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:
- Disconnect the USB-C and HDMI cables from the back of the dock
- Mount the Switch on a stand or lay it flat on a table near the TV
- Connect the USB-C power cable and HDMI cable to the USB-C to HDMI adapter
- Now connect that USB-C to HDMI adapter to the Nintendo Switch
- Select the correct channel on your TV
- 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.
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How do I connect my Nintendo Switch to my TV wirelessly?
The Nintendo Switch is swiftly gaining popularity among gamers for its compact and portable design. This console is even more interesting because it can connect to the TV to offer a bigger display. While the docked connection seems to function fine, there are times when you can forget to carry the dock along.
So can you connect the console to the TV wirelessly in such a case? It is not possible to natively cast the Nintendo Switch screen to a TV wirelessly. However, you can use a wireless HDMI kit to send audio/video wirelessly to a TV. Unfortunately, you must provide power for the wireless HDMI transmitter.
You can also use a USB C to HDMI adapter to do the same thing. This article will cover the entire process of connecting the Switch console to a TV without using a dock. We’ll also share some wired and wireless adapter recommendations, as well as, critical features to look out for so that you can select the suitable device for your needs.
Can you connect switch to TV without Nintendo adapter?
Do you travel a lot but don’t want to lug around your Nintendo Switch dock everywhere you go? Or maybe you just forget to bring the dock along sometimes? Thankfully, it’s still possible to stream your games on a bigger TV screen without using a dock.
- Without a dock for the Nintendo Switch, you will need a compatible USB-C to HDMI adapter to connect your device to a TV.
- Plug the HDMI cable into the adapter and the TV, and use the USB-C port for the Switch.
- You can also connect the Pro Controller to your adapter via a USB port.
- While the adapter setup might seem relatively simple, you still need to make sure that the connection is seamless so that everything functions properly.
Also, be careful not to purchase an adapter that isn’t compatible with your Switch and the TV you wish to use. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to complete the Switch to TV connection without a dock.
Can I connect my Switch without HDMI?
How to Connect a Switch to a TV Without a Dock Using a USB-C to HDMI Adapter – If you want to connect your Switch to your TV without using the dock, you’ll need a USB-C to HDMI adapter. Thankfully, buying one of these will set you back far less than shelling out for an official replacement dock. Using one of these adapters, you can not only connect your Switch to a TV without the dock, but you can also keep it powered up at the same time.
The exact layout of your USB-C to HDMI adapter will differ depending on the product you buy, but the method to use one is the same. One important thing to note: it’s usually the case that you’ll need to use the official Nintendo Switch power supply in order to get the USB-C to HDMI adapter to work correctly.
To connect a Switch to a TV without the dock:
- 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.
Is there a way to connect my Switch to my TV?
Complete these steps –
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- Open the back cover of the Nintendo Switch Dock.
- Connect the USB plug from the Nintendo Switch AC adapter (model No. HAC-002) into the top terminal of the dock labeled “AC ADAPTER,” then connect the other end of the AC adapter to a wall outlet.
- Connect one end of the HDMI cable into the bottom terminal of the dock labeled “HDMI OUT,” then connect the other end into an HDMI port on your television or monitor.
- Close the back cover of the Nintendo Switch dock.
- Remove the left and right Joy-Con controllers from the console. Important: If the Joy-Con controllers were not previously attached to the console, they must first be registered to the console in order to be utilized as wireless controllers.
- Position the console so that the console screen faces in the same direction as the front panel on the dock, then insert the console into the dock.
- While the console is docked, the console screen will shut off.
- Turn the TV set on, and select the correct HDMI input.
- Open the back cover of the Nintendo Switch Dock.
- Connect the USB plug from the Nintendo Switch AC adapter (model No. HAC-002) into the top terminal of the dock labeled “AC ADAPTER,” then connect the other end of the AC adapter to a wall outlet.
- Connect one end of the HDMI cable into the bottom terminal of the dock labeled “HDMI OUT,” then connect the other end into an HDMI port on your television or monitor.
- Close the back cover of the Nintendo Switch dock.
- Remove the left and right Joy-Con controllers from the console. Important: If the Joy-Con controllers were not previously attached to the console, they must first be registered to the console in order to be utilized as wireless controllers.
- Position the console so that the console screen faces in the same direction as the front panel on the dock, then insert the console into the dock.
- While the console is docked, the console screen will shut off.
- Turn the TV set on, and select the correct HDMI input.
- Open the back cover of the Nintendo Switch Dock.
How much is a Nintendo Switch without dock?
Nintendo begins to sell a Nintendo Switch bundle that doesn’t include the TV dock, giving fans a slightly cheaper way to get their hands on the console. When Nintendo Switch was first announced, Nintendo pitched it as a home console that players could take anywhere with them, rather than a portable console that just happened to be able to display content on a TV screen. While it’s unlikely that the company is going to stop pushing the Switch as a home console any time soon, it seems that the company is willing to recognize that some players would prefer to just play it on the go.
This is evident in the fact that Nintendo is now selling the Switch without a dock. In Japan, the company has begun selling a Switch bundle called the Switch 2nd Unit Set that doesn’t include the TV dock component included in other bundles of the console. The bundle costs approximately $226 and includes the Nintendo Switch tablet as well as two Joy-Con controllers and their strap attachments, but it does not include the Joy-Con Grip, the HDMI cable, or the AC adapter (though the console can be charged using a USB-C cable).
This dock-less bundle retails for $45 less than the Switch bundle with all of that hardware included, making it a slightly more affordable version of the console. Ever since the console was first released, people have wondered whether Nintendo would release a Nintendo Switch Mini, The Mini could be a much smaller and lightweight version of the console that sold without the dock. This would be ideal for budget players and those who would rather ditch the TV functionality in favor of a more affordable price.
- While it seems that Nintendo currently has no interest in releasing a Switch Mini, the dock-less Switch bundle could be the next best thing, giving players the barebones Switch experience and helping them save a small amount of money in the process.
- This slight price cut could potentially help Nintendo to sell even more Switch units.
While the company hasn’t had any trouble in selling the Switch previously ( the console has actually set sales records ), the cheaper bundle could be an alluring prospect for cash-strapped gamers. Moreover, by releasing a Switch with fewer components, Nintendo could also avoid some stock shortages.
Can I use other HDMI cable for Nintendo Switch?
Requirements – You’ll need your Nintendo Switch and its included dock, your TV of choice, and an HDMI cable (included with the Switch). The process should only take a couple of minutes, maybe even less. Your Nintendo Switch connects to your TV through its included dock’s HDMI Out port. The only difference in the OLED model is the presence of a “LAN” port in place of the USB port, included in the original Switch’s dock. Michael Gariffo/ZDNET Both Nintendo Switch models output at 1080p resolution, so just about any decent HDMI cable will be fine for use with them.
That said, the original and OLED Switch both include good quality cables, so I’d recommend using them, unless you have a specific need for a longer cable or angled connector. Review: Nintendo Switch OLED Model Whichever cable you use, the process is the same. Simply plug one end into the HDMI Out port on the back side of your Switch’s dock.
Once this is done, and all of your other required cables (power and USB or LAN) are also connected, you can close up the Switch’s back panel with your cables routed out of the provided opening. The flat part of the HDMI connector goes toward the dock, a fact that can sometimes be hard to see if you’ve already put your dock in place in your entertainment center. Michael Gariffo/ZDNET The last step needed for this process is to connect the other end of your HDMI cable to your TV.
To do this, find the I/O panel for your TV. It’s usually on the back or side of the unit. There you should see one or more HDMI ports labeled HDMI In or simply HDMI, usually with numbers corresponding to the input setting in your TV’s menu. Find an empty port and plug the other end of the cable you connected to your Switch into the TV there.
Finally, turn on your TV and set it to the correct input for the port you chose, HDMI 1 for HDMI In 1, for example. Also: The 5 best Nintendo Switch games Expect the I/O panel on your display to look something like this. Michael Gariffo/ZDNET
Can normal USB-C be used for Switch?
You can use any charger for a Switch that can connect to USB-C, However, the rate it charges will vary. Some may simply make the battery drain slower if they don’t output that much and you’re playing at the same time.
How do I connect my USB to my TV without a USB port?
If Your TV Doesn’t Have a USB Port You can connect a smartphone to your TV using an HDMI cable or via a wireless connection. You can use a USB-to-HDMI adapter if your TV has an HDMI port. So, if you have an Android phone with a USB-C port, a USB-C-to-HDMI adapter will work.
How do I connect my USB to my TV without a USB port?
If Your TV Doesn’t Have a USB Port You can connect a smartphone to your TV using an HDMI cable or via a wireless connection. You can use a USB-to-HDMI adapter if your TV has an HDMI port. So, if you have an Android phone with a USB-C port, a USB-C-to-HDMI adapter will work.