PSA: Stop using third-party accessories with your Switch, or it could end up bricked

Update 3/28: Nintendo recently released an update to its Switch OS, 5.0.1, which has “General system stability improvements to enhance the user’s experience.” While Nintendo doesn’t specifically state that this update fixes the accessory compatibility issues, we’ve seen reports that some end users are no longer having issues with third-party accessories. Until Nintendo makes an official statement regarding third-party power accessories, we still hold to our position that you should only use first-party power accessories for the time being.

One of the best parts about Nintendo’s Switch console is its USB-C port. With this universal port, you can charge it, send the display to a TV, and more. It’s a data input, output, and power input port all in one. Because of this, many people own third-party accessories to use with their switch. Things like a third-party dock to avoid paying over $70 for the official one, or maybe using an external battery to extend gaming sessions while on the go.

I’ve even used external batteries with my own Switch when traveling and it’s a beautiful feature. But, it looks like after Nintendo released the 5.0 version of its Switch OS, some of these third-party accessories could be bricking units. Read on for more information on how you can keep your Switch from dying.

Through our research, it seems that there are issues related to the actual USB-C Power Delivery compliance of Nintendo’s famed gaming console. While this hasn’t been confirmed, reports seem to be agreeing with each other that this seems to be the case.

There has been no official word from Nintendo about this that we have been able to find or receive ourselves. So, until that happens, we can just advise the best we can. At this point, as of software version 5.0 on your Switch, we recommend that you stop using third-party accessories.

This is unfortunate as it means that even things like external batteries need to not be used. One report showed that, when using specialized equipment, the Switch called for 300% of what it was supposed to when it came to charging power. Instead of asking the battery for 0.5A, it asked for 1.5A. This is such a large difference that it’s no wonder why Switches are getting bricked.

None of us at 9to5 have experienced this bricking yet, but thankfully we were able to catch wind of the news early on and wanted to pass that information on to you.

At the time that Nintendo releases an official statement with information on how the company plans to fix this issue, we’ll be sure to update. But, until then, assume most (if not all) third-party accessories could potentially harm your Switch.

The worst part about this whole ordeal is that if your Switch does brick, all game progress will be lost along with it. So, if you’re almost done with Super Mario Odyssey, Zelda, or another game, be sure not to risk the progress by using third-party accessories.

We have seen reports that Nintendo is replacing damaged units, but that still doesn’t help the fact that data and progress will be lost. If your Switch has yet to sustain any damage, then you are fine and have nothing to worry about. Just note that continual use of third-party accessories and power sources could result in a bricked console.

Sources: Reddit, Google+ 1, 2, 3

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