Hey there! If you‘re looking to play your Nintendo Switch games on a big screen TV but don‘t have the official dock, I‘ve got you covered. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll explain multiple ways to hook up your Switch console to a TV without the dock and go over key factors like display resolution, power, and internet connectivity. Let‘s dive in!
What You‘ll Need
Here‘s a quick checklist of what you‘ll need on hand to connect your Switch to a TV sans dock:
- Nintendo Switch console
- HDMI cable
- USB-C to HDMI adapter (Male USB-C to Female HDMI)
- AC power adapter (recommended)
The USB-C to HDMI adapter is essential – this converts the digital video output from the Switch‘s USB-C port into an HDMI signal your TV can display. I‘ll explain more about how this works below.
Connecting Via USB-C to HDMI Adapter
Let‘s walk through how to hook up your Switch using a basic USB-C to HDMI adapter:
- First, plug your HDMI cable into the HDMI port on your television.
- Next, take your USB-C to HDMI adapter and insert the USB-C end into the port at the bottom of the Switch console.
- Now connect the HDMI end of the adapter to the HDMI cable you plugged into your TV.
- With everything hooked up, power on your Switch by pressing the power button on top of the console.
- Using your TV remote, select the HDMI input that your Switch is connected through.
After a few seconds, your Nintendo Switch screen should appear on your TV! The console will run off its internal battery like normal when connected this way.
I definitely recommend plugging in the Switch AC adapter to provide power while playing on TV. This prevents the battery from draining as quickly. Simply connect the adapter to the same USB-C port used for the HDMI adapter.
How the USB-C to HDMI Adapter Works
In case you‘re wondering what‘s going on behind the scenes, I‘ll break it down.
The Switch console itself generates a digital video signal for gaming visuals and UI. This is transmitted from the USB-C port using the DisplayPort video standard.
Your TV likely only has HDMI inputs, not USB-C or DisplayPort. The adapter converts the Switch‘s DisplayPort signal into HDMI so your TV can interpret the video feed.
Pretty neat how a tiny adapter makes this connection possible!
Display Resolution and Performance
When connected directly to a TV via USB-C like this, the Nintendo Switch maxes out at a 1080p resolution, which is 1920 x 1080 pixels.
Comparatively, the official Switch dock supports full HD 4K resolution up to 3840 x 2160 pixels when plugged into a 4K TV.
So while you can definitely play games on the big screen using the USB-C method, it won‘t be quite as sharp as with the dock. But for most people 1080p is perfectly enjoyable.
There are also some other performance differences:
- The Switch runs warmer and battery drains faster when outputting video over USB-C.
- Fan speeds increase to manage heat in the console.
- No wired LAN port available since the dock isn‘t being used.
Not dealbreakers by any means, but useful to be aware of.
Alternatives to USB-C Adapter
Let‘s discuss a few other options for connecting your Switch to a TV without the official Nintendo dock.
Third-Party Switch Docks
There are many affordable third-party docks available from companies like Insignia, PDP, and FastSnail that aim to replicate the original. These accessories plug into your TV‘s HDMI port and allow you to easily dock your Switch.
However, I advise caution with third-party docks, as some have been known to actually brick Switch consoles when not designed properly!
According to IGN, it‘s safest to only use accessories officially licensed by Nintendo to avoid potential hardware issues. Quality unlicensed docks do exist, but require extra diligence when researching.
Video Capture Cards
Another option is using a video capture card connected to a computer. This converts the Switch‘s video output into a signal the computer can receive and display on the connected TV.
Examples like the Elgato HD60 S+ or AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus work great but can cost over $150. You‘ll also need a decent laptop or computer capable of handling video streams.
There‘s more setup involved compared to the simple USB-C adapter method, so I only recommend this for dedicated gamers aiming to stream or record gameplay.
Wireless Video Transmitters
Wireless video transmitters like the Genki Covert Dock send your Switch‘s HDMI signal wirelessly to a receiver module connected to your TV.
While this avoids the need for cables, the Switch itself still needs to be connected to the transmitter via USB-C. So it‘s not fully wireless and costs more than a basic adapter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about getting your Switch up and running on a TV without the official dock:
Can I display Nintendo Switch on my laptop screen?
Yes, with the help of a video capture card and the proper software, you can show your Switch gameplay on a laptop display. The laptop just needs an open USB port to receive the video input from the capture card.
Is there such a thing as wireless HDMI for Switch?
There are wireless HDMI solutions available, however they only transmit video one-way. The Switch console itself does not support wireless video output, so you would still need to physically connect it to a wireless transmitter device.
Can I use my phone as a makeshift dock?
Unfortunately there‘s no way to directly display Switch gameplay on your smartphone‘s screen. However, you can use your Android or iPhone as a controller when paired with the Switch using Bluetooth or apps like JoyCon Droid.
Will my Switch battery die quickly when connected to a TV?
Yes, the battery drains faster when outputting HD video through the USB-C port compared to handheld mode. I‘d recommend plugging in the AC adapter anytime you play for extended periods connected to a TV.
Can I play Switch games on an airplane TV screen?
The Switch works great for onboard gaming in airplane mode, but cannot directly connect to airline seatback entertainment screens. You‘d need to supply your own small display. Bring headphones to avoid disturbing your neighbors!
The Bottom Line
While hooking up your Switch to a TV is easiest with the official Nintendo dock, you‘ve got options if your dock is unavailable.
A simple USB-C to HDMI adapter lets you get big-screen gaming from your console on any TV with an HDMI port.
Just keep in mind the limitations to display resolution, battery life, and internet connectivity when going dock-free. With the right preparation and accessories, you‘ll be up and playing in no time!
Let me know if you have any other questions about getting your Switch hooked up. Enjoy your gaming sessions!
