Nintendo didn’t design its Switch 2 dock with travel in mind. The official dock is bulky, heavy, and awkward to pack, especially when you’re trying to keep luggage weight down. Many third-party companies have stepped in with smaller alternatives, but most sacrifice the integrated stand that makes the original dock so convenient. GuliKit’s updated travel dock for the Switch 2 aims to change that by offering both portability and a proper perch for the console, all for less than half the price of some competitors.

A design that prioritizes stability and lightness

The GuliKit Dock for Switch 2 looks like it was milled from a solid block of aluminum, similar to a MacBook’s enclosure. When you first pick it up, the illusion is almost convincing—until you realize how light it is. The dock is actually made of plastic with a metallic finish that mimics brushed metal. It feels a bit like grabbing an empty soda can you thought was full, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. For travelers who overpack or frequently deal with overweight baggage, the dock’s surprising lightness is a real advantage.

Despite being light, the dock is wide enough to securely support the Switch 2 in both docked and handheld modes. The console sits at a slight backward angle, which helps prevent accidental face-plants if the dock is bumped. The footprint is larger than the Genki Covert Dock, but it’s still small enough to fit in the palm of your hand or slide into a laptop bag without taking up much space.

The magnetic cover: a clever idea with weak execution

One of the dock’s more innovative features is a magnetic cover that protects the USB-C connector when the dock isn’t in use. When you dock the Switch 2, the cover can be attached to the top of the dock, where it acts as a slightly taller backrest. This gives the console a bit more support and helps keep it upright if you bump the table.

Unfortunately, the magnets that hold the cover in place aren’t very strong. A slight jostle can dislodge the cover, and it’s not uncommon for it to pop off on its own while buried in a backpack. A hinged design with a single strong magnet would have been more reliable, but the current implementation is serviceable if you treat it gently.

Ports, power, and the missing built-in adapter

On the back of the dock, you’ll find a 4K/60Hz HDMI port, a USB-A port for charging accessories like a controller, and a USB-C port for connecting a power adapter with up to 100W of power delivery. The dock does not include a power adapter, which is the biggest downside for many travelers. The Genki Covert Dock includes a foldable plug and is designed to plug directly into a wall outlet, so you don’t need to carry an extra adapter. GuliKit’s dock requires you to supply your own USB-C power adapter.

For some, this is a dealbreaker. But if you already travel with a USB-C adapter that can deliver 60W (which the Switch 2 needs for dock mode), the GuliKit dock becomes a much more appealing option. Many laptops and tablets use 60W or higher adapters, and carrying one is common for most travelers. The dock’s USB-C port also supports up to 100W, so you can use it to charge other devices as well.

Dock mode toggle and charge-only mode

Alongside the ports is a small button that disables dock mode and video output, turning the accessory into a simple charger. GuliKit pitches this feature as a way to charge and play the Switch 2 in handheld mode without actually holding it. The ergonomics of propping up the console while using detached Joy-Cons are less than ideal, but the button does have a practical benefit: disabling dock mode can charge the battery a little faster when you’re in a rush.

Switch beneath the dock: not as useful as advertised

On the underside of the dock, there are four rubber feet to prevent sliding and a three-position sliding switch. GuliKit claims this switch extends the USB-C connector to accommodate the Switch 2 when it’s in a protective case. On the unit tested, moving the switch only changed the angle of the USB-C connector by a few degrees, which doesn’t seem to help much if you’re using a thick case. It’s a minor issue, but it’s worth knowing if you rely on a case for the console.

Pricing and value compared with alternatives

At $29.99, the GuliKit Dock for Switch 2 is significantly cheaper than Nintendo’s official dock set, which costs $124.99 and includes a power adapter and HDMI cable. Even if you factor in the cost of a third-party 60W USB-C adapter and an HDMI cable, the GuliKit dock still comes out ahead in price. It’s also less than half the price of the Genki Covert Dock, which typically sells for around $79.

For travelers who want the smallest possible solution, the Genki or Jsaux options with built-in power adapters are still the best choices. But for those who want a stable stand, a compact footprint, and a price that’s easy to justify, GuliKit’s dock is an excellent middle ground. It replicates most of the functionality of the official dock—minus the ethernet port—and does so in a much smaller package.

Home use and multi-room setups

The GuliKit dock isn’t just for traveling. If you want to connect your Switch 2 to TVs in multiple rooms around your home, buying two or three GuliKit docks is far more affordable than buying multiple official Nintendo docks. Without the ethernet port, you’ll need to rely on Wi-Fi, but for most gaming sessions that’s plenty. The dock’s light weight also makes it easy to move from one room to another.

Build quality and long-term durability

While the all-plastic construction might initially feel cheap, GuliKit seems to have chosen durability over premium materials. The plastic shell should withstand the occasional drop or being thrown into a bag, and the rubber feet provide a non-slip base that keeps the dock stable during intense gaming sessions. The USB-C connector is reinforced, and the HDMI port is sturdy enough for repeated plugging and unplugging.

Final observation

GuliKit’s Switch 2 dock brings back the convenience of a console stand that many portable docks lack. It’s not the smallest option available, but it’s light, affordable, and provides a stable home for the Switch 2 while connected to a TV. The weak magnetic cover is a minor annoyance, and the lack of a built-in power adapter makes it less self-contained than some competitors. But for $29.99, those tradeoffs are easy to accept—especially for travelers who already carry a 60W USB-C charger and want a reliable way to perch the console on a hotel desk.

Source:The Verge News