It’s game night with your friends. Everyone’s tired of the same old board games. You’re looking for a way to show your new Mario Kart skills. Thankfully, there’s a Nintendo Switch in your bag and a TV near a room full of people.

So if you're wondering how to connect your Nintendo Switch to a TV and want to know some quick tips and tricks for your Nintendo Switch set-up, we can help.

What You'll Need to Connect a Nintendo Switch to Your TV

While the Switch is a great handheld console, you may want to connect your Switch to a TV for a home console experience. But before connecting your Switch to a TV, you'll need four essential parts. So before looking to link your Nintendo Switch to your TV, ensure you have the following:

1. An Applicable Nintendo Switch Console

An essential requirement of connecting your Nintendo Switch to your TV is the Nintendo Switch console itself. But to connect your Nintendo Switch to your TV, you'll need an applicable console that works with supported Nintendo Switch Docks, like the standard Nintendo Switch or the Nintendo Switch OLED.

A photograph fo a Nintendo Switch OLED console in handheld mode

Unfortunately, this means that some Nintendo Switch consoles, like the Nintendo Switch Lite, can't be connected to a TV as they are incompatible with HDMI cables and Nintendo Switch Docks.

2. A Nintendo Switch Dock

As well as a compatible Nintendo Switch console, you'll need a Nintendo Switch Dock. While Nintendo sells an official dock for Switch users, some third-party Docks work similarly for a cheaper price.

However, you may want to look further into using a third-party Nintendo Switch Dock with your Nintendo Switch beforehand, as any damages caused by third-party devices can invalidate your warranty.

A photograph of a docked Nintendo Switch console

But as long as you have a functioning Dock for your Nintendo Switch console, you're one step closer to connecting your Switch to your TV.

3. A Compatible HDMI Cable

Aside from devices like the Nintendo Switch console and a compatible Dock, you will also need a HDMI cable to connect your Nintendo Switch to your TV.

A photograph fo a standard HDMI cable atop a white surface

Any HDMI cable will work but instead of the official Nintendo Switch cable, you can use a third-party HDMI cable. However, there are many variations of the standard cable, so you may want to look through the key information on HDMI cables to ensure you are using the correct one.

Most type-A HDMI cables should work with your Nintendo Switch, but as long as you have a reliable third-party or official HDMI, you're well on your way to connecting your Switch to your TV.

4. Joy-Cons or Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers

The final component you'll need once your Nintendo Switch is docked and connected to your TV is a set of controllers that best suit your gaming experience.

As standard, your Nintendo Switch console will come with two Joy-Con controllers. But once you connect your Nintendo Switch to a TV, you may find a Nintendo Switch Pro Controller to best suit the console-like experience.

A photograph of a black Nintendo Switch Pro Controller

Many factors weigh up whether you should use Joy-Cons or a Pro Controller with your Nintendo Switch, but regardless of what controller you use, having a sufficient controller for your Switch will enhance playing your Switch through a TV.

Connecting Your Nintendo Switch Console to Your TV

There are plenty of reasons why you should buy a Nintendo Switch, and its ability to connect to a TV is prime among them. Once you bite the bullet and ensure you have all the necessary parts, you're ready to connect your Nintendo Switch to your TV by following these steps:

  • On the back of your Nintendo Switch Dock, open the cover to reveal three internal ports: the AC Adapter port, LAN or USB 2.0 port, and HDMI Out.
A photograph of the back ports for the Dock that comes with the Nintendo Switch OLED
  • Ensure that your AC adapter is plugged in and connected to the AC Adapter port on the back of your Switch.
A photograph of the back ports of a Nintendo Switch OLED Dock with the AC Adapter plugged in
  • Similarly, ensure that your HDMI cable is connected to a HDMI port on your TV and the open port on the back of your Switch Dock.
A photograph of a Nintendo Switch OLED Dock with the AC Adapter and HDMI ports plugged in
  • With your Nintendo Switch Dock plugged in and connected to your TV, cover up the ports and place your Nintendo Switch in the Dock.
A photograph of a docked Nintendo Switch OLED console

With your Nintendo Switch Dock set up and your Nintendo Switch docked, all that is left to do is ensure your Nintendo Switch is on, and your TV is set to the correct HDMI channel. From here, you're ready to start playing all your favorite Switch titles on the big screen.

Playing your Switch on your TV opens up numerous possibilities for handheld gaming, and allows you to take control of how you want to play Nintendo games, whether through handheld convenience or classic console-like gaming through a TV.

Tips for Using a Nintendo Switch With Your TV

Now your Nintendo Switch is connected to a TV you can enjoy your Switch as both a handheld device and a home console. But alongside the ability to play your games on the big screen, there are still some useful tips that enhance playing your Switch through a TV.

Utilize the Nintendo USB Port for Faster Internet

Many people don’t realize what the USB port at the back of the Nintendo Switch Dock is for. Because it is USB 2.0 compatible, the port behind the hinge works with several devices.

If you want faster internet speed, you can use the USB 2.0 port to connect your Switch to a LAN connection with a LAN adapter for a direct Wi-Fi connection. Or if you have an OLED Dock, you can use the dedicated LAN port.

A photograph fo a Nintendo Switch console in a Dock with Joy Cons resting in front of the console

For the console-like gaming experience of playing your Switch through a TV, faster internet speeds will help to guarantee your gaming experience.

Make the Battery for Your Nintendo Switch Last Longer

Another tip for improving using your Switch when connected to a TV is ensuring that you can help make your Nintendo Switch battery last longer by using specific settings.

One of the ways you can your Nintendo Switch controller batteries last longer is by opting to turn off vibrations. To turn off vibrations on your Nintendo Switch, follow these steps:

  • From the Home screen of your Nintendo Switch select System Settings.
A screenshot of the Home screen for a Nintendo Switch with the System Settings option highlighted
  • Highlight the options for Controller and sensors.
  • Ensure that the setting for Controller Vibration is set to Off.
A screenshot of the Controllers and Sensors settings on Nintendo Switch with Controller Vibration highlighted

Aside from a slight improvement to battery life, turning off vibrations could improve your comfort level when using Switch controllers. As a home console experience, extending controller battery life and altering vibrations helps cater your Nintendo Switch to your preference and extends your game time.

Connect Nintendo Switch to Your TV Without a Dock

A final tip you can use when connecting your Switch to a TV is getting around the requirement to use a Nintendo Switch Dock.

There is currently no way to connect wirelessly or cast a Nintendo Switch display to your TV. However, you can still connect your Switch to your TV on the go with a USB-C to HDMI adapter.

A photograph of a man holding up a Nintendo Switch in handheld mode

All you have to do is connect the USB-C to HDMI adapter to the charging port of your Switch and then, as normal, connect a HDMI cable to your Switch and TV.

Get the Most Out of Your Switch

While there are tons of other consoles out there, the Nintendo Switch stands out with its extensive library, portability, and ease of use. With its capability to connect to TVs, it’s a highly versatile console perfect for playing on the go or with big groups of friends.

To make the most of your Switch, you can utilize the various accessories that can improve your gaming experience. From high-end controllers to LAN adapters, there are plenty of ways to make your Switch party unforgettable.