Connecting your Nintendo Switch to a Samsung TV allows you to play your favorite games on the big screen with optimized performance. While the Switch comes with a dock, you can also use a USB-C adapter or direct HDMI connection.
Follow this detailed guide to get your Switch running smoothly on your Samsung for the best gameplay experience. We‘ll cover ideal setups, troubleshooting issues, and how to enable Game Mode.
Connecting with the Nintendo Dock
The Nintendo Switch dock provides the simplest way to connect the console to a TV via an HDMI cable.
The dock has an HDMI 1.4b port, which supports up to 4K resolution at 30fps. For best results, use a certified Premium High Speed HDMI cable that can handle 4K video and high bandwidth data transfer. High Speed HDMI cables are also suitable for 1080p output.
To connect using the Switch dock:
- Plug the AC adapter into the dock and a power outlet.
- Connect your HDMI cable to the dock and Samsung TV port.
- Insert the Switch into the dock to enable TV output.
- Change your TV‘s input source to the connected HDMI port.
The Switch will automatically send video through the dock to your TV at up to 1080p resolution in docked mode.
Dock Setup Considerations
The official Nintendo Switch dock provides the following advantages compared to USB-C adapters:
- Dedicated charging port to power the Switch in TV mode.
- USB ports to connect wired controllers or headsets.
- Ethernet port for wired internet connection.
- TV output chipset optimized for Switch performance.
The dock also holds the Switch upright securely. Just be sure to only use the official Nintendo dock to avoid bricking issues.
Troubleshooting Nintendo Dock Connection
If your Samsung TV shows no signal or image when the Switch is docked, try these steps:
- Securely reconnect both ends of the HDMI cable.
- Try different HDMI ports on your TV if issue persists.
- Power cycle the dock and TV after changing connections.
- Update your Switch dock firmware to latest version.
- Lower Switch resolution output to 720p as TV troubleshooting test.
If the dock previously worked but now has no video output, a firmware update or factory reset of the console may resolve display issues.
Connecting with a USB-C to HDMI Adapter
Instead of the dock, you can get a USB-C to HDMI adapter to connect your Switch directly to a TV. These adapters convert the Switch‘s USB-C video output to HDMI.
Most USB-C to HDMI adapters support up to 1080p resolution at 60 Hz to match the Switch‘s max TV output. Ensure any adapter you get works with the Switch and Samsung TVs before purchasing.
Steps to use a USB-C HDMI adapter:
- Connect the adapter HDMI cable to your Samsung TV port.
- Plug the adapter‘s USB-C cable into the bottom of the Nintendo Switch.
- Change your TV‘s source to the connected HDMI.
This gives you a compact way to play Switch on any TV without the full dock. Note that USB-C adapters pass through charging, but do not charge the Switch themselves.
USB-C Adapters vs. Nintendo Dock
Comparing USB-C HDMI adapters to the Switch dock:
Dock Pros:
- Charges Switch in TV mode.
- Access to USB ports and wired internet.
- Output chipset made for optimal compatibility.
Adapter Pros:
- Small and portable.
- Enables TV play anywhere.
- Often cheaper than buying a extra dock.
For home use, the Switch dock is ideal for full functionality. But USB-C adapters offer more flexibility for using different TVs when traveling.
Connecting Directly via USB-C to HDMI Cable
You can connect your Switch directly to a TV using a single USB-C to HDMI cable.
These cables have a USB-C connector on one end for the Switch, and an HDMI connector on the other end for your TV. This allows dock-free TV connection with a minimal, compact cable setup.
To connect your Switch with a USB-C to HDMI cable:
- Plug the HDMI end of the cable into an open port on your TV.
- Connect the USB-C end into the bottom of the Nintendo Switch.
- Change your Samsung TV‘s input source to the connected HDMI.
Direct USB-C to HDMI cables cost around $15-25 and provide a simple all-in-one solution. The cable will support video output up to 1080p resolution.
Getting a Samsung TV to Detect Nintendo Switch
If your Samsung TV fails to detect a connection from the Nintendo Switch, first ensure your HDMI cable is working properly:
- Try connecting another device like a laptop to the same cable and TV port.
- Swap out the HDMI cable with a different one if possible.
Also try connecting the Switch HDMI cable to different ports on your Samsung TV. HDMI ports can sometimes fail, so test all available ports.
If you still see no video signal, power cycle both the TV and Switch by unplugging the power cables for 30 seconds. This may reset and re-establish the video connection.
For additional troubleshooting, check your TV and Switch firmware is up-to-date. Old firmware bugs can prevent proper HDMI handshaking between devices.
Enabling Game Mode on a Samsung TV
Modern Samsung TVs have a low-latency Game Mode dedicated to gaming consoles and PCs.
Game Mode reduces input lag by bypassing certain video processing effects that delay controller input to on-screen actions. This results in much faster response time compared to normal viewing modes.
According to tests on Rtings.com, Samsung‘s Game Mode cuts input lag down to 10ms or less compared to over 30ms without it. This dramatically improves gaming responsiveness.
Game Mode will automatically turn on when connecting a Nintendo Switch or other game console to your Samsung TV. You‘ll see a notification in the top right when it‘s activated.
You can also manually enable or disable Game Mode:
- Press the power button on your Samsung remote to access the dashboard.
- Select Game Mode on the dashboard to toggle it on or off.
Adjust Game Mode video settings by going to Settings > General > External Device Manager > Game Mode Settings.
For the fastest response time with Switch games, make sure to keep Game Mode enabled on your Samsung TV.
Optimizing Game Mode for Competitive Gaming
For optimal performance in competitive online Switch games like Splatoon and Super Smash Bros, you also want to disable the following in Game Mode:
- Motion Smoothing/LED Motion Plus – Adds input lag.
- Dynamic Contrast Enhancer – Can darken screens.
- Virtual Surround Sound – Adds audio delay.
This will minimize any display processing effects that could impact reaction time or game visuals.
You may also want to switch Game Mode picture settings like backlight, contrast, and sharpness based on the game genre for the best view of details.
Getting the Best Display Quality from Nintendo Switch
To maximize display quality from your Switch in TV mode:
- Set resolution output to 1080p for crisp HD gaming.
- Enable RGB color range for more accurate color reproduction.
- Adjust brightness based on room lighting conditions.
Samsung TVs that support HDR can accept an HDR signal from the Switch. Enable this for enhanced vivid color and contrast if your TV model is HDR-compatible.
Refer to your Samsung TV user manual or settings to determine supported resolutions and features.
Professional picture calibrations tailored for the Switch will provide the most accurate display settings. Sites like Rtings.com have optimal calibration data for Samsung TVs.
Setting Up Surround Sound from Nintendo Switch
To enable surround sound from your Switch games on a Samsung TV:
- Connect the Switch to your TV‘s ARC HDMI port if available.
- In Switch system settings, set Surround Sound output to Automatic.
- On Samsung TV, select audio output format as Dolby Digital or DTS.
- Connect a surround sound system using HDMI ARC or optical audio cable.
This will pass surround audio formats like Dolby Digital 5.1 from the Switch to your home theater system for immersive sound.
If your Samsung TV lacks ARC ports, you can connect optical audio directly from the dock or USB-C adapter instead.
With the right cables and compatible display, your Nintendo Switch can deliver incredible big-screen gaming experiences on a Samsung TV. Have fun gaming!
