Can the Nintendo Switch Connect to a PC Monitor?


Update: I’ve recently updated this article to include 3 extra sections. I’ve expanded the advantage of using a monitor section, and I’ve included a conclusion and a what next section. I’ve also embedded a Video explaining how to connect your Switch to a PC monitor. Thank you for reading. Honestly, every second you spend on CareerGamers means the world to me. All the best. Nick.

Are you bored of playing your Nintendo Switch in handheld mode?

Must you wait for everybody in the house to go to sleep, or finish watching the latest Netflix hit show before you can play your favorite Nintendo Switch game on your TV?

This used to happen to me a lot until I decided to connect my Nintendo Switch to a PC monitor.

So to answer the question…

Can the Nintendo Switch connect to a PC monitor? Yes, you can connect the Switch to a PC monitor via the Nintendo Switch dock which allows you to hook up the console to a monitor, TV, or projector. To make the connection you’ll need an HDMI cable and if you have an older PC monitor you’ll have to purchase an HDMI to DVI adapter or an HDMI to a DVI cable

The process of connecting your Nintendo Switch to your PC monitor is similar to that of connecting the console to a TV. 

The only difference is you’ll be connecting the HDMI cable to the PC monitor, not your TV.

Read on for a more detailed guide on how to connect your Nintendo Switch to a PC monitor.

You can also check out this amazing article on Best Gaming Monitors For Nintendo Switch.

What you need to connect the Nintendo Switch to a PC monitor

You can connect your Switch to older PC monitors such as this Dell DVI Monitor. So long as you have the right adapter.

You’ll need the following 5 things to link the Nintendo Switch to your PC monitor:

  • The Nintendo Switch console and its dock.
  • The Nintendo Switch dock AC adapter.
  • A PC monitor and its power cord.
  • An HDMI cable. The Nintendo Switch comes with an HDMI cable.  
  • An HDMI to DVI cable or an HDMI to DVI adapter. You’ll only need one of these items if you have an old monitor. Most modern monitors have at least one HDMI port at the back. Please check your monitor to see if it has an HDMI port before purchasing an HDMI to DVI adapter or an HDMI to DVI cable. Also, you only need to buy the HDMI to DVI adapter if you specifically want to use the HDMI cable bought with the Nintendo Switch to connect to your monitor. 

How to connect your Nintendo Switch to a PC monitor

Follow these simple steps and your Nintendo Switch should appear on your PC monitor within seconds.

1: Open the cover at the back of your Nintendo Switch.

2: Connect the dock’s AC adapter USB cable into the port labelled AC Adapter and connect the other end to a power source, then turn it on.

3: Plug the Nintendo Switch HDMI cable into the port labelled HDMI OUT. If you plan on using the HDMI to DVI cable you purchased, connect it to the HDMI OUT port, then close the back cover.

4: If you have a modern monitor, connect the other end of the Nintendo Switch HDMI cable to the HDMI IN Port on the monitor. In most cases, this port is found at the back of the monitor. 

If your monitor is old and you’ll be using the HDMI to DVI adapter connect the Switch HDMI cable to the HDMI End of the adapter and the other end to the blue or black DVI Port at the back of your monitor.

If you’re using the HDMI to DVI cable, also directly connect the other end to the DVI Port of your monitor.

5: Dock your Nintendo Switch. To do this, slide the Switch into the dock with its LCD screen facing the front side of the dock. The dock’s front side has a Nintendo Switch logo on it. You’ll know the Switch is properly docked if the connector at the bottom of the dock plugs into the console. 

6: Once docked, remove the Joy-Con controllers from your Switch by pressing the releases button at the back of the Joy-Cons, then put on the Nintendo Switch.

7: Connect the monitor to its power cord which should be plugged into a power source and turn it on also. 

Once you conclude the above steps, you’ll have successfully connected your Nintendo Switch to your PC monitor, and you should be seeing your console’s display through the monitor. 

If you can’t see anything on the PC monitor check to see if the cable connections between the PC monitor and the Nintendo Switch dock are firmly done.

A loose connection will keep the Switch in handheld mode until a good connection is made.

If an image still doesn’t show up, check that your monitor is switched to the correct input channel. You may need to change channels manually on monitors that have multiple inputs such as two HDMI in ports.

Also, unless your PC monitor has built-in speakers you’ll not be getting any audio.

You can get audio from your Switch by connecting Bluetooth speakers or headphones to the console.

Another way to do it is by using the headphone jack at the top of the Nintendo Switch to get sound out of it.

What are the advantages of connecting your Nintendo Switch to a PC monitor?

A modern gaming monitor, such as this one from Asus, is ideal for use with any console, including your Nintendo Switch.

There are several benefits of playing your Nintendo Switch on a PC monitor. Here are a few of them.

  • Once I set up my Nintendo Switch to play via my 1080p PC monitor and plugged headphones into my console, I had a much better gaming experience compared to playing on TV. The picture quality was much more vibrant and there was minimal input lag.

The reason for the better picture quality is PC monitors are made for extremely high-quality picture color reproduction which allows you to enjoy beautiful graphics and low picture tearing.

  • I love that the Nintendo Switch has 3 play modes, handheld, tablet, and big screen. While handheld and tablet mode have their advantages, playing on a bigger screen than the 6.2” 1280 x 720 LCD Nintendo Switch screen will give you the best Switch gaming experience.

Here are some more compelling reasons to use your Switch with a PC monitor:

  1. Larger Screen Size: Playing on a larger screen can make games more immersive and enjoyable. It’s especially beneficial for games with small text or intricate details that might be hard to see on the Switch’s smaller screen.
  2. Improved Visual Experience: PC monitors often have higher resolutions than the Nintendo Switch’s built-in screen or even some TVs. This means you can enjoy your games in greater detail and clarity.
  3. Better Refresh Rates: Many PC monitors offer higher refresh rates than standard TVs, which can make gameplay smoother and more responsive. This can be a significant advantage in fast-paced games where every millisecond counts.
  4. Customizable Settings: PC monitors usually come with a range of customizable settings, allowing you to tweak the display to your liking. You can adjust aspects like color balance, contrast, and brightness to optimize your gaming experience.
  5. Multifunctional Use: If you’re using a PC monitor, you can easily switch between gaming on your Nintendo Switch and using your computer. This makes it a space-saving solution, especially for those with limited room.
  6. Reduced Input Lag: Some PC monitors are designed with gaming in mind and have features that reduce input lag. This can make your gaming experience more responsive and enjoyable.
  7. Sound Configuration: Many PC monitors come with built-in speakers or headphone jacks, allowing you to set up your sound preferences just the way you like them.
  8. Use a monitor while the TV is being used: If you will with somebody else, you may have to share your main gaming PC. Yes, you could use the Switch in handheld mode, but if you already have a PC monitor, it’s a great alternative to a TV

The only downside I can think about for using a PC monitor as a screen is that you’ll have to sit too close to the screen if you don’t connect your headphones via Bluetooth to the Nintendo Switch.

Headset cables are usually one to two meters long, but you can buy a headphone extension cable to sort this problem.

So, as you can see, connecting your Nintendo Switch to a PC monitor is a simple process that will allow you to enjoy a better gaming experience while playing your favorite Nintendo Switch games.

Conclusion

In conclusion, connecting your Nintendo Switch to a PC monitor can significantly elevate your gaming experience. Here are the key takeaways from this article:

  1. The Nintendo Switch can indeed be connected to a PC monitor using the Nintendo Switch dock and an HDMI cable.
  2. The process of connecting your Nintendo Switch to a PC monitor is straightforward and similar to connecting it to a TV.
  3. You may need an HDMI to DVI adapter or cable if you have an older PC monitor.
  4. Connecting your Nintendo Switch to a PC monitor offers numerous benefits, including improved visual experience, larger screen size, better refresh rates, customizable settings, and reduced input lag.
  5. Sound configuration can be achieved by connecting Bluetooth speakers or headphones to the console, or using the headphone jack on the Nintendo Switch.

Now that you’re equipped with this knowledge, it’s time to take your Nintendo Switch gaming to the next level. Don’t forget to check out the “What Next?” section for some actionable steps you can take right now.

What Next?

We always want to provide something actionable for you to do after reading our articles. Here are some steps you can take right now:

  1. Check Your Monitor: Look at the back of your PC monitor to see if it has an HDMI port. If it doesn’t, you’ll need to purchase an HDMI to DVI adapter or cable.
  2. Gather Your Equipment: Make sure you have all the necessary items to connect your Nintendo Switch to your PC monitor, including the Nintendo Switch console and its dock, the dock’s AC adapter, a PC monitor and its power cord, and an HDMI cable.
  3. Follow the Steps: Use the step-by-step guide provided in this article to connect your Nintendo Switch to your PC monitor.
  4. Optimize Your Settings: Once connected, play around with your monitor’s settings to optimize your gaming experience. Adjust aspects like color balance, contrast, and brightness to your liking.
  5. Enjoy Your Gaming: Now that everything is set up, it’s time to enjoy your favorite Nintendo Switch games on your PC monitor. Happy gaming!

Remember, the goal is to enhance your gaming experience and make it more enjoyable. So, why wait? Get started now!

I

Nick Sinclair

Nick Sinclair, a gaming aficionado since the Commodore 64 era, studied Creative Computer Games Design in university before founding his own gaming company. Discovering a passion for content creation, Nick now helps gamers squeeze every drop of fun out of their favorite gaming hardware

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