Nintendo Clarifies Switch 2 Dock Compatibility

Summary

The Switch 2 dock is not compatible with original Switch models.
The new dock has technical similarities to the older one, but with some major differences.

Nintendo has clarified that the Switch 2 dock is not compatible with earlier Switch models. Despite an hour-long deep dive on April 2, a lot of details about the upcoming console have taken time to become clear, especially when it comes to compatibility between the two Switch generations. The Nintendo Switch 2’s Joy-Cons don’t fit the original, but its cartridges do, and accessories have been a mixed bag as far as what works on both systems, but now fans have some more clarity.

From the surface, there doesn’t seem to be too many differences between the new dock and the old one. While the Switch 2 dock is slightly larger than the original, many of its technical aspects are the same as the OLED dock, though it does noticeably have a cooling unit not present in older hardware. However, fans hoping to use this newer, more effectively cooled station for their old Switch consoles are in for some disappointing, albeit not entirely surprising, news.

Nintendo Switch 2 Joy-Cons Support Weird Configuration

The Switch 2 Joy-Cons are confirmed to support a rather weird configuration that was impossible on Nintendo’s previous console.

As spotted by Nintendo Everything, the listing for the Switch 2 Dock Set on Nintendo’s Japanese site confirms that it’s only compatible with the Switch 2. A customer support page on Nintendo of America’s site clarifies the reverse, saying the Switch 2 is incompatible with the original dock. Given the difference in specs between the two systems, it makes sense that they can’t use each other’s docking stations, even if both still use a USB-C port to connect to the hardware. While it may not be a shock to anyone, it could be a blow to some. Nintendo has raised the price of the Switch 2 Dock Set in the U.S., but Switch 2 users won’t be able to get around that by using older alternatives, and original Switch owners won’t be able to use the upgraded dock.

The Switch 2 Dock Is Not Compatible With Older Switch Models

The dock is not the only bit of new hardware that players won’t be able to use on original Switch systems. Earlier this month, Nintendo also confirmed that the Switch 2 GameCube controller is incompatible with the first Switch, as well as some Switch 2 games, given the lack of some features that other non-GameCube titles may use. Similarly, the Switch 2 Pro Controller is only usable on the Switch 2, although the original Pro Controller will work on the new console, although it may lack some functionality.

Regardless of the compatibility of its peripherals, the Switch 2 has already been a hit among gamers, if its rapidly selling-out pre-orders are anything to go by. Despite some cost controversy, retailers are reporting Switch 2 pre-orders have hit “historic” numbers, and many fans have found it difficult to get one amid the rush. Anyone lucky enough to have a pre-order already should just keep in mind that they won’t be able to use all the hardware on both their old and new consoles.