Alternative 3rd Party Dock Options Designed for the Nintendo Switch!

In this video, we discuss our 3 favorite 3rd party dock options for the Nintendo Switch.

One of the things that makes the Nintendo Switch so unique and popular is the ability to play console-quality games on the go or connected to your television, all with the same system. The crucial peice which allows the Switch to connect to your TV, the Switch Dock, appears to have been recenltly discontinued. Never fear, as there are excellent 3rd Party Switch Dock options out there, and to help make your decision even easier I've picked out my top 3 ways of connecting my Switch to the TV.

Now, before we even get started, there isn't a single dock out there, from any manufacturer, that will allow you to connect your Switch LITE to a TV. Nintendo completely removed this functionality from the Switch Lite to reduce costs. While this stinks, it's just a matter of fact. Additionally, there were issues in the past with cheap, out-of-spec AC Adapters damaging and bricking Switches, which started around November of 2017 and the 5.0 Firmware. Since this time, most manufacturers have removed the AC Adapter from any 3rd Party dock, and simply recommend using the OEM Nintendo AC Adapter. I've not had any issues since following this recommendation myself. With that out of the way, here we go!

Most Portable:
CharJenPro Stingray
Cost: $27.99

I love the Stingray! Originally a Kickstarter program, The Stingray set out to answer a number of issues for Nintendo Switch, and Switch Lite, owners. The Stingray forgoes the huge plastic shell of Nintendo's OEM dock and replaces it with a single USB C dongle. Integrated into this dongle is a USB 2.0, USB 3.0, USB C power, HDMI, and ethernet port. All of these ports & connections have been configured into a device that will fit in the palm of your hand; extremely portable! There are even strategic vents placed throughout the adapter to help the Stingray dissipate Heat.

Why it RoX
- extremely portable
- less than half the cost of the original doc
- maintains original doc's video quality
- integrated ethernet port
- available with or without AC adapter
- USB 2.0 and 3.0 ports
- early backers on Kickstarter will also receive a free screen protector

What could be improved?
- no way to stand the switch while in use
- not available in stores
- no other color options at this time
- due to limitations in the switch light, still does not allowed to switch light to connect to a TV

Most Retro Inspired:
Hyperkin Retron S64
Cost: $39.99

What makes the Retron S64 so unique is its appearance. See, it's designed to mimic the look and feel of the N64, but not just any N64. See, Hyperkin has replicated the look and feel of the jungle green Nintendo 64 in the S64, and man does it look great! There's a lot of tech packed into this dock too. The face of the unit features 2 USB ports right where the controller ports would normally be located. Around back is a third USB port, this one a USB 3.0 port, a USB-C port for power, and of course the HDMI Port. The top of the S64 has a push button to toggle between TV and Charge/Tabletop mode. In Tabletop Mode you can play the Switch while charging.

Why it RoX:
- Hyperkin nailed the N64 styling
- 3 USB Ports for connecting accessories or charging controllers
- Small Size
- Toggle button to change between TV & Tabletop mode
- Improved airflow and cooling
- No risk of scratching your Switch
- US-based Support

What Could Be Improved?
- HDMI cable and power supply sold separately
- Other docks are available for the same price that includes all accessories
- It would be nice if you could turn the LEDs off
- Not Compatible with Cases

Most Innovative:
Brook Gaming Power Bay
Cost: $69.99

The first thing you will notice about the Power Bay is the overall aesthetics of the dock. It looks like a scaled-down GameCube! The front features two GameCube controller ports & two USB ports for use with USB controllers and accessories, a turbo button that you can turn that function on or off with the GameCube controllers, & Bluetooth functionality to connect to headphones.

Why it RoX:
- amazing styling
- 2 integrated GameCube & USB controller ports
- compact design
- compatible with Bluetooth headphones

What could be improved?
- Bluetooth pairing is not as seamless as it should be
- towards the top of the price range

Even if the stock dock does indeed go discontinued, it is good to know there are a number of 3rd party solutions out there. CharJenPro, Hyperkin, and Brook Gaming all have exceptional offerings, and each one does their thing a little differently. If travel is important, then the Stingray is the way to go. Retro styling and a small footprint? The S64. Bluetooth audio, the Power Bay. It is truly a fun time to be a fan of the Switch, but now to see what Nintendo has up their sleeves themselves!

#NintendoSwitch #SwitchDock #BuyersGuide #SwitchLite #Bluetooth