Skip to main content

Will the Switch 2 work with my Switch Dock?

A Switch 2 sits on a display next to its controller.
Giovanni Colantonio / Digital Trends

Rather than reinvent the wheel with the Switch 2, Nintendo has stuck to the winning formula of the Switch and created what is essentially a more powerful version of its hybrid console. While there are plenty of differences between the Switch vs. Switch 2, it is still meant to serve as a handheld and home console when placed in the dock. A new Switch 2 will come with a dock like you would expect, but current Switch owners may have one or more docks already that you may want to use with your Switch 2. We’ve already talked about whether or not the Switch 2 is backwards compatible with the best Switch games, but what about hardware like the dock or controllers? Let’s see if your old docks will be able to handle the Switch 2’s power.

Can you use a Switch dock with the Switch 2?

Switch 2 accessories sit on a display.
Giovanni Colantonio / Digital Trends

Sadly, you cannot use your old Switch dock with the Switch 2. This is for a few reasons, but the big one is, well, how big the Switch 2 is. The new console is not that much larger than the old one, but big enough that it won’t even fit within your dock if you try.

Recommended Videos

The bigger reason is that the Switch 2 is far more powerful than the Switch and the old dock wouldn’t be able to output Switch 2 games. This new dock is capable of running upcoming Switch 2 games at up to 4K graphics or 120fps, which is far more than what the Switch could do. The Switch 2 will come with a dock so there’s no need to worry about making an extra purchase unless you really need two docks, in which case you will need to buy two consoles or purchase another dock second-hand.

Jesse Lennox
Jesse Lennox has been a writer at Digital Trends for over four years and has no plans of stopping. He covers all things…
Can you use my Switch controllers on the Switch 2?
Two players play Nintendo Switch.

Many of the best Switch games are multiplayer experiences. The Joy-cons were an amazing controller thanks to their ability to serve as both a single controller and be split into two for split-screen games. They were also fun to collect in all the available colors. Plus, you could also grab a Pro Controller for a more traditional experience. Either way, odds are you have at least a few spare Switch controllers already and will want to know if they will be compatible with the Switch 2 or if you'll be forced to buy another collection for new multiplayer games. Visually, there isn't a big difference between the Switch 2 vs. Switch, but can you use your old dock and controllers? We have some good news for you.
Will your Switch controllers be compatible with the Switch 2?

The Switch 2 has its own new and improved set of Joy-cons that have a host of improvements that make playing the upcoming Switch 2 games even better. So, the big question will be if your old Joy-cons will work with it at all since they lack features like the new C button and mouse functionality. Thankfully, Nintendo isn't making your old Joy-cons completely obsolete and you can still wirelessly connect them to the Switch 2. That said, you cannot connect them to the system, and you need your old system or charging station to charge them.

Read more
Switch 2 vs. Switch OLED: is the new system a worthy upgrade?
A Switch 2 in its dock.

The Nintendo Switch 2 promises to be the future of Nintendo consoles with tons of upcoming Switch 2 games, new features, and better hardware. However, how different is this system from the newest and most expensive Switch model, the Switch OLED? The two don't look very different from the outside, and the new console is not going to be cheap, either. We already compared the Switch 2 vs. Switch and Switch 2 vs. Steam Deck to see how these systems stack up, but what about your precious OLED? There are a lot more factors than specs and screen types to consider when choosing between two systems so we have broken down all the important things you need to know to decide if the Switch 2 is a worthy upgrade.

Switch 2 vs. Switch OLED specs

Read more
Nintendo confirms pricing for BotW and TotK upgrade packs
Link overlooking a floating island in Tears of the Kingdom.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom upgrade packs are expected to be $10 each, according to an IGN interview with a top Nintendo executive. $20 for both is a pleasant surprise given gamer's concerns over the rest of the current Nintendo Switch 2 pricing structure.

IGN interviewed Bill Trinen, Nintendo of America's Vice President of Product and Player Experience, to get his insights into the Nintendo Switch 2 announcement and some more details on what to expect. In the interview, Trinen revealed the pricing of several games (including the Switch 2 Welcome Tour: $9.99, digital only.)

Read more