The Ultimate Guide to Playing Nintendo Switch Without a TV

The Nintendo Switch is designed to be played on a TV, but thanks to its innovative hybrid design, you don‘t actually need a television to enjoy many games. There are a couple different options for TV-free gameplay.

Nintendo Switch Play Modes

The Switch features three main play modes, giving you flexibility in how you want to game:

• TV Mode – The Switch docks into its docking station and gameplay is displayed on a connected TV. This requires a TV.
• Tabletop Mode – The Switch‘s kickstand is flipped out and it sits on a flat surface. The built-in 6.2-inch multi-touch capacitive touch screen display with resolution of 1280×720 pixels and max brightness of 450 nits is used without a TV.
• Handheld Mode – The Switch functions like a handheld device with the joy-cons attached. The same built-in screen is used without a TV.

As you can see, Tabletop Mode and Handheld Mode allow for TV-free gaming utilizing the Switch‘s built-in display and speakers. This gives the Switch great flexibility whether you‘re gaming on the couch, in bed, on a plane, or anywhere else!

According to Nintendo, the battery life of the Switch is approximately:

• TV Mode: 4.5 – 9 hours
• Tabletop Mode: 3 – 7 hours
• Handheld Mode: 4.5 – 9 hours

So you can enjoy lengthy gaming sessions without being tethered to a power outlet. Portable chargers and external batteries are great accessories for on-the-go gaming.

Preparing for TV-Free Gaming

Before playing in Tabletop or Handheld Mode, I recommend these tips:

• Check game compatibility – some require TV Mode
• Adjust display settings like screen brightness
• Use a sturdy kickstand if playing in Tabletop Mode
• Get comfortable controllers like the Split Pad Pro
• Remember headphones for portable play!

Making a few quick adjustments will optimize your TV-free experience.

Local Multiplayer Without a TV

Many popular Switch games support local multiplayer, allowing 2 or more players to play on the same console. To play local multiplayer without a TV, you simply use Tabletop or Handheld Mode.

According to Nintendo, the Switch can support these controller configurations for multiplayer action:

• 2 Joy-Cons (included with Switch)
• Pro Controller
• Up to 8 wireless controllers simultaneously
• Wired USB controllers

Some great games that work for local multiplayer on a single Switch without a TV include:

• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – Up to 4 player local and online races
• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate – Up to 8 players battle it out
• Mario Party Superstars – Over 100 addicting mini-games
• Pokemon Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl – 2 player co-op adventures
• It Takes Two – Critically acclaimed co-op only game
• Overcooked 2 – Cooperative cooking madness

Enabling Split Screen for 2 Players

For games that support split screen multiplayer, like Mario Kart 8, you‘ll need to enable this feature in the settings:

1. From the main menu, select "Multiplayer"
2. Choose the split screen option, typically called "Horizontal Split Screen" or something similar
3. Make sure 2 controllers are powered on and connected
4. The second player can now join the split screen fun!

This allows both players to share one screen for competitive or cooperative multiplayer action. I prefer horizontal split over vertical.

Linking Multiple Switch Consoles Wirelessly

For multiplayer games like Mario Kart that support online and local wireless play, you can connect 2 or more Switch systems together without a TV.

The Switch supports both Wi-Fi (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) and Bluetooth 4.1 for wireless connections.

To link Switch consoles:

1. On each Switch, select the local wireless or LAN play option from the game menu
2. One player hosts a game lobby as the "server"
3. Other players join the lobby on their Switches via local wireless connection as "clients"
4. Start gaming! Up to 8 players can join

You can also connect Switch consoles in TV Mode via wired LAN connection using an Ethernet cable. This reduces latency but the consoles need to be near each other.

Sharing Digital Games on Multiple Switches

If you plan to use multiple Switch consoles without TVs, you‘ll probably want to access your full game library on each system. Here‘s how Nintendo‘s game sharing works:

• Register one Switch as the "primary console" on your Nintendo account
• Digital game purchases are then shared across any secondary consoles
• Your account can access digital content on both primary and secondary devices
• Other users can only play shared games on the primary console

So designating a primary sharing device allows you to easily access your games across multiple systems while on the go or playing local wireless multiplayer.

One limitation is only your account has access on secondary devices, so multiplayer requires being on the primary console.

Controllers for Multiplayer Games

The number of controllers needed for local multiplayer will vary by game:

• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe – up to 4 players with Joy-Cons or Pro Controllers
• Mario Party Superstars – At least 2 controllers, up to 4 players on one Switch
• Pokemon Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl – 2 player co-op with single Joy-Cons
• It Takes Two – 2 controllers needed for co-op
• Super Smash Bros Ultimate – 8 players if enough controllers connected

Extra Joy-Cons, Pro Controllers, or third party options can be purchased separately to accommodate more people.

Pro Controller vs Joy-Cons

For multiplayer gaming, the Pro Controller and Joy-Cons each have pros and cons:

• Pro Controller – More ergonomic, feels similar to Xbox controller, motion controls
• Joy-Cons – Come included with console, more compact, motion controls

I prefer the feel of the Pro Controller for long gaming sessions, but Joy-Cons offer greater portability and are a bit cheaper. Try both to decide what you like.

Configuring Controllers for 2 Players

Optimizing controllers for 2 player games on one Switch:

1. Go to System Settings > Controllers and Sensors
2. Select "Change Grip/Order"
3. Press sync button to connect each controller
4. Arrange controller order – player 1, player 2 etc
5. Adjust sensitivity, button mapping if desired

Now player two will be set up and ready to get their game on!

Conclusion

The Nintendo Switch offers gamers the best of both worlds – flexible TV-connected and portable handheld gameplay. For those times when you don‘t have access to a television, Handheld and Tabletop Modes keep the fun going with the built-in display and multiplayer support.

Optimizing settings, utilizing the right accessories, linking multiple Switch consoles wirelessly, and configuring controllers are key to an awesome TV-free gaming experience. With the Switch‘s innovative design and vast game library, you‘ll never be bored whether gaming on the big screen or small screen!