What is the Nintendo Switch Dock Used For?

Many users of the Nintendo Switch are still confused about what the dock is for. Does it store game saves? Does it expand the Switch’s memory? Do I need a dock to use my Switch?

In this article, we’ll give you the complete lowdown on how the Nintendo Switch Dock is used.

What Is the Dock for?

The dock, in the simplest of terms, is a charger and a TV connector. It’s how you transition from the handheld mode to the TV mode. It has cable outputs inside its casing that can hold all the connections neatly and efficiently.

Charging the Switch without a dock is possible using official Nintendo peripherals. Connecting to a TV is another matter, as there’s no HDMI output on the console itself. Therefore, the dock is necessary. There are other unofficial accessories that can be used, like a USB to HDMI adapter, for example. But do note that any possible damage caused by these aren’t covered by warranty.

Using the Dock

To properly setup the dock, follow these steps:

1. Open the back case. Pull gently to avoid damaging the cover.
2. Inside you’ll find cable outputs marked as AC Adapter, USB, and HDMI Out.
3. Connect the Nintendo AC Adapter USB port to the top output marked AC Adapter. Do not plug it in the USB outlet. The USB is used for LAN adapters or other peripherals that require a USB connection.
4. Plug the HDMI cable on the output marked HDMI.
5. Plug the other end of the HDMI to your TV.
6. Plug the AC Adapter to a wall socket.
7. Remove the Joy Con Controllers. Note that if these controllers weren’t previously attached, they might need to be registered first before you can use them wirelessly.
8. Slide the Switch console, with the LCD screen facing the front of the case into the dock.
9. Turn your TV on, then select HDMI.
   

Charging Without the Dock

Although the Switch Dock is intended as the main method for charging the console, it can be charged without it by using a Nintendo Switch AC Adapter. This peripheral can be connected to the USB port located at the bottom of the Switch console.

The charger is rated for outlets ranging from 100-240 volts at 50-60 Hertz, so it can be used for either 110-220 AC wall outlets.

Switch Dock Warranty Coverage

Like all peripherals, the Switch Dock comes with a limited three-month warranty. This warranty covers any hidden or factory defects. It doesn’t cover any damage caused by negligence, accidents, overuse, or standard wear and tear. Additionally, service by unofficial repair personnel, or use of any unlicensed software may void your warranty. You can read the official Nintendo Warranty terms to find out more.

Other Accessories

There are additional accessories that Nintendo offers that enhance the TV mode capabilities of the dock. All of these peripherals are available on the website’s Nintendo Switch Accessories page.

1. Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers – As opposed to the Joy Con, this is a standard wireless console controller with a built-in rechargeable battery pack. Many users consider this a better alternative to the Joy Con Grip.
2. Joy Con AA Battery Pack – These accessories slide onto the left and right Joy Cons and extend the battery life of the removable controllers. If you play on TV mode a lot, having your controllers suddenly die on you is definitely a bad thing.
3. Joy Con Charging Grip – Made as a solution to the Joy Con’s awkward two-handed control scheme, the charging grip connects both Joy Cons together to make them resemble a standard controller. This doesn’t change the fact that the buttons are still really small though, so a Pro Controller may be a better choice.
4. Nintendo Switch Wired Internet LAN Adapter – This is a USB to Ethernet cable adapter that plugs into the USB outlet inside the case. This allows users to connect to the internet through an ethernet cable.
   

Integral Design Choice

The Nintendo Switch Dock was an integral design choice for the creators of the console. The whole concept was that the Switch was a fully fledged gaming rig that you could take anywhere. The Dock enabled the console to easily switch between being TV-based and being handheld, hence the system’s name. Knowing what the Nintendo Switch dock is actually for provides an insight into what the developers intended the Switch to be.

Do you have thoughts and opinions regarding the Switch Dock? Share them in the comments section below.