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

Alright, so there’s this new Nintendo Switch 2 thing, right? And it’s like, they really beefed up some stuff. Bigger screen, sharper image, something like a 120 Hz refresh or whatever—honestly, I don’t totally get the techy bits, but I know a good screen when I see one. Oh! And the Joy-Con controllers? They’ve got this neat magnetic snap now. Cool, huh?

But then there’s this whole issue with the USB-C port. Seems like Nintendo’s throwing some shade at third-party accessories. Two peeps talked to some tech site, The Verge or something, and it turns out that Nintendo’s encrypting stuff now. For real, like, actual encryption chips in there. GamesRadar mentioned some power requirement thing too. Something about 20V? Which, if you’re anything like me, you’re now picturing a cartoon lightbulb exploding.

Sean Hollister, editing big shot at The Verge, peeked under the hood. You know how when you plug stuff into stuff, like with USB-C? There’s this whole handshake dance—power, video signals, yada yada. But with this new Switch? Nintendo’s doing, like, secret handshakes or something! Over 30 mysterious messages flying back and forth before it smiles and does its video thing. Crazy, right?

And, lo and behold, only one third-party dock—some Antank S3 Max gadget—gets the secret nod from Nintendo. Costs $36 on Amazon, and you’ve got to use Nintendo’s own power plug for it to play nice. Still, the techy bits didn’t quite add up—like the power felt different, apparently? I don’t have the faintest clue why I noticed that, but here we are.

Now, here’s the kicker. This Antank dock could become obsolete if Nintendo changes the game again. Some Antank rep was all, “Yeah, things might change.” Honestly, that was it. They’re ready for software updates if Nintendo shifts gears, which sounds promising. Or, you know, totally sketchy. Who knows.

Anyway, that’s the gist of it. Follow some hardware guide thing on Google for more nerdy deep-dives. Or don’t. I’m off to think about why cardboard is always the go-to metaphor for anything dull.