2024's top Nintendo Switch headsets

If you see a headset that was made by Razer, you know it’s going to be a good one. The Razer Barracuda is the best Nintendo Switch headset for most people, and a great wireless gaming headset overall. Its Razer TriForce 40mm Drivers provide fantastic sound quality, while plush memory foam ear cushions will keep your ears as comfortable as possible while you game for longer periods.

Using a Bluetooth connection and something called a SmartSwitch, the Razer Barracuda lets you easily switch between audio sources with the press of a button. Finished on the Switch and now you want to settle down with one of the best mobile games instead? Press the button, and you’ll be getting audio from your gaming phone instead (although it does sometimes struggle to work as smoothly as it should).

The Razer Barracuda isn’t the cheapest headset for Nintendo Switch, but it’s reasonably priced for the performance and comfort you get. If you want a headset that you’ll use not just for your Switch, but for every other device in your home, then this is a strong option. It even has a microphone that you might like to use for communication with your friends in online play via the Nintendo Switch Online mobile app. If you can afford it, you won’t find many headsets as good as this one – except maybe the following choice…

This is one of the best gaming headsets on the market, and there’s not very much to say against it. There’s a big caveat though – it wasn’t specifically designed with Switch use in mind. By plugging it into the dock’s USB port, you can get it to work just fine, but it’s not really appropriate for handheld play, and you may find that certain sound settings don’t work quite so well with it.

Nonetheless, I imagine this is still going to be a highly appealing choice for a lot of Switch owners. Its 360-degree soundscapes create a truly immersive gaming experience with crystal-clear audio quality. Meanwhile, in turns of comfort and weight, everything feels just right, Baby Bear style. In so many regards, the other headsets don’t even come close. If this is going to be something you use for Switch in addition to any other platforms, then the slight compatibility issues aren’t really a problem at all.

Annoyingly, if you want to make any adjustments to the settings, you have to do so via the SteelSeries GG software. With plenty of customization options, you can get it just right for your needs – the only problem is that it is quite a convoluted piece of software because it’s an all-in-one hub for things like streaming, capturing footage, and tie-ins with countless other SteelSeries products. If you’ve just got the headset, that’s going to seem a bit bloated, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that it still gives you loads of control over a truly high-end headset.

A perfectly comfortable headset that you can easily plug directly into your Switch. I know some people prefer wireless headphones, but for times when I’m sitting down, curled up with the Switch, quickly sticking this into the earphone jack is the most convenient thing.

It comes with a detachable microphone, which is handy to have if you need it. Keep in mind that the Switch doesn’t have native microphone support, but you can certainly still use it with the Nintendo Switch Online app (if you have a phone with an audio jack) or other third-party platforms. I found the microphone to be too long (it sticks into my neck), but I never really use it, so it doesn’t matter.

What does matter is that this headset doesn’t become uncomfortable, or make your ears too hot, even after a few hours, and everything sounds great through it. There’s even a handy little volume slider on the left earcup. Though there are definitely better headsets out there, this is the one I personally use and like.

HyperX is well known as a manufacturer of top-quality headphones, so you know you’re getting something good when you go for one of their models. The HyperX Cloud II was specifically designed with gaming in mind and comes with memory foam leatherette ear cushions in order to keep your ears as comfortable as possible during those extra-long gaming sessions (perhaps spent trying to hunt down that last Korok).

Though as comfortable as the ear cushions may be, it has to be said that the HyperX Cloud II is a little bit on the chunky (Kong) side. It’s a sturdy piece of work, with an aluminum frame that’s been built to last, but it has to be said that you’ll start to feel it on your head after you’ve been wearing it for a few hours. Plus, if you play your Switch docked a lot, as wired headphones, you might have some trouble, depending on how far from your TV your sofa is.

All in all though, if you want to curl up in your armchair and play your Switch in handheld mode, you’ll struggle to find a pair of headphones that will do the job as well as the HyperX Cloud II. These are noise-canceling headphones with 7.1 virtual surround sound, and when you’re in the zone, they’ll help you feel like you’re really out there in the worlds of your favorite games.

Like HyperX, HP is another big name in the headphone world, or indeed, in the electronics world at large. Unlike HyperX, however, you can grab one of its headsets for a much more affordable price. Another set designed specifically for gamers, this will be a great choice for anybody who doesn’t want to fork out the huge amounts that some headphones will set you back.

The model comes with a built-in microphone and LED lighting options (that’ll make it look pretty darn swish as you use it). Annoyingly, you can’t use the microphone on Nintendo Switch, and the lighting is mainly for PC use, so you might be unable to take advantage of these features. Still, it’s a cheaper option, and it’ll let you hear your Switch games just fine, so don’t be put off by things you may not use.

Just like the HyperX model above, these are wired headphones. On the one hand, this means that you don’t run the risk of having a tense, atmospheric gaming session interrupted by your headphones telling you that they’re about to run out of power, but on the other hand, it may make them awkward to use for docked play. If you prefer handheld play and don’t want to have to spend a huge amount of cash, these are the ones to go for.

If you’ve got a Nintendo Switch, there’s a fairly reasonable chance that you’re a fan of Pokémon (and if not, you can get these exact same earphones with a Super Mario and Legend of Zelda aesthetic too). Earphones needn’t be a bland bit of hardware, they can be a colorful expression of your passions, and these OTL Pikachu earphones do that nicely.

Their charging case is just as cool as the earbuds themselves, featuring a picture of Pikachu on a yellow background along with the words “Pika! Gotta catch ‘em all”. It’s a delightful bit of gear that will not only help to enhance your gaming experience but might be a treasured part of your Nintendo collection at large as well.

As these connect via Bluetooth, you can easily have them on when you’re playing on the television without any trouble (unlike wired headphones). Annoyingly though, as they are wireless, you’ll have to keep them charged up, which is fine if you’ve got a spare USB charger laying around somewhere, but if not, that is going to add to your expenses somewhat.

Maybe you want some Bluetooth earbuds to use with your Switch, but you don’t fancy going for a pair with colorful Nintendo characters on them. Maybe you’re tired of your boss saying “Azariah, take those Pokémon earbuds out, you’re an undertaker, it isn’t appropriate!” Whatever the reason, we understand that some people will just want subtle, sleek earbuds, like Skullcandy Dimes.

As much as they don’t feature Nintendo characters, they do still come in a variety of different colors, giving you an opportunity to find some earbuds that will most appropriately pair with your personal aesthetic. They’re pretty affordable too, so don’t worry, you’ll still have a bit of cash left over to put toward new Switch games. They’re another pair that I use regularly, and I have never really had any serious problems with them at all.

As these are Bluetooth earbuds, they have all the strengths and weaknesses inherent to their kind. While they won’t give you quite the same sound quality as a top-notch headset, they will be much easier to use while your Switch is docked, and you don’t need to worry about wires getting tangled, or worn down over time. As I see it, they’re cheap, comfortable, portable, and have decent sound quality, so what’s not to like?