There are a plethora of Nintendo Switch accessories on the market, from controllers to kickstands to docks, and it can be challenging to find the right ones to fit your personal gaming experience.
If you bought a Switch brand new, it came with a full dock set. But if you bought one used without a dock, need to replace a broken dock or want to purchase a second dock, this guide will help you select from the best options available. For the smoothest gaming experience possible, the Official Nintendo Switch Dock Set stands out for its reliability and ease of use.
What to know before you buy a Nintendo Switch dock
Third-party Switch docks might not hold up
Many Nintendo Switch owners encourage others to avoid third-party docks (and other accessories), and for good reason. There are many stories that have circulated throughout online gaming forums about third-party docks damaging the system, causing it to stop functioning altogether. When this happens and the device cannot be recovered, it’s commonly called “bricked,” as if to say it’s as technologically useful as a brick.
It’s important to note that there are some third-party options that have shown to be safe options, though none are licensed by Nintendo, so they simply aren’t certified risk-free options.
So why even consider a third-party dock? A major reason is the cost of the official Nintendo Switch dock. It’s pretty pricey, especially if you just want a second dock for another TV in your house.
Another reason to go third-party might be to have a more portable dock option for traveling since the original isn’t exactly pocket-sized. Other gamers choose third-party docks simply because they like the appearance or features of the dock better than the official option.
Accessories included with Nintendo Switch docks
The official Nintendo Switch Dock Set includes the dock, an AC adapter and a high-speed HDMI cable. This is everything you need to connect your Switch to your TV.
Third-party docks require different accessories and cables, depending on how they’re designed. Make sure to read the full product description before making your selection so you know what else you might need. For example, if you want to play and charge your device at the same time, usually you need to purchase another power supply separately.
DIY Nintendo Switch docks
Some third-party docks, such as the BASSTOP Portable Dock, require you to remove the circuit board chip from the original Nintendo dock and install into their replacement case.
This obviously isn’t a viable option if you don’t already own an official Nintendo dock, or if you don’t think you’re tech-savvy enough to handle the install. If you just need a replacement, however, this can be a simple and affordable solution.
Nintendo Switch dock features
Charging your Switch while playing
The official Nintendo Switch dock allows users to play while the device charges, which is a convenience most gamers don’t want to be without.
Many third-party docks will also provide this convenience, but sometimes require a separate purchase in order to do so. For instance, the ikedon Portable TV Docking Station requires a 15V/2.6A power supply, which is not included and must be bought separately in order to play and charge simultaneously.
Nintendo Switch dock portability
An advantage to purchasing a third-party dock is often the portability factor. Most docks outside of Nintendo’s official model are smaller and more lightweight, oftentimes able to fit in your pocket and be taken anywhere.
Switch docks with an anti-slip base
It’s a terrible feeling when you accidentally knock your gaming console over, especially if it causes you to lose unsaved game progress. A dock with an anti-slip base can help you avoid this issue, keeping the system securely in place while you play.
Nintendo Switch dock cost
As previously stated, the official Nintendo Switch Dock Set is much pricier than most third-party docks. Depending on when/where you shop, it usually retails for anywhere from $120 to $140.
Third-party docks usually range in price from $12 to $40 and often require the additional purchase of cables or other equipment.
Nintendo Switch dock FAQ
What are the benefits of owning more than one Nintendo Switch dock?
A. If you have multiple TVs in your home that you play Nintendo Switch on, the addition of a second dock eliminates the need to haul your console’s whole setup back and forth between rooms. It’s much more convenient to have a separate dock for each place you play, though unnecessary.
Having another dock also can make traveling with your switch much easier, especially since third-party docks are lighter and more compact.
Can I dock my Nintendo Switch Lite?
A. No, the Switch Lite isn’t able to display video to the TV or any external device. Designed to be a handheld device, the Lite version doesn’t have the same internal hardware that the traditional Nintendo Switch does to support video output.
Which Nintendo Switch dock should I get?
Best of the best Nintendo Switch dock
Nintendo Switch Dock Set: available at Amazon
Our take: Sometimes it’s hard to beat the original, and the dock that comes with the Nintendo Switch is the simplest solution to ensuring your console never bricks and your gaming experience always runs smoothly.
What we like: It’s the official Nintendo product, completely compatible with the console and it comes complete with the whole setup, including the AC adapter and a high-speed HDMI cable.
What we dislike: It’s much more expensive than third-party docks, and some users complain that it can scratch the Switch’s screen over time.
Best bang for your buck Nintendo Switch dock
ikedon Portable TV Docking Station Replacement for Nintendo Switch: available at Amazon
Our take: Designed specifically to replace the official Nintendo Switch dock, this model is highly portable and easy to set up.
What we like: It features a one-touch button to switch to TV display, has adjustable play angles and an anti-slip base. Additionally, the console sits on top of the dock instead of sliding into it to avoid overheating.
What we dislike: Although many users have great success with this third-party dock, there are still some reviews that report it glitching, not displaying to the TV and even bricking their Nintendo Switch over time.
Honorable mention Nintendo Switch dock
BASSTOP Portable Dock Replacement Case for Nintendo Switch: available at Amazon
Our take: The BASSTOP dock requires a little DIY work, but is a very affordable and popular choice for a replacement or second Switch dock.
What we like: This pocket-sized replacement dock can go anywhere with you and comes with the screwdrivers and screws needed to remove the circuit board chip from your original Nintendo dock.
What we dislike: It doesn’t work if you have a screen protector or case on your Switch, and some users say the process to switch the circuit board chip is difficult and time-consuming.
Charity Lindsey is a writer for BestReviews. BestReviews is a product review company with a singular mission: to help simplify your purchasing decisions and save you time and money.
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