Nintendo’s latest Switch 2 firmware update (21.0.0) has introduced a surprising and frustrating issue for many players: third-party docks have stopped working entirely.
While the update added useful new features — including icons that show whether a game is digital or physical — it also caused unintended problems. Multiple users are now reporting that their unofficial docks no longer output video after installing the update.
Third-Party Docks Suddenly Stop Working
According to user reports across Reddit and social platforms, the problem began immediately after installing update 21.0.0.
One user wrote:
“My second dock (a third-party one) stopped working right after the update. A full reboot didn’t fix anything.”
Players say their Switch 2 no longer displays video when connected through unofficial docks, even though these same docks worked flawlessly before the update.
Why Players Use Third-Party Docks
Even though the Switch 2 includes an official dock, many players buy additional ones for convenience — such as:
- Setting up docks in different rooms
- Keeping a smaller dock for travel
- Using cheaper alternatives compared to Nintendo’s official accessory
But the new update appears to block or break communication with non-Nintendo docks, leaving users with fewer options and forcing them to rely only on the official hardware.
Was This Intentional?
Nintendo has not issued a statement yet, but many users believe this may be an intentional security measure to prevent hardware damage or overheating from cheap, unsafe docks.
Others think it may simply be an unintended bug introduced with the new firmware.
Historically, Nintendo has had a strict approach toward unofficial accessories, and similar compatibility issues appeared during the early lifespan of the original Nintendo Switch.
What Players Can Do
Right now, affected users only have two options:
- Use the official Nintendo Switch 2 dock exclusively
- Wait for a future patch that may restore compatibility (if Nintendo chooses to address it)
Since the update cannot be rolled back, users stuck with broken third-party docks have no current workaround.
Final Thoughts
Update 21.0.0 brings helpful UI improvements, but it also limits how players can use their hardware — especially those who relied on affordable or portable third-party docks.
Until Nintendo clarifies the situation, players will need to stick with the official dock or hope for a quick fix in an upcoming firmware update.
