The Nintendo Switch‘s Versatility Is Key to Its Success
When the Nintendo Switch launched in 2017, it introduced a whole new paradigm in video game consoles. Unlike traditional home consoles that remain permanently tethered to your TV, or handheld systems limited to gaming on the go, the Switch brilliantly merges both play styles into one sleek device. At home, simply slide the Switch tablet into its included dock to instantly start playing your favorite games on the big screen. Ready to head out? Grab the Switch and attach the Joy-Con controllers on either side to transform it into a fully portable gaming machine.
This unprecedented versatility, combined with Nintendo‘s pedigree of amazing first-party franchises like Mario, Zelda, and Pokemon, has propelled the Switch to meteoric success. As of March 2023, the Switch has sold over 125 million units worldwide, already surpassing the lifetime sales of iconic consoles like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox 360. Not too shabby for what many initially wrote off as a gimmick.
But to truly get the most out of your Switch, especially if you split time between docked and handheld mode, investing in a high-quality dock is essential. The Switch dock that comes bundled with the console gets the job done, but it‘s bulky, only has one USB port, and offers no extra functionality. Thankfully, a variety of third-party Switch docks have emerged to provide more portability, expand connectivity, and pack in useful bonus features to power up your Switch experience.
After thorough hands-on testing and research, here are our picks for the 7 absolute best Nintendo Switch docks:
- Best Overall: Official Nintendo Switch Dock
Price: $69.99
Let‘s get this out of the way – if you want the most reliable, hassle-free docking experience for your Switch, it‘s hard to top Nintendo‘s first-party offering. The official Switch Dock you get in the box was designed hand-in-hand with the console‘s hardware, ensuring a perfect fit and optimal performance every time you slot in your Switch for some big-screen action. The dock‘s subtle design looks great under your TV, while the included HDMI and USB-C power cables make setup a breeze.
Sure, it‘s a bit chunkier than some third-party options, only sports one USB 2.0 port, and costs more than most of its competitors. But for many Switch owners, the peace of mind that comes with an official, warrantied Nintendo product is well worth the premium. Just be careful sliding your unprotected Switch screen in and out of the dock‘s tight confines, as some users have reported scratches over time.
- Best for Charging: Ikedon Portable Charging Dock
Price: $39.99
This compact, lightweight dock from Ikedon packs in plenty of charging prowess for its petite size. Its USB-C Power Delivery port can supply up to 45W of charging power to your docked Switch, topping up its battery about 50% faster than the OEM charger. And thanks to its detachable USB-C cable, the Ikedon can double as a handy travel charger for your other USB-PD devices, from smartphones to laptops.
On the front, you get a USB 3.0 port for connecting accessories like ethernet adapters, USB headsets, and wired controllers. The HDMI port around back supports crisp 1080p 60fps output to your TV in docked mode. And despite its 40% smaller footprint than the official dock, the Ikedon still securely cradles your Switch at a nice viewing angle for impromptu tabletop gaming sessions. Although its lightweight plastic feels a bit cheap, the Ikedon portable dock delivers impressive charging and connectivity for the price.
- Most Portable: RREAKA USB-C Multiport Hub
Price: $32.99
Frequent travelers seeking the ultimate in Switch dock portability need look no further than RREAKA‘s brilliant 5-in-1 USB-C hub. This pocket-friendly, bus-powered adapter is roughly the size of a deck of cards, yet boasts the crucial ports needed for an on-the-go Switch setup. There‘s an HDMI port for outputting gameplay to hotel TVs or monitors, a USB-C PD passthrough port for keeping your Switch juiced up, and a pair of USB-A 3.0 ports for plugging in controllers, headsets, and other accessories.
The RREAKA‘s fifth port is a bonus compared to other travel-sized Switch docks – a microSD card slot for easy file transfers or offloading your Switch screenshots and videos. For such a compact device, it feels reassuringly durable too, with an aluminum alloy shell that should hold up well to life on the road. The RREAKA‘s one minor design flaw is that it lacks any kind of stand for propping up your Switch in tabletop mode. But if you need the most portable, full-featured Switch dock around, this multiport marvel is tough to beat.
- Most Compact: HORI Compact Playstand
Price: $12.99
While it‘s technically more of a stand than a full-on dock, HORI‘s aptly named Compact Playstand is still a fantastic accessory for taking your docked Switch experience anywhere. This cleverly designed, officially-licensed stand features a sturdy yet lightweight plastic construction with rubberized grips to securely hold your Switch at three different viewing angles. Folded flat, it slips easily into a pocket or small carrying case.
The real magic of the Compact Playstand is the open space beneath the stand, which grants full access to your Switch‘s USB-C charging port and headphone jack while playing. Just connect a USB-C cable from your existing Switch charger and you‘re all set for extended gameplay sessions with a better viewing angle than the Switch‘s flimsy built-in kickstand can provide. The HORI Compact Playstand proves an elegant docking solution doesn‘t have to be complicated or expensive.
- Best Color Options: Knofarm Foldable TV Dock
Price: $27.99
Why settle for boring black when you can add a splash of color to your Switch setup? The Knofarm Foldable TV Dock is available in a range of vibrant hues to match your Switch Joy-Cons or just suit your style. There‘s a striking blue version to complement the Neon Blue Joy-Cons, a bright red model, and even a cute pink option. And if you do prefer a more subdued look, the Knofarm comes in a stealthy black as well.
Looks aside, this affordable dock also brings some slick functionality to the table. Its origami-inspired design allows the Knofarm to fold completely flat when not in use, making it easier to pack for trips than the official dock. Folded out, it holds your Switch at an agreeable angle for on-the-go gaming, while still allowing access to the USB-C port for pass-through charging. The Knofarm is mostly made of lightweight plastic, but feels sturdy enough for its intended use case as a portable TV dock. And its USB 3.0 and HDMI ports enable 1080p 60fps docked play, just like Nintendo‘s first-party dock.
- Most Versatile: KDD Switch Controller Charging Dock
Price: $24.99
The KDD Switch Controller Charging Dock takes a unique approach compared to other third-party docks. Rather than connecting directly to the Switch console itself, it‘s designed as a multifunctional accessory for the official Switch dock you already own. Slide your OEM dock into the KDD‘s base and it neatly integrates controller charging and game storage, helping to declutter your Switch setup.
With four joy-con slots and one pro controller slot, the KDD can charge up to five Switch controllers simultaneously. On the front, eight game card slots offer a convenient place to store and display your physical Switch library. The KDD‘s design meshes surprisingly well with the look and feel of the official Switch dock, and still allows access to the dock‘s rear ports for connecting to power and your TV.
If you‘re seeking an affordable way to charge multiple controllers and keep your Switch games organized, all without adding much bulk to your existing dock, the KDD is a worthy pick. Just keep in mind its glossy black plastic does attract fingerprints, and the Switch logo on the front is slightly misaligned.
- Best for Travel: KIWIHOME 3-in-1 USB C Adapter
Price: $26.99
Another fantastic all-in-one travel dock, the KIWIHOME 3-in-1 USB-C adapter sports a similar array of ports as the RREAKA in an even more pocketable form factor. This includes a USB-C PD charging port, an HDMI output for connecting to hotel TVs, and a pair of USB-A 3.0 inputs for your Switch controllers and accessories. It‘s roughly the size of a lighter, making it exceptionally easy to slip into a pocket or sling into a small travel bag.
One thing to note is that unlike the RREAKA or Ikedon, the KIWIHOME doesn‘t have any built-in safeguards to prevent Switch overheating or power issues. So it‘s best to use an official Nintendo Switch AC adapter with this dock for the smoothest experience. But if you already have the OEM power brick and just want a dock that travels light and punches above its weight class in versatility, the KIWIHOME makes an excellent companion for gaming on the go.
What to Consider When Choosing a Nintendo Switch Dock
Compatibility: First and foremost, make sure the dock you select is fully compatible with your specific Switch model. Certain third-party docks only fit the original Switch or OLED versions, while others may not work with the Switch Lite at all. Stick to reputable brands like the ones featured above and always triple-check the compatibility notes before pulling the trigger on a new Switch dock.
Portability vs Features: The main trade-off you‘ll contend with is balancing portability versus extra functionality. Travel-focused docks like the RREAKA or KIWIHOME are incredibly compact, but lack creature comforts like controller charging or adjustable viewing angles. Larger docks such as the Ikedon or official Nintendo model are less portable, but tend to offer more features and flexibility with your Switch setup. Consider how and where you‘ll be using the dock most often to prioritize the right balance for your needs.
Price: Perhaps the best part about the current crop of third-party Switch docks is how affordable they are compared to Nintendo‘s $90 first-party dock. Most of the docks featured above fall in the $25-$40 range, making them easy impulse buys to level up your Switch station. And even the pricier options like the Ikedon or Knofarm undercut the OEM dock while adding valuable functionality like charging, cooling, or color customization. Just don‘t cheap out too much on noname docks under $15, as some have been reported to cause power issues or even damage Switches.
The Docked Life
Using any of these best-in-class Switch docks is a joy, especially if you‘ve only ever played in handheld mode. Docking your Switch to a big TV immediately elevates the experience, whether you‘re exploring the vast open world of Zelda: Breath of the Wild or squaring off against friends in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. And little touches like controller charging docks or extra USB ports for accessories make your docked setup feel even more luxurious.
The Switch‘s unique flexibility does introduce some slight ergonomic challenges when frequently docking and undocking the console. The official Nintendo dock‘s front panel doesn‘t leave much wiggle room, so you‘ll want to be extra careful (or use a screen protector) when sliding your Switch in and out. Lighter travel docks are generally easier to finesse thanks to their open designs, but may take some fiddling to find a secure position.
Overall though, you really can‘t go wrong with any of the Switch docks covered here. Each one plays to a specific strength, whether it‘s the tidy integration of the KDD, the svelte design of the RREAKA, or the no-nonsense performance of Nintendo‘s stock dock. Which one you choose ultimately comes down to your budget, your sense of style, and how much space you‘re working with.
Personally, I keep the official Nintendo dock permanently connected in my living room for everyday use, since I prefer its sleek look and it anchors my Switch charging setup. But I also keep the ultra-portable KIWIHOME dock in my work bag for impromptu gaming sessions at the office, in cafes, or on trips. And my partner prefers the HORI Playstand for its compact adjustable design and headphone jack access when playing late at night.
Whichever dock(s) you settle on, just prepare to never look at your Switch the same way again. Like a Pokemon evolving or Mario powering up with a Super Star, combining your Switch with a quality dock elevates it into a whole new beast. Having a full-fledged Nintendo console that you can experience on a big screen or take on the go, while still packing all the performance of a modern gaming system, is truly a game-changer.
One Dock to Rule Them All
At the end of the day, after testing all of the best Switch dock contenders, I keep coming back to Nintendo‘s tried and true first-party dock. It may not have the most advanced feature set, the snazziest look, or the most travel-friendly design. But it‘s the one dock that I can count on to deliver a reliable, lag-free Switch experience every single time I plop down my console, whether I‘m gaming for 30 minutes or 3 hours.
There‘s something to be said for a product that just works, with no extra configuration or troubleshooting required. That‘s not to say you won‘t be satisfied with a third-party dock, especially if you value things like controller charging, color options, or portability. The RREAKA and KIWIHOME in particular are phenomenal travel companions and well worth packing for your next trip.
But if I could only choose one Switch dock, I‘d stick with Nintendo‘s standard. It‘s a case where the original still reigns supreme, and newer doesn‘t always mean better. Your mileage may vary, but I firmly believe that the core experience of sliding your Switch into a dock and watching your game leap to life on the big screen is something that never gets old, no matter how many times you‘ve done it. And for my money, nothing captures that magic quite like an official Nintendo Switch Dock.
Game On
So what are you waiting for? Grab yourself one of these top-rated Nintendo Switch docks and experience the definitive way to play Nintendo‘s revolutionary console. And for even more Switch insight and accessory recommendations, don‘t miss our roundups of the best Switch survival games, multiplayer titles, and headsets to keep you gaming late into the night. No matter what kind of player you are, there‘s always something new and exciting to discover on the Switch.
