How to Connect the Nintendo Switch to a TV: The Complete Guide

Connecting the Nintendo Switch to a TV is easy and only requires a few key items. Here is a step-by-step guide to get your Switch functioning in TV mode and displaying gameplay on the big screen in no time.

What You Need to Connect the Nintendo Switch to a TV

To connect the Nintendo Switch to a TV, you will need:

Nintendo Switch console
Nintendo Switch dock
HDMI cable (included with Switch)
TV with open HDMI port

The main Switch bundle includes the tablet-like Switch console along with a dock and HDMI cable. As long as you have a TV with an unused HDMI port, you‘ll have everything you need for setup.

Step-by-Step Guide to Connect Nintendo Switch to TV

Connecting the Switch to your TV is a very straightforward process:

Insert the Nintendo Switch console into the Switch dock. The console will slide into the front of the dock.
Take the HDMI cable that came with your Switch and connect one end into the dock‘s "HDMI Out" port on the back.
Connect the other end of the HDMI cable into an open HDMI input port on your TV.
Turn on your TV and make sure it is set to display from the correct HDMI input you just connected.
Press the power button on your Switch console to turn it on. It should now display on your TV!

And that‘s it! The Switch console transmits both video and audio signals through the HDMI cable, so no extra cables are needed for sound.

Switch TV Connection Tips and Notes

Here are some additional tips and notes about connecting Nintendo Switch to your television:

The Switch can output HD video up to 1080p resolution when docked. Make sure your TV supports at least 1080p HD inputs.
For the best audio quality, use the volume controls on your television or sound system, not the Switch itself.
You can connect wired or wireless headphones to the 3.5mm headphone jack on the Switch tablet for personal listening in TV mode.
Your Switch will charge its battery whenever it is docked, so you don‘t need to worry about battery life while playing on TV.
If you don‘t see a picture after connecting your Switch, double check that your TV input is set correctly for the HDMI port you are using.

Connecting Nintendo Switch to TV Wirelessly

The Switch can also connect to a TV wirelessly using certain accessories. This allows you to transmit HDMI video and audio signals without running a cable across the room.

Popular options for wireless HDMI connectivity include:

Wireless HDMI adapters – Attach the receiver adapter to the Switch dock, and the transmitter connects to your TV. The adapters must be powered.
Wireless display apps – Apps like AirScreen allow you to mirror your Switch screen to smart TVs and other devices. There is often lag with these options.
Capture cards – More advanced products like the Elgato Cam Link can capture and stream Switch gameplay wirelessly with minimal lag.

Using a USB-C to HDMI Adapter for TV Connection

Instead of the Switch dock, you can also connect directly to a TV using a USB-C to HDMI adapter. This plugs into the bottom of the Switch tablet and outputs HDMI video.

The main catch is that the Switch console itself will need a separate power source, as the adapter does not provide power pass-through. But it allows you to travel with just the tablet and connect to any TV on the go.

Switch OLED Model: What‘s Different?

The Nintendo Switch OLED model features an upgraded 7-inch OLED screen for enhanced colors and clarity in handheld mode. However, it connects to TVs exactly the same way as the original Switch model.

So the Switch OLED includes the same dock, same HDMI cable connection, and same 1080p maximum TV output resolution. You‘ll get the same great big-screen experience!

Troubleshooting Nintendo Switch TV Connection Issues

If you are having trouble getting your Nintendo Switch to display on your TV, here are some things to try:

Double check that your TV input/source is set correctly for the HDMI port you connected your Switch to. Make sure the correct input is selected.
Try connecting your Switch dock and HDMI cable to a different HDMI port on your TV if possible.
Test different HDMI cables, including the one that came with your Switch. Cables can sometimes fail.
Reseat both ends of the HDMI cable firmly into the dock and TV port. A loose connection can prevent signal.
Press the small reset button on the back of the Switch dock using a paperclip. This may fix connectivity issues.
Try adjusting your TV‘s HDMI settings, like switching between Auto-Detect and specific resolutions like 1080p.

If you still can‘t get a picture after trying the tips above, contact Nintendo Support for further troubleshooting help.

Buying Digital Games on Nintendo Switch

Along with connecting your console to a TV, you‘ll want games to play on the big screen! Here is how to purchase and download digital games on your Switch:

Open the Nintendo eShop app on your Switch home screen. This is where you can browse and purchase digital games.
Select the user account you want to use if prompted. Purchases will be tied to this account.
Browse or search for the game you want, then select it to visit its eShop page.
On the game page, select Proceed to Purchase and complete checkout. You can use credit cards or Nintendo eShop gift cards to pay.
Purchased games will download directly to your Switch and appear in your game library, ready to play!

Getting the Most Out of Your Nintendo Switch

Connecting your new Nintendo Switch to your TV is just the beginning! Here are some additional tips:

Up to 8 Switch controllers can connect for local multiplayer gaming. Add extra Joy-Cons, Pro Controllers, or third party options.
Try out the Switch Online service to play classic NES and SNES games, get cloud saves, and more for $20/year.
Watch streaming video apps like YouTube, Hulu, and Funimation by downloading them from the eShop for free. No Netflix app yet though.
Keep your Switch in a sturdy case and use screen protectors to prevent damage when traveling around with it.

So get ready for amazing portable and big-screen gaming with your Nintendo Switch! Just follow the steps above to easily connect it to any TV using the included dock and HDMI cable.