To use a Switch docking station, connect the Nintendo Switch AC Adapter (model HAC-002) to the dock’s AC ADAPTER port and plug it into a wall outlet, then connect an HDMI cable from the dock’s HDMI OUT port to your TV. This setup lets you play Nintendo Switch games on a big screen while charging the console, making it the most direct way to enjoy TV mode.
What is a switch docking station?
A Switch docking station is a hardware base that lets a Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch, OLED Model output video and audio to a TV or monitor and charge the console at the same time. Unlike laptop docking stations, which typically expand connectivity for a computer, the Switch dock is purpose-built for gaming: it provides a seamless transition from handheld to TV mode. The dock bundled with the standard Nintendo Switch includes three USB 2.0 ports, one USB-C AC adapter port, and one HDMI port. The dock bundled with the Nintendo Switch, OLED Model includes the same ports plus a built-in wired LAN port.
How to set up the switch docking station
- Open the back cover of the dock.
- Connect the Nintendo Switch AC Adapter, model no. HAC-002, to the dock port labeled AC ADAPTER and plug the adapter into a wall outlet.
- Connect one end of an HDMI cable to the dock port labeled HDMI OUT and the other end to an HDMI port on the TV or monitor.
- Close the back cover of the dock.
How to connect the Nintendo Switch to the dock
- Remove the left and right Joy-Con controllers from the console.
- Position the console so the screen faces the same direction as the front panel on the dock, then insert the console into the dock. While docked, the console screen turns off.
- Turn on the TV and select the correct HDMI input.
Charging while docked
The dock charges the console automatically while it is docked, provided the AC adapter is connected to the dock’s AC ADAPTER port before docking the console.
Troubleshooting: no picture on the TV
If the TV does not show the console, Nintendo’s documented step is to confirm the TV is set to the correct HDMI input. No further troubleshooting steps, reset procedures, or error codes are documented by Nintendo for this issue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the dock do?
It charges the Nintendo Switch console and outputs video and audio to a TV or monitor through HDMI, allowing you to play games on a larger screen.
Which consoles does the dock support?
Nintendo documents support for the Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch, OLED Model with the official dock.
Does the dock charge the Switch while it is docked?
What is the difference between the standard and OLED dock?
The dock bundled with the Nintendo Switch, OLED Model (model HEG-007) adds a built-in wired LAN port for wired internet. The OLED Model can use the dock without a LAN port.
