Third-Party Docks Are Bricking Nintendo Switch Consoles since update

[Shiken]

It is because of the power draw. USB-C cables for Switch must have a 56k resistor to regulate the power draw. If you use a cord without one, you run the risk of the slightest power surge frying the port.

Furthermore Switch is not USB-C standard compliant. The Switch adapters and dock use 5A and 15A rails respectively, which is not USB-C standard compliant. This means that overdrawing power (or under drawing) could potentially hurt your Switch. Will it definitely do it? No...but CAN it do it? Yes...you may have a phone charger work fine with your Switch for months, then something could go wrong later on. The Switch is only protected at the listed power draws, which is 5A and 15A. Anything other than that is a risk.

Now on to third party stuff, who is to say that they are meeting these specs? It is possible that they made them USB-C compliant without considering the difference in the Switch's setup.

Officially licensed Nintendo products, cords, docks, and chargers are guaranteed to meet the standard however, so you cannot go wrong there. If you still insist on using 3rd party, make sure the specs line up so you are not taking any risks.

 

This is a spec issue that is catching some people, it has nothing to do with an "evil" patch by Nintendo.  If you want to blame someone, blame 3rd party manufacturers for not doing proper compatibility checks.

Last edited by Shiken - on 02 April 2018