When Nintendo Switch first arrived on the scene last year, one of the biggest complaints was the flimsy kickstand on the backside of the console. It offered little support, was easy to break, and quite simply didn’t do much in the way of offering additional value.
Nintendo is looking to remedy the situation with its new adjustable charging stand for Switch, that’s slated to arrive this summer. The $20 stand sits as an alternative to the higher-priced dock that’s been available since launch. The question is, are gamers ready to shell out even more money to fix something Nintendo could’ve remedied from the outset?
The new adjustable charging stand is basically a paired down version of the $80 dock. It lacks HDMI output, so you can’t go straight to your TV, but it does deliver USB-C charging. You’ll need to supply your own power here, as Nintendo is skimping out on the AC adapter. The footprint is just a few inches wide, so it’s sure to be fairly tidy on your nightstand but likely won’t offer much in the way of stability.
So who is Nintendo’s new stand made for? Those that enjoy their Switch experience on the built-in display will want to consider this new release. For me, if I’ve been relegated from the TV, I prefer to use my Switch with the Joy-Cons attached and the display in-hand. Setting aside gameplay for a moment, it’s certainly a nice alternative for charging your Switch at night. That said, here are a few third-party alternatives worth considering as well.
Lamicall Multi-Angle Stand: $13
This is a nice option for someone who wants an adjustable arm for that perfect gaming angle. One thing to consider when looking at any alternative is if it allows you to still access your Switch’s charging port. Because it’s located on the bottom of the console, you’ll want a cutout there for access. Luckily, Lamicall’s stand has you covered. It’s also fully collapsible, which is perfect for taking it on-the-road. Over 1,400 Amazon customers have given this a stellar 4.9/5 average rating.
HORI Compact Playstand for Nintendo Switch: $13
HORI was first to market with its Playstand, a foldable dock that largely has many of the same features as Nintendo’s official option minus the integrated charging. The collapsible design here is nice, along with rubberized grips for stability. Rated 4.6/5 stars.
Anker Portable Multi-Angle Stand: from $10
Finally, our old friends at Anker. This collapsible stand has been around for years on Amazon (almost 10,000 reviews!) and it’s been a cornerstone of my mobile setup as well. The only downside? There’s no cut-out for charging while in-use.
Nintendo’s new Switch Charging Stand will retail for $20 when it goes up for sale on July 13th. In the meantime, one of the above options is probably worth a look. What’s your favorite way to play Switch? Let us know in the comments below.
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