Nintendo Switch 2 update 21.0.0 is breaking third‑party docks

The latest Switch 2 update has a surprise in store for owners, which, let’s say, is a pretty terrible one. Version 21.0.0, which rolled out on November 10, appears to have disabled compatibility with several third-party docking solutions, leaving many users scrambling to find solutions.

Multiple users on r/Switch reported that their aftermarket docks simply stopped working after the firmware update in the comments of a PSA post warning users of the mess.

One player shared their experience on r/NintendoSwitchHelp, explaining that their portable dock was transmitting video just fine until they updated while docked. Once the console restarted, the TV display went dark, though the dock still provided charging. Testing the same dock with their original Switch confirmed it wasn’t a hardware failure, pointing directly at the new software.

The issue doesn’t affect all third-party accessories equally. Several users confirmed that the ANTANK S3 MAX dock continues to work without problems, even on version 21.0.0. USB-C pass-through docks like the Dbrand model also remain functional, since they don’t rely on the same communication protocols as full docking stations. However, cheaper dongle-style docks from Amazon and the NEXT brand sold at Best Buy are among those no longer recognized by the system.

YouTuber Austin John Plays tested the situation firsthand, demonstrating how two different third-party dongles that worked perfectly on version 20.5 immediately failed after updating to 21.0.0. His official Nintendo dock, meanwhile, connected without any hiccups.​

Some users found temporary relief through a hard reboot of their console, though results vary. The good news is that reputable dock manufacturers are already responding. Companies like Jemdo have acknowledged the problem and announced they’re working on firmware updates for their products. Here’s a screenshot of their website’s homepage:

So for docks that support firmware updates, there’s hope that compatibility can be restored through patches from the manufacturers themselves.

Players who rely on third-party docking solutions are being advised to hold off on updating their systems until the situation clears up. Whether Nintendo intentionally changed how the Switch 2 communicates with docks or if this is an unintended side effect of other security improvements remains unclear.

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