Nintendo Switch 2: Dock - Size, HDMI, Connections Guide, 4K Upscaling

Q: Does the Nintendo Switch 2 use USB-C?

Yes, the Switch 2 houses not one, but two USB-C ports (one on the bottom and one on the top). The bottom port is used the same as Switch 1 and will be the primary port for docking the hybrid, while the top provides a way to attach accessories like the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, or for charging when in Tabletop mode.

What's up, Dock?

by Jim Norman Fri, 2:57pm

At a glance, Switch 2 has a near-identical form factor to its predecessor: a hybrid screen, detachable Joy-Con, and a dock to group it all together. But just because the device appears the same, that doesn't mean there aren't some substantial changes going on under the hood.

In this guide, we look at the new Nintendo Switch 2 dock, covering the cables and connections it supports and how the new dock is different from the original.

Nintendo Switch 2 Dock - The Details

Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Specs

Here's the official rundown of the Nintendo Switch 2 dock's specs:

Size	Approx. 115mm x 201mm x 51.2mm The height includes the 2mm added by the feet on the bottom of the dock.
Weight	Approx. 383g
Connectors	USB ports: two USB 2.0 compatible ports on the side System connector AC adapter port HDMI port LAN port

The Switch 2 dock also houses a built-in fan to keep the console cool and ensure that things can perform as intended.

And here's all of the spec info on the AC adapter:

Input	AC 100V - 240V 50/60Hz 1.6A

Output	DC 5.0V/3.0A, 9.0V/3.0A, 15.0V/3.0A, 20.0V/3.0A
Size	Approx. 49.5mm x 38.5mm x 45mm Size without AC plug and cable Cable length is approximately 1.5m.

4K Resolution

Yes, the Nintendo Switch 2 dock does support 4K gameplay via a custom NVIDIA processor — if it's connected to a compatible screen, that is. On top of this, the dock allows for HDR, VRR, and frame rates up to 120fps.

tl;dr, Nvidia states that Switch 2 has 10x the graphical performance of Switch 1.

It should be noted that all of these features are unique to docked play, so don't expect the same resolution or frame rates when in handheld.

Switch 2 Dock FAQ

Here is a selection of common Nintendo Switch 2 dock questions:

Can you put Switch 1 into Switch 2's dock?

Nintendo hasn't officially commented on potential interoperability with Switch docks. We may not have the official answer until we have the Switch 2 dock (and a 'Switch 1' screen) in our hands.

With 4K gameplay and a more powerful charger, we'd imagine that Nintendo wouldn't recommend putting your old console in the new dock, but that is speculation for now. It's possible.

Conversely, what happens if you put Switch 2 into Switch 1's dock? Is it possible to use the new Switch with the old dock?

That one seems a lot simpler. The Switch 2 appears to have an extra 'lip' on the bottom around its USB-C port, meaning the new console won't sit correctly in your classic hub.

Does the Nintendo Switch 2 use USB-C?

Yes, the Switch 2 houses not one, but two USB-C ports (one on the bottom and one on the top).

The bottom port is used the same as Switch 1 and will be the primary port for docking the hybrid, while the top provides a way to attach accessories like the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, or for charging when in Tabletop mode.

Can I use my old cables with the Switch 2 dock?

The Nintendo Switch 2 Dock uses a stronger power supply than Switch 1 and an Ultra High Speed HDMI Cable. So in short, no, we wouldn't recommend using your old wires.