Update #3 [Sun 15th Mar, 2020 15:00 GMT]: The Kickstarter is now live again, and we've had an official statement from Better Digi:
Dear Dongii fans,
First of all, thanks to all backers’ love right from the beginning. A few days ago we got a little problem with Nintendo copyright. Our company highly respects intellectual property protection, and we were unintentional to infringe on Nintendo's copyright by using the Nintendo game scene in the introduction of product function. But it just showed in the product's use cases, we never intended to use the games character's image to promote our products. We apologize to the copyright party and will resolve it properly. Our team will be more careful with the copyright-protected content and provide better services for you in the future. And we have submitted our own product's patent. We highly valued intellectual property protection and product innovation and want to build a good community with all of you.
As we all know, Kickstarter always advocates and encourages innovation. It is a fair platform and helps tons of outstanding products to get support and moving the development of technology forward. I believe this is also how all backers think about Kickstarter. We highly value each of your precise options. Our production is still ongoing to deliver the prime output for all of our backers after the campaign end. We really appreciate the early backers’ support and trust and we have prepared an exquisite gift for every backer who still supports us until now. Your support and trust is our motivation.
Thanks,
CEO of Better DiGi Team
Update #2 [Mon 9th Mar, 2020 11:40 GMT]: Bigger Digi has told us why the Kickstarter was pulled – it was due to the use of a Nintendo copyright-protected game in the materials used for the campaign. The Kickstarter is coming back 'soon', along with a more detailed statement from the company's CEO.
Update #1 [Fri 6th Mar, 2020 14:00 GMT]: Since the feature was written, the Kickstarter campaign has been taken down due to an "intellectual property dispute". When the campaign launched, a second campaign – branded as 'fake' by Better Digi – also went live. Whether or not this is related, we'll no doubt find out soon. We've reached out to Better Digi and will update this piece with its response when we have it.
Yesterday, we announced the news that Better Digi's Dongii – a Switch dock that's small enough to fit in your pocket – had hit crowdfunding platform Kickstarter. We've actually had one of these units at the Nintendo Life office for a few weeks now, and have been putting it through its paces to see what all the fuss is about. The good news? This tiny little device is something of a game-changer, not only giving Switch owners a cheap alternative to the expensive and hard-to-find official dock, but also a wonderfully portable option which can easily be transported with the console if you're visiting a friend and fancy some docked action.
The Dongii joins Human Things' Genki Convert Dock in the category of teeny, tiny Switch docks and has a single male USB-C on one side, which plugs into the power supply (more on that in a second). On the other, it offers three ports: HDMI, USB-C and USB-A. The first two are pretty self-explanatory; they connect the Dongii to your TV and Switch respectively. The latter is for connecting physical devices, such as wired controllers. There's also Bluetooth 5.0 capability so you can connect the unit to wireless audio devices like headphones, with pairing handled by a physical button on the Dongii itself (it's worth noting that the cheapest version of the Dongii lacks Bluetooth support).
However, the Dongii itself is only part of the picture – it needs to be connected to a USB-C charger to work properly, and even then, it has to be a charger that will supply the required juice. When fully assembled, the unit is significantly smaller than the original Switch dock, which, lest we forget, also needs a bulky power supply to operate. The final unit will ship with its own 65W GaN charger, but this wasn't ready when our review unit was sent to us, so we've used a standard 45W USB-C power block.
While this powers the Dongii just fine, it doesn't provide the fast-charging capability of the more potent 65W dock. It's also not as nice to look at as it obviously hasn't been designed with the Dongii in mind, but the final product will look a lot more appealing. Another plus to the Dongii's charger being detachable is that you can plug it directly into any portable power bank that supports USB-C PD and supplied the correct amount of power – combine this setup with a portable screen, like the C-Force CF016XT, and you're taking your 'on-the-road' setup to a whole new level.
Of course, when it comes to third-party docks, the question of safety is always present. We've had reports of docks bricking Switch consoles in the past, with some suggesting that, in the early days of USB-C, the protocol wasn't standard across all products. However, according to Better Digi, the Dongii benefits from "years of optimisation" and "countless rounds of testing", which means it "delivers the proper voltage and amperage to the Switch based on its battery level and ensures the best and safest performance".
While we can't categorically say this is totally true, we didn't experience any issues using the Dongii over the past few weeks, even when running it through the aforementioned third-party charger. Better Digi also claims that because the Switch isn't actually 'docked' during use, heat build-up is less of an issue. We've all heard the anecdotal reports of consoles 'warping' as they get hot inside the dock, but we're not sure it's as widespread a problem as Better Digi might have you believe.
Dongii is a great accessory for your Switch, then, but that's not the end of its usefulness; because it supports the USB-C standard, it can also be used with devices other than your Switch, such as laptops. The USB-A port allows you to plug in flash drives and other accessories, and you can even use the device to connect your smartphone to a monitor, turning it into a computer you can carry in your pocket (assuming it has the functionality that is, like Samsung's phones). It's capable of outputting up to 4K resolution for this purpose.
Starting at just $29 via its crowdfunding campaign (it then rises to $65), the Dongii is likely to become a must-have device for Switch owners. It has already doubled its initial Kickstarter target of $10,000, and if you're currently on the fence about supporting this crowdfunding campaign, we'd recommend you give it a shot – especially if you're a keen traveller or are simply in the market for a second dock in your home.
Comments 93
May want to update this article as the Kickstarter has been taken down when I just tried the link.
@Damo Kickstarter taken down for Property Dispute, this is a great article
@FragRed Me too. Big N copyright strike.
Nifty timing.
I can see lots of uses for this device. Especially for my MacBook Pro, Switch and iPad. May have to look into it
I'm using this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DLSFPBY/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_kjcAEbZFEH6RN
It works on my phone and on my Switch very well. It's not as pretty as what's in the article but it's already out and works on a ton of stuff.
I got my Switch on launch day and I’ve still never docked it!
@Bunkerneath When the piece was written (yesterday) the campaign was still active. I've added a note at the top of the page and have reached out to the company running the campaign.
Just checked the Kickstarter page, looks like they’re offline for now
Docking action with friends? Saucy. 😆
Sounds good. I have a dock which keeps my switch charged as I play it (basic dock covers the screen so I need the telly) and I love it for long plays when I can't get access to the TV.
Very good Nintendo stopped this. These unofficial docks will all brick your system when you use them.
It's all fun and games until your Switch is bricked. There is no way in hell I am trying any dock other than one made directly by Nintendo. Nope. No. Nada. Nein.
This is kinda pointless. Just before the Switch launched when I had one I bought an Android dongle with HDMI, USBC and USB ports on it. It’s tiny too. I paid £10 for it. I saw my Switch and wondered “hey, perhaps it’ll work” as I don’t own an android device and never will. It arrived and worked.
It has worked now since 2 weeks prior to Switch’s launch. (I needed another dock but couldn’t get one at the time). Cheap. Works. What’s the point in this kind of Kickstarter? Ahh. They just want money.
Google it. It’s a tiny dongle with those aforementioned ports on. Don’t include Switch in your search terms just Android USBC HDMI adapter on Amazon or places like that.
Of course I now have docks everywhere I need them. But I still use this for travelling due to its tiny size.
I travel alot with work and would love a portable dock. I'm just too scared of bricking my console though
@PharoneTheGnome huh?
I’ve used the 3rd party dock I previously mentioned in my last post since before official launch. My original switch and new switch both works with it perfectly. You don’t need to worry. Never heard of them breaking consoles LOL. Then again I don’t bother reading much online as I much much more prefer to be offline.
@sanderev It's highly unlikely that Nintendo had anything to do with this campaign being put under review. There are countless other third-party docks out there.
I can't wait until I can just whip out my Dongii and play with anyone, anytime, anywhere!(TM)
@Damo True, but it's still a good thing they took action. They legally can't with most of these docks. But when they show obvious Nintendo trademarks they get in trouble.
@Kalmaro LOL at them using screenshots from games for other Nintendo systems instead of Switch games.
@Damo "When the piece was written (yesterday) the campaign was still active. I've added a note at the top of the page and have reached out to the company running the campaign."
Are you SURE the campaign was still active YESTERDAY b/c when Calvert wrote a similar article 2 days ago on Wednesday the site was already down.
https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/03/introducing_dongii_the_dinkiest_nintendo_switch_dock_we_ever_did_see
Here's my comment #23 it's time stamped 48 hours ago.
@Dazza Should you guys really be promoting a product that says:
"This campaign is under review. It is not accepting contributions."
https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/dongii-nintendo-switch-dock-65w-gan-charger#/
@rjejr It was live - hence the fact that I was able to grab the images you see on this page, as well as report that it had made twice its funding target.
I've been working from home lately, and when it's slow, I like to hook the Switch up in my home office. Though, I've gotta say, I'm getting a little tired of unplugging my peripherals, AC adapter, and HDMI cable, and set it up again, only to move it all back to the living room and reattach everything a couple hours later. I don't do this very often, but often enough that I think I'd like to invest in something to make the trip back and forth easier.
Clearly this particular option won't work, but I'm still in the market for something I can dock into. Of course I don't want my Switch rendered useless, but I think after the initial wave of bricking reports, 3rd party manufacturers have taken extra precautions to avoid this, as long as I avoid the cheapest options available.
9 out of 10 times I only buy offical Nintendo products, and don't even own any 3rd party controllers for my Switch. But $65 is asking a whole hell of a lot for a dongle in a plastic case.
If its quality controle or some kind of copyright issue, nintendo should focus on giving us actual joycons that last longer than a month. As a nintendo fan since 1990 it really hurts me that i cant buy my kids a switch lite and that my O.G. switch is reduced to nothing but a paperweight
I would not trust any 3rd party charger/dock since they can all brick the switch, Nintendo's chargers are non-compliant so only they know how things are regulated internally.
@tc-senzei Yep mine and my wife's left ones are both broken and go wonky a bunch randomly, I could send them in but then I have to play docked exclusively with a PS4 controller, which is nice but not ideal.
@Damo Upon further review, my link is from Indiegogo, a site I've never used before and I have no idea why I would have linked to it unless it was in Wed article, but Calvert's article only mentions kickstarter. So maybe KS just closed down, but the same item on IGG has been down for 48 hours.
Can you ask Darren if he edited his article? I honestly have no idea where I would have gotten indegogo from if not from a link in his article. I checked google cache but it only went back to yesterday, not Wednesday, so he may have changed it then.
And does @Dazza work? Now I'm wondering if he ever got an email from me 2 days ago. Or maybe he's smart enough to have replies turned off?
Your reporting on the intellectual dispute needs some improvement. The reporting makes it sound like the device is subject to a patent battle, which would delay the device indefinitely. The dispute is actually regarding the campaigns usage of Nintendo assets (characters, game art, etc.) to promote the device. If they remove the copyrighted content it should be reinstated.
Hi NintendoLife. The third paragraph from the end probably needs changing from ‘can categorically’ to ‘can’t categorically’.
And how quickly does it brick your Switch?
@NEStalgia will you let Nintendolife go hands on with your dongii?
@Jaxad0127 From my link or theirs? I wasn't paying attention.
I've been using it for ages though instead of the doc.
@Kalmaro Your link. They have two Wii U games and a 3DS game (which even says 3DS on it; this is the one that made me comment).
@PharoneTheGnome I am using this:
https://skullnco.com/products/jumpgate-for-nintendo-switch
and I have zero problems.
No thanks. I'd rather not brick my system again.
@Jaxad0127 Haha, nice. It never bothered me much since I got it for my phone. It working on my Switch is a nice bonus though.
Imagine if they are able to make a dock that would work with the Switch Lite, that would be nice and had a video output feature that could stream from the device to the dock and to the TV. This will likely make Switch Lite owner very happy and will make them lots of money.
@RadioHedgeFund Hands-On? My Dongii is a Talking Point, darnit!
@sanderev.... Nintendo life have been using it for weeks... 😂😂😂😂
I feel like the market for these alternative docks really came and went.
This is why you need to get a license to make 3rd party products
@Kalmaro Do you need to use that along with the original Nintendo Switch power adapter?
You dont have to, I use any USB c charger (like the one for my phone since I have a Samsung galaxy) when I'm not at home. You can use the factory charger though, if you want.
Then I just plug a hdmi cable from there to my TV and and ethernet to USB cable to the bottom and its basically a docking station. It's not as pretty as this kickstarter item but I don't like kickstarter.
Seems like a good idea, blocking the rear vents of the Switch. 👍
I do love seeing these products / solutions but is Bricking no longer a concern?
Wasn't that long ago Bricking was a given when using 3rd parties.
@Carnictis Bricking has always held me off from getting another dock. Every Amazon review that I've read has mention of bricking. So I actually had to play Ring Fit Adventure during a trip on the Switch screen
This kind of thing would have been nifty to have with a Switch Lite. It's unbelievable Nintendo didn't think of making the Lite compatible with either the old or a new dock, so people could 'upgrade' their Lite if they wanted to.
Looks like they got caught doing "Patent Infringement" and "IP" theft.
@Kalmaro That looks pretty awesome, especially at that price. Is there a risk for breaking your Switch console? Do want to buy one but it does worry me.
@wazlon Been using mine for a few months now. I have my Switch on a stand and its connected at the bottom with this thing
The ethernet cable is usually attached to the bottom, I just unplugged it earlier to sync one of my controllers.
What's the point of writing an article for something taken down?
Do any of the 3rd party docks even work without frying the switch? I've wanted another dock since launch but have been too chicken to give any of the ones that are "officially" launched a chance.
@MagnaRoader The one I mentioned does, though it's not technically a dock, it functions as one. The image is right above your comment.
"It was due to the use of a Nintendo copyright-protected game in the materials used for the campaign"
For real? The Kickstarter campaign for the Genki Covert Dock was incredibly blatant with its use of Nintendo and Konami owned characters and IP.
https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/humanthings/genki-covert-dock/description
But will it brick? That’s the important question.
@Bunkerneath I can see Nintendo's side on likely not wanting people to associate that this is officially Nintendo approved when it is not. Seeing Mario all over the Kickstarter page and then if it fries your Switch and Nintendo won't replace it, it would leave a bad image for Nintendo to some people. Hopefully this goes well, but if they end up sourcing cheap components I can see Nintendo's wish to not be associated with it.
Why do some of these Kickstarters give me the same uneasy feeling I used to get trying to score drugs in university?
Heard on twitter it's coming back but I don't think supporters will want to support some this sketchy now.
https://twitter.com/nintendolife/status/1236980926598561797
I don't see how this product is better than what's already available. It's arguably worse.
@tabzer I don't see how this product is better than what's already available. It's arguably worse.
Here's another problem with that design if that little piece falls off or is lost then your done for. They don't show how it secures itself from coming apart. Unlike the other KS: GENKI: Covert Dock for the Nintendo Switch.
@SwitchForce The Dongii is just a hub. The one that @Kalmaro linked is nicer with an aluminum finish, cheaper, and offers a second USB port.
The GENKI: Covert Dock is an AIO that includes an actual power supply which is really nice. It's just too pricy, sitting at $60 plus about another $10 for shipping seems to negate the whole convenience of it. Since I already have a Nintendo AC adapter, a ~$25 hub (w/ 2 USB ports) seems to be more practical.
What I would love is if these hubs worked with my PD compatible Anker power bank/adapter.
@tabzer PD compatible Anker power bank/adapter?
@Kalmaro Yeah, I have this:
https://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/B071GCF7LH/
There's probably an American equivalent, but this is like the one branded for the Switch, but without the actual Nintendo Branding (therefore cheaper). But it doesn't work with the device you listed.
@tabzer And you expect something of less quality to cost on the cheap. Unfortunately your in the minority for this device. You get what you pay for is the deal and I supported it for quality not cheapness.
@Switchforce that's not what I said at all. I already have many quality components whose function I don't need to reduplicate at further expense. What do you mean I am "in the minority" for a device that less than %1 Switch owners have access to? The cost isn't high because of the quality of parts. It's the lack of access to mass production with a steeper profit margin (it was originally $49). Also, I'd have to pay $15 for shipping to Japan. I'm more than willing to wait it out for a more competitive option, even if it never comes.
@tabzer It doesn't work? Ot looks like it charges devices with a USB C so it should work on theory, I wouldn't know though. I actually have one of their older models, I wonder if it would work on this device...
Edit: It does. Mine only charges microusb devices but I have a micro to usb c converter. Snapped that on, plugged it to my device and my Switch acted like it was plugged to the wall. Ethernet was working and everything.
I don't get the "dock isn't portable" bit. The official one and its charger get put in my bag along with the Switch in its case. How is that so hard? I would use the same bag to bring my 360, its power brick, and multiple controllers to the same friends' place — THAT was a hassle.
You already have bags at home. And a bag won't brick your system, either.
@Kalmaro which device do you have? The one you pictured and the one you linked appears to be different. I have a model that is another rebrand of the one you linked (amazon), but yours looks like it has an ethernet port which isn't in the Amazon link. Your powerbank works with it to make it display via HDMI? Mine does not. Our hubs might be quite different after all (if not the power banks)!
I almost agree with @Dreamcast2Turbo. They have carry bags made for the Switch and the dock, which almost seems like a better investment. It's little hard to rationalize near official dock prices for a "mini dock", but I do see the appeal. I just personally can't rationalize it due to already having a (lot) more affordable solution that is almost just as portable.
@tabzer whoops, you're right, I DID link the wrong one!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07DLSFPBY/ref=cm_sw_r_em_apa_i_kjcAEbZFEH6RN
This is what I'm using.
@tabzer Also, here's the brick I'm using. You can see it's an older model but it works just fine.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00X5RV14Y/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_gugAEbH4B8GR9
@Kalmaro Thanks. I was going to ask if it was compatible with your hub into pushing the Switch onto the TV.
@tabzer Yep, sure is! I've never needed to use it while my Switch is attached to the hub, options are always nice though.
I came for the jokes and was not disappointed. 😁
There's the problem I have three docks two at home and one in my NIN bag for on the road. So I am set I like the small device for quick setup but the dock offers more secure Docking and protection.
Thanks, but I already have a dongii in my pocket
Anyone have any numbers on systems bricked due to 3rd party docks vs other causes? Leprosy is bad, but I still love my armadillo.
For those who say unofficial docks will brick the Switch: I have been using and testing multiple adapters marketed for Macbooks and the Switch with my revision Switch. A few days ago I got two new MacBook adapters. One worked with no issues. The other would not do video and on the Switch screen it said something like "The dock does not have an HDMI signal" with some additional text. Aftermarket adapters on revision Switch models will not brick the console, it will simply give you an error message.
@Krazzar For those who say unofficial docks will brick the Switch: I have been using and testing multiple adapters marketed for Macbooks and the Switch with my revision Switch.
Which one? Telling the rest would help to know-so what hiding from telling the rest of us?
@Krazzar Aftermarket adapters on revision Switch models will not brick the console, it will simply give you an error message.
This gives no independent verification since no one know what device is being talked about here.
Hehe, dong. Im mature
@SwitchForce
Dewang, Rocketek, YCCSKY, MIDI, Surfans, the list goes on. I didn't list them all because every single one worked without an issue bar one. I tried a dozen or so, many of which I gave away to friends (none of which have complained about bricked consoles). Most were tested with an original Switch and used again with a revision Switch, so I know they work. Pretty much every three port USB-C adapter (power, HDMI, USB-A) out there will work fine.
Cinoforce was the only one that gave me an error message and would not pass the signal. It was a MacBook adapter, although other MacBook adapters worked fine, including the one I got a few days ago. The one that didn't work could have just been defective.
Genuine question do any of the other suggestions here do the docking and the Bluetooth??? For cheaper?
@Stocksy Best I have seen is a 4 port USB-C adapter with a AUX port and then run a Bluetooth adapter out the AUX port. If it's docked it's assumed the audio is going out HDMI.
@Damo Thanks for updating this! I've been looking for an additional dock and just backed this one.
@Krazzar it helps to at least know some of them that helps those wanting something similar to Dock functions will know what not to buy or get to save their Hard earned $$$$ Switch from a early grave.
I backed GENKI: Covert Dock for the Nintendo Switch why because there are no small connection piece to get lost in the first place. And don't trust just power from the USB-C as shown for this small piece. I rather get direct power from the plugs instead to the USB-C power. And it is still small enough to have.
@Krazzar if the adapter doesn't communicate with the Switch or correctly. It WILL send too much or too little voltage to the Switch and that WILL brick it.
USB-C has a standard for communicating between host device and charger. This is how you can use a MacBook charger to charge an iPhone (with an USB-C to Lightning cable). But the Switch has a non-standard implementation of this. And ONLY the OFFICIAL LICENSED Switch adapters use this non-standard version. The other way around, you shouldn't use these adapters on anything non-Swicth related.
Also, most USB-C chargers only send 5V to the host device, where the Switch requires 15V. A MacBook charger might send 20V to the device though.
These guys could have reverse engineered the Nintendo communication chip. And somehow cracked it's encryption. Then copied this to their own chip, there is a chance it works. But in the end Nintendo should still shut it down because hacking such a chip is copyright infringement / piracy as well. And if they DIDN'T do this... see the first paragraph.
So they are either pirates, or they will brick your system.
hopefully someday, someone will make one of these things that will allow the Switch Lite to be connected to a TV.
@funkyflounder83 that is hardware limited by design. Maybe future Lite might get his option but now it can't docked.
@sanderev It's been years using multiple no-name adapters with third-party chargers (which look identical to Nintendo's own without the lettering in the oval space) with no negative effects on two Switch consoles (original chipset and revision). I have used other power adapters too (like Anker's 65 watt) multiple battery banks as well, two are PD standard and one of those is a 40W PD battery made for the Switch (Anker). The Switch and power adapters have protection chips and as long as it provides enough power it won't fry because of these protections. Some reports said it was video signal that would brick consoles (displayport to USB-C translation issue).
The majority of these reports are years old, after numerous Switch updates that don't seem to do anything, pointing to a firmware update adding protections like that error message when video cannot be translated I got where it would probably brick the system in the past. Fixing these amateur vulnerabilities is something in Nintendo's best interest and I think they have already been patched out. A power adapter that can do 40v or more for docked use is all you need, video issues will only give an error message. Adapters only send the amount of power requested by the device, it was under-powered adapters causing issues.
@SwitchForce I know it can't be docked, Iwas just saying I hope someone maybe able to make a dock that can work around the hardware limitations of the Lite.
@Krazzar If the adapter would send 40v to the dock you would end up buying a new dock and Switch. Since it only handles 15V. See the official Switch charger.
But yeah there is a chance that you have been lucky, but with unofficial hardware you LOSE your warranty if anything happens.
And like I said, a third party charger will most likely only send 5V to the dock. Which is just powerful enough to keep the Switch from draining the battery in light games. If a charger would overcharge the Switch 20V or higher, it will kill it. The USB-C standard uses 5V if there is no communication between host device and charger. (just like "normal" USB)
A fast charging (phone) will usually take 15V after communication over the PD standard. The Switch usually also takes 15V, but does NOT support the PD standard. So it will get only 5V if the charger supports 5V. Some cheap PD chargers only support 15/20V which might send 20V to the Switch, which will kill it.
A MacBook charger, supports 20V 80W, will charge the Switch at 5V 1A. Because that's the baseline. This won't instantly hurt the system, but might cause problems if the Switch runs out of battery (on a more demanding game).
@funkyflounder83 It's hardware impossible at this current hardware. Maybe Lite in future will gain this option without dock. And my guess is if NIN is smart about this option will change to this but no Lite Dock. Look at the Evercade it's both handheld and HDMI cable port. So if Evercade can do this why can't a Lite do this.
@Damo Any update on this, is it finally available for regular purchase?
On Kickstarter it seems like backers are still waiting for their units, even though the official post says everything has been shipped over a month ago.
Tap here to load 93 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...