Genki FAQ
FAQ
Covert Dock Series
Is Covert Dock 3 a charger or a dock?
Both. It works as a compact 65W wall charger while also offering dock-style functionality for compatible devices. When it doesn't detect a TV connected via HDMI, it acts as a normal fast charger so you can keep playing in handheld mode while charging.
What devices can I dock?
Nintendo Switch 2, original Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, ROG Ally, Handheld PCs, iPad, smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other USB-C devices.
Is the Covert Dock 3 a replacement for the Nintendo dock?
Think of it as a travel companion to your Nintendo dock, not a replacement. The Covert Dock 3 combines a 65W charger and dock into one compact, travel-friendly device perfect for trips, hotel rooms, tournaments, or on-the-go play. It supports the same features as a regular dock (4K/60Hz HDR, charging, accessories) in a much smaller package, so you can leave the official dock set up at home and take the Covert Dock 3 anywhere.
What is the USB-A port for?
It serves as an accessory port to the source device, such as:
- Wired controllers adapters (for the Gamecube - one of the two USB plugs; rumble requires a USB hub)
- Works with NS-compatible Ethernet adapters
Can it connect to a TV or monitor?
Yes, with any HDMI-compatible display and the included high-speed cable. Confirmed working at 4K/60Hz HDR with Nintendo Switch 2.
Is it only for gaming?
No it can be used for docking anything from a movie to a presentation. It also works well with smartphones, tablets, and laptops for display mirroring and charging.
Can I use it every day as a normal charger?
Yes. That is part of the design it works great as an everyday fast charger for any USB-C device.
What cable do I need?
Use the included USB-C 3.1 cable. If using another cable, make sure it is USB-C 3.1 or higher, rated for DisplayPort video passthrough, and certified. Do not use cheap uncertified cables they will cause issues.
Why is the Covert Dock 3’s cable shorter than previous generations?
The Covert Dock 3 uses a shorter USB-C cable (1.5m) to ensure reliable performance at higher power and video bandwidth. Longer passive USB-C cables (like 1.8m) are more prone to signal degradation and unstable performance at these higher specs.
Can I use it with a ShadowCast or capture card for streaming?
Yes. It works just like the normal dock. Plug the HDMI from the Covert Dock into your capture card and use it as you normally would. Also compatible with ShadowCast 3 (use USB-C 3.1 for the dock connection and USB-C 2.0 for ShadowCast).
Will it work in my country?
Most likely. The Covert Dock 3 supports 100-240V at 50/60Hz with global certifications. An optional Global Adapter Kit (0) covers 150+ countries and is more compact than Apple-style travel adapters.
Can firmware updates break it?
Covert Dock has a long heritage of being the most reliable 3rd party dock. Covert Dock 3 is firmware updatable to ensure compatibility with system updates.
Do I need to plug it into power to work as a dock or hub?
For most devices Covert Dock 3 will work as a dock and hub without power, however for the Nintendo Switch 1 and 2 consoles power is required.
Can I use the top port of my Nintendo Switch 2 to dock it?
Unfortunately the top USB-C port on the console is only for charging and low bandwidth, it is not rated for DisplayPort.
Why don’t my Joy-Cons work when I dock it?
When the Nintendo Switch 1 or 2 is docked the Joy-Con’s are disabled when attached to the system, you will have to use them detached or use an external controller while docked.
What if I have no video output?
- Verify you are using the included USB-C 3.1 cable (or equivalent certified cable)
- Confirm you are using the correct USB-C port on the dock (the top port cannot be used as dock input)
- Try a different HDMI cable
- Some HDMI splitters/switchers (e.g., Elgato) may cause issues test direct connection first
My display or sound keeps cutting out what should I do?
This is one of the most reported issues. Here are the steps that resolve it for most customers:
- Use the included USB-C 3.1 cable do not substitute with a cheaper cable
- Try a different HDMI cable (some cables pass basic tests but fail during extended play)
- Connect the Covert Dock 3 directly to a wall outlet, not through a power strip or extension cord
- Ensure you are using the correct USB-C port on the dock (the top port cannot be used as dock input)
- Try a different HDMI port on your TV
- Some HDMI splitters or switchers (e.g., Elgato) can cause handshake issues test direct connection first
If the issue persists after these steps, contact Genki support with a video showing the setup and the problem occurring.
The green LED light turns off and display stops working
If the green indicator light on the USB-C port turns off intermittently and the HDMI output drops, this usually indicates a power or cable connection issue:
- Make sure you are using the included USB-C 3.1 cable
- Try plugging the dock directly into a wall outlet (not a power strip)
- Test with a different HDMI cable
- If the light never turns on, or the unit does not charge any device, contact Genki support this may be a defective unit
FAQ
ShadowCast Series
What makes ShadowCast 3 Pro different?
Its modular design. On its own, it is an ultra-compact 4K60 capture card. With the included passthrough module, it can also work as a desktop capture setup with simultaneous TV or monitor passthrough (zero latency for gameplay).
Do I need the passthrough module to use it?
No. The core ShadowCast 3 Pro works on its own as a compact capture card. The passthrough module is optional use it when you want to play on a TV or monitor while capturing at the same time.
Why does the Genki Arcade App need access to my camera and microphone?
The way that we coded the app for our Genki ShadowCast is the same as Zoom. If you can run it safely with Windows detecting it as a threat, our app should be the same. You can always use our Chrome Version if you still feel uncomfortable with it.
Is the passthrough module included?
The HDMI passthrough module is included with ShadowCast 3 Pro version.
What devices can I use it with?
Any compatible HDMI device: Nintendo Switch, Switch 2, PlayStation (4/5), Xbox, cameras, other consoles, and HDMI video sources.
Is it only for streamers?
No. It’s great for just turning your tablet or iPad into a handheld gaming monitor - it’s also useful for recording gameplay, portable setups, event capture, and flexible creator workflows.
What software can I use?
- Genki Studio (iPad) a simple intuitive app that turns your iPad into a console TV
- Camo Studios (Mac/iPhone/iPad) easy setup, clean UI, and works great as a plug-and-play solution. Recommended for most users.
- OBS / Streamlabs / XSplit (Windows/Android/PC) best for advanced streaming setups; 1080p60 recommended
- mpv.io (Windows/Mac) lightweight alternative if you just need video playback
Why does my audio sound distorted or low-quality on Mac?
On some Mac devices, ShadowCast may be automatically set as a microphone input. When this happens, macOS can enable Voice Isolation by default, which degrades or distorts the audio quality.
Fix: Open Mac Control Center → locate Microphone Mode → turn off Voice Isolation or switch to Standard.
Troubleshooting: Genki Arcade says "Access Denied"
The app needs access to your computer's camera and microphone (the same way Zoom works). Grant these permissions in your system settings and try again.
If you still feel uncomfortable, you can use the Chrome browser version instead.
Troubleshooting: No video but audio works
- Make sure camera permissions are granted in your system settings
- Try Camo Studio as an alternative player
- In OBS, select ShadowCast as both video capture device and audio input
- Reconnect the USB-C cable or try a different USB-C port (must be USB-C 3.0+)
Troubleshooting: No audio in OBS/Streamlabs
- OBS: Video Capture Device → Audio Output Mode → DirectSound → Custom Audio → select ShadowCast
- Settings → Audio → set global devices to Default → Apply
- Advanced: right-click Audio Mixer → Advanced Audio Properties → enable ShadowCast monitor
What cables do I need?
- ShadowCast 3 Pro connects via included USB-C cable to a USB-C 3.0+ port on your computer
- If using with Covert Dock 3: dock-to-device needs USB-C 3.2, ShadowCast needs USB-C 3.2 (use the correct cables!)
I am seeing colour smearing or graphical artifacts in the capture
A small number of ShadowCast 3 Pro users have reported color separation or graphical artifacts, particularly visible on red elements.
- Ensure you are using a USB-C 3.0+ port on your computer
- Try a different HDMI cable between your source and ShadowCast
- In OBS/Genki Arcade, try switching between different resolution and frame rate settings
- If the issue persists with multiple cables and ports, contact Genki support this may indicate a hardware defect and a replacement can be arranged
FAQ
Returns & Refunds
I’m not happy with my product, can I return it?
Genki accepts returns for unopened products 30 days from purchase. If there are any product defects we can replace the product if it does not meet your expectations. Warranty does not cover physical damage (water, force-related breaking). Only covers purchases from genkithings.eu
What is the refund policy?
Please read more here Refund and Exchange Policy
Can I opt for a store credit instead?
In the scenario where you don’t end up receiving your product for shipping related reasons, we may be able to extend a one-time store credit in the form of a unique coupon code that you can use for future purchases. All of this is case by case dependent.
FAQ
Warranty
My Genki product was damaged, how can I apply my warranty?
Let us know which email you purchased the product with and your order number if you still have the online receipt. Once we have this information, we’ll be able to see if you’re eligible for our warranty. Please note that our warranty does not cover physical damage (dropping it in water, force related breaking) of the product. We only provide warranty to online purchases on genkithings.com, kickstarter, backerkit and indiegogo. For purchases from other online platform please see the packaging if there is a local distributor near by.
Can I extend my warranty?
Due to the nature of changing technology, we’re unable to extend warranties past one year. However, if you have any technical difficulties, we’re always happy to help.
Shipping
When will I get my package?
For all of our products, we estimate the shipping time to be around 2-3 business days for UK orders and for the rest of the EU is estimated to be 5 - 8 business days.
I’ve entered a wrong address, what should I do?
Let us know as soon as possible! We have a very limited amount of time to update the address once your order has been confirmed. In some cases, we will be able to help you redirect your package, but a lot of this is dependent on the carrier. In the cases where we’re unable to change your address, we will do our best to recoup the package and reship it to you - this will unfortunately add a bit of delay to your shipment though.
My tracking information isn’t updating, why?
Depending on where you live, sometimes the local postal services may be slow to update their tracking information. If you don’t see a change in your tracking information within 3-4 days, please let us know and we’ll do our best to figure out where your package is.
My package says delivered, but I never received anything, what to do?
Sometimes, postal services will pre-emptively update their shipping status of deliveries and it may take an additional 24 hours to be delivered. If you still haven’t received your package after this time frame, it may be a lost shipment. In this scenario, reach out to us and we’ll do our best to track the package down and reship if necessary. We cannot offer any refunds or reship order for free if it’s marked as delivered or in some case we will need to charge a reshipment fee if the item is marked as returned to the sender.
My package was seized by customs, what can I do?
Similar to the above, all products are subject to a certain level of customs risk. In this scenario, customs offices may demand additional information in order for you to receive your package. The best way to receive your package is to clearly ask which documents (if any) may be required to relinquish your package. Let us know what is missing and we’ll do our best to pass along the required documents. In the scenario where customs refuses to relinquish the product, we will attempt to reship through a different address provided by you.
My package was damaged when I opened it
That’s terrible, we’re sorry to hear that. Please take a picture of the initial state of the package you received and send it to us. We use these pictures to file claims with carriers and we want to make sure that future incidents are reduced with additional evidence. We’ll promptly ship you a replacement once this is done.
I was shipped the wrong product
While this is extremely rare, it certainly does happen from time to time when our warehouses accidentally grab another product. Please take a picture of the product you received so we can pass that to the warehouse - since someone else may have received your product instead! Once you do, we’ll let our warehouse know to ship out another unit.