Nintendo Switch travel has become second nature for me. The Switch 2 may have changed that.
After carrying the Nintendo Switch across multiple continents, pulling it out during long airport layovers, and even sneaking in Mario Kart at 35,000 feet, it’s earned a permanent spot in my carry-on. For flights, delays, and quiet hotel nights, Nintendo Switch travel just makes sense — it’s easy, flexible, and surprisingly perfect for life on the move.
That’s why the arrival of the Nintendo Switch 2 immediately caught my attention. If the original worked this well on the road, could the new version be even better?
After putting the Switch 2 through its paces on recent trips to Cancun and Ontario over the holidays, here’s how it actually holds up for travel — what’s worth packing, which accessories genuinely earn their place, and whether upgrading makes sense if you already travel with a console in your bag. I’ll also break down the best Nintendo Switch travel accessories (including Switch OLED accessories), travel cases, and how it compares to the original model for gaming on the go.
TL;DR
- ✈️ Travel-first choice → Nintendo Switch OLED
- 🎮 Latest games & future-proofing → Nintendo Switch 2
Why the Nintendo Switch Is Great for Travel
The Nintendo Switch was practically built for travel. Its hybrid design lets you play solo in handheld mode or dock it to a TV for multiplayer sessions at your Airbnb or hotel. I’ve used my original Switch on countless trips, racing through Mario Kart with friends on the road and knocking out a few shrines in Zelda during long layovers.
From first-class flights to London to riding the rails across Canada, the Nintendo Switch has been a great travel companion.
Key reasons Nintendo Switch travel is easy:
- Portable and versatile: Switch between handheld and docked mode in seconds.
- Multiplayer-friendly: Detachable Joy-Cons make couch co-op games easy on the go.
- Great for flights: Play offline without needing Wi-Fi.
For more top picks on packing smart, check out my carry-on accessories that I can’t travel without.
Nintendo Switch OLED vs Switch 2: Should You Upgrade for Travel?
If you care about Nintendo Switch travel, the OLED vs Switch 2 decision comes down to three real-world things: screen tech, size/weight, and battery life. Specs matter, but how it feels in my favourite carry-on bag (and how long it lasts on a flight) matters more.
Nintendo Switch OLED vs Switch 2: Travel-focused comparison
| Feature | Nintendo Switch OLED | Nintendo Switch 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 7-inch OLED, 1280×720 (Nintendo) | 7.9-inch LCD, 1920×1080, HDR10, VRR up to 120Hz (Nintendo) |
| Battery life (official estimate) | Approx. 4.5–9 hours (Nintendo) | Approx. 2–6.5 hours (The Verge) |
| Size (with controllers) | 102mm × 242mm × 13.9mm (Nintendo) | 116mm × 272mm × 13.9mm (Nintendo) |
| Weight (with controllers) | Approx. 420g (Nintendo) | Approx. 534g (Nintendo) |
| Storage | 64 GB (Nintendo) | 256 GB (Nintendo) |
What this table actually means when you’re traveling
1) Screen: OLED vs bigger LCD
- The Switch 2’s screen is bigger and sharper (7.9″, 1080p), and it adds HDR/VRR. (Nintendo)
- But the Switch OLED still wins on contrast and “pop” because it’s OLED. That matters in dim cabins and hotel rooms where black levels are obvious. (Nintendo)
2) Size + weight: the Switch 2 is meaningfully less portable
- Switch 2 is 30mm wider and notably heavier (534g vs 420g with controllers). (Nintendo)
That’s the difference between “toss it in the daypack” and “this is starting to feel like another device I have to justify carrying.”
3) Battery life: this is the biggest travel deal-breaker
- Nintendo’s own estimate puts Switch 2 at 2–6.5 hours, versus 4.5–9 hours for Switch OLED. (The Verge)
On a long travel day, that’s the difference between casually playing and needing a power bank / seat power.
Verdict: Best Nintendo Switch for travel
For most people, the Nintendo Switch OLED is still the better choice for travel: it’s lighter, smaller, and has a stronger battery-life estimate.
The Switch 2 is the better pick if you value a larger, higher-res screen and newer performance features — but you pay for that with bulk and battery, not to mention the price.
Who should upgrade to the Switch 2
- You want the larger 7.9-inch 1080p display and HDR/VRR
- You mostly play where you can charge easily (hotel, lounge, road trip stops)
- You care about more internal storage (256 GB)
- You want to play the newest titles in the best quality and performance possible
Who shouldn’t upgrade (stick with Switch OLED)
- You fly often or do long transit days where battery matters most
- You pack light / carry-on only and want the smaller, lighter setup
- You prefer OLED contrast over a bigger LCD
- You play lightweight games and don’t care about graphics or performance
Although I picked up the Nintendo Switch 2 recently, I actually regret the upgrade when it comes to travel. The downsides are hard to ignore: the battery life is significantly shorter, and the console is heavier and bulkier than the OLED model. When you’re on the move, those extra grams matter.
If your primary use is gaming on the go, I’d recommend sticking with or buying the Nintendo Switch OLED. It’s lighter, more efficient, and overall better suited for travel.
If you’re planning to charge on flights, I recommend picking up a reliable USB-C power adapter that’s airplane-compatible and also provides 100w USB-C out.
Disappointments: No Netflix or Major Streaming Options
While the Switch is great for games, it still falls short in one area: streaming.
Unfortunately, you can’t download Netflix, Disney+, or Prime Video on the Nintendo Switch. You’re limited to:
- YouTube
- Hulu
- Crunchyroll
- NicoNico (Japanese streaming service)
That’s honestly a bit annoying, especially when you’re already juggling multiple screens while traveling. You’ll still need a separate device — like a phone or tablet — to watch downloaded shows and movies. In my case, I already travel with a MacBook Air and a DJI Mini drone, and on longer flights I’ll sometimes even pack my Google Pixel Tablet just for movies.
Being able to drop one screen from my bag would be nice, but for now, the Switch still means carrying yet another device.
Best Nintendo Switch Travel Accessories
To maximize your Switch travel experience, these are the accessories I personally use or recommend:
1. Nintendo Switch Travel Bag / Case
A sturdy Nintendo Switch travel case is a must. Mine holds:
- The console with Joy-Cons attached
- Up to 10 physical game cartridges
- A power adapter and charging cables
- Microfiber cloth
Look for a compact, TSA-friendly case like this Nintendo Switch OLED travel case to keep everything organized. If you’re using the Switch 2, I use this slim Switch 2 travel case for the added space and durability.
If you want to kick things up a notch for those really long flights, check out this Nintendo Switch case with a power bank built in!
2. Nintendo Switch Travel Dock
If you’re looking for a Nintendo Switch dock travel accessory, the official Nintendo dock probably isn’t it. It works great at home, but it’s bulky, awkward to pack, and takes up way too much space in a carry-on. For travel, compact third-party USB-C docks are a much better option, letting you plug into hotel TVs without hauling half your entertainment setup with you.
For the Nintendo Switch OLED, a mini USB-C travel dock with HDMI out and passthrough charging is ideal. These palm-sized docks handle 1080p output easily and slip into a small tech pouch without a second thought.
For the Nintendo Switch 2, look for a USB-C travel dock that supports higher power delivery. The Switch 2 draws more power than the OLED, so using a low-end dock can result in slow charging or no charging at all while docked. I use this Nintendo Switch 2 travel dock, and it works great.
3. Power Accessories
Flights drain batteries fast, especially if you’re gaming, streaming, and charging multiple devices at once. That’s why I travel with a tiny but powerful travel adapter that punches well above its size. It delivers 100W USB-C output, can charge multiple devices at the same time, and includes the most common international plug adapters — so one charger covers my Switch, laptop, phone, and tablet without juggling extra bricks.
Pair a high-wattage USB-C charger like this with a reliable portable power bank, ideally one that supports Power Delivery (PD), and you’ll be set for long flights and full travel days without battery anxiety.
4. Switch OLED Accessories
If you own the OLED model, consider:
- A screen protector
- Silicone Joy-Con grips
- AirPods Pro for seamless Bluetooth audio while flying
READ MORE: How to use Bluetooth with inflight entertainment systems
What About the Switch Lite for Travel?
If you want something only for handheld play, the Switch Lite is still a decent budget option. However, I wouldn’t recommend it for everyone.
Why?
- No TV docking ability
- Fixed controllers (no multiplayer on the same device)
- Smaller screen
Part of the fun of traveling with the Switch is playing Mario Kart or Mario Party with friends in the room, and that’s lost with the Lite model. If docking doesn’t matter to you at all and you want to travel super light, it’s worth a look—but the full-size Switch offers much more flexibility.
Real Travel Experience With the Nintendo Switch 2
I’ve now taken the Nintendo Switch 2 on recent trips to Cancun and Ontario over the holidays, plus a quick weekend getaway to Edmonton — using it everywhere from airport lounges to quiet nights at the Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe. It’s proven itself as the perfect companion for:
- Killing time during delays
- Long-haul flights
- Playing solo or with travel partners
Pair it with an eSIM for keeping your smartphone connected abroad, and you’ve got the perfect setup.
Where to Buy (Affiliate Picks)
Here are my top picks for buying the Switch and travel-friendly accessories:
- Nintendo Switch OLED Model
- Nintendo Switch 2
- Nintendo Switch OLED Travel Case
- Nintendo Switch 2 Travel Case
- Travel Dock (3rd Party)
- USB-C Power Adapter
- AirPods Pro for Bluetooth audio
(Pro Tip: Look for bundles with screen protectors and Joy-Con grips included!)
Conclusion: Is the Nintendo Switch Worth It for Travel?
Absolutely. Whether you’re playing solo on long flights or firing up Mario Kart with new travel friends, the Nintendo Switch is one of the best travel companions around.
But if you’re choosing between models, here’s my updated advice: the Nintendo Switch OLED is still the better Nintendo Switch travel device right now thanks to its OLED screen, lighter weight, and more balanced battery life. It’s simply easier to live with on flights, in airports, and when you’re packing light.
That said, the Nintendo Switch 2 is the more future-proof option. If you care about access to Switch 2–only titles, the latest and best games, and where Nintendo is clearly heading next, upgrading at some point makes sense — even if it’s not the most travel-friendly choice today. The added size and shorter battery life are trade-offs you’re making for longevity and performance.
Whichever route you take, bring the right accessories, keep it charged, and you’ll be well set for some seriously fun layovers.
FAQ: Nintendo Switch Travel
Can you bring a Nintendo Switch on a plane?
Yes! The Nintendo Switch is TSA-approved and can be brought in carry-on bags. Just remember to remove it during screening, and follow in-flight rules (especially during takeoff and landing).
Does the Nintendo Switch work internationally?
Yes, it’s region-free. You can buy and play games from any region, and it charges via USB-C, making it compatible with most travel adapters.
Can I connect my Switch to hotel TVs?
With a travel dock and HDMI cable, absolutely. Just be aware that some hotel TVs may restrict input ports.
How long does the Switch battery last on a flight?
Depending on the game, expect 4.5–9 hours. Games like Zelda or Smash Bros. drain faster, while lighter titles conserve more battery.
Is the Switch OLED worth it over the regular Switch for travel?
Yes—if you’re mainly using it in handheld mode. The OLED screen and better speakers make it a much nicer travel device.
What say you?
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