The Year of the Pocket Monster: Preparing for a New Era
2025 is shaping up to be a monumental year for Pokémon Trainers worldwide. With the highly anticipated release of Pokémon Legends: Z-A on the horizon and the persistent, electrifying rumors surrounding the 'Nintendo Switch 2,' the hardware landscape is shifting. Whether you are still clocking hundreds of hours into Pokémon Scarlet and Violet or you are prepping your gear for the next generation of Nintendo hardware, having the right accessories isn't just about aesthetics—it's about the competitive edge and ergonomic comfort.
As we transition into this new era, many fans are asking: 'Will my current gear work with the Switch 2?' While Nintendo has a history of iterative design, the core Pokémon experience—shiny hunting for hours, intense VGC battles, and long commutes—demands high-quality peripherals. In this guide, we’re looking at the absolute best accessories currently available that define the Pokémon experience in 2025, with a keen eye on forward compatibility for the next console.
Ergonomics for the Long Grind: Hori Split Pad Pro (Pokémon Edition)
Approximate Price: $59.99
If you have ever spent six hours straight resetting for a Shiny legendary, you know that the standard Joy-Cons can lead to some serious hand cramping. Enter the Hori Split Pad Pro. This isn't just a controller; it’s a total ergonomic overhaul for your handheld experience.
The Pokémon-themed versions—specifically the Pikachu and Lucario editions—are fan favorites. Unlike the slim Joy-Cons, the Split Pad Pro offers a full-sized analog stick, a functional D-pad (essential for precise movement in grid-based areas), and assignable rear triggers.
Why it’s a 2025 must-have: Even as we look toward the Switch 2, the Split Pad Pro remains the gold standard for handheld play. Reports suggest the Switch 2 will retain a similar form factor, and even if the rails change, the comfort provided by Hori’s design is unmatched for the current library of Pokémon titles. It’s the closest you can get to a Pro Controller feel while on the bus or a plane.
Precision and Style: PowerA Enhanced Wireless Controller
Approximate Price: $44.99
For those who prefer playing on the big screen, a Pro-style controller is non-negotiable. While the official Nintendo Pro Controller is excellent, PowerA’s Enhanced Wireless Controllers offer something Nintendo doesn't: incredible Pokémon artistry.
From the moody, purple Gengar designs to the classic red-and-white Poké Ball aesthetic, these controllers allow you to represent your favorite 'mon. Beyond the looks, these controllers feature two mappable advanced gaming buttons on the back. This is surprisingly useful in Pokémon games for mapping the 'A' button or the 'Sprint' button, allowing you to navigate the overworld with one hand while enjoying a snack with the other.
Why it’s a 2025 must-have: These controllers use Bluetooth 5.0, which is widely expected to be the standard for the Switch 2 as well. Investing in a high-quality PowerA controller now likely means you’ll have a player-two controller ready to go for the next console's launch.
Never Run Out of Space: SanDisk Pokémon microSD Cards
Approximate Price: $25.00 - $35.00 (256GB - 512GB)
With the size of modern games, the internal storage of the Switch is a joke. Pokémon fans who download Pokémon Home, Pokémon Unite, and multiple mainline entries will find their storage full in seconds. SanDisk’s officially licensed Pokémon microSD cards are a perfect thematic fit.
Available in different capacities and colors—like the yellow 256GB card featuring Pikachu or the purple 512GB card featuring Gengar—these cards offer read speeds up to 100MB/s. This ensures that your load times when entering a Pokémon Center or transitioning between routes stay as snappy as possible.
Why it’s a 2025 must-have: Storage is the one thing that never goes out of style. The Switch 2 will undoubtedly require massive amounts of storage for its upgraded assets. Buying a high-speed, high-capacity card now is a future-proof investment for your digital library.
The Collector’s Choice: Poke Ball Plus (Legacy Support)
Approximate Price: $49.99 - $70.00 (Secondary Market)
While technically released alongside Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu/Eevee, the Poke Ball Plus remains one of the most unique accessories ever made. It functions as a single-handed controller, a Pokémon GO Plus device, and a literal Poké Ball that can hold your Pokémon and take them for a walk.
In 2025, its value has actually increased among superfans. It’s the most immersive way to play Let's Go and remains a vital tool for Pokémon GO players who want to auto-spin stops while hunting in the mainline games.
Why it’s a 2025 must-have: As we look toward Legends: Z-A, there is always the hope for renewed compatibility with physical 'catching' peripherals. Owning one of these in good condition is a badge of honor for any serious collector.
Protection for the Next Generation: Orzly Carry Case (Pokémon Colors)
Approximate Price: $19.99
You can’t call yourself a superfan if your console is covered in scratches. The Orzly Carry Case in Red and White is a subtle yet clear nod to the classic Poké Ball. It features a hard EVA shell, space for 8 game cartridges, and a mesh pocket for your cables and extra Joy-Cons.
Why it’s a 2025 must-have: With the Switch 2 rumored to be slightly larger, many current slim cases might become obsolete. However, the Orzly case is known for its 'roomy' interior, which might just accommodate a slightly larger successor. Regardless, for your current OLED or standard Switch, it is the best insurance policy for your save files.
The Switch 2 Factor: What to Expect
As we look toward the end of 2025, the 'Switch 2' looms large. Current rumors suggest a 1080p handheld screen and magnetic Joy-Cons. For Pokémon fans, this means our current rail-based accessories (like the Split Pad Pro) might need an adapter, but our wireless controllers and SD cards will likely transition seamlessly. If you are buying gear today, focus on Wireless and Storage, as these have the highest probability of working on day one with the new hardware.
Bottom Line / Our Verdict
If you can only buy one accessory to improve your Pokémon experience in 2025, make it the Hori Split Pad Pro. The sheer difference in comfort during long play sessions is transformative. However, if you are looking to prepare for the future, grabbing a 512GB SanDisk Pokémon microSD card is the smartest move you can make before the next generation of games arrives.
Pokémon is more than just a game; it's a lifestyle of collection and competition. By equipping yourself with these themed, high-performance accessories, you ensure that your journey through the Paldea region—and whatever comes next in the Kalos of Legends: Z-A—is as smooth as a Master Ball catch.