3rd Party Nintendo Switch 2 Docks Long-Term Test | These Are GREAT!
80One thing I have found majorly frustrating about the Nintendo Switch 2 is the lack of compatibility with the original Nintendo Switch Docks. Nintendo changed the voltage input for the Switch 2, along with the mold around the USB port, to prevent this from happening. Thankfully, AVermedia has provided firmware updates to their devices to make them compatible, and SIWIQU has come along with a compatible Switch 2 dock as well. Having used several of these for weeks, here's a look at how they each perform in our long-term test.
Understanding Bricking Risks:
Shortly after the release of the Nintendo Switch, third-party manufacturers started to make power supplies and docks for the system. Shortly thereafter, troubles crop up with reports of systems becoming bricked and damaged. The reason behind that is that, early on, manufacturers did not understand how the Switch handled power handoff when it was docked. Manufacturers have since gone to work to develop compatible devices to charge your Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, and Switch OLED without causing issues.
SIWIQU S3
Order the SIWIQU S3 Nintendo Switch 2 Dock at https://amzn.to/3FOE7lq
Upon connecting to my TV, the first thing I noticed was that it didn't immediately switch to TV mode. I had to disconnect and reconnect the Switch 2 two or three times before it finally displayed on the television. Once connected, the black levels were noticeably soft. My daughter and her boyfriend, who were with me, even commented on the difference compared to the official dock. I verified that no HDR settings or similar were auto-switching, and they were not.
While the black levels were certainly on the low side, gameplay quality was surprisingly good. We played many rounds of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and I later tested games where lag and latency are crucial, such as Punch-Out!!. All these games performed as they would have with the original dock. While I could adjust my TV's color settings to compensate for the soft blacks, this wouldn't affect captured footage. SIWIQU has since released a firmware update, and the performance does appear to be better.
AVerMedio CORE Go & Elite GO
Elite Go White - https://amzn.to/4as8VDm
Elite Go Grey - https://amzn.to/4as8VDm
Core Go White - https://amzn.to/4as8VDm
Core Go Grey - https://amzn.to/40mYIn1
The AVerMedia Elite Go and Core Go provide higher power outputs, an HDMI port, and I can capture with the Elite to my computer. There are some technical limitations if I'm using it at home at my desk; in the end, I would not be using a portable power supply at a stationary position. Once I got the YUV setting correct on my OBS, which took me about half an hour to research and figure out, video quality was terrific out of the Elite.
AVerMedia X'TRA Go GC515:
Purchase the X'TRA Go GC515 at https://amzn.to/4lpFZQt
Download the firmware update at https://www.avermedia.com/event/switch2-firmware-software/software/
The X'TRA GO GC515 empowers users to record video content in stunning 4K at 30FPS or smooth 1080p at 120FPS. Beyond its advanced capture capabilities, the device supports 4K60 HDMI output, ensuring a superior viewing experience when connected to an external display. This makes it perfect for presentations, gaming, and entertainment.
The AVerMedia docks also work with the Original Nintendo Switch, plus they work with the ROG Ally & Steam Decks.
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