Play your games on the big screen with one of the best Nintendo Switch docks. These devices allow you to connect your console to a TV or monitor through HDMI. Most docks will also charge your console as you play (and your Joy-Cons too) and enable you to use accessories like the Pro controller and Ring Fit.
All Nintendo Switch models, except for the Nintendo Switch Lite, are compatible with these docks – and they come included with the console as standard. It never hurts to own a spare Nintendo Switch dock for when you want to travel or take one to a friend's house, plus some of these third-party options are more compact than the original.
The best Nintendo Switch docks available now
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Compatibility: Switch, Switch OLED
Ports: HDMI, USB-C, USB 2.0, USB 3.0
Looking for something simplistic yet stylish? This dock's red and blue colour details match the original neon Joy-Cons, and length wise, it lines up perfectly with the Switch screen. So if you're wanting to just charge your console whilst playing in tabletop mode (with the Joy-Cons detached) it's unobtrusive.
Compatibility: Switch, Switch OLED
Ports: 2xUSB, HDMI, LAN
Nintendo's own dock for the Switch OLED model looks a little different to the standard black design. This dock is solid, reliable, and compatible with the original Switch too. It features a LAN port for a more reliable wired online connection, but on the downside, there are just two USB ports and you can only purchase it directly from Nintendo's online store.
Compatibility: Switch, Switch OLED
Ports: HDMI, USB
This dock is compact and unobtrusive when not in use, but when you lift off its magnetic cover to reveal the male USB-C connector, it transforms into a fantastic little dock that shows off your Switch in all its glory. It's short on ports with only one USB-A and an HDMI, but if you like to keep things minimal this is a good choice.
Compatibility: Switch, Switch OLED
Ports: USB 3.0. 2xUSB 2.0, HDMI, USB TYPE-C, toggle button
Like playing in a darkened room? This mini dock is the perfect addition to any neon gaming cave with a colour-changing light bar at the bottom to let you know when your Switch is connected to the dock. It has plenty of ports for 5-in-1 connectivity to charge your other accessories.
Compatibility: Switch, Switch OLED
Ports: USB 3.0. 2xUSB 2.0, HDMI, TYPE-C
This mini arcade Switch dock lets you charge your console while you play, has a generous amount of ports for connecting to other peripherals, and has a neat little joystick, a coin slot and fake buttons for that true nostalgic vibe. It's super tiny and lightweight too.
Compatibility: Switch, Switch OLED, Switch Lite
Ports: None (stand)
Possibly the most adorable Nintendo Switch accessory ever, this charging dock is more of a stand than a functioning station to connect your Switch to a TV. But it's designed after the loveable character BMO from Adventure Time, and it almost makes you feel like you're gaming through your own miniature desktop TV.
Compatibility: Switch, Switch OLED
Ports: USB, HDMI
This dock is compact and unobtrusive when not in use, and offers great value overall. Ports-wise, you only get a USB-A and an HDMI, but if you like minimalism, this is an excellent choice. It comes with an anti-slip base, and it also works with other devices with a USB-C connection.
Compatibility: Switch, Switch OLED
Ports: USB 2.0 x 2, USB 3.0, USB-C, HDMI
This lightweight dock will display your Switch console and not obstruct the screen. It features ventilation slots and plenty of ports, all at an affordable price. Note, though, that there's no power supply, and a few reviews have said the USB-C connectivity can be fiddly when docking your Switch.
Why do I need a docking station for my Nintendo Switch?
Your Nintendo Switch console can be played in multiple ways, including handheld, but also by connecting it to the TV or an external monitor the same way that most consoles such as an Xbox or Playstation would be.
In order to do this, you need a Nintendo Switch docking station or some form of adapter as there's no HDMI port on your Switch console, only a USB Type-C port for charging. What the docking station will do is convert the signals from your console through the USB-C port to an HDMI out port, so that you can enjoy gaming on a bigger screen.
A docking station is also great for charging your switch console when not in use, and can keep it safe and secure on a shelf or mantlepiece away from pets or young children. It's a good idea to store your Switch in a reliable case or carry bag too when you're not using it to avoid inevitable dust getting in.
Can I use a docking station with any Nintendo Switch Console?
Yes and no. The Nintendo Switch Lite is not supported in TV mode, only handheld, as it has no video output components. So unfortunately you won't be able to connect this console to your TV as this smaller console was never designed with TV functionality in mind, and it's too small to fit inside the Original Nintendo Switch Dock even for charging.
There are, however, other ways that you can connect your Switch Lite to the TV or a monitor by using third-party cables but it's really not advised, with sub-par image quality and an extensive setup process that could even damage your console or potentially void a warranty. It's best to use a dock with your Switch Lite for storage or charging purposes only, if it fits.
You can use pretty much any docking station with both the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch OLED consoles as in terms of dimensions they're virtually the same size and both support TV mode. For a breakdown of the differences between Switch models, see our guides to the Nintendo Switch vs. Switch OLED as well as the Nintendo Switch vs. Switch Lite.
