Some Nintendo Switch owners have reported that their consoles received scratches from the dock that allows the Switch to be played on TVs. It's unclear how widespread a problem this is — Nintendo seems doubtful — but, luckily, there's a way to play in docked mode without actually putting the console in the dock at all.

YouTuber Switch It Up explains that with a USB-C extension cable, you can plug the Switch through to the dock from a distance by putting the female end into the dock connection (and pressing the spring-loaded button down) and the male end into the bottom of the Switch. This will bring power to the Switch and send the Switch's display to the TV — just make sure the HDMI and power cables are plugged into the back of the dock.

Unfortunately the plug being at the bottom of the Switch makes it impossible to stand alone with its own kickstand, and laying it down flat will block the vents in the back that keep it form overheating. Switch It Up suggests using a licensed stand to set your Switch on, although a DIY stand shouldn't be too difficult to figure out if you don't want to drop extra money on a stand.

Nintendo Switch For Dummies

Charger for Nintendo Switch, AC Adapter for Nintendo Switch - Fast Travel Wall Charger with 5FT USB Type C Cable 15V/2.6A Power Supply for Nintendo Switch Supports TV Mode and Dock Station 4.7 out of 5 stars 3,566. Recently i got a tv set up in my room, i tried to connect my switch to the tv when docked but somehow there wasn't any signal. The tv detected the switch (samsung anynet+ even know i connected to switch) but did not output any signal and the dock outputs green light. I tried on different Tvs (samsung, LG) and monitor and all resulted the same.