Genki Covert Dock
What is the Genki Covert Dock?
The Genki Covert Dock is the latest invention from Human Things and quickly rises to the top of its market for what it is intended to do. First, let’s go through a quick overview of what this product is.
The Genki Covert Dock is marketed as a tactical stealth dock. What does this mean?
It means that even Solid Snake uses it.
We're not even kidding, Snake is a part of their marketing and a cool sticker that is included with the product has his likeness printed on it.
But jokes aside, what this really means is that it gives you the ability to retain the functionality of your Switch Dock, within the size of a small charger head. If you are looking to have a solid, permanent set-up in your home, fully maximizing the 3 USB ports that the original Switch Dock has, then this product is not for you. However, if you are looking for a way to comfortably bring Switch TV gaming to your chalet, or when you travel overseas, then this would definitely be something you want to add to your arsenal.
How does it work?
Smaller than the palm of your hand (unless you have small hands), the Genki Covert Dock features: fold-out prongs, an HDMI port, a USB-C port, and a USB-A port 3.1. The box comes with a high-quality USB-C cable, a neat carry pouch, and worldwide adapter heads.
All you need to do is add your HDMI cable to the mix, and you have a travel-ready Switch set-up. Just plug the Covert Dock into an available power socket, connect the USB-C cable to your Switch, and the HDMI cable from the Dock to your TV. It delivers video quality rivaling the original Dock and the adapter heads allow you to change out the socket type when necessary. (So don’t worry Singaporeans, there’s a nice 3-pin adapter head in here for you)
Unlike other chargers, the USB 3.1 port passes data as well. This means you can connect a Wired Controller or an Ethernet adapter to the Covert Dock, and it will function with your Switch. If you need more USB-A ports, it functions with a USB-Hub as well.
The Covert Dock complies with the latest PD 3.0 protocols, meaning you can fast-charge smartphones and tablets, and even laptops and MacBooks if you need to. The USB-C port grabs display data from the connecting device, meaning the HDMI function not only supports the Switch, but any other kind of HDMI compatible device you can think of, like your Laptop or Mobile Phone.
TLDR – Its small, convenient, and you can use it for everything.
But will it BRICK MY SWITCH?
Not to worry, Genki knows what they’re doing. In fact, for the more technical savvy ones out there, one of their engineers wrote a rather comprehensive Reddit post on how they know exactly what they are doing. For those that don’t like reading, firstly why are you reading this (kidding), secondly, this basically means that it delivers power to your switch like how Nintendo intended, and it can also play nice with other devices, actually charging them faster than normal chargers.
Thanks to their Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology, the Covert Dock is able to remain powerful despite being so small. It actually gets “incredible efficiency gains that run cooler enabling us to surpass the limits of last generation silicon chargers.” So you don’t have to worry about overheating the charger. (And can continue bragging to your friends about how your charger is better than theirs)
Let’s compare it to the alternatives on the market
The Jumpgate from Skull & Co. might come to mind as a fierce competitor. And you would be correct. The Jumpgate is as impressive in what it sets out to do. The Core Drive is its main selling point, a device that attaches itself via USB-C port and allows for HDMI output, has two USB-A ports, one USB-C port, and even has an SD and micro-SD card reader. It is versatile. And we would totally recommend it over a regular Switch Dock.
But the Covert Dock is marketed on stealth. It is a charger and HDMI converter all in one. You don’t need to bring an additional AC Adapter like you would with the Jumpgate. It saves you precious space you would need for another item in your bag and makes your day that much lighter. (That 150g of weight could really make a difference, especially at an airport)
Nyko or Gulikit has each come up with their own version of the Dock, but honestly, none are as impressive and bang for your buck as the Genki Covert Dock or Jumpgate.
Another alternative is the rising trend of replacement housing for your original Dock. It removes all that excess hollow space and in return, you get a really nice and compact Dock that is essentially the original. But you would still need to carry the Switch’s AC Adapter with you. (The big chonky one yes)
In Conclusion
All in all, the Genki Covert Dock is really great in what it sets out to do. To be as compact and as accommodating as it possibly can. You probably cannot find another Dock that is as all-purpose as this, and as small. It is definitely a must-have for your travel set-up.
Purchase it here: https://www.shopitree.com/products/genki-covert-dock
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