-Con.”
Upgrading? Keep your boxes separate
Parts from an older Switch box won’t all carry over. Nintendo says “The AC adapter, dock, and HDMI cable included with Nintendo Switch cannot be used to play Nintendo Switch 2 in TV mode.” Use the ones from the Switch 2 box. If you’re moving games across, our guide to freeing up Switch storage explains what a memory card can and can’t hold.
For the latest on Switch 2, see our Switch 2 Direct and specs recap. More guides are in our Console section.
Sources
- Nintendo Store: Nintendo Switch 2 system
- Nintendo Store: Nintendo Switch OLED Model
- Nintendo Store: Nintendo Switch, Gray Joy-Con
- Nintendo Store: Nintendo Switch Lite
- Nintendo: Nintendo Switch FAQ
- Nintendo Support: How to connect Nintendo Switch to a TV
- Nintendo Support: Blank screen or no image on the TV on Nintendo Switch 2
- Nintendo Support: How to charge the Joy-Con controllers
- Nintendo Support: How to charge the Joy-Con 2 controllers
