Many people love playing Nintendo Switch games on bigger screens. When traveling, carrying a television is not always possible. You can now use an iPad as a Nintendo Switch 2 Display anywhere.
The setup is simple and budget friendly for gamers. With iPadOS 17 and capture card support, iPads become excellent portable monitors. Enjoy smooth gameplay without carrying extra heavy equipment during travel.
How to Use an iPad as a Nintendo Switch 2 Display
To Use an iPad as a Nintendo Switch 2 Display, you need the correct devices and apps. Start with a USB-C iPad that runs iPadOS 17. Without a USB-C port, the setup will not work. The Nintendo Switch 2 connects easily, but the older Switch also works. Even PlayStation and Xbox consoles can connect using the same process.
You will also need a video capture card dongle. These are small USB-C devices that connect with HDMI. Most capture cards are available online for about $20. An HDMI cable is also needed for the Switch dock. This connects the dock output to the capture dongle.
After arranging hardware, install a video capture app. Popular apps include Orion, Capture Pro, Camo Studio, and Video Assist. Orion is free with basic features but has paid upgrades. Camo Studio can turn your iPad into a streaming setup. Video Assist works like a professional recording solution for advanced needs.
Once everything is ready, start connecting the devices. Plug the Switch 2 dock into a power source. Connect the HDMI cable from the dock to capture the dongle. Plug the dongle’s USB-C connector into the iPad. Then place the Switch 2 console inside its dock and turn it on. Finally, open the capture app on your iPad to see the display.
The Switch 2 screen will appear on the iPad instantly. The quality is crisp, smooth, and full screen. There might be very small input lag during gameplay. Casual games run perfectly, but online shooting games may feel slower. Still, the setup is excellent for travel and entertainment.
Equipment Required to Use an iPad as a Nintendo Switch 2 Display
Gamers must collect some specific tools to Use an iPad as a Nintendo Switch 2 Display. Without these, the connection will not function properly. Here is the full list of required equipment:
- A USB-C iPad running iPadOS 17.
- A Nintendo Switch 2 with official dock.
- An HDMI cable for video connection.
- A USB-C video capture card dongle.
- A capture app installed on the iPad.
- Optional portable dock like Genki dock.
- Optional multiport hub for charging during gameplay.
These devices are lightweight and easy to carry while traveling. Many brands offer capture dongles, and most work reliably. For example, the Guermok capture card provided smooth 1080p gameplay. The Capture Pro app gave a stable and sharp display on iPad. Orion was also simple to use and delivered good results.
If you want to charge your iPad while gaming, use a multiport adapter. This allows you to connect the power supply and capture the dongle together. Without charging, long gameplay can drain the iPad battery quickly. Using a compact dock also reduces cable clutter during setup.
The iPad display quality is excellent compared to small portable monitors. Bright screens and high resolutions make the games look very colorful. Some apps even allow upscaling from 1080p to 4K resolution. Audio also passes easily through iPad and works with AirPods.
Controllers always connect to the Nintendo Switch console, not the iPad. The iPad is only working as a display screen. This ensures that input and gameplay remain responsive without delays.
Step by Step Process to Use an iPad as a Nintendo Switch 2 Display
Follow this guide to Use an iPad as a Nintendo Switch 2 Display easily:
- Make sure the iPad supports USB-C connection.
- Update iPad to iPadOS 17 for compatibility.
- Install a video capture app from App Store.
- Connect Nintendo Switch dock to a power outlet.
- Place the Switch 2 console inside its dock.
- Attach HDMI cable between Switch dock and capture dongle.
- Plug the capture dongle into the iPad USB-C port.
- If required, connect a multiport hub for charging.
- Open the video capture app on your iPad.
- Turn on Nintendo Switch console and paired controller.
- Wait for the game display to appear on iPad.
- Start playing games smoothly on the iPad display.
The process is simple and does not need advanced knowledge. Input lag is very minimal, making offline games enjoyable. Apps like Capture Pro give full screen crisp output.
Stage Manager on iPad also works with this feature. You can open guidebooks, chat windows, or notes beside gameplay. This makes multitasking easy while enjoying games.
Supported Models to Use an iPad as a Nintendo Switch 2 Display
Not all iPads can use an iPad as a Nintendo Switch 2 Display. Only iPads with USB-C and iPadOS 17 support this feature. Here are the supported iPad models:
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch (3rd generation and newer).
- iPad Pro 11-inch (1st generation and newer).
- iPad 10th generation.
- iPad Air (4th generation and newer).
- iPad mini (6th generation).
If your iPad does not belong to these models, the method will not work. Older Lightning port iPads cannot connect to capture dongles. iPadOS 17 is also mandatory for capture card functionality. Without updating, the iPad cannot detect HDMI video signals.
This hidden feature came with the iPadOS 17 update during WWDC 2023. Apple introduced external webcam support, but capture cards also benefited. The same system allows HDMI devices to stream into the iPad. This makes the iPad one of the best portable monitors available today.
Benefits When You Use an iPad as a Nintendo Switch 2 Display
There are many benefits when you use an iPad as a Nintendo Switch 2 Display. The biggest benefit is portability for gamers. Instead of carrying heavy monitors, you just carry an iPad. It fits easily inside a travel bag with accessories.
Another major benefit is high quality display. iPads have very sharp, bright, and colorful screens. Games look more vibrant compared to small travel monitors. Some apps even enhance graphics using upscaling options.
Multitasking is another benefit with iPadOS 17. Stage Manager lets you run multiple apps beside gameplay. You can open walkthroughs, notes, or chatting apps together. This is not possible with regular portable displays.
Audio experience is also great when using AirPods. Sound connects through iPad and plays without issue. The controller remains connected to the Switch console, not the iPad. This ensures natural gameplay without disturbing the setup.
Finally, the method is cost effective for players. Instead of buying expensive portable screens, just reuse your iPad. Only low-cost dongles and cables are needed for connection. This saves money and provides a better portable solution.
The Bottom Corner
You can easily use an iPad as a Nintendo Switch 2 Display using capture cards. The process needs a USB-C iPad, HDMI cable, Switch dock, and a video capture app.
Supported iPads running iPadOS 17 work perfectly with this setup. The display is sharp, portable, and reliable for gaming. This simple method is the best travel solution for Nintendo Switch 2 players.
