Third-party Nintendo Switch docks are reportedly bricking consoles

Nintendo Switch dock
(Image credit: Nintendo)

If you’re currently using a third-party Nintendo Switch dock, particularly ones from Nyko, you should probably stop. Kotaku reports that third-party Nintendo Switch docks are bricking consoles following Nintendo’s recent 5.0 Switch firmware update.

Kotaku cites several sources from Reddit and Nintendo’s own forums reporting that since this most recent numbered update, Switch docks from Nyko, FastSnail and Insignia are causing system errors. These errors range from rendering the console unable to turn on to losing all game save data.

Both Nyko and Nintendo have responded to Kotaku, confirming that they’re aware of these issues. Specifically, Nintendo supplied the following statement: 

“Unlicensed products and accessories do not undergo Nintendo’s testing and evaluation process. They might not work at all with our game systems, and they could have compatibility problems with certain games, the Nintendo Switch system itself, and other licensed accessories and peripherals.”

Essentially, following one of its own Switch system updates that has rendered several consoles inert after they came in contact with these third-party docks, Nintendo is asking you to only use its own dock accessory. Naturally, this isn't cheap – it costs $89 / £79 / AU$129, whereas most third-party docks call for far less cash.

Here’s hoping that Nintendo soon releases a more compact, sensible and less egregiously expensive docking station for its immensely popular console. Sadly, something tells us we shouldn’t hold our breath.

Joe Osborne

Joe Osborne is the Senior Technology Editor at Insider Inc. His role is to leads the technology coverage team for the Business Insider Shopping team, facilitating expert reviews, comprehensive buying guides, snap deals news and more. Previously, Joe was TechRadar's US computing editor, leading reviews of everything from gaming PCs to internal components and accessories. In his spare time, Joe is a renowned Dungeons and Dragons dungeon master – and arguably the nicest man in tech.

Latest in Nintendo Switch
Samus Aran leaping through space
Metroid Prime 4 tipped to be at the heart of April's Nintendo Switch 2 deep-dive
Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo Switch 2 expected to have AI upscaling and I can't wait to finally play Tears of the Kingdom with upgraded graphics
Super Mario Odyssey played on a Nintendo Switch in portable mode
YouTuber seemingly reveals the first hands-on look at the Nintendo Switch 2 and its new magnetic Joy-Cons
Nintendo Switch Pro
To the surprise of absolutely no one, another new look at the Nintendo Switch 2 has seemingly leaked
Nintendo Switch 2
If the Switch 2 can't perform at the same level as the Z1 Extreme Asus ROG Ally even with Nvidia's DLSS, then Nintendo is in trouble
Nintendo Switch 2
New Nintendo Switch 2 leak may have revealed the first look at the new handheld
Latest in News
inZOI promotional material.
inZOI has become the most wishlisted game on Steam, but I wouldn't get too caught up in the hype
Xbox Series X and Xbox wireless controller set to a green background
Xbox Insiders are currently testing a new Game Hub feature that looks useful, but I've got mixed feelings about it
A stylized depiction of a padlocked WiFi symbol sitting in the centre of an interlocking vault.
Broadcom warns of worrying security flaws affecting VMware tools
Microsoft Surface Laptop and Surface Pro devices on a table.
Hate Windows 11’s search? Microsoft is fixing it with AI, and that almost makes me want to buy a Copilot+ PC
Oura Ring 4
Activity tracking on Oura Ring is about to get a whole lot better, but I've got bad news about your step count
Google Pixel Buds Pro 2
Cleaned your Pixel Buds Pro 2 recently? If not, you might be getting worse sound