A new patent filed by Nintendo reveals the proposal for a universal dock capable of working with both the original Switch console and the recently released Switch 2. The document details an accessory designed to automatically detect which system is connected, adjusting its settings to ensure complete compatibility between the two platforms.

The Japanese company’s initiative comes after the launch of the Switch 2 the previous year, whose official dock, despite bringing improvements such as a LAN port and active fan, did not offer backwards compatibility with the previous model. The patent registration, made in China and identified by the Nintendo Patents Watch profile, proposes a solution to this gap, allowing a single peripheral to serve both consoles.

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How the dock adapts to consoles

This new equipment would have the ability to identify the attached console, modifying its operation as necessary. Upon recognizing a Switch 2, for example, the dock would operate at USB 3.0 speeds, support up to 4K video resolution, and activate the internal fan at higher rpm to manage the higher thermal demands of the more powerful console. However, when receiving an original Switch, the device would reduce performance to USB 2.0, limit video output to 1080p and reduce fan speed.

Differences in energy and practical benefits

There’s a notable distinction in how the two systems handle power delivery: the original Switch has a maximum power output of 18W, while the Switch 2 is rated at 60W, although it generally consumes much less during use. A dock that intelligently manages these variations would not only reduce cable and accessory clutter, but also significantly simplify life in multi-console households, offering a practical and organized solution for users.

Patent timeline and production expectations

The patent application was originally filed in January 2025, about six months before the launch of the Switch 2, and was published in China on July 10, 2026. As is common in the world of patents, there is no guarantee that a physical product is in development or will reach the market. Nintendo frequently trademarks concepts that are never commercially released, and as of yet, there is no indication that this dock is being readied for production.