You don’t have to spend more than $50 on a great USB-C docking station for Switch 2

Nintendo appears to have designed its latest console to be a mystery to third-party accessory makers. With Switch 2, the company changed the wireless protocol for connecting controllers to the new system, as well as how it is connected Video output via USB-Cmaking it clear at launch that every third-party manufacturer needs to start over from scratch.

Figuring out how to speak the Switch 2’s language — and ensuring reliability even after system updates — is an ongoing challenge. But there are now two reliable USB-C docking station alternatives that I can recommend, if you need one. Jsaux was one of the first to arrive at $45.99 Omni Centro Dock Last year and now Genki’s Crowd-Sourced Covert Dock 3 Available for $69.99.

Both terminals can output up to 4K at 120Hz, considering the Switch 2 up to 4K/60Hz in TV mode. It can also downscale the resolution to 1440p or 1080p at 120Hz, supports HDR and up to 65W PD fast charging, and includes a spare USB-A port for connecting accessories, such as a transmitter or 2.4GHz wireless controller. The Genki dock appears to be more expensive as it features translucent orange components on the sides. I couldn’t find another spec or feature to justify the $24 price discrepancy between the two.

At this point, it’s been several years since I’ve owned such tools — after all, this is the third iteration of Genki’s Covert Dock. Just like previous USB-C dock alternatives, having one of these hubs can come in handy for travel (they both have foldable prongs, so they won’t bend or get stuck in your bag), or even if you don’t leave the house. Sometimes, I like to use my Switch 2 in my office, while I leave Nintendo’s first-party console in the basement.

While the novelty of this type of charger has worn off (they felt revolutionary when they first… Secret dock Launched in 2020), it’s great to have two options that work great with Nintendo’s latest console, as well as the Steam Deck and other portable devices.

It’s also nice that, whichever model you choose to buy, they both support upgradeable firmware, should a system update change how the Switch 2 communicates with the docks. Excessive caution? Not much. Console update in November 2025 Blocked some third party docksIf it happened once, it can happen again.

Photography by Cameron Faulkner/The Verge