Nintendo Switch 4K Capabilities

ByKern Campbell, MBA

Nintendo’s latest console, the Switch, has been out for quite a few years now. Although they are making continuous updates and upgrades to the system, they haven’t announced a new version and seem to be firmly focused on the Switch as it stands. But can the Switch play in 4K?

The Nintendo Switch can be connected to a 4K TV and work just fine, but it will run at a lower resolution. The Switch doesn’t have the ability to display graphics at 4K quality. Its highest quality is 1080p when docked and 720p in handheld. Some games may run even lower than this.

While we can’t experience 4K games on the Switch just yet, it’s still possible to play using a 4K TV. Let’s take a closer look at the Nintendo Switch and its potential to work with 4K screens. We’ll also walk through setting up your Switch on a 4K TV.

Will a Nintendo Switch Work on a 4K TV?

Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo Switch does not have 4K resolution capabilities and therefore, it will not display games at 4K resolution on a 4K TV. The Switch’s native resolution is 720p and can display games up to 1080p when connected to a TV or display that supports it. 

Therefore, the games will still display on a 4K TV, but they’ll be upscaled to fit the 4K display resolution and may not look as sharp or detailed as they would on a lower-resolution display. So while it will work, it is far from optimal.

How to Hook Up a Nintendo Switch to Your TV

Although the Switch is famous for being able to work in handheld mode so it’s more portable than other Nintendo consoles, some games are just done justice on the big screen. Here’s how to hook the Nintendo Switch up to your TV.

Step 1: Make Sure Your TV Is Compatible

Make sure that the TV you are using has an HDMI input port, which is required for connecting the Nintendo Switch.

Step 2: Get Your Supplies

You will need the Nintendo Switch Dock, an HDMI cable, and the AC adapter for the dock. You will also, of course, need the Nintendo Switch itself (available on Amazon). A dock comes with the Switch unless you buy the Switch Lite, which does not connect to TVs and is made to be played in handheld mode only.

Step 3: Connect the Dock to the TV

Connect the HDMI cable to the HDMI input port on your TV and the HDMI port on the Nintendo Switch Dock. You can use any quality HDMI cable for this.

Step 4: Connect the AC Adapter to the Dock

Connect the AC adapter to the Nintendo Switch Dock and plug it into an electrical outlet. Make sure the USB connectors on the dock are securely connected to the Nintendo Switch console.

Step 5: Turn on the TV and the Nintendo Switch

Turn on your TV and select the HDMI input that the Nintendo Switch is connected to. The Nintendo Switch will automatically detect the TV and adjust its display settings accordingly. How to select the correct HDMI depends on your TV but, generally, the HDMI output on the TV will be labeled and you can locate that number on the TV itself.

What is the Highest Resolution Available on a Nintendo Switch?

Red Nintendo Switch

The highest resolution available on a Nintendo Switch is 1080p. When the Nintendo Switch is docked and connected to a TV or monitor that supports 1080p, the system can output games at that resolution. When the Switch is in handheld mode, the resolution is 720p.

However, it’s important to note that not all games on the Nintendo Switch support 1080p, and some may run at lower resolutions. This is mostly true of older games that may be playable on the Switch.

This also does not include the Switch Lite (on Amazon), which runs on a lower resolution.

Overall, the Nintendo Switch does not have 4K capabilities, unfortunately — at least, not yet. However, if you have a 4K TV, you can still run the Switch and play most games just fine — you just won’t get the crisp 4K resolution you may have been expecting. If you’re okay with slightly lowered quality, it shouldn’t make much of a difference to you.