To connect a Nintendo Switch to a PC with HDMI, you cannot simply plug an HDMI cable from the console directly into your computer. Because most PCs lack an HDMI input port, the only reliable method to connect a Nintendo Switch to a PC with HDMI requires a video capture card, which acts as a bridge between the console and your computer. This same capture card workflow also lets you connect PS4 to laptop with HDMI for streaming or recording gameplay.
The truth about connecting your Nintendo Switch to a PC with HDMI
Many users assume they can run an HDMI cable straight from the Switch Dock into their PC's HDMI port, but this only works if your computer has a dedicated HDMI input, a feature almost never found on standard laptops or desktop monitors. The common misconception that a direct HDMI cable connection will work leads to frustration. The essential solution is a video capture card, which takes the HDMI signal from your Switch Dock and converts it into a USB signal your PC can read. Before connecting anything, you may first need to switch to HDMI on PC Windows 11 to ensure the correct input source is active. This is the only way to see your Switch gameplay on a PC screen.
What you'll need to get started
Before beginning, gather the following hardware: your Nintendo Switch console, the official Nintendo Switch Dock, an HDMI cable, a video capture card, a USB cable (usually provided with the capture card), and a PC with a USB 3.0 port. The capture card is the critical component that makes the connection possible, and a USB 3.0 port ensures optimal performance and smooth signal transfer.
Step 1: Set up your Nintendo Switch Dock
Place your Nintendo Switch into its official Dock. The Dock is required because the Switch only outputs video through its USB-C connection when seated in the Dock. Connect the power adapter to the Dock and plug it into a wall outlet. Ensure the Dock's LED indicator lights up, confirming the console is outputting video to the Dock.
Step 2: Connect the Dock to your video capture card
Take your HDMI cable and plug one end into the HDMI OUT port on the back of the Switch Dock. Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI IN port on your video capture card. This step establishes the video and audio pathway from the Switch to the capture device.
Step 3: Connect the capture card to your PC
Use the USB cable that came with your capture card to connect the card to your PC. Plug it into a USB 3.0 port for the best performance. The PC will recognize the capture card as a new device, and the Switch's video signal will begin flowing to your computer.
Step 4: Install and set up OBS Studio on your PC
Download and install OBS Studio, a free and widely used video capture software. Open OBS Studio once the installation is complete. This program will act as the display software for the incoming video signal from your Switch.
Step 5: Add your capture card as a video source
In OBS Studio, locate the "Sources" box and click the plus (+) icon. Choose "Video Capture Device" from the menu. In the properties window that appears, select your capture card from the device dropdown menu. The Nintendo Switch screen should now appear in the OBS preview window.
Step 6: Enjoy your Nintendo Switch on your PC screen
Maximize the OBS Studio preview window to play your Switch games in fullscreen mode. Adjust audio settings within OBS to ensure game sound plays through your PC speakers. If you want to stream your gameplay, OBS can broadcast the feed directly. You can also use different controllers, such as a Pro Controller or a compatible PC controller, while playing. If you need to switch from HDMI 1 to HDMI 2 on your monitor for other uses, simply change the input on your display as you normally would. Your Switch gameplay will remain visible in OBS regardless of your monitor's input selection.
