The Best Nintendo Switch Docks
With the advent of the Nintendo Switch, video game consoles have entered a new era. Never before has a system been so versatile, portable, and accessible. New gamers are drawn to the wide variety of games and inexpensive price tag, while older gamers are impressed by the amazing graphics and handheld capabilities. But, for those serious about gaming, you may want to upgrade your docking station. We’ve put together a list of the best docking stations available so you can get back to your winning streak.
What to Look For
In our search for the best Nintendo Switch docks, we used four main questions to guide us: Does it charge quickly and safely? Is it made out of durable parts that will last a long time? Is it space-efficient for our entertainment centers? Is the price fair? Our favorite came from FastSnail since their charging dock checked all the boxes and then some. It’s designed to get your Joy-Con controllers juiced up quickly, and the fact that it can charge four at once just seals the deal. But for those that want a charging dock for their Switch itself, we recommend the durable, affordable, and speedy option from Ukor. There’s a lot to consider, so read on to find the right pick for you.
FastSnail Charging Dock for Nintendo Switch
The champion of the charge
If you like to use your Joy-Cons for multiple players but don’t want to deal with the hassle of constantly charging, this is the docking station for you. This charging dock is made specifically for Joy-Cons and can charge up to four at a time. The slots glow red when charging and change to green when fully charged so you never have to guess if you’re controllers are ready or not.
This dock is designed to safely charge all Joy-Cons without overcharging or overheating. Simply plug into a USB port to charge. This docking station is easy to use and perfect for charging multiple controllers at once.
Pros:
- We loved that this compact yet stable charging dock holds Joy-Cons securely.
- The charger has a sleek look, and it glows red or green to indicate charging status. When the Joy-Cons are fully charged, the dock is an excellent light source.
- You can charge four Joy-Cons simultaneously with this dock, so all of your Joy-Cons are always charged.
Cons:
- This dock is only for your controllers, not the Switch itself.
Ukor TV Docking Station for Nintendo Switch
The stock Nintendo Switch docking station is great, but it doesn’t offer much in the areas of screen protection and heat distribution. If you want to protect your screen and keep your system from overheating, this docking station will do the trick.
Unlike the Nintendo docking station, this dock has ventilation slots to keep the air moving out and away from the system. It also is set on an angle, so the Switch can simply sit on top instead of sliding in. This makes it easier to insert and also prevents screen scratching. If you care about keeping your Switch in the best condition, this dock is the way to go.
Pros:
- We loved the compact size of this dock. It’s lightweight, making it easy to take with you.
- Although it doesn’t come with a cable, it works perfectly with the Switch cable.
- The dock doesn’t overcharge or overheat.
Cons:
- The dock doesn’t have a cooling fan.
Ponkor Docking Station for Nintendo Switch
When less is more
Since the Switch is designed to be extremely portable, it’s important to have a docking station that is just as portable. If you’ve been underwhelmed by the stock docking station that comes with the Switch, get ready to make the switch to Ponkor.
Measuring at only 20% of the total size of the Nintendo dock, this Ponkor dock is meant to be the smallest and most efficient one around. It still has all the standard ports, so you won’t be sacrificing quality or compatibility because of the size. It even has a spring buffer function that works to prevent damage when docking your Switch. This goes to show that big things do come in small packages.
Pros:
- We loved that this docking station is highly portable and small enough to fit in a backpack.
- The system has ventilation slots, so it doesn’t overheat, and it has chip protection to prevent over-charging.
Cons:
- This dock is a bit pricier than other options.
Yezro Nintendo Switch Docking Station
Keeping it cool
Though the Switch is a powerful system, even something as mighty as it can run the risk of overheating. Between charging in a docking station and playing games simultaneously, a lot is going on. This can increase your system’s temperature, and if you’re gaming for an extended period of time, it could cause problems. So what’s the solution?
Well, this docking station may just be your easy fix. The Yezro docking station comes equipped with a cooling fan to keep your Switch ventilated, as well as an over-charging protection chip. On top of all that, the small design is extremely portable and comes with all the features you’d expect like USB 2.0 and 3.0, HDMI, and an AC adapter. Get all the same perks as your Nintendo station, but with the cooling power to keep you gaming smoothly.
Pros:
- We found this dock to be very stable yet small enough to easily take with you on the go.
- It has various settings allowing you to play it on your TV or in tabletop mode.
- The cooling fan ensures you won’t have to worry about your Switch overheating when using this dock.
Cons:
- It doesn’t come with a charging cable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are third-party chargers safe for my Nintendo gear?
If you purchase a high-quality docking station, you shouldn’t have any problems. When shopping for a Switch docking station, look for one that has a cooling fan to prevent it from overheating. The best switch docking stations also won’t overcharge your Switch. Many third-party Switch docking stations are smaller than the original docking station that comes with the Switch. So, it’s worth investing in one if you travel often.
Why do I need a docking station? My Switch came with one.
The docking station your Switch came with is certainly good enough for most uses. However, it does have certain pitfalls. For example, the Nintendo brand Switch docking station has a slot where the Switch fits between two vertical panels. This holds the Switch reliably, but it can scratch the front of the screen if you aren’t careful when putting it in. It also doesn’t come with much ventilation and has no cooling fan at all. If you’re looking for something smaller, sleeker, or something that has ventilation solutions, an aftermarket docking station can do wonders for your gaming experience.
Can docking stations charge while I play?
Yes. If it didn’t charge, it would essentially just be a stand for your Switch. The docking stations are designed to hold your Switch while in TV mode and keep them charged like any other TV console. The added benefit of a Switch is that it can also go into handheld mode. But, while in TV mode, it plugs into a docking station which is powered by a wall unit like most other video game systems.
About the Author
Why Trust Us
With the constantly shifting landscape in the world of technology, GameRevolution seeks to provide gamers and tech-enthusiasts with the information they need to select the right products for their needs. Since 1996, our experts have used their knowledge on all the latest gadgets – everything from headphones to standing desks – to help millions of people navigate specs and answer common questions.