Nintendo seemingly designed its newest console to be a thriller for third-party accent makers. With the Swap 2, the corporate modified the wi-fi protocol for connecting controllers to the brand new system, in addition to the way it outputs video over USB-C, making it clear at launch that each third-party producer wanted to begin over from scratch.
Determining find out how to communicate the Swap 2’s language — and guaranteeing reliability even after system updates — is an ongoing problem. However now there are two dependable USB-C dock options I can advocate, if you happen to want one. Jsaux was one of many first to land with its $45.99 OmniCentro Dock final 12 months, and now Genki’s crowdsourced Covert Dock 3 is accessible for $69.99.
Each docks can output as much as 4K at 120Hz, although understand that the Swap 2 tops out at 4K / 60Hz in TV mode. They’ll additionally scale all the way down to 1440p or 1080p at 120Hz, with HDR help and as much as 65W PD quick charging, and embrace a spare USB-A port for connecting equipment, akin to a 2.4GHz wi-fi transmitter or controller. Genki’s dock appears to price extra just because it options translucent orange elements on two sides. I couldn’t discover one other spec or function to justify the $24 value discrepancy between the 2.
At this level, we’re a number of years into having devices like these round — in any case, that is the third iteration of Genki’s Covert Dock. Similar to earlier USB-C dock options, having certainly one of these hubs round will be useful for journey (each have foldable prongs, in order that they gained’t bend or snag in your bag), and even if you happen to don’t depart the home. Typically, I like to make use of my Swap 2 up in my workplace, whereas leaving Nintendo’s first-party dock downstairs.
Whereas the novelty of this sort of charger has worn off (they felt revolutionary when the primary Covert Dock launched in 2020), it’s nice to have two choices that work nice with Nintendo’s newest console, in addition to the Steam Deck and different handhelds.
It’s additionally good that, whichever mannequin you select to purchase, they each help upgradeable firmware, ought to a system replace change how the Swap 2 communicates with docks. Overly cautious? Not a lot. A November 2025 console replace blocked some third-party docks, and if it occurred as soon as, it might occur once more.
Pictures by Cameron Faulkner / The Verge
