Nintendo Switch 2 gains second USB-C port

The Nintendo Switch 2 has officially been unveiled, giving us our first glimpse of the next-generation console. Alongside redesigned Joy-Cons featuring optical sensors that enable mouse-like functionality, the system includes several subtle quality-of-life improvements you might have overlooked in the announcement trailer.

While the original Switch featured just one USB-C port beneath its tablet section, Nintendo has doubled this connectivity with two USB-C ports on the Switch 2.

This represents a more significant upgrade than it appears. The original Switch's single port forced users to purchase often unreliable third-party adapters for connecting multiple accessories - devices that sometimes risked bricking consoles while manufacturers struggled to decode Nintendo's proprietary specifications.

Though marketed as USB-C compliant, Nintendo's original implementation used a customized, complex variation of the standard that required reverse engineering before third-party docks and peripherals could operate safely without damaging the console's internal components.

The inclusion of a second USB-C port suggests Nintendo may finally embrace standardized USB-C protocols in the Switch 2, allowing genuine plug-and-play accessory compatibility. With today's matured USB-C standards (particularly Thunderbolt) supporting high-speed data transfer and 4K output, the potential connectivity enhancements are substantial - theoretically even enabling external GPU connections for compatible devices.

Nintendo Switch 2 - First Look

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Modern USB-C specifications offer vastly improved capabilities compared to their 2017 counterparts. Nintendo's addition of a secondary port strongly indicates broader standard compatibility, potentially accommodating external displays, networking solutions, data transfers, and high-power charging.

The bottom port will likely serve as the primary dock connection while offering enhanced functionality for accessories. Ideally, the top port would support fast charging, display output, and peripheral connections - making dual-port functionality far more than cosmetic.

This dual-port architecture enables simultaneous power bank charging and accessory use - a substantial quality-of-life improvement over the original console's limitations. For definitive confirmation about the Switch 2's features - including details about its mysterious C button - we'll await Nintendo's scheduled Switch 2 Direct presentation on April 2, 2025.

What do you think of the Nintendo Switch 2 reveal?

I love it and will definitely purchase the consoleThe reveal was modest but I still plan to buyI'm interested but need more informationThe presentation didn't excite me muchThe reveal missed the mark for meOther thoughts!