Nintendo Limits Switch 2’s USB-C Port: Proprietary Protocols Block Most Third-Party Docks and Accessories

Oh boy, the Nintendo Switch 2, huh? Feels like we’ve been waiting forever, right? Anyway, it’s finally here, and it’s doing this whole “I’m better than my older sibling” thing. Like, it’s got a bigger and prettier screen, you know, the kind that almost feels like you’re staring into a little rectangle of dreams. Plus, those Joy-Con controllers? They’re like, beefed up and now magically stick on with magnets. Feels like some wizardry.

But hang on a minute, there’s a spanner in the works with that USB-C port. Weird story… Nintendo’s apparently playing hardball with third-party accessories. It’s like they invited everyone to the party and then moved the venue without telling anyone. Sneaky? Maybe clever? Depends on whose side you’re on.

So, here’s the tea. The big boys at Nintendo are using some fancy encryption shenanigans—totally sounds like tech magic to me—to make sure you’re not just slapping on any random dock or hub like you used to. Saw mentions about changes in power stuff too, you know, volts or something. But, some say it’s all about these enchanting USB-C protocols doing a dance of “now you see me, now you don’t.”

Now, my buddy Sean Hollister—he’s always digging into this stuff—found out more juicy bits. Normally, when you plug a dock into a USB-C port, it kinda chats with it, like “Hey, power please, oh and video too.” But nope, not this time. Got some secret Nintendo language going on, like they’re whispering behind our backs. Hmm.

Enter the Antank S3 Max, which, by some miracle or deal with the tech gods, works with the Switch 2. But it’s like a strange twin of the official dock. Cheap-ish at $36, but you need the official power adapter too. Feels like buying a pet and needing a special leash and collar.

Here’s a twist though—don’t get too comfy. Nintendo might change the game rules again with a snap of their firmware update fingers. Antank’s team is sorta chill about it, saying they’ll try to keep up. Sounds like one of those “we shall see” stories.

And hey, if you’re hungry for more tech gossip, Tom’s Hardware has got your back. They’re the kind of place that tells you all the who-what-where of these gadget happenings. Who knew following them would feel a bit like joining a secret club?