(Image credit: Future / Mike Lowe)

This year's must-have gaming gadget is the Nintendo Switch 2. Now that you've got the shiny new console, however, you're going to want to upgrade in various ways to maximise your experience.

I'm not talking about money-wasted extras, mind, but having been playing with Nintendo's latest console for hundreds of hours already, there are clearly some day-one essential extras that I truly think you need to get the fuller experience.

No, I'm not talking about the official Camera. Or even the Mario Kart Joy-Con 2 Wheel (much as I'd contently own one). Instead, I'm here pointing out an extra that you'll absolutely require for storage; another add-on for keeping your console protected; and a few more extras to improve your gaming experience.

1. microSD Express card

I've written a separate feature on 'What the heck is microSD Express and why does the Switch 2 require it?', which is worth reading to get added background info on this new type.

Physically, a microSD 'EX' card is the very same size as any other microSD card. But its interface, the 'Express' type (or 'EX' for short), is much faster than lesser formats.

It's this speed that the Switch 2 requires to run games from the card, if that's where your games happen to live. That means you can't simply swap an old Switch microSD card into the new console – that simply won't work.

Don't get the 'EX' or 'Express' markings confused with SanDisk's 'Extreme' branding, as those are totally different. But you'll definitely want a correct card type to expand on the console's 256GB internal storage, especially if you're downloading games.

With new Virtual Games now part of the Nintendo Online Store, that's now especially true. With future games likely to exceed their physical cartridge limitations (if purchased as physical media), there's likely to be a download component for all Switch 2 games of the future.

So, in short, you'll want the extra storage space, whether 128GB or 256GB, to ensure you've got all the capacity you could possibly require.

2. Switch 2 Pro Controller

Straight out of the box the Nintendo Switch 2 features two Joy-Con 2 controllers, which you can break into individual left and right for two players to control (as if mini-controllers).

Much as I've got a lot of love for the Joy-Con 2, and the plastic clip included that transforms them into a one-player controller, they just don't cut it compared to the true, dedicated, standalone Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller.

Yes, it'll cost you a fair bit, but it'll deliver a much smoother, improved gaming control experience. I have one, and it's helped me through dozens (now into the hundreds) of hours playing Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. Even when playing other games, it's my go-to!

Now, if you already own the original Pro Controller for the Switch or Switch OLED, then you don't necessarily need to buy this Switch 2 Pro Controller variant. That's because the Switch is backwards-compatible, including with controller peripherals. So this 'hack' could be very lucrative for cost-savings.

3. Official carry case and screen protector

This one is a no-brainer! One of the best purchases I ever made for my original Switch was the hardshell carry case – the official one from Nintendo, no less, as it's really nicely made and has stood the test of time.

It's the same tale for the Switch 2, too. You'll definitely want to protect that console from any damage, as a big part of its potential is when playing on the go. You needn't be wired up to a TV all of the time.

The official Switch 2 Carry Case also comes with a screen protector, which you can pop on the front of your Switch 2 to negate any scratches. Personally, I don't like the look of such protectors, but it's too easy to regret not having one when it's too late.

It's the details that really make the travel case that bit extra special, though. There are slots to insert physical game cartridges – so you can travel with a full games library. The netted pouch inside also means you can wrap up various cables and additions without them getting near the console's screen, too.

4. Nintendo Online + Expansion

Okay, so this one is kinda obvious: but if you're buying a Switch 2 with Mario Kart World then, well, you're really going to want some of that online play.

From knockout tournaments, to open-world free roaming, to battle royale games with up to 24 players – this is going to be a major summertime gaming moment.

Not only that, if you expand beyond Nintendo Online's base package and opt for Nintendo Online + Expansion instead, then you also gain access to Switch 2 game upgrades. Not to mention a library of classics from Nintendo consoles of the past.

Already own The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and/or Tears of the Kingdom? The 'Expansion' part of your purchase permits the Switch 2 version downloads, with improved graphics, saving the £7.99/$9.99 fee per game otherwise.

5. Super Mario Party Jamboree

There are loads of games I could recommend for the Switch 2. But I'm going leftfield – especially as this article is published on Christmas Day, during the festive holidays – as I think Donkey Kong Bananza and other titles are better aligned for single player modes.

Super Mario Party Jamboree, though? Now that's a blast for the whole family – and a great representation of the Switch 2's new control mechanisms, too, if you buy the Switch 2 Edition with Jamboree TV add-on.

Year after year, I've played this game series and it's just so joyful. It's ultimately a board game-like experience in an interactive format, where you can pit yourself against friends and family – or just the computer's in-built intelligence.