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How to Connect Nintendo Switch to Laptop Using Dock and HDMI?

Thinking to play Nintendo Switch games on your laptop, but don’t know how to connect Nintendo Switch to laptop?

No worries, here I will show you the 100% working method which can help you to pair Nintendo Switch with laptop.

So, let’s dive into details…

Read Also: 4 Best Gaming Laptops Under 300 Dollars

What is Nintendo Switch?

Nintendo Switch (NS) is a handheld gaming console that even let you play video games on bigger screens like your home TV, computer monitors, and laptop screens.

This gaming device was first introduced to the world on March 3, 2017 by a Japanese company named Nintendo.

Approximately, 79.87 million Nintendo Switch devices sold worldwide. It shows the ever increasing popularity and usage of it.

Indeed, the device itself is an innovative idea but the integration of Switch Dock has made it even more popular worldwide. It enables users to connect The Switch with bigger screens for enhanced gaming experience on the go.

Before the Nintendo Switch console invented, gaming seems to be bound inside the four walls of your home. But, now with the advent of this incredible gaming device you can play your favourite Nintendo Switch games on the go using your mobiles and laptops just like other consoles like Blu-ray player or Xbox One.

However, it is not that easy to connect Nintendo Switch to laptop as it does for TV.

But, it’s not impossible too!

Can We Connect Nintendo Switch to Laptop Directly?

No, you cannot directly connect The Switch to laptop because both has HDMI output port.

It means The Switch Console and laptop both can transmit their data or share screens to other devices that accept HDMI input, but cannot take any HDMI inputs.

Fortunately, there is a workaround you can try to pair Nintendo Switch to Laptop.

For this, you require few things which might help you to execute the process smoothly.

Accessories you Need

Nintendo Dock

Generally, it comes with the Nintendo Switch if you buy it from the official seller. This accessory is must as it is the only way to bridge the connection of the Switch with bigger screens like TV, PC Monitor, and Laptop.

In case, if you don’t have the Switch Dock then you can buy it on Amazon.

Here is the one I recommend –

Ponkor Docking Station for Nintendo Switch

Specifications

  • HDMI input and output ports
  • Comes with USB 2.0/3.0 connectivity
  • USB Type C charging interface
  • Compact and lightweight

Video Capture Card

Video Capture Card is again an essential accessory you require while connecting Nintendo Switch to laptop. It comes with both HDMI input and output ports, and a USB port.

For lag free gaming experience on Laptop, you should buy good quality Video Capture Card.

I recommend to get Corsair’s Elgato HD60 S video capture card. This is the latest version and provides 1080P output, 60fps, and USB 3.0 Type-C connectivity ensuring fast and better video quality.

In case, if your laptop doesn’t have the USB 3.0 type-c port then opt for the older version which is Elgato HD60.

Elgato HD60 S Capture Card

Specifications

  • Lag free pass through
  • Supports 1080p60, 1080p30, 1080i, 720p60, 720p30, 576p, 576i, 480p resolutions
  • High performance USB 3.0 connectivity

HDMI Cable

You need at least one HDMI cable for this process. However, you will get one cable with the Capture Card and second one is with the Switch Box.

In case, if you don’t have any of these HDMI cables then you need to buy one.

PowerBear 4K HDMI Cable

Specifications

  • 10ft long 4k HDMI Cable
  • 48 bit/px HDR color depth
  • Compatible with almost all consoles, TV, and laptop
  • Offers high speed data transfer

Software

For streaming the Switch display through Video Capture Card on the Laptop screen, you need video capturing software.

There are plenty of software available free and paid which you can use for this purpose. But, as I have already suggested to buy Elgato’s Video Capture Cardand thus again recommending to use Elgato’s video capturing software which is available for free and offers 720p and 1080p quality streaming.

Laptop

Above all, you need one good laptop of course.

How to Connect Nintendo Switch to Laptop?

As of now, I am sure you understand that why connecting Nintendo Switch to a laptop is not pretty straightforward. It requires you to make some investments but it is worth if you like to play Switch games on laptop.

So, here’s how to connect Nintendo Switch to laptop step by step –

  • First thing you need to do is disconnect Switch’s HDMI cable from your TV.
  • Second, connect Nintendo Switch with the Nintendo Dock just by plug in the cable of the Dock to the type C port of the Switch.
  • Next step is to connect the Nintendo Switch Dock with the Capture Card. You can do this just by plugging the HDMI cable into the Input port of the card.
  • Now, open Video Game Capturing Software on your laptop.
  • Now, press the home button on the Controller to switch on the Nintendo Switch.
  • Next, use USB cable to connect your laptop with the capture card.
  • Wait for a while and you will see Switch Console Menu screen on your laptop once they are connected.

Make sure you use Joy Con to control your Switch with the Laptop. Go for full screen just by pressing the Full Screen Icon showing on the top right corner of the screen and enjoy recording, chatting and live commentary.

Let me make it clear that this is the only way to pair Nintendo Switch to laptop. So, don’t waste your time in searching for alternative methods.

FAQs

Can you Connect Nintendo Switch Lite to Laptop?

No, you cannot. The above method will work for only original Nintendo Switch device.

Can you Connect Bluetooth Headphones with Nintendo Switch?

Yes, you can connect Bluetooth headphones or headsets with Nintendo Switch 4.0 and other latest versions. However, audio support is only for reproduction and not for communication.

How Do I Connect Switch to Laptop without Captured Card?

You cannot connect Nintendo Switch’s HDMI cable to laptop because both devices has HDMI output ports. For successful connection, you need Captured Card which convert Laptop’s HDMI output into USB so that you can bridge the entire process of transmitting Switch’s screen data through captured card onto the laptop screen.

Do you Need to Buy Captured Card to Connect the Switch with Laptop?

The answer is yes and no. No, because there are several laptops comes with built in captured card. But for laptops that don’t have captured card, you need to buy it separately.

Go and Connect

This quick tutorial has explained the right way of how to connect Nintendo Switch to Laptop and what things you require to execute this process.

With this proven method, I am sure you are now able to enjoy your favourite Nintendo Switch Games like Super Mario Odyssey, Super Smash Bro: Ultimate, Monster Hunter Rise, Pokemon, Mario Kart 8, etc on your laptop. So, go, connect and enjoy Nintendo Switch Gaming on the go!