During a Q&A session last week, Switch 2 producer Kouichi Kawamoto confirmed that although the console’s additional USB-C port is compatible with accessories like cameras, it doesn’t support video output, according to GNN News. “The video output of Switch 2 is limited to the USB-C port at the bottom; the USB-C at the top cannot output images.”
Those hoping to use smaller dock alternatives with the Switch propped up on its stand are out of luck.
[Image: The Switch 2’s top USB-C port can be used with accessories that transfer data, but it doesn’t offer video output like the USB-C port on the bottom. https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2025/04/switch2_usbc.jpg?quality=90&strip=all]
The switch has never supported direct video out on its USB port, has it? Especially not on the lite where it’d be helpful.
Well, that’s literally what the dock is doing. Third party ‘dockless docks’ exist that act like a USB-C->HDMI adapter.
But you can’t just plug a generic USB to HDMI adapter in. This is what I meant by “direct”. And Nintendo has deliberately made this not work on the lite.
In the beginning, you couldn’t use a generic one, but there are now plenty of generic USBC to HDMI adapters that work fine with the switch.
They’re not generic adapters if they support the Switch. The Switch was intentionally designed to not work with generic USB C to HDMI adapters, and they did it by adding additional negotiation steps before the Switch would enter DisplayPort alt mode.
https://www.reddit.com/r/UsbCHardware/comments/171c3mj/comment/k3timvi/
TIL that Nintendo designed the usb-c port not to be compatible. Fuck them for that.
Lite didnt, normal did. Lite is missing a video chip
i had a display that worked with just a usb c to c cable. I could even c to c a battery to the second port on the display and it would charge the switch while gaming on work breaks