If you want to access your Nintendo Switch games on your laptop, follow these easy steps.
First, connect the dock’s HDMI output to one end of an HDMI cable and hook it up to the port on your laptop. Then, connect the other end of the HDMI cable to a port on the Elgato Game Capture Card.
Play your games on the laptop. You don’t necessarily have to play them from the dock, but that is how we will demonstrate this.
On Windows:
- Click Start > All Programs > Ubisoft Montreal
- Choose Nintendo Switch
- Select Elgato Game Capture
- Right-click and Open command prompt
- Type ‘ElgatoGameCapture’ at startup and press enter
- Open game/capture settings
- Open RetroArch Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. The Nintendo Switch screen will pop up, but you can ignore that to continue below. Use this configuration file or use the default with adjustments made in the ‘Settings’ sections.
- Press Start and Enjoy
Note: Make sure your video drivers are updated. Some may need updating from previous versions as well if it’s been a while since installing them.
- Click on the Game Capture device (Elgato Game Capture) and then on Settings.
- Adjust the settings as you see fit. If no audio is detected, be sure to turn off ‘Mix Audio’ in case of any device malfunctions due to bad sound cards.
- Play your game!
How to Connect Nintendo Switch to Laptop or Desktop
- With the Nintendo Switch dock connected to a laptop or desktop, turn on the Nintendo Switch console.
- In the System Settings menu on the Nintendo Switch console, select “Internet Connection.”
- Select “Connect to a delayed network.” If prompted to enter a network name and password, do so.
- Locate and connect to your desired internet connection using the provided IP address and login credentials.
- A confirmation message will display on the Nintendo Switch console after 10-15 seconds if a successful connection has been established, following which all content and system settings should then be transferred to your computer or laptop over the USB cable between both devices.
- Once you have successfully synced, switch off the game capture device by unplugging its cable from either end of your computer’s/laptop’s DVI, HDMI, or VGA (or similar) port.
How to Stream Nintendo Switch Games from HDTV or External Video Source with a PC via Game Capture Device
1. Turn on the Nintendo Switch console and dock
2. In the system settings menu, select “System Settings”.
3. Select “Internet Connection” if it is not selected at this stage.
4. The game icon will show up at the top of your display.
5. Select the connection menu.
6A. Select “Switch to the 3rd tab”.
6B. A new window will open up with a section labeled “Disable.” Check the box, “Disable”.
7. You can get back out at any time by pressing on your browser’s title bar or top menu bar or simply closing that webpage to return back to what you were doing previously.
8. Disconnect both devices if required.
i) For HDTV/Monitor first unplug your PC’s HDMI/VGA cable which has a Nintendo Switch game capture device connected to it now and never use the reverse method ever again.
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ii) For External Or Wired Monitor (For example you are using an older monitor that does not have any sort of USB port or DVI rather than HDMI, or VGA). When needed unplug the Dual USB connector from both sides at the back of the video-capturing Device for either HDTV, USB, or VGA monitor mode. Then enable the “Disable” box in Game Settings > System Setting connect both devices again and select the same desired connection scheme that you were using in step 5A.
Please note we are not telling you what to do with the internal/hidden micro SD card slot as this may change under some circumstances and it all depends on Nintendo’s further software changes. In any case, it will not be necessary to delete this micro SD card in order for the capture device and its games functionality that follow.
Display Switch on a Laptop with the HDMI Input Port
The HDMI input port on a laptop allows you to connect your laptop to an external display. To turn on the HDMI input port on your laptop, follow these steps:
- Open the laptop’s system menus.
- Under “Display,” select “HDMI.”
- Select “Activate this device.”
- The display will now be active and ready to use with your external display.
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Using an external monitor and the HDMI output port on a laptop will allow you to connect that same computer’s built-in display to your capture device. This is often ideal for gameplay footage where there isn’t enough room inside of your laptop case, or when using different operating systems with which the feature may not be available natively.
Procedures to Connect Nintendo Switch to Laptop
Use the following procedure to connect Nintendo Switch to your laptop.
- Open Nintendo Switch Online Service on your computer.
- Log in using your Nintendo Account email and password.
- Select the games you want to transfer to your computer.
- Click the blue “Download Content” button next to each game title.
- Select the file size and destination for the content download.
- Click the blue “Upload content” button next to each game title.
- Select the file size and destination for the content upload on your computer, then click “Upload.”
- The files will be transferred to a folder called New Content on your computer’s desktop titled with the game name downloaded from Nintendo Switch Online Service in step 1 above (ex: Mario Party 10).
- Once completed, you may wish to transfer those files elsewhere if preferred or delete them since they are no longer needed.
- When you are ready to play these games, simply reinstall the Nintendo Switch Online Service on your computer—follow steps 1 through 4 above once again and then 5 through 8 instead of 7 and 9!
Pro tip:Â If a game in this process is not yet available for online play, like Mario Party 10 or Kirby Star Allies as an example; it will prompt you again during installation if that game should be downloaded separately via Nintendo Account and run once it is completed and thus won’t require a subsequent download on your computer.
FAQ
Can I play my favorite games on the Nintendo Switch using a laptop?
Yes, you can play your favorite games on the Nintendo Switch using a laptop.
The Nintendo Switch has a built-in screen that allows you to play games in handheld mode or tabletop mode. In handheld mode, you can use the Joy-Con controllers to control the characters and game scenes.
In tabletop mode, you can use the Pro Controller to control the characters and game scenes. You can also use the touchscreen display to interact with the game.
How do you charge the Nintendo Switch while using it wirelessly or through a wired connection?
Wireless charging is a feature that allows you to charge your Nintendo Switch while it is being used wirelessly. To do this, you will need to purchase a compatible wireless charging dock.
Alternatively, you can also charge your Nintendo Switch through a wired connection by using the USB-C cable that came with the device.
Is it possible to use the Nintendo Switch with a laptop?
Yes, it is possible to use the Nintendo Switch with a laptop. However, it may not be ideal for gaming because the screen size on the Nintendo Switch is smaller than what is seen on most laptops.
What are the best ways to connect your Nintendo Switch to your laptop?
There are a few ways to connect your Nintendo Switch to your laptop.
- Use a USB-C to HDMI adapter.
- Use the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller with Bluetooth.
- Use the Nintendo Switch Online App and sign in with your account details on your laptop.
Does it work well with a wireless internet connection or a wired connection?
There is no definitive answer as it depends on the type of wireless internet connection you have. However, most routers have a setting that allows you to connect wirelessly to the internet.
How would Nintendo have fared if the Switch had been a flop?
There is no one answer to this question as it would have depended on a variety of factors, including how well the Switch performed in the market and whether or not Nintendo made any changes to its marketing strategy. However, it is safe to say that if the Switch had been a flop, Nintendo would have had to make some drastic changes to its business model.
What’s better, the Xbox One S or the Nintendo Switch?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the best gaming console for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences. However, some of the key features that make the Xbox One S a better choice than the Nintendo Switch include its enhanced hardware capabilities, 4K Ultra HD support, and greater game library.
The Nintendo Switch also has a number of features that make it a good choice for gamers, including its hybrid design that allows it to be used as both a home console and portable device, its versatile Joy-Con controllers, and its large game library.
How do you access Nintendo Switch files on a PC?
There are a few ways to access Nintendo Switch files on a PC.
The easiest way is to use a third-party file manager like CEX or HxD. These file managers allow you to browse and open files in a variety of formats, including Nintendo Switch files.
Another way is to use the Nintendo Switch File Transfer Tool. This tool allows you to transfer files between your PC and Nintendo Switch.
If you want to view the contents of a Nintendo Switch game card, you will need to use an emulator like Nintendulator or Citra. These emulators allow you to run games on your PC that were originally designed for the Nintendo Switch console.
Can I run my Nintendo Switch through my PC?
Yes, you can run your Nintendo Switch through your PC. However, there are some limitations to consider.
First, the Nintendo Switch does not have a built-in memory so any games or applications that you install will need to be stored on a USB drive or SD card.
Second, the Nintendo Switch relies on wireless connectivity to function so it may not work well if your PC is connected to a weak or unstable network.
Third, due to the way the Nintendo Switch handles video output, it may not display graphics at their best if they are being displayed on your PC screen at the same time.