If you’re a Nintendo Switch owner, you know that the dock is an essential part of the experience. It’s what allows you to connect your Switch to your TV and play games on the big screen. But what if you don’t have your dock with you? Or what if it’s broken? Don’t worry, there’s still a way to connect your Switch to your TV without a dock.
In this article, we’ll show you how to do just that. We’ll also provide some tips on how to get the best possible gaming experience without a dock. So whether you’re a seasoned Switch veteran or a new owner, read on to learn how to connect your Switch to your TV without a dock.
The Nintendo Switch is a versatile console that can be played in a variety of ways. One of the most popular ways to play is on a TV, but this requires the use of the dock. However, there is a way to connect your Switch to a TV without the dock, which can be useful if you’re traveling or if your dock is broken. In this article, we’ll show you how to connect your Switch to a TV without a dock, as well as provide some tips on how to get the best possible gaming experience without a dock.
Direct HDMI Connection
The Nintendo Switch can be connected directly to a TV via its built-in HDMI port without using the docking station. This method is convenient if you want to play your Switch on a TV that is not near the docking station, or if you want to use the Switch in portable mode while still being able to output video to a TV. To connect your Switch directly to a TV, you will need an HDMI cable.
Here are the steps on how to connect your Switch directly to a TV:
1. Connect the HDMI cable to the HDMI port on your TV.
2. Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to the USB-C port on the bottom of your Switch.
3. Turn on your TV and switch to the HDMI input that you connected the Switch to.
What You Need
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch | 1 |
| HDMI cable | 1 |
| TV with HDMI input | 1 |
USB-C to HDMI Adapter
A USB-C to HDMI adapter is a small device that allows you to connect your Nintendo Switch to a TV or monitor without using the dock. This can be useful if you’re traveling or if you don’t have access to a dock. To use a USB-C to HDMI adapter, simply connect the USB-C end of the adapter to your Switch and the HDMI end of the adapter to your TV or monitor. You may need to change the input on your TV or monitor to the correct HDMI port.
There are a few things to keep in mind when using a USB-C to HDMI adapter. First, make sure that the adapter is compatible with your Switch. Second, the adapter may not support all of the features of the dock, such as charging your Switch or connecting to the internet. Third, the adapter may not work with all TVs or monitors. If you’re having trouble getting your adapter to work, try a different adapter or a different TV or monitor.
Here is a table of some of the best USB-C to HDMI adapters for the Nintendo Switch:
| Adapter | Price | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Anker USB-C to HDMI Adapter | $19.99 | Supports 4K resolution at 60Hz, HDR, and USB-C Power Delivery |
| Cable Matters USB-C to HDMI Adapter | $14.99 | Supports 4K resolution at 30Hz |
| AmazonBasics USB-C to HDMI Adapter | $12.99 | Supports 4K resolution at 30Hz |
Miracast Wireless Display
Miracast is a wireless display technology that allows you to mirror your Switch’s screen to a TV without the need for a dock. This is a great option if you don’t have a dock or if you want to use your Switch in a different room without having to move the entire console. To use Miracast, you will need a TV that supports the technology and a Miracast dongle or adapter.
Here are the steps on how to connect your Nintendo Switch to a TV without a dock using Miracast:
- Make sure that your TV supports Miracast and that you have a Miracast dongle or adapter.
- Turn on your TV and make sure that it is set to the correct input for Miracast.
- On your Switch, go to the **Settings** menu, then select **TV Output**.
- Select **Change Output Method** and then select **Miracast**.
- Your Switch will now search for available Miracast devices.
- Once your TV appears in the list of available devices, select it.
- Your Switch will now connect to your TV and mirror its screen.
- Select **Change Output Method** and then select **Miracast**.
- A Nintendo Switch
- A Chromecast device
- A TV with an HDMI port
- An internet connection
- Connect your Chromecast device to your TV’s HDMI port.
- Plug your Chromecast device into a power outlet.
- Turn on your TV and switch to the input that your Chromecast device is connected to.
- Open the Google Home app on your phone or tablet.
- Tap the “Devices” tab.
- Tap the “Add device” button.
- Select “Set up device” and then tap “New device”.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the setup process.
- Once your Chromecast device is set up, you can open the Nintendo Switch app on your phone or tablet.
- Tap the “Play on TV” button.
- Select your Chromecast device from the list of available devices.
- Your Nintendo Switch screen will now be displayed on your TV.
- Enable remote desktop on your PC: Navigate to "Settings" > "System" > "Remote Desktop" and toggle the switch to "On."
- Connect to your Switch: On your Switch, go to "Settings" > "System" > "Internet" and connect to the same Wi-Fi network as your PC.
- Find your Switch’s IP address: From the previous screen on your Switch, select "Internet Settings" and then choose your Wi-Fi connection. Your Switch’s IP address will be displayed.
- Enter the IP address on your PC: Open a remote desktop client on your PC (e.g., Microsoft Remote Desktop). Enter the IP address of your Switch and connect.
- Enable mirroring on your Switch: On your Switch, navigate to "Settings" > "System" > "Remote Desktop Connection" and toggle the switch to "Allow."
- Mirror your Switch’s display: Once connected, you can mirror your Switch’s display on your PC by selecting "Project" from the remote desktop client’s toolbar.
- Extend your PC’s display: If desired, you can extend your PC’s display onto your Switch by selecting "Extend" from the remote desktop client’s toolbar.
- Configure display settings: To ensure optimal performance, it’s recommended to adjust the display settings on both your Switch and PC. On your Switch, go to "Settings" > "System" > "Screen Settings" and make necessary adjustments. On your PC, right-click on the desktop and select "Display Settings" to fine-tune the resolution and refresh rate.
- A USB 3.0 hub or dock to expand your Switch’s connectivity
- OBS Studio or other streaming software to capture and record gameplay
- Connect the HDMI cable from the Switch to the input port on the capture card.
- Connect the USB cable from the capture card to the USB port on your TV or USB hub.
- Connect the power adapter to the capture card.
- Switch your TV to the input corresponding to the capture card.
- Turn on your Switch and a game.
- If you are using streaming software, launch it and configure it to capture the input from the capture card.
- Enjoy playing your Switch games on the TV without the need for a dock!
- Plug the first powerline adapter into an electrical outlet near your Nintendo Switch.
- Connect your Nintendo Switch to the powerline adapter using the included USB-C cable.
- Plug the second powerline adapter into an electrical outlet near your TV.
- Connect your TV to the powerline adapter using an HDMI cable.
- Turn on your Nintendo Switch and TV.
- Your Nintendo Switch should automatically connect to your TV.
- Make sure that both powerline adapters are plugged into the same electrical circuit.
- Try using different electrical outlets for the powerline adapters.
- Reset your Nintendo Switch and TV.
- No need to run additional cables.
- Can be used to connect your Nintendo Switch to your TV from anywhere in your home.
- Relatively easy to set up.
- Can be affected by electrical interference.
- May not work well in all homes.
- Can be more expensive than other methods.
- Connect the HDMI cable to the HDMI port on your TV.
- Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to the USB Type-C port on your Nintendo Switch.
- Connect the USB Type-C cable to the USB Type-C port on your Nintendo Switch.
- Turn on your TV and switch it to the HDMI input that you are using.
- Turn on your Nintendo Switch.
Here is a table summarizing the steps:
| Step | Description |
|---|---|
| 1 | Make sure that your TV supports Miracast and that you have a Miracast dongle or adapter. |
| 2 | Turn on your TV and make sure that it is set to the correct input for Miracast. |
| 3 | On your Switch, go to the **Settings** menu, then select **TV Output**.
|
| 4 | Your Switch will now search for available Miracast devices. |
| 5 | Once your TV appears in the list of available devices, select it. |
| 6 | Your Switch will now connect to your TV and mirror its screen. |
Chromecast
Chromecast is a device that allows you to stream content from your phone, tablet, or computer to your TV. You can use Chromecast to watch movies, TV shows, listen to music, and play games. To connect your Nintendo Switch to your TV using Chromecast, you will need the following:
Once you have all of the necessary equipment, you can follow these steps to connect your Nintendo Switch to your TV using Chromecast:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to set up | Requires an internet connection |
| Works with a variety of devices | Can be laggy |
| Affordable | Not as portable as other options |
Wireless HDMI Transmitters
Wireless HDMI transmitters are devices that allow you to connect your Nintendo Switch to your TV without using the dock. These devices typically consist of a transmitter that plugs into the HDMI port on your Switch and a receiver that connects to your TV. The transmitter then sends the HDMI signal wirelessly to the receiver, which then outputs the signal to your TV.
Wireless HDMI transmitters are a great option for people who want to be able to play their Switch on their TV without having to deal with the hassle of cables. They are also a good option for people who have TVs that are not located near an outlet, as they do not require any wires to be run between the Switch and the TV.
There are a few different types of wireless HDMI transmitters available on the market. Some of the most popular models include:
Nintendo Switch Wireless HDMI Adapter: This is the official wireless HDMI adapter for the Nintendo Switch. It is a small, dongle-sized adapter that plugs into the HDMI port on your Switch. The adapter then sends the HDMI signal wirelessly to a receiver that you connect to your TV.
Nyko AirBeam Pro: The Nyko AirBeam Pro is a wireless HDMI transmitter that is designed specifically for the Nintendo Switch. It is a small, lightweight device that plugs into the HDMI port on your Switch. The AirBeam Pro then sends the HDMI signal wirelessly to a receiver that you connect to your TV.
Genki Covert Dock: The Genki Covert Dock is a wireless HDMI transmitter that is designed to be a portable dock for the Nintendo Switch. It is a small, lightweight device that plugs into the HDMI port on your Switch. The Covert Dock then sends the HDMI signal wirelessly to a receiver that you connect to your TV.
Which wireless HDMI transmitter you choose will depend on your individual needs and budget. However, any of the models listed above will provide you with a great way to connect your Nintendo Switch to your TV without using the dock.
Bluetooth Game Controllers
If you want to use a wireless controller with your Switch, you can connect it via Bluetooth. Here’s how:
1. Put your Nintendo Switch into tabletop mode.
2. Go to the System Settings menu.
3. Select “Controllers and Sensors”.
4. Select “Change Grip/Order”.
5. Press the “L” and “R” buttons on the controller you want to connect.
6. The controller will now be connected to your Switch.
7. Here are some additional tips for connecting Bluetooth game controllers to your Switch:
| Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Make sure your controller is compatible with the Switch. | Not all Bluetooth controllers are compatible with the Switch. Check the controller’s manual or the Nintendo website to see if it is compatible. |
| Make sure your controller is in pairing mode. | Before you can connect your controller to the Switch, it needs to be in pairing mode. This usually involves pressing a button on the controller, such as the “Sync” button. |
| Keep your controller close to the Switch. | The Bluetooth signal between your controller and the Switch can be weak if the controller is too far away. Keep the controller close to the Switch, especially when you are first connecting it. |
Remote Desktop Connection
Another method of connecting your Nintendo Switch to a TV without a dock involves utilizing a remote desktop connection. This approach requires a compatible PC or laptop. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Enable remote desktop on your PC. |
| 2 | Connect to your Switch. |
| 3 | Find your Switch’s IP address. |
| 4 | Enter the IP address on your PC. |
| 5 | Enable mirroring on your Switch. |
| 6 | Mirror your Switch’s display. |
| 7 | Extend your PC’s display. |
| 8 | Configure display settings. |
Capture Card Method
Overview
The capture card method involves using a device that captures the video and audio output from your Switch and transmits it to your TV via an HDMI cable. This method provides a high-quality connection and allows you to capture gameplay footage if desired.
Materials Required
| Item | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Nintendo Switch | 1 |
| HDMI cable | 1 |
| Capture card | 1 |
| Power adapter for capture card | 1 |
Additional Equipment and Software
For an enhanced setup, consider the following additional equipment:
Setup Instructions
Powerline Adapter
A powerline adapter is another option for connecting your Nintendo Switch to your TV without a dock. This method uses your home’s electrical wiring to transmit data, so you don’t need to run any additional cables.
To use a powerline adapter, you’ll need to purchase two adapters. One adapter will connect to your Nintendo Switch, and the other adapter will connect to your TV.
Once you have your powerline adapters, follow these steps to connect your Nintendo Switch to your TV:
If you’re having trouble connecting your Nintendo Switch to your TV using a powerline adapter, try the following:
Benefits of using a powerline adapter:
Drawbacks of using a powerline adapter:
How To Connect Nintendo Switch To Tv Without Dock
The Nintendo Switch is a popular gaming console released in 2017. It is a hybrid console that can be played either at home on a TV or while out and about as a handheld device. Additionally, it can be played at home without the dock if you have the right cables.
First, you will need to have a Nintendo Switch and a TV that supports HDMI input. You will also need an HDMI cable and a USB Type-C cable. Once you have these items, you can follow these steps to connect your Nintendo Switch to your TV without the dock:
Your Nintendo Switch should now be displayed on your TV. You can now play your games as usual.
