These third-party docks won't brick your Nintendo Switch 2024

Whether your official Nintendo Switch dock is on the fritz or you're looking to purchase a new one for another room in your home, the best third-party Switch docks are less expensive than springing for a new official dock. Third-party docks also tend to be smaller and more portable, while still allowing you to play your favorite games. 

Be cautious, however, since some have killed Switch consoles in the past, like with the Switch's firmware 5.0 update debacle. We've done the research to determine which third-party docks won't brick your system. There are only a few that we trust, so the pickings are small, but they're safer than the rest. Take a look and see which one would work best for you.

WARNING: Please be cautious when considering using anything but the official licensed Nintendo Switch Dock.

The best third-party docks for Nintendo Switch

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Word of warning!

While these third-party manufacturers have taken precautions to create a device that works with Nintendo Switch games and updates, a future software update from Nintendo could cause problems at any moment. Remember that using any unofficial accessories puts your Switch console at risk, as some have been known to brick the Switch console in the past.

It's also worth keeping in mind that these third-party docks are designed to work with the regular Nintendo Switch, not the Nintendo Switch Lite or Nintendo Switch OLED.  

Best third-party Switch docks

After significant research into the issue, we've determined that these are the best third-party Switch docks in terms of safety. We love that they are more compact than the official hardware and that two of the products offer more than one color choice. When making your decision, you'll want to consider how much you're willing to spend, how small you want the dock to be, and if you want it to have a unique design.

We recommend the ikedon dock as it provides more convenience than the other options on this list while taking up very little space. It's a compact device that won't take up a lot of room in your entertainment center or in your travel bags. You'll be able to transport it more easily than you would with the official dock. 

If you're looking for something that works in warm condition, we highly recommend getting the GuliKit Switch Dock. It features a cooling system that stops your favourite system from overheating, making it great for hot summer living rooms. Plus, it doesn't take up a lot of room, so it can fit just about any entertainment center.

Rebecca Spear
Gaming Editor

Gaming aficionado Rebecca Spear is iMore's dedicated gaming editor with a focus on Nintendo Switch and iOS gaming. You’ll never catch her without her Switch or her iPad Air handy. If you’ve got a question about Pokémon, The Legend of Zelda, or just about any other Nintendo series check out her guides to help you out. Rebecca has written thousands of articles in the last six years including hundreds of extensive gaming guides, previews, and reviews for both Switch and Apple Arcade. She also loves checking out new gaming accessories like iPhone controllers and has her ear to the ground when it comes to covering the next big trend. 

With contributions from