How to connect Nintendo Switch to a TV without dock

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Anastasia Yasnitska
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Nintendo’s new hybrid game console, Switch, hit the market in the spring of 2017. And in just six months it was able to achieve tangible results in the market with multimillion sales. So far it has released enough good games, and new projects are on the way. So it’s a good time to try Nintendo Switch.

Speaking of the new console, we need to touch on other aspects. For example, the form factor. The system is made in the form of a tablet with wireless Joy-Con controllers attached on the sides. It’s a portable version. Placing the set-top box in the dock, you can transmit the image to the TV, transforming it into a home version. And you can do it even without the dock.

What is Nintendo Switch dock

The docking station is needed to turn the Nintendo Switch into a stationary console. The device connects to the TV and the user can enjoy the gameplay for a long time. The HDMI cable connects to the TV. But what is inside the docking station itself and how does it work?

The fact is that the only way to connect the Nintendo Switch to an external TV or monitor screen is to use the included $300 docking station. Mounted on the station, the Switch displays a picture on the screen in 1080p resolution within a couple of seconds. In addition to sending a signal to the screen, the docking station also supplies the Switch with extra power, allowing it to deliver more power and charge the device.

In case a gamer wants to connect their Switch to multiple screens, they’ll need additional docking stations. The only downside is the price. The extra docking station will cost $90 apiece. After all, there are plastic parts inside, an HDMI port, a USB port, a power adapter, and a USB-C port to connect to the Switch. So you can even arrange your own connection to the TV at the same level of performance.

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Can you connect Nintendo Switch to a TV with no dock

In fact, to connect the Nintendo to your TV and make a kind of docking station is quite simple with your own hands. For this, you need only special components, which you can easily get at any hardware store. For example, all you need is the Nintendo Switch Adapter, HDMI Cord, Tripod Stand or Holder, USB Type-C Cord, and Charging Adapter. Try to find a stronger adapter for an elevated gaming experience. It’s best to use an adapter that offers 4K streaming resolution.

Here’s how to connect the console itself to the TV:

  • Remove the HDMI and USB Type-C cords from the back of your dock.
  • Place the Switch on a tripod stand or a phone holder. Alternatively, put it on a table close to the TV.
  • Link the USB Type-C cord and the HDMI cord to the adapter.
  • Close the back cover of the dock.
  • Connect your Nintendo Switch to the adapter.
  • Remove the Joy-Con controllers from the console. If the Joy-Con controllers aren’t registered to the Nintendo Switch, you won’t be able to use them as wireless controllers.
  • Turn on the TV and choose the appropriate HDMI input channel.
  • Power on the Nintendo console.

Don’t skimp on investing in a good gaming adapter, as it will last you longer and have much better performance. In fact, your gaming performance will very much depend on the quality of the adapter.

How to connect your Nintendo Switch to a TV with dock

Many people think that the Nintendo Switch can only be played on the built-in screen – like a classic mobile console. However, this isn’t true – the console supports picture output to external displays and TV sets.

  • Hold the Nintendo Switch dock in your hand and open the back cover.
  • Use the USB cable to plug the included power adapter into the AC ADAPTER jack, and then plug the docking station’s plug into a power outlet.
  • Plug the included HDMI cable into the HDMI OUT jack. The other end of the cable should be connected to your TV (or other external display). Close the cover to hide all cables.
  • Disconnect the Joy-Con side controllers from the console and insert them into the station. The display is facing forward in this case – just like the front panel of the docking station, which has the logo on it.
  • Turn on the TV and locate the desired HDMI input in the menu. Switch the picture output to the source that appears.
  • The Nintendo Switch image will now appear on your TV. You can use the Joy-Con controllers to control and play the console. If the picture doesn’t appear or the controllers don’t work, check the instructions on the manufacturer’s website.

Connecting it to your TV you’ll be able to play cooperative games with your friends while watching the gameplay on the big screen. For this, you need the console itself with controllers, a docking station, and two cables: HDMI (to connect to the TV) and USB (for charging).

Is there an option to connect Nintendo Switch to PC or laptop

The advantage of today’s Switch is that it supports Bluetooth technology. That’s why when you ask whether you can connect your Nintendo Switch to your laptop, the answer is yes. However, Bluetooth isn’t the only option. As of late, the device is supported by Steam, so it’s possible to connect the Nintendo Switch using a USB cable.

Many people doubt that the version with Bluetooth is a decent option because of possible connection problems. This isn’t worth fearing, because the optimal range is up to five meters. At this distance, you can easily put the console on the shelf and play your favorite games. The main thing is to have official controllers like Joy-Cons or Switch Pro Controllers at hand.

Now let’s look at how to connect your Nintendo Switch to your computer to avoid mistakes and expand the device’s functionality.

  • Activate Bluetooth on your computer/laptop.
  • Disconnect Joy-Con from the Switch in normal mode.
  • Press and hold the Sync button on the device between SR and SL.
  • Wait for the LEDs to flash.
  • Locate Joy-Con on the Bluetooth menu of your PC or laptop.
  • Select the option to connect to your device. Occasionally there may be oddities with the LEDs flashing. Ignore them – just look in your laptop’s Bluetooth settings. If there’s an error message, move the device to another part of the apartment to avoid signal problems, and then reconnect again.

Before you connect your Nintendo Switch to your laptop, note that the two Joy-Cons count as separate devices. This is a plus for multiplayer games but is a big disadvantage for entertainment with complex controls. If you want, you can sync a pair of Joy-Con and use it as one controller, but this is often not necessary.

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How to connect Bluetooth headphones to Nintendo Switch

Back in 2021, there was an update for the Nintendo Switch that allows the console to connect to wireless headphones. The Nintendo Switch has Bluetooth version 4.1, but it’s compatible with both older and newer versions of Bluetooth. That’s why you can connect any wireless headphones to the console – you’ll see how to do that in a moment.

  • First, check the system. Turn on your Nintendo Switch and on the home screen, launch System Preferences → at the end of the list, click on System → directly under the System Update button, and find the line “Current System Version“. You need version 13.0 or higher. If you have an older system, then in the same menu click on “System update” and install the new version. After that, you can connect the headphones.
  • Put the headphones in pairing mode. To do this, find the button on the headphones, which is responsible for connecting to other devices (pairing mode), and press it for a few seconds.
  • Start the headphone search on the console. On your Nintendo Switch, open “System Settings” → “Bluetooth Sound” → “Add Device“. Your headphones should appear in the search menu on the Nintendo Switch – click on their name in the list.

After that, all sounds in the console interface and games will be transmitted directly to the headphones. This works with the Nintendo Switch in portable mode and in dock mode – you can play on your TV with your headphones and not disturb anyone.

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