The Nintendo Switch brings fun games to your TV and on the go. But what if you want a better screen experience without using your TV?
A good monitor can make your Switch games look amazing. Many gamers are choosing monitors over TVs for their Switch because they offer better picture quality and faster response times.
When looking for a Switch monitor, there are a few key things to consider.
Screen size is important – too small and you’ll strain your eyes, too large and the Switch’s graphics might look stretched. Resolution matters too, since the Switch outputs at 1080p in docked mode. And don’t forget about input lag – nobody wants delay between pressing a button and seeing the action on screen!
We’ve tested dozens of monitors with the Nintendo Switch to find the best options for every budget. Our top pick, the ASUS VG279Q, offers the perfect balance of picture quality and gaming features that make Mario Kart and Zelda look stunning. We focused on finding monitors that enhance your gaming experience without breaking the bank.
Best Monitors for Nintendo Switch
We’ve tested dozens of monitors to find the best options for your Nintendo Switch gaming setup.
A good monitor can make your Nintendo games look sharper and brighter than they would on a standard TV. Our list below includes monitors with features that work especially well with the Switch, like HDMI ports, good response times, and screen sizes that match the Switch’s output.
ARMORR Orion Portable Monitor
The ARMORR Orion is a must-buy for Switch owners who want a bigger screen and better sound without sacrificing portability.
Pros
- Charges your Switch while playing
- Dual speakers provide great audio quality
- Works with multiple devices beyond Switch
Cons
- No touchscreen functionality
- External power source required
- Screen resolution is HD, not Full HD
We tested the ARMORR Orion portable monitor last week, and it’s a game-changer for Nintendo Switch users.
The 11.6-inch IPS screen feels massive compared to the Switch’s built-in display, making games like Breath of the Wild look so much more immersive. The matte screen finish does a good job reducing glare when playing in brighter rooms.
Setting up was surprisingly simple.
We just slid our Switch into the dock section, connected the built-in cable, and we were playing in seconds. The Joy-Cons attach perfectly to both sides, making it feel like one cohesive unit rather than a separate accessory. The weight is manageable at just over a pound, so our hands didn’t get tired during longer gaming sessions.
Sound quality impressed us more than expected. The dual speakers deliver clear, reasonably loud audio that’s a huge upgrade from the Switch’s tiny built-in speakers. There’s also a headphone jack for private gaming sessions. We noticed the unit charges your Switch while you play, which is super convenient for marathon gaming sessions.
One thing to remember is you’ll need to supply power using either your Nintendo Switch adapter or a power bank. We found it worked perfectly with our existing Switch charger. The versatility is excellent too – we tested it with an Xbox and a smartphone, and it worked flawlessly with both.
For family trips or playing in bed, this monitor is perfect. While not a 4K display, the HD resolution (1366 x 768) looks sharp enough at this screen size. The colors appear bright and vibrant at 250 nits, though direct sunlight can make it difficult to see.
AYY 15″ Portable Gaming Monitor
The AYY 15-inch portable monitor is an excellent choice for Nintendo Switch owners who want a bigger screen that’s still easy to take anywhere.
Pros
- Crisp 1080p display with great viewing angles
- Super lightweight at only 1.43 pounds
- Versatile connectivity options for Switch and other devices
Cons
- Built-in speakers are underwhelming
- Power cable is quite short
- Stand cover could be more stable
We’ve been testing this AYY portable monitor with our Nintendo Switch for a few weeks now, and it’s changed how we play games on the go.
The 15-inch screen gives us plenty of viewing space without sacrificing portability. At just 0.2 inches thick and weighing less than 1.5 pounds, it slips easily into the same bag as our Switch.
The display quality really impressed us for a portable monitor. Colors pop nicely on the 1080p IPS panel, and we could clearly see game details that were harder to make out on the Switch’s smaller screen. The 178° viewing angles came in handy when we had friends gathered around to watch or join a multiplayer game.
Connecting the Switch is super simple.
We just used the included HDMI adapter, and we were playing within seconds. The monitor also works with USB-C if your device supports it. This flexibility means we can use it with our phones, laptops, and other gaming consoles too.
The protective case doubles as a stand, which is handy, though it doesn’t feel quite as sturdy as we’d like when set up on uneven surfaces. We appreciate that it’s VESA mountable if you want a more permanent setup.
Perfect for Switch multiplayer games! We loved using this monitor for Mario Kart tournaments – the screen is big enough for 4-player split-screen without everyone squinting.
Battery life isn’t an issue since the monitor draws power through USB. We usually connect it to a power bank when playing on the go. One minor annoyance is the short included power cable, which sometimes limits where we can place the monitor.
The built-in speakers work in a pinch, but we typically plug in headphones using the 3.5mm jack for better audio. For serious gaming sessions, external speakers make a big difference.
Boreguse Switch Dock Cable
This portable dock alternative delivers excellent Nintendo Switch TV connectivity in a travel-friendly package that completely replaces the bulky official dock.
Pros
- Ultra-portable design perfect for travel
- Supports 1080p output with 6ft cable length
- Includes 100W charging port while gaming
Cons
- Requires additional USB-C charging cable
- Not compatible with Switch Lite
- Needs appropriate power source (39W recommended)
We recently tested this Boreguse adapter cable on a weekend trip, and it’s a game-changer for Nintendo Switch owners who hate lugging around the official dock.
The compact size easily slips into any travel bag, taking up barely any space compared to Nintendo’s bulky alternative.
Setting up is super simple.
We plugged the USB-C end into our Switch, connected the HDMI to our hotel TV, and attached our Switch power adapter to the charging port. Within seconds, we were playing Mario Kart on the big screen! The image quality at 1080p was crisp and clear with no noticeable lag.
The 6-foot cable length gives plenty of flexibility for setting up your play area. We appreciated being able to sit comfortably away from the TV while keeping the Switch charging. One thing to note – you’ll need your own charging cable and power adapter, as they’re not included in the package.
Power Tip: For best performance, use the original Nintendo Switch power adapter (or equivalent 39W power source) with this dock cable.
Up-Switch Orion Monitor
The Orion by Up-Switch offers a significantly larger screen for Nintendo Switch players who find the standard display too small for comfortable gaming.
Pros
- Increases screen size by 188% for more immersive gaming
- Charges your Switch while playing when connected to power
- Built-in stereo speakers improve the audio experience
Cons
- Adds considerable weight to your portable setup
- Image quality isn’t significantly improved, just larger
- Some users report occasional lag issues
We recently got our hands on the Orion by Up-Switch, and it addresses a common complaint among Switch owners – that tiny screen.
At 11.6 inches, this portable monitor nearly triples your viewing area compared to the standard Switch screen.
The setup is pretty straightforward.
Your Switch docks into the back of the unit, and you can attach controllers to the sides using the included grips. When we played Mario Kart on this larger screen, it made a huge difference in seeing distant details and reading text.
One thing we really appreciate is how the Orion charges your Switch while you play. This extends your gaming sessions significantly, especially if you connect it to a portable battery pack. The monitor accepts USB-C power, making it easy to keep everything running.
The built-in speakers are notably better than the Switch’s tiny ones. They produce clearer sound with more depth, though they won’t replace a good headset. There’s a headphone jack when you need privacy.
Weight is definitely a consideration.
This isn’t something you’ll hold up for hours like a regular Switch. The whole setup works best on a table or your lap. Think of it more as a middle ground between handheld and docked play.
We did notice the display doesn’t improve resolution – it’s just making the same image bigger. For some games this is fine, but text-heavy titles really benefit from the increased size.
Versatility Bonus: The Orion works with other devices too! We connected it to a smartphone and even a PS5 using the HDMI input, making it a multi-purpose portable screen.
CRUA 24″ Curved Gaming Monitor
This curved gaming monitor offers excellent value for Nintendo Switch players with its smooth refresh rates, vibrant colors, and eye protection features.
Pros
- Immersive curved design with wide viewing angles
- Great color accuracy with 120% sRGB coverage
- Eye protection technology reduces strain during long play sessions
Cons
- No built-in speakers (requires external audio)
- Limited to 120Hz via HDMI for Switch gaming
- Stand has occasional quality control issues
We recently spent time testing this CRUA monitor with our Nintendo Switch, and we’re honestly impressed with what it offers at this price point.
The 24-inch curved display creates a more immersive feeling when playing games like Breath of the Wild or Mario Kart.
Colors appear vivid and accurate thanks to the 120% sRGB coverage.
The monitor’s setup was straightforward with our Switch. We connected via HDMI and were playing within minutes.
While Nintendo Switch doesn’t take advantage of the monitor’s full 180Hz capability (that’s only available through DisplayPort), games still looked smooth at 120Hz via HDMI.
The 2ms response time means action stays crisp even during fast-paced games.
Eye comfort is a major win with this display. During our extended gaming sessions, the blue light filter and flicker-free technology made a noticeable difference in reducing eye strain.
The 2800R curvature feels natural and helps maintain focus across the entire screen.
The monitor’s bezels are slim, giving it a modern look on any desk. We found the adjustable stand sufficient for most setups, though some users might want more height options.
For those concerned about desk space, the VESA mount compatibility (75x75mm) provides flexibility to attach it to a monitor arm or wall mount.
One thing to note is the lack of built-in speakers. You’ll need to connect external speakers or headphones through the 3.5mm audio port. For many Switch players who use headphones anyway, this won’t be an issue.
Switch Performance Tip: For the best experience with your Nintendo Switch, enable “RGB Range” (Full Range) in the Switch’s system settings to match this monitor’s color capabilities.
Build quality feels solid overall, though not premium. The plastic construction is what you’d expect at this price point. We did notice some inconsistency with the stand quality based on user reviews, but our unit arrived without issues.
Buying Guide
When shopping for a Nintendo Switch monitor, we think several key features deserve your attention. Let’s dive into what matters most!
Screen Size
The ideal monitor size should match your playing style. Bigger isn’t always better.
| Size | Best For | Considerations |
| 19-24″ | Desk setup, closer viewing | Portable, space-saving |
| 27-32″ | Living room, multiplayer | Better for group play |
| 32″+ | Immersive gaming | Requires more space |
Resolution & Refresh Rate
The Switch outputs at 1080p maximum when docked, so a Full HD (1920×1080) monitor is perfect. Higher resolutions won’t improve the Switch image quality.
For refresh rate, 60Hz is plenty since Switch games typically run at 30-60 frames per second.
Connection Options
We recommend checking for these input ports:
- HDMI (required for Switch connection)
- Built-in speakers or audio output
- USB ports (convenient for charging controllers)
Response Time
Look for monitors with 5ms response time or faster to avoid motion blur in fast-paced games like Mario Kart or Smash Bros.
Pro Tip: If your Switch is primarily used in handheld mode with occasional TV play, consider a portable monitor with HDMI input for added flexibility!
Extra Features
A few bonus features worth considering:
- IPS panel for better color accuracy and viewing angles
- Eye care technology for comfortable extended play
- Adjustable stand for finding the perfect viewing position