Nintendo has confirmed to Tom's Hardware that it has no intention of blocking the use of third-party docks with its Nintendo Switch 2 console, after users reported that the latest firmware version for the device rendered certain third-party docking stations inoperative. Numerous user reports have been abundant on the Switch Reddit platform, expressing their anger. Fortunately, vendors have identified a solution to this issue and are now releasing firmware updates for their docks to address it.
The big question many Switch 2 fans are wondering about is whether the issue was deliberate or just an accidental oversight on Nintendo's part. In a statement, a Nintendo representative told Tom's Hardware that "Nintendo Switch 2 outputs audiovisuals once it detects that it is docked into a Nintendo Switch 2 Dock. Nintendo Switch does the same, outputting audiovisuals once it detects that it is docked into a Nintendo Switch Dock. Nintendo does not have any intention to hinder or invalidate legal third-party dock compatibility."
PSA: switch 2 v21.0.0 disables third party docks from r/Switch
It is amusing to note that some user feedback indicates that the official Nintendo dock allegedly stopped working correctly after updating the Switch 2's firmware. However, a restart resolved the issue, though third-party docks did not fare as well.
The market currently offers a wide array of third-party docks and adapters for the Switch 2, supplied by brands such as Next, Antank, Siwiqu, Viture, Jemdo, Jsaux, and Hagibis. However, the firmware has not incapacitated all third-party docks; instead, only specific models have been affected. Therefore, it is reasonable to believe that Nintendo did not deliberately disable third-party docks.
We reached out to Next, a manufacturer that produces a bunch of Switch 2 accessories, to inquire whether the issue affects its 4K TV Dock Kit (NX-NS2DK), which is exclusively sold at Best Buy for $59.99. The vendor confirmed that the firmware version 21.0.0 temporarily impacted the compatibility of its dock. However, Next's engineering team has successfully resolved the issue. It plans to deploy a firmware update with detailed instructions to restore the dock's functionality either today or on Saturday.
Most Switch 2 gamers will get by with the included official Nintendo dock. However, some individuals have televisions in multiple rooms and may prefer a dedicated dock for each display. Additionally, there are occasions when you want to share the Switch 2 experience with friends or family members and choose not to transport the dock frequently, seeking a more portable alternative.
Nintendo offers the Switch 2 dock separately for $124.99 on its official website. Although the company has not raised the prices of the Switch 2 due to U.S. tariffs, there has been a price increase concerning accessories and the standard Switch model. The cost of the Switch 2 dock was previously $109.99, then increased to $119.99, and subsequently settled at $124.99. It is considerably more expensive than third-party alternatives. The issue is that Nintendo sells the dock as part of a set that includes an AC adapter, a USB-C charging cable, and an HDMI cable, which naturally increases the overall cost.
If Nintendo were to offer the Switch 2 dock as a standalone product to make the price more attractive, it could persuade owners to prefer official products. Aside from design, the lower prices are what make third-party docks more appealing. If your dock is not functioning correctly, sit tight and wait for your manufacturer to release a firmware update to resolve the issue. Some have already done so.
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