How to Connect Switch to a PC: The Ultimate Guide

PDF download Download Article
Play Switch games on your PC in a few simple steps
PDF download Download Article

Are you interested in playing your Nintendo Switch games on your PC? While many Switch games are available on your PC, you may have other Switch-exclusive games you want to experience on your PC. Fortunately, you can hook your Switch up to your PC by using the console's TV Mode. You just need some added software and equipment. This wikiHow guide covers everything you need to know about connecting the Nintendo Switch to a PC.

Things You Should Know

  • To display your Switch on your PC, dock it and use it in TV Mode.
  • You can also use a video capture card and capture software to connect the Switch to your PC.
  • Only games compatible with TV Mode can be played on your PC. You can look for incompatible games on your PC or download a Switch emulator to play them.
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Using a Capture Card

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/5b\/Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/5b\/Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This method is best for running both the display and sound from your Switch to your PC, which is especially useful for Twitch and Discord streamers , or anyone who wants to record gameplay . Connecting your Switch to your PC is easy, but it will require a few pieces of equipment and video capture software. Prepare the following:
    • Nintendo Switch and Dock. Your Switch must be placed in its Dock to use TV Mode.
      • Note that TV Mode (and therefore this method) is unavailable on the Nintendo Switch Lite.
    • An HDMI cable. Used to transfer video signal between your PC and Switch.
    • A video capture card. Most PCs only have an HDMI-out port. You will need a video capture card to send an HDMI signal from your Switch to your PC.
      • Unless you plan on using the capture card to stream, you do not need to invest in an expensive one.
    • A video capture program. Install a video capture program onto your PC in order to play the video from your capture card.
      • There are free programs designed for gaming such as Game Capture HD, or you can use a common media player such as VLC Player .
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/11\/Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/11\/Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your Switch is currently connected to your TV, remove any cables connecting the two devices.
    Advertisement
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b0\/Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Be sure to remove the Joy-Con controllers from each end of the Switch before doing so.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8d\/Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8d\/Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Plug the HDMI cable into the HDMI Out port on your Dock, and then plug the other end of the cable into the HDMI port on your capture card.
    • If you haven't already, be sure to plug the Switch power source into a wall outlet.
    • Close the back panel of the Dock when you are done.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The card likely came with a USB cable for this purpose.
    • We recommend plugging a laptop into a power source during this process, as it can be rather power-intensive.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e0\/Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e0\/Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    To display your Switch screen on your PC, you will need to configure your capture software to display your capture card. The steps vary across different software, but it should be simple.
    • On VLC Player, navigate to Media > Open Capture Device and select your device name from the drop-down menu.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    With the console still docked, turn it on and control its interface using one of the wireless controllers. If you did the last step correctly, you should see its interface appear on your PC.
    • Be sure to put your capture software into fullscreen mode so your Switch display will take up the entirety of your PC's screen.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/14\/Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/14\/Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can now start gaming on your PC! Look for the TV Mode icon next to a game to ensure it is compatible with this method. Games displaying a greyed or slashed-out TV icon are unavailable in TV Mode. [1]
    • If there is a certain game you want to play and it is incompatible with this mode, consider seeking out a Nintendo Switch emulator online.
      • You may also purchase the game for your PC and play it directly on the device!
    9. Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Using PC Monitor as TV

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/32\/Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you strictly want to use a PC monitor as the display for your Nintendo Switch, you can easily do so via HDMI. Secure an HDMI cable in addition to your monitor, Switch, and Dock.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6f\/Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6f\/Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Be sure to remove the Joy-Con controllers from each end of the Switch before doing so.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/84\/Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Plug one end of the HDMI cable into the HDMI-out port on your Nintendo Switch Dock. Then, plug the other end of the cable into the HDMI-in port on your PC's monitor.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/30\/Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/30\/Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-12.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    With the console still docked, turn it on and control its interface using one of the wireless controllers. If you did the last step correctly, you should see its interface appear on your monitor.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/51\/Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-13.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    You can now start gaming on your PC! Look for the TV Mode icon next to a game to ensure it is compatible with this method. Games displaying a greyed or slashed-out TV icon are unavailable in TV Mode. [2]
    6. Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Transferring Files from Switch to PC

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1c\/Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-14.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The Nintendo Switch has a built-in feature that allows you to transfer screenshots and gameplay videos to your computer. Turn the Switch on to get started.
    • For this method, do not keep the Switch in its Dock.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/41\/Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-15.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-15.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/41\/Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-15.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-15.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    From the Switch's HOME menu, select Settings and then navigate to Data Management .
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0a\/Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-16.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-16.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0a\/Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-16.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-16.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-17.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-17.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/13\/Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-17.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-17.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4b\/Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-18.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-18.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4b\/Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-18.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-18.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Retrieve a USB-to-USB-C cable. Connect the USB-C end to your Nintendo Switch and the other end to a USB port on your PC.
    • The USB cable can only be connected to the port at the bottom of the Nintendo Switch console.
      • The USB ports on the Dock do not support this feature. [3]
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/63\/Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-19.jpg\/v4-460px-Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-19.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/63\/Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-19.jpg\/v4-728px-Connect-Switch-to-PC-Step-19.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Your PC's File Explorer will open, recognizing your Switch as eligible for media transfer. Copy or move files to your PC like you would with a flash drive or mobile device.
    7. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Video

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Do 2-Player Split Screen Mode in Fortnite
      The Fastest & Easiest Way to Unlock Full Body Haki in Blox Fruits
      Simple Ways to Get God Human in Blox Fruits
      The Best Fruits in Blox Fruit Ranked
      BitLife Model Career Guide: Steps, Elite Gigs, Auditions, & More
      How to
      Contact PlayStation
      How to
      Contact Activision
      What Is the Best Race in Blox Fruits & How to Change It?
      Your Comprehensive Guide to Getting Tushita in Blox Fruits
      How to
      Make Money Quickly & Efficiently in Stardew Valley
      How to
      Fix a PlayStation 5 Controller Flashing Blue: 6 Tips
      How to
      Make a PS5 Primary for Offline Play & Game Sharing
      How to
      Become President in BitLife: Everything You Need To Know
      Simple Ways to Get Superhuman in Blox Fruits
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.nintendo.com/ph/support/switch/playmode/index.html
      2. ↑ https://www.nintendo.com/ph/support/switch/playmode/index.html
      3. ↑ https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/53664/~/how-to-transfer-screenshots-and-video-captures-to-a-computer-via-a-usb-cable

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 236,324 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement