The Switch dock is a pretty essential piece of kit, especially if you want to make the most of your console's hybrid nature. Got multiple TVs in your home? You're going to need an extra dock, but the official option is surprisingly hard to come by on its own in 2019; at the time of writing, Nintendo is out of stock in the UK, and a quick look online suggests that even pre-owned docks are selling for around the same RRP (often more) of a new one.
Thankfully, there are other options when it comes to docks, and one of the more interesting recent examples is Hyperkin's RetroN S64 Console Dock, which, as you might have gathered from the title of this piece, looks like a wee little N64 (yes, you may have seen something like this before).
That's not the only thing this dock has up its sleeve (do docks have sleeves?) – it also comes with a toggle button which allows you to alternate between TV and tabletop mode while your Switch is located in the dock.
But don't hang around reading this – Zion has all the details in the video above. If you fancy getting your hands on one of these, they launch in the US on May 25th for $39.99.
Comments 35
The size of that thing is just rubbing salt in the wound of those who want an N64 Mini. Also how much do you wanna bet that this will brick the Switch?
I like the look, but still would not trust it not to brick it.
As much as I would love a cheaper portable dock, I would only buy one officially licenced by Nintendo. I am not risking my switch being bricked.
but will it brick me switch?
My current N64 is jungle green, so I can really appreciate the choice.
This looks pretty slick, and the price is certainly reasonable.
@jockmahon @Bunkerneath
With no actual data-transfer of any kind taking place, and the charging voltage of the Switch being no secret to anyone, I find it unlikely that a device such as this would be liable to damage your system.
That is, unless other third party docks have been known to do so, and I haven't been paying attention.
@Pod you're not kidding you haven't been paying attention https://kotaku.com/switch-owners-say-third-party-docks-are-bricking-their-1824122777
Brick brick brick.....
So many bricks being thrown about in these comments someone is trying to build their momma a house
@Pod Yes you have not been paying attention, its been a problem since the start
The ability to flick a switch and toggle tabletop and tv modes is great but the aesthetics, specifically the colour is so off-putting, and doesn't mesh well with the Switch.
@jockmahon only if you buy a deluxe edition. bricking your Switch is a feature
@TheAwesomeBowser What's the betting that this "bricking" comes after another stability update? Can't get much more stable than a brick.
@Bunkerneath "its been a problem since the start"
it's been a problem since Nintendo started releasing patches that objected to third party docks. When they first came out they weren't bricking switches.
@Pod Nintendo answered the reason - any new docks would now be safe. I’m fairly certain it was only two brands. But here you’d believe every 3rd party controller, battery pack and dock will instantly set your console on fire
@Sabroni "What's the betting that this "bricking" comes after another stability update? Can't get much more stable than a brick."
Everybody can stop commenting now. Sabroni has already won. 😂
@Pod yes they have
It also looks like an very hard headline to read
I'll wait for some reviews on it. Most likely after it's been on sale for a while, just so I know if it will brick the Switch or not.
Watched the video yesterday. Looks great. Love it.
This is great for people who like a 2nd cheaper dock on another tv and are not scared of the bricking which happened early in the life of switch when it was getting firmware updates.
For everyone else. Please buy the expensive one that Nintendo want you to buy because the gaming media has put fear to you all.
And its in the best color.
Cute. Is it a USB 3.0 in the back of the Dock?
Let's all brick our switches!
gives your switch all the functionality of a Galaxy Note
Yay! Another brick maker! Perfect for my contruction company.
no thanks on this nintendo switch dock that looks like N64. i already have a dock for my system and i do not need a second. and i do not want one that could brick the system. but who knows maybe this one will be lucky and not have that stupid issue...
however, i will take a N64 mini classic for when Nintendo decides to release it. (if ever)
@Shufty
Well I don't read Kotaku and I've had no reason to buy a third party dock, but from the other replies I got, it sounds like the issue's been firmly solved.
The Switch dock is six inches long, already small. Why do people need even smaller one's that break their systems?
It seems Hyperkin still believe that the Switch bricking legend wasn't true.
@Pod Hopefully, it is, kotaku was just the first article I grabbed from a search, was widely reported so it's in the back of people's minds. I want a portable dock (just ordered one) so it's something that needs some careful research and hope that future updates don't screw it all up again. It shouldn't but can't count on it
It's really pretty, but it's hard to ever trust a 3rd party dock that's unlicensed after all the problems of earlier docks bricking the Switch.
This switch bricking issue is a perfect candidate for a proper article / guide from NintendoLife.
Without hyperbole, when it came out in 2018 that third-party docks were bricking Switches, the messaging from everyone - especially the gaming press - was that the Switch will never be safe again to plug into any dock other than the official Nintendo one.
But companies keep making them, and these days NL is happy to run articles on new funky docks as though they are just another accessory like any other, as opposed to the death sentence we've been led to believe. Has the situation changed or something?
Of course Nintendo themselves will always advise to use their official products. We need publications like NintendoLife to be our guiding light here. Which docks are safe? Which docks are unsafe? As someone who would love to try one of these products, I find it frustrating that the same publication which told us that all docks are poison is happy to recommend new docks. What exactly is the cause of the problem, if it's not just "a firmware update caused the Switch to now brick if you plug it into a third party dock"?
Am not really interested but the video makes me want to get my N64 out and play some Diddy Kong Racing and Snowboard Kids.
Like others said, pretty weary of using a third party dock xD
Thing I'll just stick to my official one.. Looks neat though
@TheFongz Problem is, how can they know it's safe? they might use it for a few months and it seems ok? But what about any long term damage? No one can really account for that without some very intensive testing.. Personally rather just play it safe but I don't have much reason for a 2nd dock atm anyway
Certainly there are extra ports but for $39.99 you still have to get an adapter that charges and powers the Switch while playing. It would be cheaper, smaller and safer to get the "Nintendo Switch Adjustable Charging Stand" for $19.89 and purchase the official adapter for $29.99. this is merely $10 more and much better looking in my opinion.
Show Comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...