Nintendo Locks Down Switch 2 USB-C Port: Breaking Third-Party Dock Compatibility with Proprietary Encryption

Nintendo has complicated matters for those hoping to connect the Switch 2 to a television or augmented reality glasses while traveling, using a standard USB-C cable. Though the port itself remains universal in design, the Japanese company has implemented a proprietary encryption and authentication system that effectively blocks third-party accessories.

According to accessory manufacturers, Nintendo employs a dedicated encryption key and likely a proprietary chip to distinguish its official docks from all others. An analysis of the USB Power Delivery protocol revealed that, instead of initiating a standard handshake, the Switch 2 communicates in a language comprehensible only to Nintendo’s official dock or certified accessories.

As a result, most generic hubs and docking stations simply do not function. Even Jsaux—a company known for its swift release of a Steam Deck-compatible dock—has paused development of a similar product for the new console, citing authentication hurdles. The issue extends beyond mere power requirements (Switch 2 demands up to 20V); it lies within the encrypted handshake process.

At present, only one third-party accessory has been confirmed to work with the new console: the Antank S3 Max dock. It contains a chip capable of “speaking” Nintendo’s cryptic dialect, including the transmission of a mysterious sequence: 33 01 07 DA 06 01 6D 68. While this confirms compatibility, it also introduces risk—should Nintendo alter its encryption keys in future updates, these devices could suddenly cease to function.

Manufacturers admit that firmware updates may offer a lifeline, but only if the accessory model is equipped with the necessary support. Antank has pledged to release such updates should Nintendo modify its authentication algorithms. However, technical details about these solutions remain tightly guarded.

This move away from compatibility affects not only compact third-party docks, but also high-end video glasses like the Xreal One—whose price may exceed that of the console itself. Now, connectivity requires a new device, the Xreal Neo, which remains in development. What was once a universal port is fast becoming a walled garden.

Nintendo has declined to comment on the existence of an authentication chip or its role in deliberately blocking unauthorized accessories. However, the trend is clear: even the original Switch exhibited non-standard behavior when connected to unofficial docks—occasionally causing hardware damage.

The situation is further complicated by the new design: the Switch 2 features bottom-facing ventilation and an active cooling fan built into the official dock. Yet, third-party solutions like Antank have shown no degradation in thermal performance during extended use—on the contrary, in some cases, the console ran cooler.

Nintendo could have chosen to open the interface, empowering users to select any accessory that suits their needs. Instead, it opted for control. Sadly, the “universality” of USB-C remains, once again, a promise unfulfilled.