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(Image credit: Getty / SOPA) 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."
Although the Switch 2 appears to use a standard USB-C docking interface, Nintendo is reportedly employing a proprietary handshake protocol. According to our sources, Nintendo may have separated the PID (Product ID) and the VID (Vendor ID), assigning one to charging and USB functionalities, and the other to HDMI output. The hypothesis is that Nintendo retained the existing PID and VID for charging and USB operations, but generated a new PID and VID specifically for HDMI output. That would explain why Switch 2 owners who have upgraded to firmware version 21.0.0 can still charge their devices on third-party docks, but there is no image output on the TV.
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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.
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Reference reading
- https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/nintendo/SPONSORED_LINK_URL
- https://www.tomshardware.com/video-games/nintendo/nintendo-says-it-has-no-intention-of-blocking-third-party-switch-2-docks-following-firmware-update-that-stopped-them-from-working-accessory-makers-scramble-to-deploy-workaround#main
- https://www.tomshardware.com
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