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Easy instructions to set up and connect any Nintendo Switch model
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As of the year 2024, the Nintendo Switch has 3 models: the classic Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch Lite, and the Nintendo Switch OLED model. Each device is easy to set up with the help of your Joy-Con controllers, dock, AC adapter cord, and HDMI cable—and we’re here to show you how. Read on to learn all the essential steps to getting your Nintendo Switch up and running, so that you and your household can start enjoying your favorite games to play.
Simple Nintendo Switch Setup
- Plug the AC adapter into the top, then the HDMI cable into the bottom port of the Nintendo Switch.
- Slide and lock the Joy-Cons into each side of the Switch (unless you have a Switch Lite).
- Finish configuring your Nintendo Switch (e.g., language, region, Internet, etc.) by reading and following the on-screen guides.
Steps
Section 1 of 2:
System Setup
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Plug the AC adapter into the bottom of your Nintendo Switch. The AC adapter is a large cord with a brick-like plug on one end and a USB-C plug on the other. Plug it into the wall, and then insert the adapter into the bottom of the tablet console. [1] X Research source
- The tablet console is the rectangular, black portion of your device.
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Slide and click the Joy-Con controllers into the tablet console. The Joy-Con controllers have a “+” or “-” sign in each corner, and slide directly into the sides of the tablet console. You’ll hear a “click” when each Joy-Con is locked in place. [2] X Research source
- Skip this step if you have a Nintendo Switch Lite (since there aren’t any detachable Joy-Cons to remove them, and it doesn’t support using it on the TV).
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Choose your console’s language and region. Your Switch will power on and give you a list of languages to choose from: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, Russian, and Japanese. Select the language you’d like, and then choose which region of residence you live in (The Americas, Europe, Australia/New Zealand, or Japan). [3] X Research source
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Accept the prompted terms and conditions. Nintendo requires you to accept the provided End-User License Agreement (EULA) before you can start using the console. Hit “View End-User License Agreement” if you’d like to read through it, or simply hit “Accept” box and then the “Next” button to continue. [4] X Research source
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Connect your Nintendo Switch to your Wi-Fi network. Choose your home’s Wi-Fi network from the list of networks on the screen, and manually type in the passcode. Wait a minute or two for your console to test and finalize the connection before giving you the seal of approval. You can also use an Ethernet adapter and router to connect to a LAN wired connection. [5] X Research source
- If you’d rather skip this step, hit “X” on your right Joy-Con controller.
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Select your timezone. Scroll through the provided list until you reach the correct timezone for your area on where you live in. [6] X Research source
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Hook up your Switch to the TV. Remove the Joy-Cons from the tablet console by pressing the circular release button on the back while sliding them out. Prop up your tablet console on a flat surface using the kickstand attached to the back. (Note that the OLED model has a significantly larger kickstand than the standard Nintendo Switch.) [7] X Research source Then:
- Select “Next” using the “A” button on your right Joy-Con.
- Open up the panel on the back of the dock and plug the AC adapter into the top-most cord plug.
- Plug one end of your HDMI cable into the bottom-most cord plug. Then, plug the opposite end of the cord into the HDMI port on your TV, but make sure to notice which HDMI input you choose, so you can select the same input source on your TV.
- Snap the kickstand closed and slip the touchscreen console into the dock (with the screen facing away from the cord panel).
- And double-check that the TV is switched to the correct input source using your remote control.
- Wait for the TV screen to light up, and then hit the blue “Success” button.
- If you run into issues, hit the “No Image on TV Screen” option instead.
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Create your own user profile. Hit the “Create a New User” option and pick a premade icon of any Nintendo character (e.g., Yoshi, Bowser, Zelda, Pikmin, Samus, Blathers, Celeste, etc.) or make a custom icon with your own Mii. [8] X Research source Enter the nickname for your user profile, and link your Nintendo Account if you'd like.
- If you have more than one user on your Nintendo Switch, you can add other users if you want to do so.
- To link your Nintendo Account , follow the on-screen prompts to sign into said account (either manually or with a smart device) or make a new one altogether. If you choose to create a new Nintendo Account, choose the “Send account-creation instructions via email” option and enter your email. After setting up your account, you’ll get a 5-digit verification code from Nintendo that you’ll enter into your Switch to complete the setup process.
- Optional: Hit “Configure Parental Controls” on the following screen if you’d like to set up parental controls for a younger member of your household. Otherwise, hit “Skip.”
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Hit the “Home” button to complete the setup process. You’re all done with the setup process and are ready to enjoy your Switch. [9] X Research source
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Community Q&A
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QuestionCan different users have different saved data on games? As far as I know, the new Zelda game only has one save slot.Community AnswerYes, different users of the same system can have different save files if they sign onto their account when entering a game.
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QuestionWill Nintendo switch ever be backward compatible in the future?HagukananTop AnswererNo, it will not. The Switch cartridges are completely unique to the console, so Wii U, Wii, 3DS, and DS games are not and will never be compatible with the Switch.
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QuestionWhere is the best place to buy a Nintendo Switch? I live in a low income household.HagukananTop AnswererThey're sold at many retail stores, such as Target, Walmart, etc., and Best Buy sometimes has good deals on the Nintendo Switch and the accessories that go with it. You could also look at stores that sell them used and reconditioned, to save a lot on them. Or, wait for the sales.
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References
- ↑ https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/22501
- ↑ https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/22501
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ripbdd_IZXk&t=0m22s
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ripbdd_IZXk&t=0m25s
- ↑ https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/22375
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ripbdd_IZXk&t=0m45s
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ripbdd_IZXk&t=0m53s
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ripbdd_IZXk&t=1m11s
- ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ripbdd_IZXk&t=1m25s
- ↑ https://www.nintendo.com/en-za/Support/Nintendo-Switch/Usage/Nintendo-Switch-Software/How-to-Insert-Remove-Game-Cards-1364358.html
- ↑ https://www.nintendo.com/en-gb/Support/Nintendo-Switch/How-to-Insert-Remove-microSD-Cards-1496753.html
- ↑ https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/22423/~/how-to-purchase-or-download-content-in-nintendo-switch-eshop
- ↑ https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/22343/~/how-to-capture-and-view-screenshots
- ↑ https://www.nintendo.com/en-za/Support/Nintendo-Switch/FAQ/How-to-Capture-and-Edit-Gameplay-Video-1294570.html
- ↑ https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/41195/~/how-to-purchase-or-extend-a-nintendo-switch-online-membership
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