-Getting a Switch-
I was late to the party with the Nintendo Switch. Adult life had put a lot on my plate and I was a committed PlayStation fanboy at the time. But, through a lucky turn of events, one of my battle-buddies on PSN happened to live in the same state I did and was only a couple hours away. One night, during a marathon session on Destiny 2, we struck up a deal by which I became the new owner of a lightly used Nintendo Switch. With that, I rejoined the world of mobile gaming and the Switch has been an integral part of my gaming lifestyle ever since.
-Skull & Co. Jumpgate-
I've long since upgraded to an OLED model and purchased Switch Lites for my children. But one hurdle always stood in the way of true mobile gamer bliss. The dock... In order to take my setup to a friend's house or a hotel room while on trips, I had to pack an awkwardly large carrying case for the Switch, pro controller, dock, and all necessary cords and connectors. Now, I know this is the definition of a "modern problem" but disconnecting my dock and cords from my entertainment center and risking damaging them when I traveled was a problem I didn't like dealing with. And so I started my internet research on third party docks and other solutions. I found endless posts and comments describing unfortunate gamers bricking their switches, frying their batteries, or shorting out their USB-C ports. I was nervous to say the least. In all my research, I found my way to the Skull & Co. website and their docking solution... the Jumpgate. I watched and read any reviews I could find before finally committing to making my purchase. I used a Nintendo official power supply, hooked up my new Skull & Co. Jumpgate and nervously docked my Switch...
-Safety and Build Quality-
For the first few uses, I monitored my Switch's temperature and functionality each hour. I wanted to see charging times, TV connectivity, how well my Switch was being supported, and most of all if there was any obvious damage being done to my device. I was relieved to see that my Switch charged just like it did on my Nintendo official dock, and there seemed to be no negative effects on my device at all. I didn't have any issues getting my TV to recognize the connection and there was no noticeable difference in performance compared the official dock. Now, the biggest difference that sets the Jumpgate apart from the official dock is it's form factor. The official Switch dock is significantly larger. The Jumpgate is approximately 4"x4" and only stands 1" tall when the top is closed. With a gentle tap, the top panel will spring up to provide support for the docked Switch. The lack of anything in front of the Switch's screen not only protects the screen from dock scratches, but also allows for the use of the Jumpgate as a charging stand for tabletop mode gaming. It even adjusts to accommodate most Switch cases. All around, the Jumpgate does everything the official dock does, but seems to do it better.
-The Core Drive-
Now for the added trick up the Jumpgate's sleeve. The dock consists of two parts: the dock shell and the "Core Drive". The Core Drive can be removed through the back of the dock and used separately as an ultra low profile docking connection for not only the Switch but any other USB-C device that can be connected to a monitor. I've used my Core Drive to launch Samsung Dex on my TV, allowing me to share vacation pictures with family from my Galaxy phone. And I've used the Core Drive as a hub allowing me to work on blog posts using a mouse and keyboard directly on my Galaxy phone. The versatility, size, mobility, and quality construction of the Jumpgate are all off the charts from my experiences. If you or someone you know enjoys traveling with their Nintendo Switch or uses a phone with a Type C port, I highly recommend taking a look at the Skull & Co. Jumpate for an outstanding, less costly alternative to official docking options. I was nervous to risk damaging my Switch at first, but the Jumpgate has proven itself countless times over in providing a safe, easy to carry solution as well as a cost effective option for having multiple docking locations in my home. Though I've had the Jumpgate for quite a while now, I still get excited when I start a game on my living room TV, transition to handheld mode when my kids want to watch a movie, then re-dock on the Jumpgate in my bedroom to finish my gaming session from bed. There's just something special for me as an old school gamer to be able to move from room to room, screen to screen without even having to pause the game I'm enjoying. The experience of gaming has come so far since the days of RF adapters and short-corded controllers to this unprecedented level of flexibility we have now. It never fails to make me wonder...what new standard are we going to rewrite next? What new doors will we open as we all continue to Game On?
I give the Skull & Co. Jumpgate an 8 /10
Not necessary but very helpful as an alternative.
Pros
The price! At this moment, the Jumpgate (base model) can be purchased for $20
The Nintendo Official dock is commonly over $50 for comparison
The small form factor of the Jumpgate makes it so easy to slip in a bag and travel with
Not just for the Switch: the Jumpgate is compatible with a variety of USB-C devices
Safe track record being used for the Nintendo Switch
When the Jumpgate is closed...it looks like a tiny PS4...That's a pro in my book.
Cons
It's not an offical Nintendo product. That comes with risks to your device
You'll still need to purchase a power supply
I strongly recommend the official power supply for safety
Though the Jumpgate has yet to drop my Switch, the 4" dock does lack stability if bumped
Amazon Link for Skull & Co. Jumpgate - https://amzn.to/3VMY3sR
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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