Recently, according to a detailed report published by The Verge, the latest system update of Nintendo Switch 2 seems to have removed compatibility support for third-party docks, which means that the console will only be able to use official accessories.This conclusion comes from the technical team’s detection of the communication method between the host and external devices through the USB-C power supply protocol analyzer after installing the update.

The report pointed out that two accessory manufacturers revealed that Switch 2 now uses a "new encryption scheme and dedicated encryption chip", which makes most third-party bases and adapters unable to be used normally as before.While standard USB-C devices typically use a common handshake protocol for power and video transfer, the Switch 2 sends "proprietary information that only Nintendo can interpret."

This means that when users try to connect the updated console to a non-Nintendo dock or HDMI adapter, the system may refuse to output video signals or even fail to complete power supply negotiation properly.USB-C powered testing confirmed this phenomenon, showing that the Switch 2 communicates "more than 30 proprietary 'unstructured' messages" before establishing video output with its base.

Jsaux, a well-known accessories company that produces bases for Steam Deck, told the media that it has "suspended the development plan for the Switch 2 base" due to Nintendo's new policy.Currently, there is only one third-party dock that claims to be compatible with the console by simulating the Nintendo communication protocol.

Nintendo's move is a blow to consumers' flexibility of choice - the system update essentially takes away the possibility of using a portable or travel alternative dock.There has been no official explanation on the matter.