Genki Covert Dock 3 review: one of my favorite Nintendo Switch accessories is finally ready for Steam Deck users

The Nintendo Switch 2 didn't support one of my ride-or-die accessories straight out of the box at launch, and for that I never quite forgave it. The Genki Covert Dock is a must-have for anyone who regularly travels with their setup, allowing for easy, no-fuss docking to any screen you come across, just as long as you've got an HDMI cable to hand.

Nintendo's spicy HDMI signals prevented the old model from functioning on the new handheld, but now we have the solution.

The Genki Covert Dock 3 is absolutely one of the best Nintendo Switch 2 accessories you can get your hands on. Not only does it bring portable big-screen play back to the table, but it upgrades the experience to match the Switch 2's 4K 120Hz signal and adds upgrades your power to 65W. That means it's perfectly positioned not just for Ninty's device, but for chunkier PC handhelds. It's not quite got the ports to run as a dedicated, permanent Steam Deck dock, but for travel and ad-hoc setups, it gets the job done with no quibbles.

Reviewed by

Reviewed by

Tabitha Baker

With a not-so-healthy of Nintendo Switch (and now Switch 2) accessories to my name, I've been testing handheld gadgets and gizmos for nearly ten years at this point - starting with the OG device. Since picking up a Switch and ROG Ally, the obsession with building the ultimate portable setup has only intensified.

Currently playing:

Pokemon Pokopia: Switch 2

SSX Tricky: Asus ROG Ally

What I love

Just as versatile as ever

The Genki Covert Dock 3 doesn't change anything about the core functionality of its predecessors. This is still a particularly compact design with easy plug-and-play connectivity and a roster of international outlet adapters available right in the box. Stick an HDMI in one slot, the supplied USB-C in another, and you're playing on the big screen.

Plugging directly into your outlet means there's no additional cables or power adapters to work with (or lose, or forget to pack), and the 116g weight takes up only a little more space than a regular phone charger would in your bag. The Covert Dock 3 can also charge pretty much anything a regular charger would as well, so no need to double up when packing.

All of that means this is essentially an all-in-one device for travel - I've had no problems charging phones, tablets, and headsets from its ports. Mine has always seen most of its action in secondary at-home setups, though, where I can finally hook my Switch and Asus ROG Ally gameplay up to my monitor or projector away from the main dock area. It plays nicely across my 4K TV, 1440p monitor, and 1080p projector.

Tangible power boost

Moving up to 65W from the previous generation's 45W makes more of a difference than you might think. It's supporting the Switch 2's 4K docked output, and can charge your phone a little faster, but mostly it opens the door for true handheld PC compatibility. The previous model worked just fine; I could run games through a bigger screen and keep an extra accessory plugged in at the same time, but keeping the charge flowing was sometimes tricky.

At times, my Ally would flash a warning that it wasn't receiving its optimal amount of power, and more power-intensive tasks would lead to a drop in charge. With 65W at its fingertips, the chunkier handheld never once complained about its energy levels and maintained a solid charge rate during gameplay as well.

Fun new design

Genki has come a long way since the slightly boring all-black look of its first device. The second generation brought a stark white and translucent aesthetic to the playground, but the new model looks both more professional and fun at the same time. A dark gray chassis is offset by dulled orange accents around the main connection and port area - all rounded off with softly curved corners and a dense feel.

Compared to the very first iteration, this is a much sturdier feel in the hands. There are no creaks around the main frame and, barring a tacky residue left by the sticker on the underside, everything's smooth and clean.

What to consider

Port selection is a little restrictive for handheld PCs

The increased power level means the Genki Covert Dock 3 is just as impressive with handheld PCs as it is the Nintendo Switch 2, but its port selection is still primarily geared towards Ninty's device.

It hasn't been designed as a full desktop docking station, so shouldn't be judged as one, but it's worth noting if you're looking for something more permanent. The single USB-A port is great for connecting a headset or third party controller, but Steam Deck and ROG Ally users will still need to rely on Bluetooth or a USB hub for mice, keyboards, and other devices.

Design doesn't allow for venting

Again, the Genki Covert Dock 3 has been primarily designed to accompany a Nintendo Switch 2, with its built-in kickstand, but for those considering its use with handheld PCs it's worth noting that some Steam Deck or ROG Ally docks will offer some way to stand your device. It's a much better setup for keeping those vents clear and ensuring your system's thermals can be adequately managed, but you'll need to find your own solution when using the plug-adapter design of the Covert Dock 3.

Should you buy the Genki Covert Dock 3?

The fact that my only two niggles of concern above are related to using the Genki Covert Dock 3 as a more dedicated handheld PC docking station, a use case it's not specifically designed for, we're looking pretty good here.

I've been recommending this adapter for years, and the new Covert Dock 3 isn't going to change that. It's just as versatile and simple as ever before, with upgraded internals to support Nintendo's new generation of handhelds. I would see handheld PC use as supplemental to that - a happy coincidence for anyone looking to use their Steam Deck or ROG Ally as they would a Switch while out and about.

While you'll struggle to keep all your connections if running a full permanent PC setup through the device, it's still a doorway to easy docking for a much wider range of devices than before.

How I tested the Genki Covert Dock 3

I used the Genki Covert Dock 3 in place of my official Switch 2 dock for a period of two weeks, using the device to connect both my Nintendo handheld and Asus ROG Ally to a 4K TV, QHD monitor, and FHD projector. I used the USB-C cable supplied in the box with the official HDMI cord that arrived with the Nintendo Switch 2. For more information on how we make our recommendations, check out the full GamesRadar+ Hardware Policy.

For more Ninty kit, check out the best Nintendo Switch 2 controllers and best Nintendo Switch headsets on the market.