Nintendo seemingly hasn’t had a change of heart in its approach to USB. As with the original Switch, the company has made changes to the Type-C port on Switch 2 that make it difficult to pair the console with a world of accessories, namely chargers and docks, that should be otherwise compatible.
Speaking with manufacturers of third-party accessories, The Verge claims that Nintendo is using bespoke encryption protocols to lock down Switch 2’s USB-C port. The company has apparently gone so far as to include a dedicated encryption chip to handle the process.
Normally, the port would handshake with a connector via a standardised set of instructions, dictating power and whether features like video passthrough become active. However, this non-standardised approach on what is a universal port makes most third-party chargers, docks, and more difficult to use, let alone make.
Curiously, Switch 2 goes beyond simple ID verification. The console requires 20V of power during handshakes. This is higher than the 15V most docks provide, but the system strangely reverts to that exact power measurement after concluding communications.
Nintendo’s measures are effectively stalling the third-party dock market, with brands like Jsaux placing their plans for Switch 2 accessories on hold. For the moment, there’s only one unofficial option that’s compatible with the console, namely Antank S3 Max TV Dock Station. The manufacturer has somehow found a way to manage Switch 2’s handshake, but it’s unclear how.
While it is important that Switch 2 is supplied with sufficient power, as not all USB-C adapters or cables will the right amount of watts, Nintendo’s methods are frustrating. Other devices, such as Steam Deck, also use the same port for charging and you won’t encounter the same problems with Valve’s system.
It is possible that Switch 2 will enjoy a bounty of third-party accessories in the future, but right now the best course of action is to stick with the official charger and dock that came with your console.
