Nintendo plugging into people's emotions.
While the release of their Switch 2 console has proven very lucrative for Nintendo so far, the Japanese gaming giant has simply continued to stumble from one PR mishap into the next ever since launch.
Whether it's overpricing, moderation overreach or aggressive anti-modding measures: Allegations of anti-consumerism were already fairly widespread in online spaces, which is why the recent reveal of protective measures against third-party accessories built into the system were all but guaranteed to add fuel to the fire.
Not-So Universal Serial Bus
In their video "Nintendo's Greed could Change the Tech Industry" from August 30, YouTube channel Linus Tech Tips explained that – while Nintendo Switch 2 uses Universal Serial Bus Type-C (shortened to USB-C) connectors – you can't simply connect any USB-C-compatible device to the system.
All USB devices use so-called "handshakes", effectively quick exchanges of information between output and input to make sure they can function properly. These "messages" may for example concern the voltage to ensure that only as much energy is exchanged as needed. There is a selection of messages like this that are almost universally integrated and understood by any USB system.
For Nintendo Switch 2, however, Nintendo has added so-called "vendor-defined messages", custom code that has a certain purpose (for example, an USB-C output telling the input that it is able to transmit special video data). These special "messages" end up causing the "handshake" to fail if they're not programmed into both systems, meaning that the Nintendo Switch 2 can't really work with any USB-C device that wasn't explicitly made with the console in mind.
Evolving, But Backwards
In the video, the channel owners call this practice of Nintendo an example of "tactical laziness", because the company isn't openly prohibiting third-party tools from interacting with its console; instead, it conviently neglected optimizing Nintendo Switch 2 for more universal USB-C communication. The intention behind this decision seems clear to Linus Tech Tips:
"The benefit of this enshittification is so obvious: Money. You need a second dock in your house? Well, instead of using something you already have, that'll be 120 more dollars directly to Nintendo, thank you very much."
Additional concerns are raised over customers potentially not realizing that the USB-C port doesn't work like usual; potentially purchasing accessories that end up not working as expected. Furthermore, Nintendo's custom "vendor-defined messages" hinder the functionality of Switch 2, currently capping the charging capability at 15 Watts and disabling variable refresh rates when connecting the system to a monitor.
But most importantly: The video raises fears of Nintendo setting a bad precedent for the industry. While the first Switch already had compatibility issues (some third-party docks damaging the system and certain cables not charging the controllers), directly adding secret "handshakes" marks a step back for USB-C universality which – if financially succesful – could inspire other tech companies to do the same.
But what do you think? Are these non-fully compatible vendor-defined just a developer oversight waiting to be fixed with an update? Or is this truly a case of "tactical laziness"? Let us know in the comments below!