Nintendo is asking quite a bit for the official Switch dock when you consider that there's not exactly a lot of tech contained inside. However, before you lay down your cash to obtain a second dock - either for another room in the house or for when you're on the road - you might want to check out Nyko's alternative.
Coming later this year and costing just $45, the Portable Docking Kit does everything the official dock does, including charging the Switch and allowing you to play on the TV via HDMI. The only thing that's different is the lack of USB ports, so you can't charge your Pro Controller at the same time.
However, most Switch owners will happily take that sacrifice just to have a small, highly-portable dock to carry around with them at all times. The other bonus is that this dock won't scratch your Switch's screen, either.
Here's some PR:
Enable TV mode on the go with Nyko's Portable Docking Kit for Nintendo Switch™. Portable Docking Kit allows you to connect your Nintendo Switch™ to any HDMI TV without needing to bring your dock with you. Its compact design allows it to fit in most travel bags and the built-in portable stand keeps the Nintendo Switch upright when outputting the TV. Portable Docking Kit is powered by the included Type-C™ AC adapter and will keep the Nintendo Switch charge while playing.
+ Connect the Nintendo Switch to a TV without need to bring your dock with you
+ Power by a Type-C AC Adapter (included)
+ Compact design
+ Enable TV mode on the Nintendo Switch
+ Includes an HDMI cable for connecting to any TV on the go
Will you be opting for this third-party offering once it becomes available? Let us know with a comment.
[source gizmodo.com, via nyko.com]
Comments 29
Do want.
Yes please.
It had to happen. Great stuff
Thank you RNGesus!
Me too.
Cheaper than Nintendo official.
YES! Hopefully it's not absolutely terrible like most of their products.
Really surprised Nintendo didn't just do this themselves rather than leaving the door open to third parties.
Weren't there a lot of people saying this wouldn't work, the Switch would overheat, without the slots in the back of the dock sucking the hot air out or something like that?
I still think this would have been the Ntiendo dock except it doesn't cover the screen so everyone would have been expecting dual screen play like the Wii U. For me that's all the dock did, notify people in the simplest way possible, "This is not Wii U 2."
There will probably still be people complaining about the price, somehow everyone thought $30 would cover the dock, HDMI cable and USB-C charger, but $45 is fine for all 3. And the smaller size makes it portable. No USB for the LAN adapter could be a problem for some, but that's the only obvious drawback I see.
I'm sure Nintendo didn't take this route originally since the original dock makes it look more like a home console. Seeing it like this, one would immediately say it's a handheld system.
That's a great price considering the included USB Type-C power adapter, these are going to sell well.
Looks great! I'm too scared of damaging my dock when I travel so I play portable only. To have this to be able to hook it up on a tv when I travel for work, or I'm with friends and family makes the switch even more portable.
@rjejr The official dock doesn't improve air flow. This one, being more open, might be better when it comes to thermal management.
Totally up for this but may wait until reviews and a bit of time passes to ensure it works with no unexpected issues.
Hopefully this 3rd party dock doesn't block ventilation or overheat.
The article doesn't mention the fact that the USB ports on the official dock can also be used for plugging in an ethernet adaptor. Useful if you're going to use your Switch somewhere without good WiFi and want to play online. That's something missing with this dock. Most people probably won't miss it, but it's worth noting.
Thank God someone is finally doing this, $90 for another dock is insanity.
Cool! I was waiting for someone to produce this kind of thing.
Now the original Nintendo dock can go into the trash can!
If Nintendo had made this themselves, even playing games with a second screen would've been possible (although a cable would be a better solution for that).
Hmm and I just brought a dock set from best buy last week for $71.99 (open-box). No buyer’s remorse on my end, just a “well I’ll be”. It is a nice alt for a spare.
@rjejr Pretty much what I was thinking. If Nintendo officially went with this design, people will think it’s a updated Wii U or next gen handheld. People already bash the Wii U because of the name and console design, no need for that repeat.
another brand maybee but wouldnt trust their stuff for anything. Just garbage
this looks like it could work well for modding, like for the n64 dock
@Jaxad0127 Well I didn't think it did, but a lot of people were making that argument as a justification for the dock rather than a base.
@ultraraichu On further thought, maybe Nintendo goes with this design for a smaller SwitchPocket for kids when Pokémon comes, maybe a 5" screen. Would make it seem more like a portable and save them a few $.
@ultraraichu I agree
Will ship one to my parent's house for when I visit.
There will be other better Alternatives soon enough I am sure, this looks a little weak on features
And one of the conditions for me to get a Switch has finally been fulfilled.
This is perfect.
That's amazing! Will consider getting one
The official dock is so fragile, I hesitate to take it anywhere with me. After hauling it in a bag one time with a few other gaming gadgets, the front part flexed in similar to the images responsible for Switch horror stories of screen scratching. It was able to be corrected thankfully, but it's very bad design.
This looks more like something I can use and take along with the system with no fuss. Sold!
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