Has your Nintendo Switch dock been lost or damaged? Fortunately, this guide will show you how to connect a Switch to a TV without a dock.
One of the most adaptable gaming systems available is the Nintendo Switch. Play all your favourite Switch games in handheld mode, then dock your console to view Breath of the Wild’s breathtaking scenery on your TV. But have you ever wondered how to hook up a Switch without a dock to a TV?
Your dock may have been lost or damaged. You could purchase a replacement, but they are expensive. Perhaps you’d just want to avoid using the dock and running the risk of damaging your Switch’s screen.
The good news is that if you have the correct equipment, you can connect your Switch to your TV without a dock in sight. Here’s how to connect a Switch without a dock to a TV.
How to Connect a Switch to a TV Without a Dock Using a USB-C to HDMI Adapter
A USB-C to HDMI converter is required if you wish to connect your Switch to your TV without utilising the dock. Fortunately, purchasing one of these will cost much less than paying for an authorised replacement dock. You may connect your Switch to a TV without the dock by using one of these adapters, and you can also keep it powered on at the same time.
Depending on the device you purchase, the layout of your USB-C to HDMI adaptor may vary, but the usage process is the same. One thing to keep in mind is that, in most cases, the USB-C to HDMI adapter won’t function properly unless you utilise the genuine Nintendo Switch power supply.
Without a dock, here’s how to connect a Switch to a TV:
- Unplug the HDMI and USB-C cables from your Switch dock.
- Connect these two cables to the USB-C and HDMI ports on your USB-C to HDMI adapter.
- Your adapter should have a built-in cable with a USB-C connector. Connect this to the USB-C port in the bottom of your Switch.
- Connect the other end of your HDMI cable to your TV if it isn t already.
- Place your Switch at an angle using the kickstand or prop it up so that the back of it is not lying flat. Placing it flat will block the air vents that keep your Switch from overheating.
- Power on your Switch and your TV and select the appropriate HDMI input for your TV.
- You can now play your Switch on your TV. The Switch will charge as you play.
- If your USB-C to HDMI adapter has a USB 2.0 or USB 3.0 port, you may also be able to plug in a wired controller.
Which USB-C to HDMI Adapter Should You Use?
Although there are many USB-C to HDMI adapters for sale, not all of them might be appropriate for your needs. The ideal product would be one that makes it evident that it can be used to connect a Switch to a TV.
There are a few essential components you’ll need:
- USB-C power input
- HDMI output
- USB-C output
If a product has all three of these capabilities, you can play and charge your Nintendo Switch at the same time. It means you won’t have to be concerned about the battery dying just as you’re ready to face the last boss.
Here are a few potential choices that other Switch users have found to be effective.
Switch HDMI Adapter Hub Dock
Given that the Switch is only capable of 1080p even when docked, the 4K 60Hz output of the Switch HDMI Adapter Hub Dock should be more than sufficient for your needs.
Due to the air vents on the back of the Switch being blocked if your Switch is laid flat while you’re playing, several reviews have mentioned overheating. If you’d prefer something a little more solid, you can either utilise the built-in kickstand or purchase one.
RREAKA USB-C to HDMI Multiport Hub
Together with the USB-C input and output and HDMI output ports, the RREAKA USB-C to HDMI Multiport Hub also has a USB 3.0 port and a USB 2.0 port.
This indicates that if you wish to utilise a GameCube controller with your Switch, you can do so with a controller adapter. You may get complete rumbling support by using both ports.
Switch Dock for Nintendo Switch
The Switch Dock for Nintendo Switch is a wonderful option if you want an HDMI converter that complements your Switch because it is made to appear like your blue or red Joy-Con controller.
There is one USB 3.0 port on it.
How to Wirelessly Connect a Switch to a TV Without a Dock
You can wirelessly mirror your device to your TV with many different devices. For instance, you can use AirPlay to cast the screen of your iPhone, iPad, or Mac to an Apple TV or TV that supports AirPlay. A Chromecast gadget can also be used to display content from your phone or computer on your TV.
But, there is currently no direct method of wirelessly mirroring your Switch to your TV. You can use some gadgets, like the Genki Arcade ShadowCast, to view the output from your Switch on your laptop.
So, you could mirror your laptop’s display to a TV, although there might be a lot of lag. Due to the need for a wired connection between your Switch and your computer, this is also not really wireless.
You’ll probably have a better experience if you use a USB-C to HDMI adaptor to connect straight to your TV.
Make the Most of Your Nintendo Switch
If you don’t have the dock anymore or would rather not use it, you can still play your Switch on your TV by learning how to connect a Switch to a TV without the dock. You can use wired controllers with your Switch with some of the available hubs, eliminating the risk of Joy-Con drift.
You may use the Switch in a variety of various ways without being wholly dependent on the Nintendo ecosystem. You can cancel your Nintendo Switch Online subscription if you’ve finished playing all the N64 and SNES games you wish to play and aren’t interested in playing them online.
To extend the life of your outdated Nintendo Wii, you might want to jailbreak it. You may even fully eschew Nintendo gaming systems in favour of utilising an emulator.
Leave a Reply