How To Set Up A Nintendo Switch Dock

How to Connect Nintendo Switch to a TV

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Knowing how to connect Nintendo Switch to a Television can totally change your gaming experience.

The whole appeal of the Switch, as suggested by the name, is that information technology can transform from handheld to Tv console in seconds. Capable of 720p gaming on the born vi.ii-inch screen and 1080p when output to a Telly via HDMI, if you confine yourself to handheld play, you are well-nigh definitely missing out.

The steps to connect your Nintendo Switch to a TV are adequately straightforward, and nosotros've outlined them below. But commencement, an important caveat: they don't piece of work on the cheaper Nintendo Switch Lite. Non only does the Switch Lite not come with a dock, information technology won't be recognized past ane — the hardware merely isn't in identify for it to output to your Tv screen.

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Bold you take an original model rather than the Lite (if the Joy-Cons aren't removable, it'south a Calorie-free), here's how to connect Nintendo Switch to a TV.

ane. Find your Switch's dock

If you lot've misplaced yours, Nintendo sells replacements for $60, or there are 3rd party options available for less — though be warned that consoles accept sometimes been bricked using non-official solutions, and so pursue at your own risk.

ii. Open the dorsum comprehend

How to connect Nintendo Switch to a TV — open the dock — (Paradigm credit: Tom'due south Guide)

On the back, you'll find a hinged comprehend. Open it and y'all'll see three labeled ports: AC Adapter, USB and HDMI Out.

3. Plug in your Air-conditioning adapter

The Air conditioning adapter goes into the meridian port, and the other end to the wall socket.

4. Connect an HDMI atomic number 82

How to connect Nintendo Switch to a TV — connect cables — (Image credit: Tom's Guide)

Plug one end into the Switch Dock'due south HDMI Out, with the other terminate continued to a spare port on your Boob tube.

v. Road the cablevision through the notch in the dock

Once that'due south washed, you tin close the back cover.

6. Place the Nintendo Switch into the dock

Exercise this carefully, putting the Switch into the slot so that the charging port lines up with the connector within the dock.

7. Remove your Joy-Cons

How to connect Nintendo Switch to a TV — remove Joy-Cons — (Image credit: Tom'south Guide)

If you intend to use your Joy-Cons for docked play, remove them from the sides of the panel by belongings the small black push on the back of each and gently lifting them gratuitous of the Switch. They'll accuse if left attached when the Switch is docked, which is helpful.

8. Wake up the Switch

Y'all can practice this via your controller of option.

9. Set your TV to the correct HDMI aqueduct

With that washed, you lot're now ready to play Mario Kart the way it should exist experienced.

If the Switch isn't outputting to the screen, brand sure that the ability lead and HDMI cablevision are firmly inserted into the dock. If they're loose, the Switch will continue to think it's being used in handheld mode and will conduct accordingly.

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Freelance correspondent Alan has been writing about tech for over a decade, covering phones, drones and everything in between. Previously Deputy Editor of tech site Alphr, his words are found all over the web and in the occasional magazine too. When not weighing up the pros and cons of the latest smartwatch, y'all'll probably find him tackling his ever-growing games backlog. Or, more probable, playing Spelunky for the millionth time.