How to connect a Nintendo Switch to a laptop
Put the Switch in its dock and run HDMI from the dock into an HDMI capture device, then plug the capture device into the laptop’s USB port and open a camera or capture app. The laptop’s own HDMI port only sends video out. The Switch Lite can’t output video at all.
Yes. You need a converter.
What you need
- HDMI cable Look for: High Speed HDMI (Ultra High Speed for 4K 120Hz)
- HDMI capture device (HDMI in, USB out) Look for: HDMI to USB video capture
Connect it like this
- Nintendo Switch (docked)HDMI out
- HDMI cable
- HDMI capture device (HDMI in, USB out)HDMI in, USB (video capture) out
- LaptopUSB (video capture) in
What to know
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Cost
- About $23–$55 if you buy everything new
- Picture
- HD (up to 1080p)
- Lag
- Some. Noticeable in fast games or lip-sync
- Extra power
- No
Why this works
HDMI and USB (video capture) use different signal formats, so a HDMI capture device (HDMI in, USB out) converts between them.
Before you buy
- The picture shows in a window through a camera or capture app on the computer. Expect some lag: fine for casual play, not ideal for fast games. On PS5 and PS4, turn off HDCP in the console’s HDMI settings first or the picture stays black. Streaming apps can’t be captured.
Good to know
- Nintendo Switch sends video to a TV only while docked. Switch Lite cannot output video at all.
Your gear a little different? Answer a couple of questions about your own ports.
Check my exact setup