
If you've ever found yourself thinking that the Switch's dock isn't quite portable enough for you, this third-party alternative may well solve your problems.
The new innoAura Nintendo Switch USB-C Multiport Adapter aims to stand as a replacement for your official dock, getting rid of the need for the slightly bulky bit of plastic by making use of a simple cable and dongle. We've seen dozens of dock alternatives in the past - although not usually in dongle form - but this one stands out thanks to its additional ports.
You see, this dongle features the standard Type C charging port which connects to your Switch, an HDMI converter, two USB 3.0 ports to replace those found on the official dock, A PD charger port, and even an ethernet port, allowing you to forgo the need for an additional Hori ethernet adapter. It's small and easier to carry around, but can technically still do more than Nintendo's official dock. It can even be used with a handful of other devices, too.


Earlier in the year, we heard several stories of third-party docks 'bricking' Switch consoles after the system's 5.0 update. Naturally, we'd therefore urge you to be careful when using third-party accessories, ensuring that you've checked user reviews and understand the risks involved. This dongle is currently being sold on Amazon in the US (for $36.99), and the few user reviews available are very positive.
What do you think? Do you like the idea of using this dongle instead of your dock? Is your dock already portable enough for your needs? Let us know below.
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Comments 66
Just use your dock, this 3rd party dock replacement nonsense is always going to end in bricking.
@Grumblevolcano exactly, your still going to end up with your switch lying next to it so just use the offical one
The word dongle got me here. What am I even doing with my life?
Just use the official dock that comes with the console. It's not even that hard to transport.
Heh, five comments all to the same: Brick Awareness. I will not touch any third party dock with a 10 foot pole after the Nyko disaster.
Brick brick bricked.
Brick.
Just disable comments on all third party dock stories.
Even though you mention the risk everyone will feel the need to say brick brick brick.
They are throwing so many bricks in here they can build their momma a house!
Brick brick brick
Still looking for a Nintendo licensed portable dock. Not risking a bricked switch after the next update.
Father Jack - “I love my brick”
My dock came bent from the factory and my TV stand doesnt have any logical place to put ithe dock without it blocking my screen so I ran a USB-C extension cable from my dock (hidden behind my TV) to a convenient place in front of my TV. Works great, but something more portable and official would be nice to see from Nintendo someday.
@kepsux : I'm with you there. The dock was pretty badly designed. I too need to either place the dock backwards or hide it behind the TV in most situations.
Everyone's worried about their Switches getting bricked. I'm more concerned about the lack of fan resulting in the Switch burning to a crisp like so many French saints.
Now on Amazon UK:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nintendo-Switch-Type-Multiport-Adapter/dp/B07F436JT6/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1534238869&sr=8-5&keywords=Nintendo+Switch+Type+C+Hub+Multiport+Adapter
LOL you can get one from the Apple store in the last 3 years. Dongle is Apple user's best friend.
There's a clear demand for this sort of thing and Nintendo aren't fulfilling it themselves.
A dongle like this is far more portable then the dock itself, if you wanted to say, take your Switch to another home or office and have a solution for hooking it up to a TV with just a dongle and HDMI cable, then optionally a power supply, USB ports, etc.
fakespot.com gives both this product listing and company an F rating.
But it doesn’t truly boost your Switch like the dock does. It’s basically projecting the handheld image to a full size screen. No thanks, just use the dock
Just do some DIY like this instead: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Bjwz-vwbm5Q&t=18s
Why the other ones are not mentioned on this article?

@Silly_G Why would a different dock design change that? It is important to understand, that the switch's internal setup is responsible for cooling. A dock with cooling function will, in best case, only cool down the shell, but never the inside (which would be important). In worst case, it even influences the optimal cooling cycle and therefore makes the situation even worse. As long and the air intakes and air outlet of the switch is not blocked, you are fine! For better cooling, change the switch's internals, not the dock!
Problem with this is my Switch would just be lying flat on a surface; I want a dock that is small but actually holds the damn thing.
Oh and no bricking, a confirmation of no bricking now or ever.
@RupeeClock Is there a clear demand? I bought a dongle when the switch was released and used it exactly 2 times. I often think I would buy one, but actually I don't need it... If I travel for longer times, then my luggage is normally big enough for a dock, if I only go to a friend, we can use the stand. If I really want to use anyone's TV, then I also should bring another set of joy come, or a pro controller and therefore need a bigger case/bag anyway. Then I'm sure there is space for the dock...
@mazzel I'd like one to go in the top netting of my Orzly carry case along with an 8bitdo SF30 Pro and the JoyCon straps. That way my usual carry case that I keep the switch in when I'm commuting could also hold everything I need to play multiplayer on a TV away from home. That said, I never actually find myself in this situation, which is why any possibility of bricking is enough to make it not worth me bothering. Would be a nice compact option to have though.
Anyone else notice that in the close up picture of the dongle with all the cables the hdmi cable is upside down compared to the port it’s going in?
@mazzel That's just your own personal case and scenario. Everyone has different needs, they might be visiting somewhere that does not have a dock/stand available.
I do mean there is a clear demand for this sort of thing, because there have been quite a few products designed for it, kickstarter campaigns, and ongoing articles about such things.
Might end up bricking your system
“Yeah that's going to be a no from me, dawg.”
I've had it for a while, no bricks.
Why do so many people say use the original dock that came with the switch? I do use that dock but I want a second so I can use it on a second TV in the house as it is a real pain moving the setup I have as it involves moving a bunch of furniture to get the cables out, I just want a second dock that doesnt cost a fortune yet this dongle doesn't look trustworthy
@gauthieryannick @Nincompoop Unfortunately, the issue is even dumber than that. The Switch itself is actually using a version of DisplayPort. This is also why a simple USB to HDMI cable will not output anything. The Dock takes the DP signal and converts it to HDMI. Silly Nintendo.
Let's Hope It Doesn't Brick Consoles
Using an SX Pro and this at once equals a double brick. Yay.
I've been using the Best Buy brand dock, for like 7 months at least. No bricking.
My dock does seem to scratch my screen, and I am careful. So I would be interested in something like this - without the bricking.
@gauthieryannick for sure it is my personal Situation, as is your Statement just your own opinion. Just because some people in a forum cry for something doesn´t mean their is a true demand, either. That said, I also think Nintendo would be smart to offer this kind of Adapter by themselfs, and even if it is just a customer Service to avoid bricking. But if there is really a Demand? I don´t know about that... It´s actually the same like People crying for more NES, SNES, N64 and so on ports. Is this really the majority of Switch users? Or just a handful "old" Gamers who love the nostalgica?
@BionicDodo Yeah for this Scenario it would make sense. Probably I would use the dongle if I would have one and it is 100% safe. Probably if I would have several TV-Sets (livingroom, bedroom, Toilette ) I would get one. But if I would have so many TV sets, I probably wouldn´t mind the extra buck for a new dock, either
Good God, that's a real thing?
@Silly_G dock doesn't have a fan either.
@Retroman78 chers for the link, but there are only 3 UK reviews and the 2nd smells of a fake review..
'Fast delivery and great quality! Bought this adapter for my boyfriend.With its easy connection and smooth output, he enjoyed the game more!'
I'm not sure how this adaptor will make anybody enjoy a game more?
The concept is great and needed for those who travel, but I'd prefer something official and not a potentially bricked switch
@roadrunner343 Actually, not so silly Nintendo since the USB-C to HDMI standard (HDMI alternative mode) wasn't yet released during the development of the Switch. In fact, that functionality was only announced just one month before the Switch reveal video in 2016.
So, there was no way the Switch was going to use the native USB-C to HDMI function USB-C has today.
P.S. The few USB-C to HDMI dongles that existed previous to that all converted DisplayPort to HDMI.
I still don't get all the "I hate the dock" hype. I get it that some folks want a travel accessory dock which makes sense....but at home the real dock works so wonderfully.
I really want a slimmed down dock from Nintendo. Right now the only place I have a spot for the dock is in front of my TV off to the side. This is not anyway ideal. In a dangerous spot to be knocked over, blocks the bottom corner of the tv. I want a slimmed down dongle like device from nintendo that I can place out of the way. When I want to connect switch to tv simply plug the USB C into the switch and lay it flat. But I will not buy a non-official one, too much risk for something that should not be but is.
So now I can brick my Switch...with an Ethernet port?
Nice
I would love to get something like this for my son to take to his church group every week and to his friends' houses on the weekend, but I'm too cautious about bricking since the Nyko problem. Would appreciate getting something like this from Nintendo that would travel in the Switch case with his spare controllers, since I worry about future firmware causing another bricking wave from non-Nintendo dongles.
Nope for me
More cheap chinese crap
I've got 4 similar devices right here in my hand. What makes this one magically different than the hundreds of similar ones out there? An exchange of advertising dollars from innoAura to NL to masquerade as a news article instead?
Wake me up when one of these is 1) 100% guaranteed to not brick your Switch, and 2) makes the Switch operate in the higher-performance "docked" mode.
I would love a product like this. I have my dock on my main TV but have a couple of other TVs I would love to play on. My dock is very neatly wired up and unplugging each time is not an option.
Would 100% buy if confirmed 100% safe.
The last paragraph should be the first. And you could do without any of the other paragraphs, come to think of it.
Seriously Ryan, the article sounds more like an ad, as if third party docks are a new thing or the “additional features” somehow make up for the fact that the device is not endorsed by Nintendo and poses a potentially significant risk. “Standard Type C charging port”? Let’s be clear - if it’s a standard Type C, that’s exactly part of the problem. Nintendo uses something proprietary, not standard. That’s why people lose hundreds of dollars and hours of time.
Take this down or reframe the article to be a cautionary tale.
"just use the official dock"
People here can't just understand that SOMETIMES when you want to take your console with you, a dongle like that could be useful if you go in a friend's home or something ?
It just the bricking thing that is really worrying, but besides that, what's the point of always repeating "'just use the regular dock", that's bs
At home the regular dock is ok tho, even if it scratches but I have a glass tempered screen so its ok, but my god all these times I had to transport this big dock just to play at a friend's house was painful. If someday we have the confirmation that it no longer brick the console I'll consider gettin one of those
@ryancraddock That last paragraph is worrisome! Can you (and nintendolife) confirm that this device is:
1. Licensed by Nintendo
2. Guaranteed to not brick your Switch
3. Capable of running the Switch in high-performance "docked" mode
I don't think it's a good idea to recommend it otherwise – especially if (2) isn't true.
It's really portable and perfect for when you have to post your bricked console back to Nintendo.
@blecch High performance docked mode?
This one is even smaller, cheaper and works great for portability: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074RGQ261/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I'm fine with the dock. It's not big and has 3 USB Ports. And I wouldn't like to have my switch lying around with a dongle.
I'm still not entirely sure why an aftermarket accessory like this would brick the Switch. Did Nintendo pull an Apple and stick a proprietary widget in the official dock simply to make life miserable for third-party manufacturers?
But if this works as advertised with no danger to my Switch and is reasonably priced ($24.99 would put it in the "must have" category), it would make a great travel accessory. How fun it would be to play my Switch on a hotel room TV.
@Moneyjaypr7 that jumped right out at me.
@sdelfin lol I’m glad you saw it too.
@GoldenGamer88 it is unnecessarily large, if you have to fit it in a hand luggage suitcase. I would prefer a simple cable solution like this one.
@adh56 I am not sure you understand what the dock does. There is no additional computing unit in there!
@Mr_Horizon that may be true, but with this unit, will it display on your TV at 1080p?
Wish the Switch USB-C did headphones out. I reduced my bag to 1 AC Adapter (HP spectre X360 65W USB-C) and one pair of USB-C headphones.
I use the HP AC for my Phone, Switch and Laptop (travel heaven). And headphones for my phone and HP Laptop. But still need to keep an extra 3.5 jack headphone for the Switch 🙄
@adh56 I do think so, yes. It does the same thing as the regular dock. The dock is just really a plastic holder, the tech inside is minimal. The dock definitely looks nicer than just a cable, but if you want to travel with your switch (and hook it up to a TV elsewhere), it's nice to have a lighter alternative.
"A good replacement for your Nintendo Switch Dock" that was my first clue to just say NOPE.
@YANDMAN
Re: high performance/higher resolution in docked mode:
http://www.ign.com/articles/2017/01/13/nintendo-admits-switch-performance-upgrade-when-docked
https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/digitalfoundry-2017-super-mario-odyssey-docked-vs-mobile
Note that Zelda seems to run smoother undocked:
https://heavy.com/games/2017/03/breath-of-the-wild-digital-foundry-switch-performance-docked-vs-handheld-undocked/
Of course bricked Switch consoles run at 0 FPS, so it may not matter much.
@blecch yeah that's still not an upgrade in power just as witch in resolution which obviously happens because of the two differing screen outputs. The docks is nothing more than a pass through device. It adds no more power to anything or else how would people be making these smaller essentially naked docks that do the same job.
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