Because accessory manufacturer Genki (the talk of the town this week) has claimed that a similar ‘indentation’ approach has been used to keep people from squeezing their new console into a ‘Switch 1’ dock (thanks, IGN).
That’s what a Genki representative told IGN at CES, claiming that it looks as if the ‘Switch 2’ will fit in the ‘Switch 1’ dock, but “certain indentations” (as IGN puts it) prevent it from being compatible with the classic device.
Nintendo wouldn’t want anyone to get frustrated over “missing features” after accidentally mistaking the classic dock for the new one, so why not prevent it from happening in the first place?
“I didn’t expect this much media attention, to be honest,” the Genki rep told IGN, confessing that the company believed people wouldn’t be that shocked given how much information has already leaked.
What do you make of this Genki comment on the ‘Switch 2’ dock compatibility?
All new game cartridges for the 3DS were fitted with a plastic nub by Nintendo, which prevented them from fitting into your traditional clamshell. Since accessory manufacturer Genki, who is this week’s talk of town, has stated that a similar “indentation” technique has been used to prevent people from cramming their new console into a “Switch 1” dock, we are bringing this up as “Switch 2” leaks get out of control (thanks, IGN).
If you haven’t been online in the last 48 hours, Genki has been the talk of this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES), using a “Switch 2 replica” to showcase its upcoming accessories. We now have the best glimpse yet at what ‘Switch 2’ might be thanks to this model, which is purportedly based on the real thing and looks very much like what every other leak has indicated. Keep in mind that Nintendo hasn’t made any official announcements yet. Additionally, the accessory manufacturer has been responding to inquiries regarding it.
Thus, we reach those “indentations” that prevent docking. It appears that the “Switch 2” will fit in the “Switch 1” dock, but “certain indentations” (as IGN refers to them) make it incompatible with the vintage device, a Genki representative told IGN at CES.
This makes a great deal of sense. We would anticipate that the new dock will house the necessary technology to accomplish that on the big screen, as every rumor to date has suggested that the “Switch 2” will have a welcome power boost over its 2017 brethren (a reference to 4K 60FPS here, a PS4-equivalent there). Why not stop it from happening in the first place? Nintendo wouldn’t want anyone to become irritated over “missing features” after inadvertently confusing the old dock for the new one.
The ‘Switch 2’ dock, which reportedly has a 20V input and a 15V output (the current Switch has both at 15V), was also shown in a leaked photo earlier this week by accessibility and cultural consultant Laura Kate Dale. You do not want people to mistake the two docks for one another if there is a significant difference between them.
The Genki representative, who was still speaking to IGN, confirmed that the Joy-Con would be attached to the screen using magnets and that, although they do not physically attach, the company is “assuming” that the “Switch 1” controllers will work wirelessly with the upcoming system.
To clarify, the representative informed IGN that they could not comment on the technical specifications of the “Switch 2.” However, everything mentioned above was firmly based on “physically what’s there, what’s pressable and what’s not”—for example, how to prevent a “Switch 2” from entering a “Switch 1” dock, we would assume.
All of this has, of course, created quite a stir. Nintendo is reportedly shocked by the amount of attention it has received, despite Genki becoming the repository of all “Switch 2” knowledge this week while the company remains silent on the subject (promising an announcement by the end of March). The Genki representative told IGN, “I didn’t expect this much media attention, to be honest,” acknowledging that since so much information had already been leaked, the company didn’t think people would be that surprised. Doesn’t that sound a little naive?
Now, all eyes are on Nintendo to decide what to do next. Since the Genki showcase seems to have provided the most significant leak and rumor to date, revealing the damn thing must be the only thing left to do, right?
Comment below with your thoughts on this Genki comment regarding the compatibility of the “Switch 2” dock.
