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How to Play Nintendo Switch on Your Laptop

How to Play Nintendo Switch on Your Laptop
Nic Weber

Last updated

Ever wondered if you can hook up your Nintendo Switch to a laptop and play your favorite games that way? Well, you’re not alone! This article is here to show you how it’s possible.

So, let’s get straight to it: Can you really play Nintendo Switch on a laptop? Yes, you can, and we’re about to tell you how.

Can You Play Nintendo Switch on a Laptop?

To play Nintendo Switch games on a laptop, you need a bit of setup. The reason you can’t just plug your Switch into your laptop with a USB cable is because laptop ports usually don’t accept video input, only output. But don’t worry, there’s a workaround!

What you’ll need is a capture card, a device that converts video signal into a form your laptop can recognize and display. Capture cards can be external or internal, but for Nintendo Switch and laptops, an external capture card is the way to go. This little device connects between your Switch and laptop, capturing the video signal from your Switch and sending it to your computer screen.

How to Connect Nintendo Switch to Your Laptop

First, you’ll need to obtain an external capture card. Second, make sure you have an HDMI cable. Then, follow these simple steps:

  • Disconnect the HDMI cable from your Switch Dock that goes to your TV.
  • Plug that HDMI cable into the input port of your capture card.
  • Using another HDMI cable, connect your capture card’s output to your laptop via the USB port.
  • Install any necessary software or drivers for your capture card.
  • Dock your Switch and launch your capture card’s software on your laptop. You should see your Switch’s screen on your laptop now!

And just like that, you’re playing Nintendo Switch games on your laptop! Remember, a bit of lag might occur due to the capture process, but it’s usually minimal with a good capture card.

Playing Nintendo Switch on Your Laptop With Playbite

Imagine playing your beloved Nintendo Switch games on your laptop and earning cool rewards while at it. Sounds amazing, right? That’s where Playbite comes in! Playbite is a fun app that lets you play casual games and earn rewards, like Nintendo eShop Gift Cards, which you can use to buy more games for your Switch.

Why not give Playbite a try? Download the app, enjoy some fun games, and start earning rewards. It’s a great way to enhance your Nintendo gaming experience, and who knows, you might grab enough gift cards to get your next game for free!

Win official Nintendo gift cards by playing games on Playbite!
Win official Nintendo gift cards by playing games on Playbite!

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!

Play Games.Earn points.Get gift cards!

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