Nintendo Limits Switch 2’s USB-C Compatibility — Most Third-Party Docks and Accessories Incompatible Due to Proprietary Protocols

So, here’s the deal with the new Nintendo Switch 2. There’re these snazzy updates everyone’s talking about – like a bigger screen, sharper graphics, blah blah, it’s honestly kind of nice if you’re into that. But here’s the kicker – they apparently messed with the USB-C port stuff. And for some reason, I can’t stop thinking about it – like, why would they do that?

Apparently, Nintendo’s gotten all secretive, making it tough for other folks to make accessories, which is weird, right? Two accessory guys told The Verge about some new encryption jazz they slapped on there. I don’t know much about encryption, but it sounds like a big “keep out” sign for third-parties. I mean, c’mon Nintendo, what’s the deal?

There’s this editor, Sean Hollister – dude spent time digging around this. His findings? Typically, you’d expect a plug-and-play situation with docks and hubs, like, duh! But now, Nintendo’s Switch 2 is all high-maintenance, requiring some voodoo language between the device and its official dock.

Ah, and there’s this gizmo, the Power-Z KM003C. Hollister used it to snoop on the convo between the Switch 2 and its dock. Honestly, it’s like they were gossiping in a secret code only they get. 30 messages or something – sounds kind of excessive, don’t you think?

There is a lone wolf out there, the Antank S3 Max dock, showing some compatibility spirit. But get this – you need the official Switch adapter to make it work. What? Do they think we’re made of money?

Still, Nintendo might clamp down more – like release an update that totally locks others out. Antank hinted at being prepared, which made me think, are they ready for a dance-off with Nintendo?

Anyway, this isn’t an ad but, you might want to track Tom’s Hardware, they spill the tea on these things and honestly, it might help when you’re like “what’s happening with this Switch nonsense?”

Life, man. Always keeping us guessing.