With about 110 million units sold, the Nintendo Switch is the 5th best-selling console. Its popularity in recent years raises questions for new users, though. For instance, how to hook up Nintendo Switch to TV? 

Most people use the Nintendo Switch as a portable device and play games like Animal Crossings anywhere, at any time. There’re more ways to enjoy it, though, as it’s the core benefit Nintendo offers. 

See, the Switch is a hybrid console. It lives in the gap between home consoles and portable consoles. So, you can hook it up to a display and play; or you can take it away and keep playing on the go.

It may seem difficult for newcomers, but we’re explaining how the Nintendo Switch’s TV mode works step-by-step. In particular, we’re starting by explaining what you get when buying a Nintendo Switch. 

Let’s discuss what you get when buying the console to understand how to use the full benefits of the Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo Switch OLED. These are the items within its case:

The original bundle supports TV mode, Tabletop mode, and Handheld mode. It sells for less than the Xbox One or the PS4, which is part of the reason for its success.

There’s an even cheaper model, the Nintendo Switch Lite. The alternative ships without the Dock device, so you can only use it in handheld mode.

Moreover, there’re a few games that don’t support the Handheld mode, namely: 

So, to connect the Nintendo Switch to the TV, you need to buy the original bundle rather than the Lite model. In other words, ensure the console has its docking device.

You’d also need to understand how each gaming mode works on the Nintendo Switch. 

The most common mode is “Handheld.” You’d connect the Joy-con gamepads on each side of the console and take them with you. It will work on almost any Nintendo Switch game, as long as it’s charged. 

The second mode is using “Tabletop.” The main screen has a “leg,” so you can place it anywhere and play with the Joy-Con controllers. Similarly, it can work as long as it has charge.

Lastly, the TV Mode allows you to play on 1080P on a TV or display. You’d place the console on its docking station and play with the Joy-Con controllers. 

Connecting the Nintendo Switch to a TV requires using its Dock station, A/C power adapter, and HDMI cable. Obviously, you need a TV or a display with an HDMI port. 

Here’re the specific instructions:

The Switch’s screen will turn off when you use the Dock, but you should see the Switch’s logo on the TV. Now, you’re ready to play. 

And if you want to disconnect it from the TV, simply turn the console off, unplug the cables, and remove the Switch from the Dock.

The Nintendo Switch Dock can suffer damage, or you may have lost it. Regardless of the case, the Switch can’t connect to the TV directly. It needs either the Dock, a docking station, or a USB-C to HDMI adapter.

The Switch connects to the Dock via its USB Type-C output. The Switch’s screen has a female port, whereas the Dock has a male port to plug itself into the console. Then the Dock has HDMI, A/C adapter, and USB ports.

So, if you want an alternative, the adapter would have to imitate the same inputs and outputs, namely:

The USB-C to HDMI adapter would look something like this:

Nintendo sells the Dock separately, but it’s quite pricey. Also, it only works with the Nintendo Switch or the Nintendo Switch OLED. The LITE version doesn’t have the proper outputs to work with a docking station or an adapter.

There’s more than one reason why your Switch might not want to connect to the television. Try to check each potential issue until you find the cause of the problem.

Here’s a full guide to troubleshooting the connection between the Switch and the TV.

The Switch’s design provides extra benefits to its user, particularly when using the console in its TV mode. 

I'm a content creator happy to write, film, edit, and share original content. I used to work as a journalist, yet I'm constantly pursuing other creative and fun endeavors On the side, I manage an entertainment YouTube channel. On my downtime, I'm an avid casual gamer -if such a thing exists. See, I'd rather play Mass Effect for the 100th time than try my luck on Warzone again. . Oh, I'm also a father, which is my best job.

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