Want to bring all the fun of your Nintendo Switch games to the big screen? You level up your experience by connecting your original Switch or OLED model to a TV to play in docked mode.

Be Careful With Third-Party Docks and Chargers

The Nintendo Switch doesn't fully comply with USB-C specifications, with early reports that the console could potentially overdraw by 300% of the required power. Some Switch owners reported that their consoles no longer worked after charging with third-party docks.

Using unofficial chargers and docks with your Switch always carries a risk, though most are perfectly safe. While unlikely, Nintendo could issue a firmware update at any time that causes new issues. Using officially licensed Nintendo accessories (including the official Nintendo Power Adapter) is the best way to protect your console.

The second best way is to carefully choose third-party accessories based on the reputation of the brand and customer feedback. Many docks and adapters are now designed specifically for Nintendo's power specifications, rather than the USB-C standard in general.

Using the Official Dock

Connecting your Switch to a TV using the official dock is the easiest way to get the big screen experience. First, take your dock and open the cover on the back, exposing the HDMI port and "Power Adapter" USB-C port.

Connect an HDMI cable to the dock, followed by the Switch power adapter that comes in the box. You can now go ahead and close the cover on the back, taking care to thread the cables through the small opening on the side.

Now connect the other end of the HDMI cable to your TV. Don't worry about using HDMI 2.1 ports, since the Switch doesn't need the extra bandwidth. Plug the adapter into the wall. Make sure the dock is positioned so that neither the HDMI nor power cable is being stretched. Avoid positioning the dock anywhere you are likely to trip and fall.

You can now seat your Switch in the dock, and turn it on. You don't need to have the Joy-Con connected to the Switch while it is in the dock, so you can remove them and use them as controllers (either one in each hand, or using the Joy-Con adapter that came with your Switch to create a makeshift joypad).

Switch your TV to the appropriate HDMI input and you should see your Switch dashboard or lock screen appear. If you don't, make sure the Switch is on by pressing the power button on the top of the unit or pressing the Home button on a paired controller.

At any time you can unseat your Switch from the dock to pick it up and play in handheld mode. The same works in reverse, where docking your Switch while playing in portable mode lets you carry on playing in docked mode.