The Switch is designed to travel, but its 6.2- or 7-inch screen is not always ideal for two-player sessions or long handheld runs. A portable monitor fills that gap without tying you to a living room television.<\/p>\n
There are three distinct ways to combine the two devices, and each uses different cables and settings. Knowing which mode you want before you buy prevents an expensive mismatch.<\/p>\n
This is the familiar setup in a smaller package. Put the Switch in its dock, connect the dock’s HDMI output to the monitor, and power the dock as usual.<\/p>\n
Most portable monitors have a single HDMI port and no built-in speakers of note, so plan for headphones or a small speaker.<\/p>\n
The console does not output 4K. A higher-resolution panel will scale the image, which can soften it slightly. A good 1080p IPS panel with accurate color is the better buy for Switch use. Our comparison of 4K and 1080p portable monitors<\/a> explains when the extra resolution helps.<\/p>\n Some portable monitors accept video over USB-C from devices that support DisplayPort Alt Mode. The Switch does not output video over its USB-C port in handheld mode, so a direct cable will not work.<\/p>\n Instead, use a compact third-party dock or a USB-C hub that supports the Switch. These small adapters replace the bulky official dock and output HDMI to the monitor.<\/p>\n The Switch’s kickstand is flimsy, and a portable monitor on a table makes local multiplayer far more comfortable. Place the console on a stable stand, connect through a compact dock, and angle the monitor toward both players.<\/p>\nMode 2: Handheld Mode With USB-C<\/h2>\n
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Mode 3: Tabletop Two-Player Setup<\/h2>\n
Placement tips<\/h3>\n
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What to Look For in a Monitor<\/h2>\n
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