The recent system update for the Nintendo Switch 2 has removed support for third-party docks, according to a new report.
According to a detailed report by The Verge, the latest system update for the Nintendo Switch 2 appears to have removed compatibility with third-party docks, effectively locking the console to the console maker’s own accessories. The findings come after a technical analysis was performed using a USB-C Power Delivery (PD) analyzer to see how the system communicates with external devices after installing the update.
The report explains that the Nintendo Switch 2 now uses “a new encryption scheme and some form of dedicated encryption chip,” according to two accessory manufacturers who spoke with The Verge. This change prevents most third-party docks and adapters from functioning as they did before. While standard USB-C devices typically use a universal handshake protocol for power and video output, the Switch 2 instead sends “proprietary messages only Nintendo can decipher.”
This effectively means that when users attempt to connect the updated console to non-Nintendo docks or HDMI adapters, the system may refuse to output video or even negotiate power properly. The USB-C PD tests confirmed this behavior, showing the Switch 2 engaging in “over 30 proprietary ‘unstructured’ messages” with its own dock before enabling video output.
Accessory manufacturer Jsaux, known for its Steam Deck docks, told The Verge that it has “paused its plans to build a Switch 2 dock because of Nintendo’s actions.” Meanwhile, only one third-party dock, the Antank S3 Max (also sold as the SiWiQU TV Dock Station), currently claims to work with the console, thanks to firmware that mimics Nintendo’s communication protocols.
While this decision from Nintendo may be intended to protect the Switch 2 from faulty accessories, it comes as a blow to consumer flexibility, as the update has essentially removed the ability to use portable or travel-friendly dock alternatives.
