A Kickstarter campaign popped up a few weeks ago promising a small, portable HDMI hub that would cost less than Nintendo’s dock and still provide a way to play in TV “docked” mode. We were given an exclusive first look at the device and ran a few quick tests.
The Switch-Con HDMI hub has two USB-C ports on one side, two USB 3.0 ports on the opposite side, a female HDMI port and USB-C power port on one end, and an extended male USB-C cable coming out the opposite end.
The Kickstarter page states that this device is compatible with Nintendo Switch as well as the Samsung S8/S8+, but we can’t confirm that as we don’t have a Samsung smartphone available for testing.
The device does need to be powered, and keep in mind that a “docked” Nintendo pulls a decent amount, so it requires a good AC adapter. Nintendo’s own USB-C AC adapter (the one that comes packaged along in the retail box) is what worked for us. Neither our favorite Anker USB-C power bank, or the USB-C AC adapter for a Google Pixel XL provided enough power to allow the Switch to push HDMI to our test TV. The screen would go black like it was trying to, but it never worked.
(We confirmed with the creators that any USB-C power adapter that outputs 15v 2.6A will work with the Switch-Con hub)
Not much larger than a single Joy-Con the Switch-Con hub is pretty light, but feels relatively strong with a nice metal casing. If you’re looking for a way to connect your Switch to a TV when you’re on-the-go, or you want to purchase a 2nd dock but aren’t pleased by the dock scratching the screen on the Switch, this Switch-Con hub might be perfect for you!
The only pledges still available are 1x Switch-Con hub for $69 or 10x Switch-Con hubs for $589 (~$59/each).
Keep in mind that while we’ve done some testing, this IS a third-party (unlicensed) device, and could potentially harm your console. Please also remember that even if a product is fully funded it may not turn out as you expect. The device we tested was an early test sample.
Andrew has been a nerd his whole life. He built his first computer when he was 8, started working in the IT industry at 15, and played competitive Counter-Strike at 16. His interest in amiibo started before their release but didn’t really take off until after the new year. He doesn’t like to admit it but Little Mac and WFT are among the amiibo that he had pre-ordered from Amazon but cancelled before their release. Little did he know a few months later he’d help start Amiibo Alerts. Gaming has always been his passion. He grew up with an NES, Sega Genesis, and PS2 before realizing that PCs truly are better than consoles.
The urge to be a little better, brought on by being a gamer, is what pushes him to help make Amiibo Alerts and Nintendeal amazing communities. Together with the team he has built, he is realizing a life-long dream: bringing something helpful and fun to a large group of people. Andrew’s role at Amiibo Alerts and Nintendeal as Founder and Editor in Chief allows him to create and build contacts within the community, review and present products, and stay on top of all things Nintendo.
Plays: Switch, PC, Xbox One, PS4, WiiU, 3DS, Vita, and board games.
Kickstarter or Kacosata, tha’s a question.