Whenever a company launches a new product, it tends to come with new peripherals and accessories. The user has to buy them in case there’s a mandatory peripheral or if older models stop functioning. It seems that Nintendo Switch 2 USB port is one of those components.
The new Nintendo Switch 2 console uses a dock for easier connection to the Smart TV or monitor. However, it doesn’t work like the original Switch dock and you may have compatibility issues.
The limitations of the Nintendo Switch 2 USB
In case your Nintendo Switch 2 dock stops working or gets lost, you won’t be able to buy a third party one like in the original model. Nintendo is trying the Apple approach for exclusive accessories. You can’t save money buying a universal compatible dock in Amazon. The third party compatibility is now restricted. You will find a USB-C port in the Switch 2 but even if you use a universal from the first generation it won’t run properly.
In YouTube channel Linus Tech Tips they investigated the origin of this issue. Why would a dock or USB cable compatible with the first Switch won’t work on a Switch 2? Using an Infinion device they analyzed how the console communicates with the dock.
As a result they show several messages that indicate “defined by the supplier”. This messages work detecting the original dock in Nintendo Switch to send the signal to the Smart TV or plugged monitor.
It means that Nintendo Switch 2 dock and USB port incorporates a specific hardware like the lightning cables on Apple. It’s the only way to decipher signals correctly. If the chip is not present, the image will never get to the Smart TV. All third party docks and USB-C cables will probably be blocked
Right now there are a few docks that are still compatible, but any new Nintendo Switch 2 update may break compatibility again. If you lose or break your Switch 2 dock you will have to pay 110 Euros for a new one. This is 4 times the price of a third party dock available in Amazon.
The future of the Nintendo Switch 2 limitations for USB port compatibility
In the near future, Nintendo may have to remove the limitations at least in the European Union because of anti monopoly regulations. However, right now Japan and other countries have to buy an original Switch 2 dock.
The giant Japanese company has share holders that ask for more earnings. But users may reject these mandatory aspects on a new console. It’s a matter of time before we learn how the Nintendo Switch 2 USB and dock compatibility issues unfolds.
If you lose or break your Switch 2 dock now, you only have two options. Buying a new original one from a Nintendo Store or finding one of the third party models that are still compatible. However, the latter option is temporary because a new update may block the device in the near future according to Nintendo.