The usual way to connect a Nintendo Switch to your TV is to place it in the dock. But what if you don't have the dock with you? Or worse – what if your Nintendo Switch dock breaks? Can you connect a Switch to your TV without the dock?

Yes, you can.

This workaround lets you hook up your Nintendo Switch to a TV without the dock.

Why Connect a Nintendo Switch to a TV Without the Dock?

If you have a nice, fully functional Nintendo Switch dock, it might seem pointless to worry about connecting the console to a TV. After all, this is one of the key purposes of the dock, alongside charging the Switch.

But what if the dock is broken? After all, it's a pretty lightweight piece of kit. It could easily end up snapping, getting crushed, or cracking following a fall.

There are other reasons, too. If you take your Nintendo Switch on holiday and find there is a big TV you can use for multiplayer action, you're stuck. You probably didn't pack the dock, after all.

Not to mention, it's quite nice to have the Switch in full view instead of hidden in the dock. If you like to play Switch games with the console mounted on a stand, having the option of swapping to the big screen is good. It's also an option you don't usually have.

How a Nintendo Switch Normally Connects to TV

The video and power cabling on a Nintendo Switch is routed into the back of the dock. You probably recall from setting the device up that the ports are covered with a hinged door. Behind here you'll find, in order, the USB-C power input, a USB 3.0 port for additional storage, and the HDMI output.

Power and data for all these connections are converted to USB-C which is then routed around the bottom of the dock. Here, a single USB-C port connects to the docked Nintendo Switch. This single port charges the battery and keeps the device powered when docked. It also routes video data to your TV via HDMI and manages data from a USB storage device.

How to Connect Nintendo Switch to a TV Without the Dock

Clearly, you need a USB-C to HDMI adapter to play with your Nintendo Switch on a TV without the dock.

To try this out, I ordered a standard USB-C to HDMI adapter from Amazon. It has three inputs, just like the back of the Switch's dock, and a single USB-C output.

To connect your Nintendo Switch to your HDTV without using the dock:

1. Disconnect the USB-C and HDMI cables from the back of the dock

   

2. Mount the Switch on a stand or lay it flat on a table near the TV
3. Connect the USB-C power cable and HDMI cable to the USB-C to HDMI adapter

   

4. Now connect that USB-C to HDMI adapter to the Nintendo Switch
5. Select the correct channel on your TV
6. Start playing games

   

You can use the Joy-Cons individually, connected to the Joy-Con Grip, or use a Switch Pro Controller, just as you would normally. There should be absolutely no difference to the experience, other than the absence of the Nintendo Switch dock.

As you can see, this is a relatively straightforward process. However, it won't work with all USB-C to HDMI adapters. You need to make sure you have an adapter that is compatible with the Nintendo Switch.

Nintendo Switch Compatible USB-C to HDMI Adapters

Which Switch-compatible USB-C to HDMI adapters should you use? The device you're looking for should have:

• USB-C input for power
• Standard HDMI output
• Optional USB 3.0 port
• A USB-C connector

A ton of options are available online. Not all of these are suitable for the Nintendo Switch. Some are completely incompatible, while others don't support 4K. Here's a look at two of the best choices.

RREAKA USB Type C to HDMI Digital AV Multiport Hub

A multipurpose travel docking station that handles the Nintendo Switch as well as mobile phones, tablets, and travel TVs. Its slight size and featherweight design make it an excellent hub for tossing in a bag and taking to a friend's house.

RREAKA's USB Type-C to HDMI Digital AV Multiport Hub has all the ports you need to see your Nintendo Switch games on the big screen—and all you have to do is plug and play.

This USB hub is also a useful addition to your desktop setup, providing you the connectivity you need to charge your phone, use a Bluetooth receiver, and mirror a display all from its 1.13-ounce frame.

GENKI Global Covert Dock for Nintendo Switch

A compact replacement for the Nintendo Switch dock, the GENKI Global Covert Dock packs a powerful punch into its palm-sized exterior. 30-watt Gallium nitride (GaN) charging alongside two USB ports and an HDMI socket makes this two-in-one dock and charger a smooth operator when it comes to TV gaming on the Switch.

Whatever device you choose, ensure it is intended for replacing the Nintendo Switch dock.

What About Standing Your Nintendo Switch?

When the Nintendo Switch sits in the official dock, it is upright. With the USB to HDMI adapters above, the Switch will lay on the table.

Various Nintendo Switch stands are available that can both present your Switch as an amazing centerpiece, and be called upon to keep it upright when connected to a TV without the dock.

Lamicall Adjustable Phone Tablet Stand

A compact, foldable stand that should easily fit into a standard Nintendo Switch carry case. If you're after a well-built addition to adjust the viewing angle while gaming on your Switch, Lamicall's Adjustable Tablet Stand is an excellent piece of hardware.

While it has a minor downside in that there isn't much room for height adjustments, it's easily outweighed by the benefits of a compact, affordable, and sturdy playstand for your Switch sessions.

HORI Compact PlayStand

A licensed Nintendo Switch stand available in black, Zelda, Pikachu, and Mario designs. HORI aims to add some color and personality to a sea of usually bland Nintendo Switch stands. Its affordable price and eye-catching design make it a fantastic choice for Switch players who want to add some extra height to their handheld console.

The Compact PlayStand also features a divot in the undercarriage for easy USB-C connections. Its plastic exterior means it isn't the single most durable stand on the market, but its design aesthetic, compact size, and affordable price make for more-than-reasonable tradeoffs.

if you're playing Nintendo Switch games on your TV without the dock, a stand is entirely optional. However, you may feel more comfortable with the console upright rather than laid down.

Can You Cast Your Nintendo Switch to TV?

You probably know that it is possible to wirelessly cast mobile phone and tablet displays to TV. This is typically done using Google Chromecast, which also works with computers running the Chrome browser. Various wireless HDMI options are currently available, with TVs and media streaming devices capable of receiving video data and displaying it.

If you've ever used Chromecast to cast video from an app running on a phone (say, Netflix), you're probably wondering if the same feature is available on the Nintendo Switch.

Better still, can you stream games to your TV wirelessly?

Sadly not. Currently, it is not possible to wirelessly connect or cast the Nintendo Switch display to your TV. However, a device called the Genki ShadowCast will let you hook any game console up to a computer with a USB-C input (and doubles as a video capture card).

From here you could potentially output the video to a TV over wireless HDMI, although latency might take a hit.

Connecting the Nintendo Switch to a TV Without the Dock Is Simple

So, what do you need to play Nintendo Switch games on a TV without the dock?

• USB to HDMI adapter
• HDMI cable
• USB-C power cable (you should already have both cables)
• Suitable stand (optional)

In short, if you're away from home or the dock is damaged, you can play Nintendo Switch games on a big screen.