Can I Connect My Nintendo Switch to My MacBook?
Last updated
Ever wondered if you could connect your Nintendo Switch to your MacBook? Well, you’re not alone! It’s a question many Nintendo fans have, especially those who love using their MacBooks for everything.
So, let’s get down to business. Can you connect your Nintendo Switch to a MacBook? We’re here to clear things up once and for all.
Short Answer: Not Directly
Connecting your Nintendo Switch directly to a MacBook isn’t straightforward. Why? Because the Nintendo Switch is primarily designed to dock into its own station, which then connects to a TV or monitor via an HDMI cable. MacBooks, on the other hand, don’t have an HDMI input. They’re not designed to receive video input from external devices like the Switch.
However, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to get your Nintendo Switch display onto your MacBook screen. It just means you’ll need to get a bit creative and use some additional hardware.
How to Connect Your Nintendo Switch to Your MacBook
To make this connection happen, you’ll need a video capture card. A capture card takes the HDMI output from your Switch and converts it into a format that your MacBook can display through a USB port. Capture cards are commonly used by gamers who stream or record their gameplay.
Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide:
- Connect your Nintendo Switch to the capture card using an HDMI cable.
- Connect the capture card to your MacBook using a USB cable.
- Use capture card software on your MacBook to display the video input from your Switch.
Keep in mind, this setup is typically used for streaming or recording gameplay, rather than playing games directly on your MacBook screen. There might be a slight delay between your actions on the Switch and what you see on your MacBook, which could affect gameplay.
Turn Your Love for Nintendo into Rewards with Playbite
Now that you know how to get your Nintendo Switch display onto your MacBook, why not take your love for Nintendo to the next level? With Playbite, you can play fun mobile games and earn rewards, including Nintendo eShop Gift Cards. Imagine playing casual games on your phone and earning rewards to get more games for your Switch!
Download the Playbite app today and start earning rewards while having fun. Who knows? Your next Nintendo game could be on us!

In case you’re wondering: Playbite simply makes money from (not super annoying) ads and (totally optional) in-app purchases. It then uses that money to reward players with really cool prizes!
Join Playbite today!
The brands referenced on this page are not sponsors of the rewards or otherwise affiliated with this company. The logos and other identifying marks attached are trademarks of and owned by each represented company and/or its affiliates. Please visit each company's website for additional terms and conditions.
