How to Use iPad as a Monitor for Your Nintendo Switch
Imagine this: you’re on a long trip, craving a Mario Kart session, but the only screen available is your cramped laptop. Or perhaps you’re stuck in a hotel room with a bulky TV, longing for the intimacy of your Switch’s handheld mode. Fear not, fellow gamer, for there’s a solution! With a little tech magic, you can transform your iPad into a vibrant, portable display for your Nintendo Switch, unlocking a world of gaming freedom on the go.
Related Reading
Why Use Your iPad as a Switch Screen?
Before we dive into the how-to, let’s explore why you might want to ditch the TV and embrace the iPad as your Switch’s sidekick. Here are just a few reasons:
- Portability: iPads are inherently portable, making them ideal travel companions. Imagine whipping out your Switch-iPad combo on a plane, train, or even during your lunch break, instantly transforming any environment into a gaming zone.
- Display Versatility: iPads boast beautiful, high-resolution screens that rival dedicated monitors. You can enjoy your Switch games in stunning detail, with the added bonus of touch-screen capabilities for select titles.
- Multitasking Magic: Need to check a quick email while battling Bowser? No problem! The iPad’s multitasking abilities let you seamlessly switch between your game and other apps without interrupting your flow.
- Independent Play: Sharing a TV with siblings or roommates can be a recipe for controller battles. Using your iPad liberates you from the living room screen, allowing you to enjoy your Switch games solo, anywhere you please.
How to Use iPad as a Monitor for Your Nintendo Switch
This guide is designed to walk you through the process of transforming your iPad into a secondary display for your Nintendo Switch, offering a unique and portable gaming experience. Whether you’re in need of a more compact screen option or simply want to make the most out of your existing devices, this section will provide you with step-by-step instructions, tips, and the necessary tools to seamlessly integrate your iPad with your Nintendo Switch.
What You’ll Need
To transform your iPad into a Switch screen, you’ll need some key equipment:
- USB-C to HDMI Capture Card: This acts as a bridge between your Switch and iPad, capturing the HDMI video signal and sending it to your tablet. Choose a reputable brand with low latency (lag) for a smooth gaming experience. Here are a few recommendations:
- Guermok Audio/Video Capture Card ($20.99): This HDMI to USBC capture card supports easy recording of high-quality audio or HD video and transferring it to your computer or streaming platform, allowing you to record 60 fps HD video directly on your hard drive and real-time preview.
- Elgato HD60 X ($164.49): Compact and streamlined, the HD60 X connects seamlessly to any console. Rear HDMI ports keep your setup tidy, while the audio input sits up front for easy access.
- Genki ShadowCast 2 ($49.99): Dive into the gaming realm with 4K60 video input, supporting the latest consoles. Designed to hide inside the Nintendo Switch dock.
- UGREEN Video Capture Card ($24.99): With USB-A & USB-C dual interface design, this capture card is compatible with most current laptops, tablets, mobile phones, cameras, webcams, Kindle, and other devices.
- Razer Ripsaw HD ($129.99): With two HDMI 2.0 ports (input and output), USB-C power/input and mic/headphone jack passthrough, the Razer Ripsaw HD has everything you need whether you’re streaming on your console or a dual PC setup.
- HDMI Cable: A standard HDMI cable will connect your Switch dock (or directly to the Switch if using a compatible model) to the capture card.
- Video Capture App: Your iPad needs an app to display the captured video signal. Several options are available, both free and paid. Popular choices include:
- HDMI Monitor – Orion: Orion is perfect for turning your iPad into a portable display for your camera, so you can check your framing, focus, color and more when taking video or stills. Or connect Orion to a game console for gaming on the go or when needing a quick, fantastic monitor and set of speakers.
- Capturino: The ultimate app for photographers and videographers seeking a powerful tool to view UVC video feed with professional-grade features. Whether you’re capturing breathtaking photos or shooting compelling videos, this app is designed to elevate your creative experience to new heights.
- Camo Studio: Stream console games with a capture card to Twitch, YouTube, Trovo and more. Set up your scene with tactile controls that make multi-feed and PiP (picture-in-picture) simple to configure.
- Dongled: Dongled brings straightforward HDMI video and audio streaming to your device, with a UVC capture card and turns your display into a full screen wired video monitor.
- Genki Studio: Genki Studio turns your iPad into a portable monitor and advanced video capture and presentation device, connect your Genki ShadowCast or any compatible USB UVC input device, to start using your iPad as a portable monitor for your gaming console, PC, digital camera, small board computer, or microscope.
- Optional Accessories:
- Multi-port adapter: If your iPad only has one USB-C port, a multi-port adapter will allow you to connect the capture card while simultaneously charging your iPad.
- iPad stand: A sturdy stand will keep your iPad propped up at a comfortable viewing angle, especially useful for tabletop gaming.
- Wired headphones: Bluetooth headphones can introduce latency, so wired headphones are recommended for a lag-free audio experience.
Step-by-Step Guide
Here, we will take you through a comprehensive, step-by-step process to seamlessly connect your Nintendo Switch to your iPad, effectively turning it into a functional and portable monitor. From the necessary equipment to troubleshooting tips, we’ve covered everything you need to know to enjoy your favorite Switch games on a larger, more versatile iPad screen.
- Make sure your Switch is fully charged and/or docked.
- Connect the capture card to your iPad via the USB-C port.
- Plug the HDMI cable into the capture card and the other end into your Switch dock’s HDMI port.
- Open the video capture app that you want to use. For this guide, we’re using HDMI Monitor – Orion.
- Turn on your Switch.
- Wait a moment or two and your Switch’s output should appear on your iPad’s display.
- Start playing!
Orion has a couple of extra unique features compared to some of the other video capture apps for the iPad. Notably, the app makes it possible to upscale up to a 4K resolution, making Tears of the Kingdom look even better than you could have imagined. But, there’s also a CRT option that pairs quite nicely with the likes of the NES, SNES, or N64 emulators found with a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.
Pro Tips for a Seamless Switch Experience
When using capture cards, it’s essential to remember that despite their low latency, some processing delay is inevitable. If you’re experiencing noticeable lag, a good strategy is to close any background applications or try a different combination of capture card and app. Additionally, playing games on your iPad tends to drain its battery more quickly than usual. To avoid interruptions during extended gaming sessions, it’s advisable to keep your iPad plugged in, or you might want to consider using a portable power bank for added convenience.
Audio plays a crucial role in gaming, so don’t overlook it. For an immersive experience, connect your headphones directly to your Switch or iPad. Since Bluetooth headphones can introduce latency, wired headphones are recommended for optimal performance. Also, take note that some games make use of the Switch’s touchscreen features. While your iPad won’t directly register touch inputs, certain capture apps provide on-screen touch controls for specific games. It’s worth experimenting to see if these features work with your favorite titles.
Conclusion
Transforming your iPad into a Switch screen isn’t just about convenience; it’s about unlocking a new dimension of gaming freedom. With a little setup and experimentation, you can enjoy your favorite Switch titles anywhere, anytime, without sacrificing quality or control. So go forth, adventurers! Embrace the portable power of your iPad and conquer Hyrule, race through Mario Kart circuits, and explore Animal Crossing horizons – all on the vibrant canvas of your trusty tablet.
Andrew Myrick is a freelance writer based on the East Coast of the US. He enjoys everything to do with technology, including tablets, smartphones, and everything in between. Perhaps his favorite past-time is having a never-ending supply of different keyboards and gaming handhelds that end up collecting more dust than the consoles that are being emulated.
