Inside the Nintendo Switch 2 Dock: What Nintendo Didn’t Tell You…
When it comes to console accessories, the dock doesn’t always get the attention it deserves. That is, until it stops working. While most of the spotlight has been on the Switch 2 console and Joy-Cons, nobody really tore down the dock, so I did.
First Look: A Familiar Shell With Some Key Upgrades
A built-in LAN port and active cooling with a small fan are two of the biggest additions. These features hint at major changes inside.
Inside the Dock: Modular Wins and Soldered Setbacks
Opening the dock reveals a compact but clean internal design. Right away, I noticed a few things:
The main USB-C charging port is modular, which is a huge win for repairability.
There are two springs flanking the port, likely designed to keep the console docked securely and reduce wear.
The LAN port, HDMI port, and USB-A ports are all part of the main PCB. Unfortunately, they’re soldered on, so if any of these fail, you’ll need to replace the entire board or use soldering tools for repairs.
The Fan: Small but Mighty
The fan has been a hot topic among users. After seeing it in person, I can confirm it’s a solid addition. This should help with temperature regulation, especially during extended gaming sessions or when the console is charging and outputting video through HDMI.
It is positioned to draw air through the new vent and direct airflow straight at the Switch while it’s docked.
Final Thoughts: Better, but NOT Perfect
The modular USB-C port is a major improvement, and the addition of active cooling is a smart design choice that improves performance and longevity. However, the soldered ports on the main board prevent this dock from being fully repair-friendly. Overall, the dock feels cheap and a bit overpriced for allthat it does.
Is it better than the old dock? slightly.
Is it repair-friendly? Not quite. But it’s not too bad, assuming you can find parts.
The dock earns a passing grade from a repair perspective, with some clear areas for improvement.
