The Nintendo Switch (NS) has proven to be a game-changer for the organization. The Nintendo Switch has generated a lot of excitement and, most significantly, has sold a record-breaking 55 million copies worldwide. Many gamers have begun to adore handheld portable consoles as a result of this, and even non-gamers have begun to purchase this portable machine only for the sake of gaming.

The Switch boasts a wonderful screen for a mobile device and wireless joysticks that can be customized. It also has a large game catalog, which includes numerous AAA titles that are exclusive to the console. The Nintendo Dock, on the other hand, was a major factor in the popularity of the game. NS is a terrific choice for carrying around, taking to work, parties, and other gatherings, and having a good time while doing so.

In contrast, when you’re at home, you can connect your Switch to a television or monitor via The Dock and enjoy gaming on a larger screen more comfortably. However, many of us may not have access to a television or monitor, and in the absence of a larger screen, we may just have a laptop. So, is it possible to link the Nintendo Switch to a laptop?

The Direct Answer

We are unable to connect the Nintendo Switch to the laptop directly. The Nintendo Dock is the sole way to connect a Nintendo Switch to another device other than another Nintendo Switch. It is possible to connect the Switch to televisions or monitors through the Dock’s HDMI output connection, which can be accessed with HDMI cables.

Unfortunately, the HDMI output connector is also present on the laptop. That means that both the Dock and the Laptops can output their data and display to other devices that accept HDMI input, but they are unable to accept any input through the HDMI port.

The Workaround

We’ll need something that can accept HDMI input and convert it to USB output in order to connect our devices together. With the assistance of our dear buddy, the “Game Capture Card,” we can still connect the Nintendo Switch to a laptop or a computer.

Things You Need:

  • The Nintendo Switch 
  • Laptop
  • Nintendo Dock

It comes pre-installed with the console and is the only means to connect to and watch the Switch on other devices, such as a computer monitor or television. However, in the event that you have lost yours.

Game Capture Card

The Game Capture Card was originally designed for the purpose of broadcasting console gameplay to a PC. It essentially functions as a connector, with an HDMI input port, an HDMI output port, and a USB port, all of which are used to transfer connectivity to the laptop’s operating system. A high-quality sound capture card should be utilised in order to ensure a smooth and lag-free experience.

Elgato by Corsair has a stronghold in this market and is the clear leader. The Elgato HD60 S, the company’s most recent capture card, is the best-selling model. It is capable of producing 1080p video at 60 frames per second. Furthermore, thanks to the USB 3.0 type-C connection, it offers a seamless and practically lag-free experience overall.

However, if your laptop does not have a Type-C connector, you should consider purchasing an older model. A possible alternative is the Elgato HD60, which employs a very same technological platform except for the speedier type-C output.

HDMI Cables

This process necessitates the use of a single HDMI cable. Fortunately, one is included with the Capture Card and the other is included with the Switch. Both of these will function very well. Be sure to bring an HDMI cable with you if you don’t already have one on hand.

Software

The software for the capture card will also be required in order to work with the laptop and control the Switch while docked in the docking station. Downloading the program from the manufacturer’s website is completely free of charge.

Procedures To Connect Nintendo Switch To Laptop

  1. Connect the Nintendo Switch to the Nintendo Dock using the included cable. Simply connecting the Dock’s cord to the Type-C socket on the Switch is all that is required.
  2. You should unhook any HDMI cables that connect the Dock to your TV or monitor if you have attached them.
  3. Connect the Nintendo Dock and the Capture Card together using an HDMI cable, being sure to plug the wire into the “HDMI in” socket on the Capture Card’s back.
  4. Open the Capture Software on your laptop and start recording.
  5. While the Nintendo Switch is docked, turn it on.
  6. Connect the Game Capture Card to your laptop using the USB cord that was provided. Following that, you will see the Home screen of the Nintendo Switch shown directly on your laptop within a few seconds.
  7. Control the Switch on the laptop with the Joy-Con controller. If you want to enjoy the immersive big-screen experience, you can enter full screen mode, or you can stream live. Additionally, you can record your games and use the back recording feature, as well as participate in live chat and comments.

Furthermore, you may use the Switch to play games on your PC and take full advantage of its capabilities. That is similar to a two-in-one feature, allowing for the most effective multitasking possible.

Any Other Option?

In any case, up until today, this has been the only method available for connecting to and using the Nintendo Switch on laptops. The cost of the capture card, on the other hand, is fairly significant. Many of the titles are accessible on the Windows Store; if you’re only interested in playing games from the Switch, give them a shot.

Emulators also allow you to play Switch games on a laptop or desktop computer. However, keep in mind that emulators are still in their early stages of development. As a result, there are tremendous lags and a large number of issues to experience. Take your pick from either of these options to get a sneak glance at the games.

The HDMI capture devices are an excellent choice for connecting the Nintendo Switch to a laptop. Because of its type-C functionality, it provides an almost lag-free user experience. However, there are still some.

When the data is transferred from the Nintendo Switch to the Nintendo Dock, it is converted to HDMI and then transferred to the Capture Device, which is then converted to USB and transferred to the Laptop. It is a lengthy procedure, and as a result, there will be some lag time. Despite the fact that most games operate smoothly despite this minor hiccup, a few are rendered unusable as a result of this slight lag.

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Conclusion

If you are prepared to tolerate this and intend to play the Switch games on a larger screen at home on a regular basis, then go ahead. It is highly recommended that the Nintendo Switch be connected to the Laptop in this situation. Make sure to purchase a Game Capture Card with good audio quality. The remaining procedures are rather basic; simply follow the instructions and you will be ready to enjoy it all in no time!

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