Getting Nintendo Switch 2 onto your TV is simple, but the parts have to match. Nintendo’s supported setup uses the Nintendo Switch 2 dock, the Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter model NGN-01, and an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable.
The original Nintendo Switch dock and Nintendo Switch OLED Model dock do not work with Nintendo Switch 2. The older Nintendo Switch AC adapter can charge the console directly, but it cannot power Nintendo Switch 2 TV mode while docked.
The HDMI cable from the original Nintendo Switch is not Ultra High Speed, so leave it out of this setup. Start with the Switch 2 dock and cable first, then tune the picture after the TV signal appears.
Connect the official dock to your TV
Open the back cover of the Nintendo Switch 2 dock. Then plug the USB Type-C cable into the AC Adapter port on the Nintendo Switch 2 AC Adapter model NGN-01. Connect the USB Type-C plug at the other end of that cable to the dock’s AC Adapter port, then plug the AC adapter into a wall outlet.
Next, connect one end of the Ultra High Speed HDMI cable to the dock’s HDMI port. Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to an HDMI port on your TV or monitor. Close the dock cover.
Remove the left and right Joy-Con 2 controllers. Place the console in the dock with the screen facing the same direction as the dock’s front panel. Turn on the TV and choose the matching HDMI input. Use the HDMI input number printed beside the TV port when you are not sure which input to select.
Fix the most common no signal problem
The most common cause is the TV being on the wrong HDMI input or the dock not getting the correct power. Remove the console from the dock and make sure the console turns on. Press the POWER Button once if the screen is off.
Reset the AC adapter by unplugging it from the dock and the wall outlet, then wait 20 seconds. Plug the AC adapter back into the dock. Seat the console in the dock again and watch for the console screen to go black. That black screen means the console has switched into TV mode.
Connect the HDMI cable straight from the dock to the TV if the TV still shows no signal. Skip HDMI splitters, sound bars, home theater systems, and video adapters while troubleshooting. Try a different Ultra High Speed HDMI cable next.
Review the TV’s HDMI settings and confirm the selected input again. Keep the test setup direct until the TV signal returns.
Detach the Joy-Con 2 controllers
This applies when you want to play in TV mode with the included Joy-Con 2 controllers. The Joy-Con 2 controllers must be detached for TV mode unless you use another controller, such as the Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller.
Press the Release button on the back of the Joy-Con 2. Keep holding the Release button while you pull the controller away from the console. Repeat the same action for the other Joy-Con 2. Place the console in the dock with the screen facing the same direction as the dock’s front panel.
Adjust the picture after it connects
Once the image appears, use Nintendo Switch 2 display settings to match the console output to your TV or monitor. The available options depend on the display modes supported by the connected screen.
From the HOME Menu, open System Settings. Scroll down the left-hand menu and select Display. Open TV Resolution. Choose Automatic, 720p (HD), 1080p (Full HD), 1440p (WQHD), or 2160p (4K).
Use Dock Output Information to view the current resolution, refresh rate, and HDR settings. Use RGB Range. Choose Automatic, Full Range, or Limited Range. Open Adjust Screen Size while the console is docked and follow the on-screen prompts.
Turn on smoother TV features
Use these options when your TV and software support them. From the HOME Menu, open System Settings. Select Display. Turn on 120 Hz Output for supported TVs and supported software.
Use 120 Hz Output only at 1080p or 1440p. Turn on Auto Low-Latency Mode to switch a supported TV into low-latency mode automatically. Set HDR Output to For All Software, Compatible Software Only, or Off.
Use Adjust HDR when the console is connected to an HDR-capable TV. Leave unsupported options off if they do not appear or do not change the picture.
Make the TV turn on with the console
This applies when your TV supports the HDMI power-control feature used by Nintendo Switch 2. The TV’s own HDMI power-control settings must also be enabled.
From the HOME Menu, select System Settings. Select Display. Highlight Match TV Power State. Turn Match TV Power State on.
Set up another TV with a second dock
Use the Nintendo Switch 2 Dock Set when you want another TV ready without moving your main dock.
- 1.Place the Nintendo Switch 2 dock near the second TV.
- 2.Connect the included AC adapter to the dock’s AC Adapter port and plug it into a wall outlet.
- 3.Connect the included Ultra High Speed HDMI cable from the dock’s HDMI port to the TV’s HDMI input.
- 4.Dock the Nintendo Switch 2 with the screen facing the same direction as the dock’s front panel.
- 5.Select the correct HDMI input on the TV.
Use a supported third-party adapter
Some accessory makers sell Switch 2-compatible TV adapters, but use only models whose manufacturer confirms Nintendo Switch 2 support. JSAUX lists CV0086, CV0087, and CV0088 for Switch 2, while AVerMedia lists GC313 Core GO and GC313 Pro Elite GO as tested with Nintendo Switch 2.
For JSAUX CV0086 or CV0087, connect the adapter’s USB-C male connector to the Nintendo Switch 2. Connect USB-C PD power to the adapter’s USB-C female connector. Connect an HDMI cable from the adapter’s HDMI female connector to the TV or monitor. Select the TV’s HDMI input.
For JSAUX CV0088, connect the adapter to the console. Connect USB-C PD power. Plug its HDMI male connector directly into the TV or monitor. Select the HDMI input.
Update the JSAUX 3-in-1 CV0087 firmware when using Switch 2 system version 21.0.0. For AVerMedia GC313 Core GO or GC313 Pro Elite GO, plug the device into wall power. Connect the gaming device’s USB-C output to the USB-C1 port with the included cable.
Connect HDMI from the GC313 to the TV or monitor. Select the TV input. Use the included USB-C cable and wall power for best results with AVerMedia GC313 models, and use Windows for GC313 firmware updates. If a third-party adapter fails, switch back to the official Nintendo Switch 2 dock, Nintendo Switch 2 AC adapter, and Ultra High Speed HDMI cable.
Update the console and dock firmware
This fixes TV output problems caused by outdated Nintendo Switch 2 system software or dock firmware. From the HOME Menu, open System Settings. Select System. Select System Update.
Install the latest system software. Return to System in System Settings. Dock the console. Select Dock Update.
Select Begin Update. Leave the console docked until the update finishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Nintendo Switch 2 connect to a TV without the dock?
Nintendo’s supported method is the Nintendo Switch 2 dock with the Nintendo Switch 2 AC adapter and an Ultra High Speed HDMI cable. Some third-party makers sell Switch 2-compatible adapters, but Nintendo’s documented path is the official dock.
Why does my Nintendo Switch 2 screen go black in the dock?
That is normal when TV mode starts. The console screen goes black because video output is being sent to the TV through the dock.
Can I use my old Nintendo Switch dock with Nintendo Switch 2?
No. Nintendo says Nintendo Switch 2 is not compatible with the original Nintendo Switch dock or Nintendo Switch OLED Model dock.
Does Nintendo Switch 2 support 4K on TV?
Nintendo Switch 2 includes a 2160p (4K) TV Resolution option in Display settings. The options you can use depend on the TV or monitor connected to the dock.