How to connect your Nintendo Switch to a TV
(Pocket-lint) – Part of the huge appeal of Nintendo’s hit Switch console is that it’s both a portable handheld and a console you can play on your TV.
However, if you need help connecting to your TV, we have the answers. Here’s how to connect things.
Before we begin, it’s worth remembering that this doesn’t work with the Switch Lite, which is handheld only. However, the following steps apply equally to Switch and Switch OLED.
How to connect Nintendo Switch to TV
First of all, what will you need? Well, you’ll need your Switch, its dock, a controller or Joy-Con, an HDMI cable, and the console’s power cord.
The PS5 is finally here – these are the games you just have to get along with it.
1. Open the back of your dock
First, grab your Switch’s dock and open the panel on the back.
If you’re using a standard Switch, it’s on a hinge, while the Switch’s OLED version fully pops off.
2. Plug your cables into the dock
Once you’ve opened the back panel, connect one end of your HDMI cable to the dock along with the USB-C end of the console’s power cable.
For the most reliable results, use the cables that came with the console.
If you have the Switch OLED, you can also optionally connect a LAN cable at this point to get a more stable internet connection.
3. Connect your HDMI and power adapter
Find the other end of your HDMI cable and plug it into an available port on your TV.
Then, with the power on, plug your console’s power adapter into the wall outlet.
4. Close your dock
At this point, you can route the cables you’re using through the notch on the side of the Switch dock, and then place the cover back over it to keep things neat and tidy.
Mount the dock wherever you want, be it on a TV stand or in a closet.
5. Place your switch in the dock
Now slide your Switch into the dock and click it in. You’ll know this is working when a small loading indicator appears on the screen, which you can see when the Switch is docked.
6. Activate your switch
Use either a separate controller or your Joy-Cons after removing them from the sides of your docked Switch and wake up your console.
7. Select the correct HDMI input on your TV
Once your Switch is powered on, you should be able to use it on your TV, provided the TV is powered on and tuned to the appropriate HDMI input channel.
Now that you’re all connected, why not check out our list the very best games currently available on the Switch?
Writing from Max Freeman-Mills.