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Nintendo Switch 2 when attached to the default dock. Photo: The Verge . |
If you’re using a Nintendo Switch 2, you may find that the USB-C port doesn’t work as expected. In many cases, manufacturers cut features to lower costs, but Nintendo may have done it on purpose.
Basically, the USB-C port on Switch 2 can fully connect to an external display, but according to The Verge 's source, Nintendo has limited the feature thanks to some specialized encryption chips and software.
That's why there aren't many Switch 2 display docks on the market yet. Even Jsaux, the company that makes the Steam Deck dock, has had to temporarily halt development of the Switch 2 dock.
Nintendo's proprietary algorithm
In most cases, the “U” in USB stands for “Universal,” meaning users can output images from mobile devices to TVs and external displays via the USB-C port (or appropriate adapters).
USB-C devices can “talk” to each other using the Power Delivery protocol, allowing them to enable features and request the appropriate power. However, that’s not the case with the Switch 2, where devices can disconnect mid-connection or not receive power at all.
Other devices can “talk” in a common language, but with the Switch 2, communication is encrypted using Nintendo's proprietary algorithm.
To test it, The Verge editor Sean Hollister used a power analyzer. One side plugged into the USB-C port on the Switch 2, the second into Nintendo's display output dock, and the third into a Windows computer, using specialized software to record the data.
Data from the software shows that the communication between the Switch 2 and the display dock uses a “private language” developed by Nintendo, before completing and sending a visual signal to the dock. Before confirming the signal, the two devices continue to send each other more than 30 “unstructured” messages.
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Nintendo Switch 2 when attached to a third-party dock, and the process of transferring data between the device and Nintendo's default dock. Photo: The Verge . |
In comparison, the communication content between Switch 2 and third-party docks/adapters is completely different. The only device that communicates in Nintendo's language is the Antank S3 Max, the only device currently declared by the manufacturer to be compatible with Switch 2.
While the message sending sequence and power requirements are slightly different than Nintendo's dock, the Antank S3 Max delivers almost exactly the same encrypted messages, including a repeating code that, according to Antank's manufacturer, is Nintendo's decryption key, though other sources have not been able to confirm this information.
As expected, Antank's dock successfully outputs the image from the Switch 2 to the TV after the information exchange process. Of course, not every company can produce a screen dock that works exactly the same way, not to mention that this can affect security.
“The decryption key should be changed regularly. However, our product supports firmware updates, so in theory we can update the software to be compatible with Nintendo's new decryption key (if available), ensuring continued compatibility,” said an Antank representative.
Are users affected?
According to The Verge , this can be a problem for certain needs. If you're traveling , Nintendo's dock is large, but you can't plug in the Switch 2 with a separate adapter (or USB-C cable) if you want to play games on a hotel room TV, or connect a display device like the Xreal One glasses.
Initially, Xreal said that this could be fixed through a software update. However, the company now says that users will need to purchase an additional Xreal Neo accessory (expected to be released later this year) to connect the Switch 2 to the Xreal One headset.
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How Antank's display dock communicates with the Switch 2. Photo: The Verge . |
In fact, the original Nintendo Switch faced a similar problem. When it was first released in 2017, accessory makers had to find ways to “crack” Nintendo’s data transmission protocol, but they weren’t always successful, and even damaged the console.
Because of its powerful hardware and the ability to output 4K resolution images, the default dock of the Switch 2 even has an additional cooling fan. If using a third-party dock like the Antank, this accessory can block the vents under the Switch 2, affecting the performance of the device.
However, The Verge 's testing found that the Antank dock doesn't make the Switch 2 any hotter. After playing Cyberpunk 2077 for an hour with each dock, thermal camera images showed that the Antank dock was even cooler than Nintendo's default dock. This could be because the Antank S3 Max doesn't cover the screen or back, creating more airflow.
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Switch 2 temperature when using the default dock and Antank's display dock. Photo: The Verge . |
According to an unnamed manufacturer, the Switch 2 does not require 20V power, but will refuse to power if connected to a dock that does not support 20V. Even if the dock supports 20V, the device will check the signal quality, and disconnect if it fails.
Accessory manufacturers such as Antank or Xreal do not disclose the Switch 2's data decoding technology due to competition. In particular, Antank only said that it "chose a fully compatible chip and optimized firmware to work with Switch 2".
Nintendo itself has not confirmed (or denied) the use of encryption chips to limit the Switch 2's image output capabilities. However, this is still a hot topic of discussion with the Switch 2 user community around the world.
Source: https://znews.vn/dieu-ky-la-tren-may-choi-game-ban-chay-nhat-the-gioi-post1565656.html
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