Hands On With Krasivoe's Retro Docks For Nintendo Switch

If you're like me, your Nintendo Switch 2 is looking a little bland. It's standing there amongst my other colourful consoles, such as my Atomic Purple PlayStation 5 (custom shell), and a Transparent Green Analogue 3D.

It's looking at me as if it's upset that it hasn't got any special treatment or unique customisations that make it look different. Heck, it doesn't even have colourful Joy-Cons due to the simple fact that Nintendo doesn't make any that excite me, or anyone, for that matter.

But as of today, my Nintendo Switch 2 is getting a serious upgrade, and an affordable one at that.

I stumbled across Krasivoe's Instagram page, which showcased what looked like a Nintendo Switch being slid into a PlayStation 1. Upon further inspection, I was wrong. Krasivoe have created 3D printed docks that elevate your Nintendo Switch 2 in a way that will certainly fit your retro gaming setup.

After messaging them, they kindly sent over a few samples, which was when I also noticed that they are from the UK, located just 30 minutes from where I live, in the lively city of Bristol.

These 3D printed docks attach to your Nintendo Switch or Switch 2 dock by sitting under it, and typically attach a top part that slides onto the base.

32BitDock

My favourite is the PlayStation 1 dock, also known for copyright reasons as the 32BitDock. This resembles the console in a number of ways. Firstly, the disc tray is attached via magnets and can be spun to make it visually inline while in standing mode or if you like laying the dock down horizontally.

It shows off the iconic grey colour, features the OPEN and Power button, alongside subtle nods to the console's rugged edge, and even has a hole for you to push the HDMI and power cables through neatly.

Each product also comes with an accessory for your Switch 2 cartridges. For example, the 32BitDock comes with a PS1 Memory Card that slides open to reveal slots for your cartridges. It's a neat accessory that uses magnets to shut effectively.

The 32BitDock does come in a number of colours to emulate Sony's limited edition variants, such as Black and Blue.

16BitDock

This version takes inspiration from the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, and although it has no spinning tops, it does feature a removable cartridge slot that hides six Switch cartridges in plain sight. It can be removed, too, should you want to transport them separately.

This dock is slightly bigger than the 32BitDock, has a brighter shell, and features the iconic SNES layout with the classic Power and Reset buttons in bright purple to give it that nostalgic look, pairing it with a subtle nod to the eject button in the centre.

It's dodging any potential trademarks in a creative way, yet keeping the retro look as closely as it can. Unlike the PS1 version, this dock is best laid down, due to the cartridge holder falling out of my unit when standing up vertically, so do keep that in mind if you were planning on standing it upright.

On all of the docks, there is a cutout for cable management, enough space underneath for good ventilation and rubber or felt feet to stop it from scratching your cabinets.

8BitDock

You probably guessed it, the 8BitDock resembles the iconic NES and is probably the most minimal of the three, simply due to the boxy nature of the console, and the fact that there's not really much colour to it.

That said, it resembles it in every way with the black streak, darkey grey base and red "Entertainment System" logo on the front.

It also comes with the coolest cartridge holder, built inside of a NES controller, which slides out to reveal not one, not two, but ten cartridge slots, making it, in my opinion, the best cartridge holder of the bunch.

My only issues with this dock were the fact that two out of four of the rubber feet have fallen off, showing very little glue/adhesive to keep it in place.

This is simply the downfall of 3D printed products; the process isn't the best quality, nor does it feature strength in the builds, but if you know that, and are familiar with the quality of 3D printed products, then you shouldn't be in for a surprise.

Overall Opinion

These are fun, nostalgic and easy ways to transform your Nintendo Switch 1/2 gaming setup. It comes in two or three pieces, so young children can also build them quickly, and the addition of the storage cases (if you buy them) is a neat way to complete the setup with top-tier retro vibes.

These docks start at around £57/$75 for the docks or £70/$94 with the cartridge cases. Not cheap, but not expensive, and I think it's reasonably priced for what you get.

Though it is worth mentioning that you will see many print lines throughout the product, alongside some excess plastic around the text. Again, this comes down to printing quality, and 3D printers are renowned for being a little lower quality in comparison to aluminium moulded plastic (which costs far more to produce as a single mould can cost £2,000+).

But if you understand that, are used to 3D printed accessories, then you will be able to look past these minor flaws and enjoy an awesome dock for your Nintendo Switch that shows friends and family that you're into retro gaming too!