In March of 2017, Nintendo shook the games industry with the release of its hybrid handheld-home gaming console, the Nintendo Switch. Much like how the Wii revolutionized motion-controlled gaming, the Nintendo Switch has revolutionized the accessibility of home gaming consoles by blurring the line between handheld and home console TV gaming.
Despite Nintendo's previous home console, the Wii U, being widely regarded as a commercial failure, the Switch has brought the company some of its best years yet, rivaling sales of the Wii. However, as the Nintendo Switch just recently turned 3 years old this March, it appears that people looking to purchase the console may have a difficult time finding its most crucial accessory.
On November 29, Reddit user Saeed40 made a post on the r/NintendoSwitch subreddit detailing an interaction they had with Nintendo UK's customer support regarding the seemingly country-wide unavailability of the Nintendo Switch dock. In the post, Saeed40 mentions that despite the fluctuating availability of the dock in 2019, it now seems that the dock is completely unavailable to be purchased separately in the UK. A member of Nintendo UK's customer support seems to have confirmed the user's suspicions, replying that the Nintendo Switch Dock Set has been discontinued in the country, and can no longer be purchased from Nintendo UK's online store.
Despite Nintendo releasing its handheld-only Switch Lite just last summer, it is strange to see the company's UK division discontinue the accessory that gave the Nintendo Switch its main appeal, the ability to switch between handheld and home console TV gaming. As the holidays quickly approach this year, some in the UK may find it hard to get their hands on this accessory, which is also peculiar since Nintendo has previously offered the option to buy the Switch without a dock.
It's worth mentioning that third-party Nintendo Switch docks do exist, however, some less established third party Switch docks have been known to brick the console, forcing those who want to play it safe to purchase a separate dock officially from Nintendo. And while the dock is not absolutely necessary to enjoy everything the Nintendo Switch has to offer, it is certainly nice to be able to experience AAA titles both at home and on the go.
For the time being, Nintendo has not made an official statement on this issue, allowing rumors of a highly anticipated "Switch Pro" model to run rampant. This strange move by Nintendo UK has only increased the amount of speculation on the topic, making fans eager to see whether a new model of the Switch will be released soon, or if the discontinuation of the dock spreads to other countries at all.
The Nintendo Switch is available now.