How To

How Nintendo Switch connects to TV in 6 easy steps

January 29, 2019
Updated: May 4, 2024 at 1:06 PM

switch on TV

One of the more charming features of the Nintendo Switch is how versatile the platform is when it comes to choosing how you want to play. You can cozy up in bed and use the touchscreen, slot the two Joy-Con controllers to either side of the screen and play like a retro Gameboy, or you can stream it to a full-on TV monitor. This guide will be showing how to bring your Switch game to the big screen in 6 very simple steps.

Additionally, you’ll be happy to know that (aside from the TV itself) everything you’ll need to use comes right in the box. Let’s get right to it.

Guide to connect your Nintendo Switch to your TV

1. Open the Nintendo Switch Dock

Don't worry about the USB port; we won't need it for this. — If you open the back panel you’ll see where the AC and HDMI need to go.

If you take a look at the Dock itself you’ll find that the back panel easily unhinges as shown in the picture above. Take a peek inside and you can see three ports where cables go: AC adapter, USB, and HDMI out. The ones we’ll need are the AC and HDMI.

2. Attach the HDMI cable

Everything's packaged separately but all inclusive with the Switch purchase. You have all you need. — Attach the HDMI cable inside the Switch Dock. Next, we’ll do the same with the AC.

The Nintendo Switch comes with an HDMI cable, so you won’t need to hunt around for one or yank one off one of your other devices. Go ahead and insert the HDMI into the Dock where it reads ‘HDMI out.’

3. Attach the A/C adapter

Now do the same thing with the A/C adapter – attach it to the Nintendo Switch Dock. It should look like this:

The USB in the middle is for wireless internet connection among other things — Once both cables are in the Dock, you can close the back panel flap.

You can even snap the back panel back up to keep the inside of the Nintendo Switch Dock from getting too dusty.

4. Connect the HDMI to your TV

Now take the other end of the HDMI cable and put it into your TV. Every TV screen is built a little differently, but the HDMI port is usually in back and labeled clearly.

If it's not in the back, check the underside of the screen itself. Sometimes it's there. — Plug the other end of the HDMI cable into your TV

5. Plug in the A/C adaptor

Now to power the Nintendo Switch Dock! Plug the A/C adaptor into the nearest outlet and you’ll run power to the device.

6. Dock the Nintendo Switch

The final step is to turn on your Nintendo Switch (making sure the Joy-Con controllers are first removed) and slot it right into the Dock. When you slot it be sure the screen is facing away from the back panel, and is aligned with the side featuring the Nintendo Switch logo. If you put the Switch in backward the Dock won’t recognize it, and you might scratch the screen.

Whoever took this pic is gonna have to take those controllers out though ... — Turn on the Switch, dock it, and you’re good to go!

And there you have it! You should now be seeing the Nintendo Switch broadcasting from your TV screen.

Since the Switch itself is docked, you won’t be able to use the touchscreen while viewing the game on your TV. That leaves you to play one of two ways: You can hold one Joy-Con controller in each hand (Nintendo encourages you to tie on the wrist straps so you don’t accidentally drop one), or you can slot both into the Joy-Con Grip if you want it to feel more like an Xbox or PlayStation controller.

If you’re still having trouble getting the Switch to show on your TV, check out this video that demonstrates where to go in your Switch settings to be sure everything’s seeing each other:

We hope this guide was helpful, and that you’ll be able to enjoy your Switch games from the comfort of your favorite couch! Let us know if we were helpful in the comments below, and happy gaming!