ConnectMyGear
Menu

How to connect a Nintendo Switch to a tube (CRT) TV

The Switch only outputs HDMI and tube TVs take analog video, so you need a powered HDMI converter. If the TV has component inputs (green, blue, red), an HDMI-to-component converter gives the sharpest picture. Otherwise use an HDMI-to-AV converter into the yellow input.

A vintage tube TV on wooden legs

Yes. You need a converter.

What you need

  1. HDMI cable Look for: High Speed HDMI (Ultra High Speed for 4K 120Hz) $8–$15
  2. HDMI to component converter Look for: HDMI to Component (YPbPr) $30–$60, needs USB or wall power
  3. Component video + audio cable Look for: 5 RCA: green/blue/red video plus red/white audio $8–$15

Connect it like this

  1. Nintendo Switch (docked)HDMI out
  2. HDMI cable
  3. HDMI to component converterHDMI in, Component video out. Needs power.
  4. Component video + audio cable
  5. Tube TV (CRT)Component video in

What to know

Difficulty
Easy
Cost
About $46–$90 if you buy everything new
Picture
HD (up to 1080p)
Lag
Minimal
Extra power
Yes, the converter needs USB or wall power

Why this works

HDMI is digital and Component video is analog. A plain cable can’t bridge that. A powered HDMI to component converter translates the signal.

Before you buy

  • Direction matters. You need HDMI in and Component video out. The Component to HDMI converter looks almost identical but works the other way. Check that the box says “HDMI to Component (YPbPr)”.
  • Sharper than composite. The TV must accept the resolution the converter sends (480p is safest on CRTs).

Good to know

  • Nintendo Switch sends video to a TV only while docked. Switch Lite cannot output video at all.

Other ways to do it

Cheapest You need a converter. HDMI cable + HDMI to AV converter + Composite AV cable (yellow/white/red)

What you need

  1. HDMI cable Look for: High Speed HDMI (Ultra High Speed for 4K 120Hz) $8–$15
  2. HDMI to AV converter Look for: HDMI to AV / HDMI to RCA / HDMI2AV $15–$30, needs USB or wall power
  3. Composite AV cable (yellow/white/red) Look for: 3 RCA male to 3 RCA male $5–$10

Connect it like this

  1. Nintendo Switch (docked)HDMI out
  2. HDMI cable
  3. HDMI to AV converterHDMI in, Composite AV (RCA) out. Needs power.
  4. Composite AV cable (yellow/white/red)
  5. Tube TV (CRT)Composite AV (RCA) in

What to know

Difficulty
Easy
Cost
About $28–$55 if you buy everything new
Picture
Standard definition
Lag
Some. Noticeable in fast games or lip-sync
Extra power
Yes, the converter needs USB or wall power

Why this works

HDMI is digital and Composite AV (RCA) is analog. A plain cable can’t bridge that. A powered HDMI to AV converter translates the signal.

Before you buy

  • Direction matters. You need HDMI in and Composite AV (RCA) out. The AV to HDMI converter looks almost identical but works the other way. Check that the box says “HDMI to AV”.
  • Picture is scaled down to standard definition. Cheap units add a little lag.

Your gear a little different? Answer a couple of questions about your own ports.

Check my exact setup

Related setups