The Nintendo Switch has quickly become a household item. The system works both as a handheld device and as a TV console, making it versatile and convenient for gamers to use. While using the Switch in its portable form is awesome, the reality is that graphics on a TV can enhance any Switch gamer’s experience. For those of us struggling to put systems together, there is hope. Luckily for us, the Switch is easy enough to hook up to any TV, as long as it has an HDMI slot. That is how.
Set up the Nintendo Switch
For those new to the system, every Nintendo Switch purchase not only includes the Switch itself, but also a Switch dock. This base will be key to building your system for the television. The first thing you’ll want to do is remove the dock and all the cables. Make sure you have the dock, an HDMI cable, and a power cable for the system. If all three are present, you’re good to go!
Start by opening the back of the docking system. This will give you access to where all the wires will go. Also, you will notice that there is a space for the wires to come out. The back of the Switch should have three outlets. From top to bottom, they are the AC adapter, the USB, and the HDMI output. You only need the AC adapter and the HDMI output to connect the system.
Take one end of the HDMI cable and insert it into the bottom terminal, aptly named HDMI output. Then connect the other end of the HDMI port to your TV or monitor of choice.
Take the AC adapter (this should be model No. HAC-002) and place it inside the base labeled AC adapter. Then plug the other end of the AC adapter into a wall outlet.
Now you can go ahead and close the back of the switch. Remember to keep an eye on where the wires exit to make sure you don’t damage them. Both cables should pass through the gap without any problem.
Now the dock is ready! You will only have to place the console on the base for it to start working. When placing the console on the base, make sure that the LCD screen is facing the same direction as the front of the base. The Switch’s LCD screen will turn off once it is fully docked.
All you’ll need to do from here is turn on your TV and turn it on, set your TV to the correct HDMI, and your Switch should be good to go!
little notes
There are a few things to keep in mind when connecting your system. The first, and one of the most important, is to always handle the console with care. Although the Switch is a durable gaming system, that doesn’t mean it’s immune to damage. Place the console on the dock carefully to avoid scratches or damage, which is an issue some players have reported. You may also want to choose a screen protector for your system to ensure that docking the Switch doesn’t do more harm than good.
Also, to play the Switch, you’ll need to have both Joy-Cons in your hands. You can remove the Joy-Cons before you dock the Switch or after. However, please note that if the Joy-Cons have not been connected to the console before this time, you will need to register them before playing the game. It’s similar to how the Wii would need the Wiimotes to sync up with the system before using them.
Finally, after each Switch session, you may find it helpful to unplug the Joy-Cons and reattach them to the docked Switch. The Joy-Cons will drain the battery while unplugged from the console, so leaving them out overnight could risk the Joy-Cons dying out. Try to get in the habit of putting the Joy-Cons back into the docked console to ensure they charge while you’re not playing. There’s nothing worse than a Controller dying while taking on Ganondorf, so make sure you stay in the battle with powered-up Joy-Cons!
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