GoKawiilDeveloper modifies €40 Cable Matters USB-C hub to run as Nintendo Switch 2 dock
A hobbyist dissected a Cable Matters 7-in-1 USB-C hub to figure out why it wouldn't output video to a TV from a Nintendo Switch 2, despite correctly negotiating USB-C power delivery and DisplayPort Alt Mode. Using a USB-PD sniffer and fwupd's existing support for the hub's VL103 controller chip, they traced the issue to Nintendo's proprietary vendor-defined PD messaging, which the standard hub firmware doesn't implement.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
The findings illustrate how Nintendo's dock relies on undocumented, vendor-specific USB-C protocol extensions rather than the open DisplayPort Alt Mode standard alone, which could explain why generic hubs that otherwise meet USB-C and DisplayPort specs fail to act as docks. This kind of reverse-engineering could eventually let enthusiasts flash custom firmware onto existing hardware to replicate dock functionality, reducing reliance on Nintendo's official, more fragile accessory.
- A generic USB-C hub negotiates power and DisplayPort Alt Mode with the Switch 2 but still fails to output video
- Nintendo appears to require additional proprietary USB-PD vendor messages beyond standard Alt Mode negotiation
- The hub's VL103 PD controller firmware can be dumped and reflashed via fwupd's existing vli plugin, opening a path to compatibility
Cable Matters USB-C Triple Display Hub — This is the very hub the article dissects to reverse-engineer a DIY Nintendo Switch 2 dock, making it a great pick for tinkerers who want portable multi-display output without hauling Nintendo's bulky official dock. With DP, HDMI, VGA, and up to 60W power delivery, it's a versatile travel companion for laptops and handhelds alike.
See Cable Matters USB-C Triple Display Hub on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: blog.nozomi.space, 2026-11-09
Published there as: “Making a €40 USB-C hub work as a Nintendo Switch 2 dock”
Read the original report → The summary and analysis above are GoKawiil's own, written from reporting by the source above. Facts and quotes belong to the original publisher.