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Nintendo Switch allows you to connect Switch to other devices through the Nintendo dock. It has an HDMI out port, meaning you can use an HDMI cable to connect it to an external monitor. But, with the laptops also having HDMI out ports, you can not directly connect the Nintendo Switch to laptop. (HDMI output port allows the primary device to feed signals and information to other devices with an HDMI port but can not accept signals through the same ports.
Key Takeaways
- To play your Nintendo Switch on your laptop, you basically use your laptop screen as a TV screen, so you can leave your Nintendo Switch in its dock for the entirety of this setup process.
- You can use any capture card for this process as long as it has a USB-C connection and an HDMI In port.
- The setup program for all capture cards should be identical.
- Another way of playing your Nintendo Switch games on the laptop is to opt for the PC version of the Nintendo Switch games.
The only way to connect the laptop to the Nintendo Switch is through the game capture card. This device accepts HDMI input signals and information and converts it to USB output signals before feeding it to the laptop screen. Therefore, allowing you to connect Switch and your gaming laptop.
This article is a guide to connecting your laptop to the Nintendo Switch and using it as a monitor for Nintendo Switch. We have also highlighted all you'll need for the connection.
What Is a Game Capture Card?
A capture card is a device used to capture gameplay footage from your console and mirror it to a secondary monitor, PC, or laptop screen. It has an HDMI input port that allows HDMI signals in. It then converts the HDMI signals to USB signals transmitted to the laptop. This method is the only way to use your laptop as a monitor for Nintendo Switch.
What You Need to Use the Laptop as a Monitor for Nintendo Switch
To connect your laptop to the Nintendo Switch and use it as a Nintendo Switch display, you'll need the list of devices given below.
Laptop
Your laptop should have an HDMI port to connect to the capture Card's HDMI input port.
Nintendo Switch.
This device is the primary device for playing your games when not connected to secondary monitors or PCs.
Nintendo Dock
The dock has a gaming console. It has an HDMI output port that connects the switch to other devices.
Game Capture Card
This card has an HDMI output port, USB port, and HDMI input port, allowing for multiple monitor connection. The HDMI input port receives HDMI signals from the Nintendo dock. The card then converts these signals to USB output signals. The USB port then transmits the USB signals to the laptop via the laptop's USB input.
An example of a game capture card is the Elgato HD60 S. This capture card has a USB-C output port that allows for a latency-free and smooth gaming experience. It delivers 1080 pixels display resolution at 60 frames per second.
HDMI Cable
You need an HDMI cable to connect your Nintendo dock to the capture card. Fortunately, when you buy a Capture Card, it comes with an HDMI cable. Similarly, the package comes with an HDMI cable when buying the Nintendo Switch. You can use any of them. Be sure to buy one if you don't have one.
USB Cable
Other than the HDMI cables, you'll also need the USB cable. The USB cable allows you to connect the capture card with the laptop. However, the laptop should have a USB input port for this connection to work.
Software
You need efficient software to work on your laptop seamlessly with the Nintendo Switch docked. This software allows the capture card to source information from the Nintendo Switch and feeds it to the connected laptop. You can download this software from the capture card's manufacturer website.
Step by Step Procedure to Connect Nintendo Switch to Your Laptop
Unplug the HDMI cable connecting your TV screen and the Nintendo Switch from the TV.
Connect the Nintendo Switch to the Nintendo dock using a USB Type-C cable.
Connect the Nintendo dock to the capture card using an HDMI cable. To do this setup, plug in the HDMI cable to the HDMI output port of the Nintendo dock and connect the other end of the cable to the HDMI input port of the capture card (Elgato HD60)
Connect the power cords of your laptop monitor and the Nintendo Switch to a power supply and turn them on. The process is power-intensive, so the laptop and the Nintendo Switch dock could go off if not connected to a power supply.
Open the Game Capture HD on the laptop.
Switch on the Nintendo Switch console. To do this function, press the Home button on your controller.
Plus, in the USB cable to the USB output port on the capture card. (your Elgato HD60 capture card should come with a USB cable)
Plug the other end of the USB cable to your laptop through the USB input port.
Give it some time. The Nintendo Switch home screen should display on the Game Capture HD program after a short while. If you don't see the Nintendo Switch home screen on the Elgato Game Capture HD, check to confirm that the HDMI cable is connected to the HDMI input port and not the HDMI output port. The input port is on the same side as the USB port.
Choose the fullscreen tab from the top-right corner of the game capture HD interface. This function allows the program to take the full-screen format on the capture card.
Do not control this setup using your keyboard or mouse; the game should automatically fill your laptop's entire screen.
Go ahead and play your Nintendo Switch games on the laptop. You can use this same method to stream media files from other devices with HDMI ports.
Which Capture Card Should I Use?
Any capture card can allow you to connect the laptop to the Nintendo Switch, provided they have an HDMI input port and a USB output port. There are many options to choose from. However, the Elgato capture cards are the most common choice for pro gamers. The prime reason being they are easy to use, have quality build materials, and are affordable.
The widely used Elgato capture card is the Elgato HD60 HDMI capture card. This capture card is used with the Elgato Game Capture HD software to execute commands and perform functions. You can buy this capture card online on Elgato's website.
What Other High-Quality Capture Cards Can I Use if I Don’t Have Elgato?
The setup program for all capture cards should be identical. Therefore, if you have a different capture card from the Elgato HD60 HDMI capture card, use the same setup procedure given above in this article.
AVerMedia and Razer Ripsaw HD Game Streaming Capture Card are two high-quality and easy to use capture cards that you can use to play Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox One, and other games on your laptop as a monitor.
What Are Connectivity Ports Found on the Capture Card?
The Elgato game capture hd card has four connectivity ports; two input ports and two output ports. These are HDMI input port, HDMI output port, USB port, and A/V input port.
HDMI Input Port
The HDMI input port on the capture card allows you to connect the Elgato capture card with the Nintendo dock. Most laptops don't have this port; otherwise, the Nintendo Switch would be connected directly with the laptop. This port accepts all incoming HDMI signals but not those secured by HDCP.
HDMI Output Port
The HDMI output port connects the Elgato capture card to output devices with HDMI input ports. Therefore, you can not use this port to connect the capture card to the laptop because the laptop does not have an HDMI input port.
USB Port
The USB port is used to connect the Elgato capture card to the laptop. Your laptop should be compatible with USB connectivity for this connection to work. This port transmits H.264 encoded video using a USB version 2.0 cable to the laptop. The laptop will receive the video signals but not in real-time, as the HDMI cable. Therefore, you might experience minor lags. But, it won't result in image ghosting. USB-C is a better option, only if your laptop supports it.
You can also use the USB port to charge the Elgato capture card.
A/V Input Port
The A/V input port uses composite or components for the Elgato capture card. You'll need to use an adapter cable. If you intend to transmit S-Video, you should use a video adapter cable supporting analog signals. You can buy this cable from Amazon or Elgato Store.
Is There an Alternative Way to Play Nintendo Switch Games on Your Laptop?
Yes, there is an alternative way of playing your Nintendo Switch games on the laptop, other than using the game capture card. You can opt for the PC version of the Nintendo Switch games to play on your laptop as a monitor for Switch. The advantage to this setup is that you'll need not acquire or learn new controllers because Nintendo Switch controllers are compatible with laptops.
Using the PC version to play Nintendo Switch games on your laptop is also backed by the fact that Windows 10 Microsoft Store app store has Nintendo Switch games. However, elite games like Animal Crossing, Super Mario, and Pokemon are not available on the Windows 10 Microsoft store app. You can also access these games from Steam or Epic Games.
Another benefit of playing the PC version of the Nintendo Switch games on the laptop as a monitor is that some online games like Fortnite support cross-save on multiple compatible devices. This feature allows you to continue your game on the Nintendo Switch from the level you had left on your laptop.
You can also play your Nintendo Switch games on your laptop using Emulators. However, they are the less preferred options because they are unstable. Therefore, when using emulators to play your games, you might experience lagging and bugs, presenting an unsmooth gaming experience.
FAQs
How do I connect a Nintendo Switch to a TV?
To hook up a Nintendo Switch to a TV, open the back cover of the Nintendo Switch dock and connect the AC adapter and HDMI cable. Plug the other ends of the AC adapter into a wall outlet and the HDMI cable into your TV. Detach the Joy-Cons, place your Nintendo Switch in the dock, and power it on.
How do I connect a Nintendo Switch to hotel Wi-Fi?
First, obtain the Wi-Fi password from the front desk. Open the Switch’s Settings and select Internet > Internet Settings. Select the hotel’s network and submit your login details when prompted. After you’ve entered the password, your Nintendo Switch will have access to the hotel Wi-Fi.
How do I reset a Nintendo Switch?
To reset a Nintendo Switch, press and hold the power button until the console resets, then release and press the power button again. To reset your Nintendo Switch without losing game saves, turn it off, press and hold the volume up and volume down buttons, and press the power button. When Maintenance Mode loads, choose Initialize Console Without Deleting Save Data.
