Nintendo Switch 2: Update Blocks Docks

Compatibility between proprietary hardware and third-party peripherals is always a bit of a minefield, and when dealing with brand owners who are particularly protective of their consoles, things often tend to get overly complicated.

This is what many users worldwide are discovering since Nintendo Switch 2 received its latest firmware update, version 21.0.0: it seems that almost all docking devices – or "docks" if you prefer the English term – and TV connection cables produced by third parties have stopped working or have presented difficulties.

The update, which according to the patch notes introduces some additional user interface options, such as an indication of whether the running game is physical or digital, or more agile chat volume adjustment, apparently also applied [or removed?] a series of security rules and protocols that have effectively locked the hardware to the use of official peripherals.

User reports have naturally poured in: Reddit, GameFAQs, Facebook and other platforms have been swamped by all those who, after the update, could no longer connect their console to the TV. The fact is that we are naturally talking about peripherals produced by third parties but still under Nintendo license, which therefore has its part of the commitment to always maintain their compatibility.

Currently, the house of Mario has not published any statement regarding the malfunctions: the only hope for users is that a new system software update will be released shortly to restore compatibility with the products in question...