Handheld game consoles recently made a comeback with the release of Nintendo Switch. It received a warm welcome among consumers of all ages and it’s not surprising why. Compared to other mainstream home video game consoles such as the popular PS4 and Xbox, the Nintendo Switch offers an unparalleled gaming experience that allows you to play anytime, anywhere. Its portability is what makes it stand out, and has been a hallmark of Nintendo consoles ever since the release of the first Game Boy in 1989.
The fun doesn’t stop there. Aptly named Switch, this console has a nifty feature where you can now play on a larger screen and doubles as a home video game console. Want to play The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild in all its 4k glory? Just plug it in your TV and you’ll experience the game like never before! There are tons of games available on Nintendo Switch that you can now enjoy with your home television but if you’re not sure how to do so, simply follow our instructions and you’ll be having fun in no time.
If you feel your TV isn’t up to producing the superior graphics the Nintendo is known for, maybe it’s time to look for a newer, more high tech model.
Connecting your Nintendo Switch to a TV
The Nintendo Switch comes with a docking station that lets you connect your console to an external device of your choice, such as a TV, a PC monitor, or a projector. To use this, you’ll need the HDMI cable and AC adapter that are included in the set.
First, open the side panel on the docking station. Get the HDMI cable and plug one end into the dock and the other end to your TV. The cable is roughly 3 feet long, so it’s best to place the dock nearby the TV. If your TV is mounted on the wall, you might want to switch to a longer one.
Next, connect the USB-C end of the AC adapter into the dock and plug the adapter end to a power socket. When sliding the Nintendo Switch into the docking station, remove the Joy-Con controllers. Make sure that the side with the power button and vent should be on top. An indicator at the lower left part of the dock should light up if the connection is successful. Lastly, turn on the TV and switch to the HDMI source that you’ve plugged the cable into.
Nintendo Switch getting hot in TV mode?
Some consumers have reported that their consoles might have overheated, reaching up to almost 107 degrees. Others think that it might be generating more heat compared to other home video game consoles, which they say can be worrisome considering how compact its internal hardware is.
Is this a cause for concern? Actually, there’s nothing to worry about! Instances like these are expected to happen after an hour or two of playing hardware-intensive games such as Breath of the Wild. Also, the Switch is designed to direct as much heat as possible away from the battery and into the top vent. This way, the battery is kept at a cool temperature to prevent damage. As long as you place the docking station in a well-ventilated area, playing on TV mode shouldn’t be a problem.
