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    The USB port on your Nintendo Switch dock can do more than charge devices

    WoozadBy Updated:03 Mins Read Gaming
    The USB port on your Nintendo Switch dock can do more than charge devices
    For most people, the Nintendo Switch dock is just an accessory for charging the Switch when it’s not in handheld mode or streaming the game to a larger screen. However, several USB ports are hidden on your dock and, when used correctly, can offer far more utility than just charging or transferring games. If you’re planning to buy a Switch in 2026, knowing these features can help you get the most for your money. Switch ports can accommodate additional input options, allowing you to add new gadgets, give you wired Internet access, and improve your audio.

    These ports can accommodate USB adapters specifically designed to expand your Switch’s controller selection. Depending on which USB adapter is in place, you can connect everything from a PlayStation 5 controller to a third-party retro-style SNES gamepad. The Switch 2 may be a major upgrade over the original, but using these extra ports can help make up lost ground.

     

    The Benefits of Connecting Peripherals and Input Devices with USB Ports

    A person holding Joy-Cons in front of a Nintendo Switch console Chesnot/Getty Images

    Another way to take advantage of these extra USB ports is to connect peripherals to them. For example, if you want to message friends in games that support text chat or search the eShop, a USB keyboard is a much faster option than tapping and pecking on an on-screen keyboard. The gameplay of some titles is also compatible with a USB keyboard, including “Minecraft” and “Stardew Valley”.

    A more obvious and useful application for ports is to plug in controllers. Beyond loading a Pro Controller or Joy-Cons into the charging handle, several officially licensed controllers vary in style to mimic PlayStation or Xbox gamepads. Or you can buy a USB wireless adapter like this gem from 8BitDo, which lets you connect almost any controller to your Switch wirelessly.

     

    Unlock better connectivity and sound using empty USB slots.

    There are also some off-the-beaten-path options for using all those empty USB slots, including cool additions like a wired Internet connection. If you want to bypass Wi-Fi for a more stable, faster, and potentially low-latency connection, a wired connection may be the way to go. Still, unfortunately, the original Switch did not include an Ethernet port (although one was added to the OLED iteration). That said, there are several USB LAN adapters available to remedy this oversight, including a $30 wired Internet LAN adapter from Nintendo itself.

     

    Improving your audio experience with USB audio adapters is an additional use case for your Switch’s USB ports. Consider connecting a compatible USB sound card or headphone adapter; this way, you can route audio through higher-quality wired headphones or specialized audio equipment. Creative’s Sound Blaster G3 is an example of this plug-and-play product that can upgrade the audio on your Switch dock.

     

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