Topic: Is docked performance available with only USB-C?

I've been playing my Switch 2 in bed recently using a lap desk for the screen, kickstand open, and the joy-cons detached in my hands. Call it "lazy mode"! The top USB-C port is plugged into a charger. In this configuration I'd love to get the docked performance boost. From what I know of the Switch 1 this wasn't possible without an external screen. Is this still the case with the Switch 2?

I have a portable 15" monitor I could use with this setup, but that seems like a lot of extra hardware I don't really want. Not to mention there aren't any compact style docks compatible with the Switch 2 yet.

Output to external Monitor or TV Display is only through the "Dock" - there is no direct to monitor plug setup.

Yes, I am aware there's no direct support for an external monitor on the Switch 2. I'm asking if there's a way to get docked performance with just USB-C power using the internal screen.

There no boost that is for charging when not using the Dock for TV output. But one should get a 60W or higher power brick to insure stable power supply to the Switch 2 power demands. So don't use what you used for Switch 1 and expect it to work ok on Switch 2. I had to get higher extra power bricks for this purpose.

That's consistent with the Switch 1. Do you have any references?

Assuming a TV and dock are required... I'm thinking I will try a mini-dock solution when they're available for the Switch 2.

Unless those making OEM Docks is the only way they would get the board specs to work with Switch 2 but one should be careful at this early stage and verify they tested it works on Switch 2 otherwise your going to face unlicensed Docks Bricking your Switch 2 and that they will replace your Switch 2 if their Non-Dock bricks your Switch 2.

@Mellified Unfortunately, there's not a way to have the handheld switch 2 perform like docked. It was the same deal with switch 1. Disregard if you've figured that out already.

@sethfranum - Nintendo isn't using incomprehensible alien technology. The Switch 1 used standard video out over USB-C with a proprietary voltage/amperage combination. The Switch 2 uses a USB Power Delivery standard now - presumably with the same video out. Once accessory manufacturers have a solution that combines these there's no reason to think there will be an issue using such devices. Nintendo's warranty would cover any issues that arise from plugging a standard device into a standard port. If that breaks their device that's Nintendo's fault for using a standard port incorrectly. The FUD (fear, uncertainty, doubt) you are trying to spread serves no one.

@woomyNNYes - Yeah, that seems to be the case.

Nintendo requiring a dock for higher performance made some sense with the Switch 1 since the built-in display was 720P whereas most TVs support at least 1080P these days - and so did the Switch 1 docked.

However, the Switch 2 has a 1080P built-in display. It seems like a major oversight not to speed up the Switch 2 when plugged in regardless of whether an external display is used. The recent Digital Foundry article here on Nintendo Life articulated the value - higher framerate at higher resolution. There's no reason a TV is needed to accomplish this when the real purpose of having the "undocked" or "handheld mode" is because of battery life.

Perhaps there is a heat concern. In which case the "lazy mode" I described in my original post - call it "tabletop mode" if you prefer - would have no more risks than having the Switch 2 in a dock. Someone grabbing the Switch 2 out of the dock or off the tabletop is just as likely to burn themselves on any hot surfaces.

NintendoLife strikes me as a very friendly and positive site in its editorial tone towards Nintendo. Still, I hope that doesn't mean they can't be an advocate for Nintendo fixing this gross oversight.

Please Nintendo - give us docked performance when on an appropriate USB-C power charger. No dock or TV needed.

@Mellified Can you provide links or YT videos of people doing that video setup? The problem is people doing this and making excuses. It's Nintendo so blaming others for what they did to themselves is that they did it to themselves. What you choose to believe or do homework to understand is up to you.

I recognize the words as English, but I can't fully parse your meaning. There are lots of examples of third-party dock solutions for the original Switch if that's what you want Youtube videos of. You can surely search for yourself. I've used a few different ones from no-name manufacturers to Genki, Asus, and other brands over the last several years.

As for the rest... I have done my homework, which is why I was able to provide a technical explanation of the Switch 1 and 2's electrical requirements.

I'm solving this issue by pairing my Switch 2 with the Viture XR glasses. Docked performance with less hardware required compared to a dock and monitor.