The First 3rd Party Nintendo Switch 2 Dock | SIWIQU S3 Dock Review

In this episode, we're unboxing and putting the SIWIQU S3 to the test – what might be the first third-party dock available for the Nintendo Switch 2.

Order the SIWIQU S3 Nintendo Switch 2 Dock at https://amzn.to/3FOE7lq

Since its launch, the Nintendo Switch 2 has brought some disappointing changes compared to the original Switch and the Switch OLED. For me, the biggest letdown is that the Switch 2 requires a completely different dock. This means my existing third-party docks for the original Switch are useless, forcing me to constantly disconnect and reconnect the official dock whenever I want to capture gameplay or simply enjoy the system with my family.

Recently, SIWIQU reached out, offering to send their Nintendo Switch 2 dock for review. I had several questions for them, but unfortunately, I never received a reply. This experience, however, inspired me to purchase the dock myself for a full review.

Design and Build Quality
The SIWIQU S3 dock is quite basic and plain-looking. It's a trapezoidal piece of molded plastic with a USB-C port at the center, flanked by red and blue end caps. Around the back, you'll find a USB 3.0 port, a USB 2.0 port, an HDMI port, and a USB-C port for power. There's also a button on the back to toggle between tabletop and TV mode.

In terms of build quality, there's nothing remarkable. It feels like a hunk of lightweight, mostly hollow plastic – exactly what you'd expect from a budget accessory.

Power and Cooling Considerations
It's important to note that the SIWIQU S3 does not include a power supply. To avoid potential voltage issues that plagued many third-party docks for the original Switch, I purchased an OEM Nintendo Switch 2 power supply for about $35. This replicates the official setup and should prevent any "bricking" problems.

One significant omission from this dock, compared to the official Nintendo unit, is any built-in cooling fan. The OEM Switch 2 dock integrates a fan for cooling the system or its internal components. The SIWIQU S3 offers an open-air design around the console, which might be enough for adequate cooling. Only long-term testing will confirm this, but so far, I haven't experienced any thermal issues with my unit.

Performance and User Experience
Upon connecting to my TV, the first thing I noticed was that it didn't immediately switch to TV mode. I had to disconnect and reconnect the Switch 2 two or three times before it finally displayed on the television. Once connected, the black levels were noticeably soft. My daughter and her boyfriend, who were with me, even commented on the difference compared to the official dock. I verified that no HDR settings or similar were auto-switching, and they were not.

While the black levels were certainly on the low side, gameplay quality was surprisingly good. We played many rounds of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and I later tested games where lag and latency are crucial, such as Punch-Out!!. All these games performed as they would have with the original dock. While I could adjust my TV's color settings to compensate for the soft blacks, this wouldn't affect captured footage.

Pros and Cons
What I Like:

It's incredibly affordable at just $35.
Seriously, the price point is fantastic.
What Could Be Improved:

Low black levels on the TV output.
Cheaply constructed feel.
Inconsistent auto-connection to the television.
No built-in cooling fan.
Should You Buy One?
At $35, this dock offers a value proposition that the official Nintendo component simply can't match. Nintendo sells an official Switch 2 dock with an AC adapter for $119. This SIWIQU unit, paired with an OEM adapter, will cost you around $70, a $50 savings.

While that's a significant saving, you're definitely cutting corners with this dock. The absence of an external cooling fan could potentially impact the console's longevity, and the washed-out black levels might be a dealbreaker for some.

If you're on a tight budget and just need a way to connect your Switch 2 to another television, the SIWIQU S3 is worth considering. However, if you can afford to spend the extra $50, I would recommend opting for the OEM component instead.

Do you have any more questions about the SIWIQU S3 dock, or would you like to discuss other Switch 2 accessories?

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