The highly portable nature of the Switch makes it a great system for those who are on the road a lot – not just because you can use the console's built-in 720p display for mobile gaming, but because it's also easy to carry around a second, external screen which bridges the gap between the Switch's display and your large flatscreen television at home.
The Switch's arrival on the market has fortuitously come at the same time as an explosion in external monitors; these thin and portable panels have a wide range of uses – they connect to almost anything that has HDMI-out, but also accept USB-C connections too, so you can use them with your laptop or even your smartphone – but many of them are being marketed as the ultimate Switch travel accessory; a screen thin and light enough to be carried in your rucksack, but one which offers a crisp 1080p image and can be powered using high-capacity USB battery packs. Oh, and shmup fans should note that TATE mode is great on these things.
With so many options on the market, we thought it might be a good idea to look at a few examples so you can get an impression of which one is right for you.
Editor's note: All of the screens shown below support USB-C connectivity with the Switch to share both image and picture data, as well as power, and in many of the manufacturer-supplied images used below, the Switch is shown being used without the dock. We used the original dock to test each screen unless expressly noted.
Nintendo Switch 1080p Portable Monitors
4K On A Budget: Desklab Ultralight Portable Monitor
We know what you're thinking – why would you want a 4K monitor for your Switch, when the most the console can output is 1080p? That's hard to argue with, but, unlike rivals such as the INNOCN PU15-PRE, this 4K screen costs just $399. Now, that's still a fair chunk of change for most people, but if you're in the market for a portable screen that's lightweight, has touch functionality (which only works on PC at the moment, sadly) and is capable of handling a 4K image as and when it's needed, this is a solid choice.
The image quality is fantastic, even if it isn't quite as nice as the OLED-powered PU15-PRE (there's an IPS screen in Desklab's display) and there's no internal battery, but otherwise, this one offers a distinct advantage over 1080p screens which cost around the same price; it's future-proof and will come in handy when Nintendo eventually releases a console with 4K output.
The downside here is that a kickstand isn't included in the box and must be purchased separately for $50 – without it, it's very hard to use the Desklab Ultralight Portable Monitor unless you prop it up against something, or you have an existing monitor stand you can use.
Cost: $399
Pros: 4K display, lightweight design
Cons: Kickstand isn't included in the price
The Premium Choice: espressoDisplay V2
Out of all of the screens we tested here, the espressoDisplay V2 is the one that feels the most premium. It comes in Apple-style packaging (the other displays arrived in largely plain boxes) and boasts a brushed-aluminium finish on its casing. Simply put, it looks gorgeous, even when it's switched off. We've featured the V2 model here, which benefits from new features such as auto-rotate and 'espressoFlow', the latter of which requires a software download on your computer and is mainly there to benefit Mac users (and even then, developers need to incorporate support for the screen in their apps, as there's no 'native' support for touch, which lucky Windows users get out-of-the-box).
Optional extras include a cool espressoStand adjustable metal stand – which uses magnets to hold the Espresso V2 in place, making it appear very much like a traditional monitor – as well as the espressoPen that can be used with the espressoDisplay V2's aforementioned touchscreen functionality. That naturally doesn't apply when using a games console like the Switch, but if you plan on buying a screen for both productivity and leisure, it's massively helpful – especially if you're a creative type who does a lot of digital art. There's also a cover that uses magnets to bolt onto the top of the screen and protects it when you're on the move.
Pitched as the world's thinnest portable monitor with a thickness of 5.3mm (the V1 model was 5.5mm) and overall weight of 865g, the espressoDisplay V2 is super-svelte yet offers a decent picture; the only drawback is that, because the case is so thin (there isn't even a 'bump' on the back, as is the case with the other screens tested here), the stereo speakers are quite weak when compared to the other screens we tested. It's by no means a dealbreaker, but we'd have liked a bit more 'oomph' when it comes to audio quality.
The espressoDisplay V2 removes the Mini-HDMI connection of the V1 screen and replaces it with two USB-C ports, which can be used to connect (and charge) the Switch without needing the Switch dock, as long as you're using a reasonably powerful PSU. For consoles that don't support TV-out over USB-C, you can purchase a special cable that converts standard HDMI into USB-C. The catch is that it requires power via USB-A to function, which means it's less elegant than simply using a USB-C cable.
Cost: £469.00 (15.6-inch), £419.00 (13.3-inch)
Pros: Utterly gorgeous design, quality screen, excellent optional accessories
Cons: Weak sound, quite expensive compared to the competition
The Budget Option #1: C-Force CF011X
One of the cheapest options on the market right now is the C-Force CF011X, which costs "just" $180 (these screens aren't low-cost quite yet, put it that way). It's a 15.6-inch IPS screen with a resolution of 1080p – perfect for the Switch, which can't output higher than that in docked mode. The screen isn't quite as good as the one on the more expensive C-Force CF016XT, however, but you get what you pay for.
It's got two USB-C ports and a full-size HDMI port, rather than the more fiddly (and less common) Mini-HDMI connection. There's no touchscreen support – something that all of the other screens we tested offer – but that's not going to be an issue if you're planning on primarily using this screen with your Switch.
The design isn't as eye-catching as its rivals, but it's fairly rugged and will withstand some punishment on the road. If you like the idea of a "bridge" screen for your travels but don't want to pay over the odds, this is a good choice.
Cost: $180 USD
Pros: Low cost, rugged design
Cons: No touch support, display quality could be better
The Budget Option #2: Lepow Z1 Gamut
Don't fancy the C-Force CF011X but still shopping on a budget? You could try the Lepow Z1 Gamut (these screens have the best names), which costs only slightly more at $200 but offers a similar kind of experience.
We're looking at another 15.6" Type-C display here, which offers two Type-C ports, a Mini-HDMI port, power button and scroll switch. The latter is used to navigate menus and change things like the volume and brightness, and while we really like the fact that it's more intuitive to access and change settings using this method, the switch feels very fragile and fiddly, and we lost count of the number of times we accidentally selected the wrong setting. Also, the switch stopped working completely at one point during our review – a complete reset of the display fixed the issue, but it was a little annoying nonetheless.
On the plus side, the display has a matte-style screen which means you get less glare in bright locations, and the design looks fantastic – it reminds us of the iPad Pro in a lot of ways. We also like the cover stand, which is laid flat on the table and has grooves into which the screen 'sits', which means it's highly unlikely to fall over during use. The display quality is decent enough; the Z1 Gamut has 100% SRGB support, and compares favourably to the other screens we tested here. As is the case with the CF011X, there's no touch capability.
Pros: Low cost, attractive design
Cons: No touch support, controls are fiddly and buggy
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![Portable Monitor - Lepow Z1-Gamut Laptop Display 15.6'' FHD [Improved Color Gamut] IPS 1080P Ultra-Slim Type-C & HDMI Travel Monitor, Dual Speakers, Ideal for Laptops PCs Phones Switch PS4/3 Xbox](https://images.nintendolife.com/products/17301/100x100.jpg)
The Super-Portable Choice: Lepow Lite H1 (2021)
Lepow's Lite H1 is the smallest monitor included in this list and retails for a very reasonable $199.99. The 1080p IPS panel boasts a 178° wide viewing range and is easy to discern from even the most acute angle – a handy feature if you're planning on using your screen for multiplayer sessions with more than one person. The screen is also very bright and offers excellent contrast.
There are two Type-C ports on the back (one for power, one for data) as well as a mini-HDMI port. This is one seriously lightweight and portable screen, and the integrated cover also acts as a stand that can be used in both landscape and portrait mode – the latter comes in super-handy for TATE-mode shmups.
On the downside, the casing feels very cheap and there's a lot of flex in the body – so if you're looking for a screen that you can chuck in your backpack with little consideration of how it's going to hold up, this might not be the best option. The 'bump' on the back – where most of the internal components reside – is also rather large, and we don't like the fact that the volume/brightness rocker is on the back and therefore awkward to reach. Finally, the speakers are really weedy.
Pros: Good quality screen, Built-in stand is great for TATE gaming
Cons: Casing feels cheap and nasty, screen is smaller than its rivals, speakers are weak
The Mid-Ranger: C-Force CF016XT
C-Force's other option is one that we've featured previously on the site. The CF016XT is a lot more expensive than its sibling, costing $289.99, but it offers 10-point capacitive touch capability – handy if you plan to use it with your laptop or smartphone, as well as your Switch.
The 1080p panel offers 100% sRGB and a 144Hz refresh rate, as well as features such as HDR and Free-sync. The speakers on this surprisingly thin unit are pretty decent, too. Our review unit came with a handy folding plastic stand, but the magnetic protective cover also doubles as a stand (albeit one that's quite flimsy). Like the other screens tested here (with the exception of the Espresso) there's a slight bump on the back of the screen which houses all of the tech which powers it, as well as the various ports.
The quality of the screen is fantastic, but we did notice that there are some lighter areas at the bottom of the display, a sign that internal parts are pushing against the panel. The Mini-HDMI port is also a bit fiddly and means you'll need to keep the bundled HDMI-to-Mini-HDMI cable safe.
Cost: $290 USD
Pros: Amazing screen quality, touch support, good speakers
Cons: Expensive, quality-control issues
The Big Boy: Ananta
The Ananta is the big boy of the bunch, measuring a whopping 17.3-inches. This touch-capable 1080p display comes with 2 USB-C ports, 1 USB-A, a full-size HDMI port and even a 3.5mm audio jack.
It's pretty light considering its size, but we found that the flip-over cover stand it ships with often isn't up to the task of holding it in position, as the screen feel over a few times during our testing period. The design is also a little dull, especially when compared to the Espresso. We also found that its large size means that it's harder to carry around with you; it wouldn't fit inside the laptop sleeve we used to carry around the C-Force CF016XT and Espresso screens.
On the positive side, the stereo speakers are powerful and the quality of the image is striking; colours really pop on this display. It also comes with an optional stylus (which is going to be of more interest to computer users looking for a second screen) and remote control which allows you to toggle options more easily.
A Kickstarter campaign is currently running which allows you to secure one for $359, at that's with an early-bird discount applied.
Cost: $359 USD
Pros: Amazing quality screen, Big size, touch support
Cons: Might be too large for some users, design is rather boring
The Extra Mile: C-Force C-SMART CF011S
The C-Force C-SMART CF011S is a 15.6-inch screen that comes with touch support, a remote control and the usual range of features, but its big selling point is the fact that it's a 'smart' screen – and that means you can use its Android-based OS to get online. Because of this, you can watch videos and access web content without having to connect the display to your computer, which could be a real selling point for some people.
A full-size HDMI port means you don't need to mess around with mini-HDMI cables or adapters, and the two USB-C ports can carry both data and power. There's even a standard USB port and a Micro SD card slot, should you wish to load up apps, movies or music to the device.
We also really liked the tablet-size cover, which folds out underneath the screen and acts as a stand, very much like some of the covers Apple has released for its iPad range. This means you don't have to invest in a separate stand for the screen when you're using it, but it does result in quite a large footprint.
On the downside, the scroll switch – like the one seen on the Z1 Gamut – is fiddly and, during our review, it stopped working and required a full reboot of the screen. The display itself is also slightly dull and lifeless, and the speakers are quite weak.
Cost: $279 USD
Pros: Android OS, touch support
Cons: Fiddly controls, screen is quite dull
The "Look Ma, No Wires!" Option: AVA wirelessHD
We've got a full review of the AVA wirelessHD here, but to cut a long story short, this remarkable screen uses cutting-edge 'wirelessHD mm-Wave 5G technology' to beam the image from your source to the display, offering a low-latency 'zero-lag' experience that (largely) removes the need for wires. It also works over long distances, with a 20-meter / 66-foot range being mooted by the manufacturer.
The model we received is the 13.3-inch variant (which is the smallest Innlead offers – 15.6 and 17.3-inch versions will also be available), and our sample maxes out at 1080p – but we're assured that the final version will offer 4K resolution – not that such a feature is likely to be much of a selling point for Switch owners, of course.
What makes the AVA wirelessHD so appealing for Switch owners is the fact that the transmitter also acts as a dock, so you can connect your Switch to it and enjoy TV play on the screen without having to use the bulky official dock. Because it's totally wireless – the monitor has its own internal rechargeable battery, which lasts a couple of hours per charge – you can use the screen anywhere that's in range of the transmitter. It might sound like a small thing – and a minor bonus when you consider the Switch itself has its own display and is built expressly with this kind of thing in mind – but moving to a 13.3-inch screen is still a step up. The LCD panel doesn't pop quite as much as the OLED's display, but it's bright and sharp.
Cost: From $489 USD
Pros: No wires, great picture, wireless transmitter acts as a Switch dock
Cons: Very expensive, wireless transmitter gets very hot under use
When 1080p Just Doesn't Cut It: INNOCN PU15-PRE 15.6" 4K OLED Monitor
If you thought that dropping $500 on a portable monitor was crazy, then you might want to stop reading now, because this baby retails for a whopping $800. The steep price is all to do with the tech involved; not only is this a massive screen, but it's also OLED – and gives it a distinct advantage over the IPS panels on the market.
Colours look utterly stunning on the PU15-PRE, and the contrast is amazing. Add in features such as an internal 5000mAh battery, 10-point touch support and 4K resolution, and the high price becomes a little clearer. To round it all off, the monitor is clad in an Apple-style metal casing which makes it feel incredibly premium, while the bundled case not only protects your investment but also doubles as a handy kickstand.
The issue here, of course, is that the 4K resolution is wasted on the Switch, which can only output at 1080p, but as is the case with every screen in this round-up, the PU15-PRE really comes into its own when you're using it for more than just games. It can double as a second screen for your computer to enhance your productivity or as a travel companion for when you fancy watching 4K movies on the go (you can connect your smartphone or tablet via USB-C, you see).
Pros: 4K OLED screen is amazing, great build quality, internal battery means true portability
Cons: Probably too expensive for most users
The Not-So-Portable Option: INNOCN 27" 4K LCD IPS Display
Yep, we've cheated a bit here. Not only is this not a portable montior, it's also 4K – which means it's pretty much over-qualified for the job of running your Switch games. However, before you pull out those pitchforks, allow us to explain. INNOCN's screen comes with a multitude of ports, including two HMDI sockets. So you could happily use this as your 'work' screen but have your Switch hooked up for when you fancy a quick game of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe at lunch. The display even rotates 90-degrees, which makes it ideal for playing TATE-mode titles.
Also, because it can supply 65W via its USB-C port, you can hook up the Switch dock and power it via the monitor itself, which cuts down on power supplies and the like. Sure, that 4K panel isn't needed for Switch, but the IPS LCD screen is bright, punchy and sharp, so Switch games do look pretty decent regardless. The monitor's dual speakers are also fine, if a little weak.
The price is obviously going to be a sticking point, but it's not too expensive compared to some of the better 1080p portable screens on the market – the massive caveat being that this isn't portable. At All.
Pros: Great screen, can power Switch dock, rotates for TATE games
Cons: Expensive, not portable
We were supplied with review samples of the screens featured in this round-up by the companies who manufacture them.
Looking for more? Check out our other Switch buying guides:
- Nintendo Switch Micro SD Cards - Best Cards & Cheapest Prices
- Where To Buy Nintendo Switch eShop Credit, Gift Cards And Online Membership
- Best Switch Portable Chargers, Batteries And Power Banks
- Best Nintendo Switch Wired And Wireless Headsets
- Best Nintendo Switch Controllers
- Best Nintendo Switch Accessories
Comments 77
I think glasses or a magnifying device would be a far cheaper option for something as unnecessary as these.
What the (U(&(& @350$$ smackers you kidding me this is like the LED projector that went *BUST. They need to make it more affordable to get more buy-ins.
at those prices none of them unfortunately
I have a few portable gaming monitors that I purchased off Amazon. Both are 15.6 inches and one is 1080p with HDR and free sync and the other is 4K with HDR and free sync as well. I use the 1080p one for my Switch and its nice because the Switch charger powers the screen and charges the Switch simultaneously, plus you don't need to use the dock for tv mode just a usb c cable works by itself. For on the go with no power source available I can use my battery banks to power the monitor and Switch for hours at a time!
Rather than the cheapest C-Force monitor, go with a Lepow Z1 Gamut. It features HDR for the same price. It does require a mini HDMI, but one is included with the the box, as well as a USB-C to USB A charger than can run off the usb from the switch dock (or in my case, my Genki dock)
@DTfeartheBEARD your monitors have a brand name?
@Seananigans As clearly mentioned in the piece, these screens exist in a middle ground. Take my own situation, for example; I work in my home office which doesn't have a TV. I use one of these monitors for my Switch and other gaming stuff - it means I'm getting better visuals for most Switch games (when playing in portable, the visuals aren't as good in most titles).
I've also taken the screen (which is thinner than a laptop) to events and trips; heck, using the proper capacity battery pack, I can even run the Switch AND the screen outside of the house.
If you're playing a four-player title, a screen this size certainly beats crowding everyone around the Switch's display.
In the end, those on the road a lot just get an extra dock or bring their current ones with them. Its cheaper and smaller. Just hook it up to your hotel TV.
Can you not put it through an I pad pro 4th gen with c cable? Of do you have to have the HDMI as per a normal TV?
@Whalehome both monitors are made by Eviciv
@Seananigans came here to write the exact same thing lol
For traveling, a portable, thin laptop size monitor looks cool to me. I totally understand the appeal for this market if more than one person is playing/watching, and there isn't a tv.
I get it @Damo
Why refer people to two kickstart campaigns when comparable, cheaper options are available today on Amazon?
Surly nintendo knows the screen is not ideal for lots of players......
maybe they could make a switch 2/pro/XL with a larger screen.....
@Seananigans You could, by the same token, argue that buying a TV is pointless as Switch has its own screen.
For some people, any form of external display isn't needed (hence the Switch Lite) but it's pretty obvious that not every player is the same, and they all have different wants and needs. Just because you don't see the point in a 'bridge' screen like these doesn't mean it's not of use to other people.
@Wilforce Because we can only review the samples we've been sent. We've not used any of the other options available on Amazon, but the four screens selected here offer four different options, so we feel it's a good mix for interested buyers.
@Damo Wait, I'm confused - yeah I know nothing new - but hear me out on this one. Since when does the Switch output to a monitor w/o the dock? Isn't that the real story here, Switch TV out w/o the dock? How is that not the lead?
If you got a link to a previous article where that is a lead "Switch Now Outputs to a Screen Without the Dock" I'd like to read it.
And you never even mention the Switch Lite. I know the Switch Lite is supposed to be missing the chip to output but if these work why not that? And if they don't work with Switch Lite shouldn't you have at least put that in the article? What am I missing?
@Seananigans "It seems like a ton of extra steps (and money) for something that just works right out of the box"
Your words, not mine - I was merely stating that your argument that Switch has a screen "right out of the box" is flimsy at best.
@DTfeartheBEARD "plus you don't need to use the dock for tv mode just a usb c cable works by itself"
Excuse me but how long has this been public knowledge? I asked damo but he tends not to reply to me b/c I'm a PITA.
Ran it by google and since at least last August huh? I was hoping it was more recent and I could blame my lack of knowledge on the pandemic like Nintneod blames for the lack of Switch games after Paper Mario. Oh well.
I guess you dont' have to reply now unless you have something more to add. Still stunned i didn't know until just now. For the right price Id' get 1 of these for the back seat of the car for my 2 sons, screen is too small for sharing while driving but 15" could work.
There ya go @damo there's your reason for it's existence, kids in the back seat of a car. Well for us 1 Switch families, I'm sure your family has a few at least. For $99 I'd get 1 but that's my ceiling. We take a lot of long car trips. Well at least we used to before...
@rjejr https://www.reddit.com/r/NintendoSwitch/comments/7y0c44/eli5_why_cant_the_switch_output_video_without_a/
It's all to do with the USB-C standard. You still need a dock to connect to a HDMI TV, but some of these screens accept a signal over USB-C (with the proper cable). However, I'm not sure I'd advise it as the Switch really needs its external power supply when running in docked mode.
Am I the only one that thinks caring around a separate screen for a system that is designed to be it's own screen is a bit redundant? If you want something probably better than all these for portability there are docks out there with built in projectors for Switch and if you are staying in a hotel room chances are there will be large white walls in the room for you to use it on.
@rjejr I'm not sure how long it's been known but I have had my 1080p monitor since November and it works just fine. The monitor even comes with a usb c to c cable to connect the Switch to it, I'm not worried about the power source because like I said before I use the official Nintendo brand charger to power the monitor and charge the Switch at the same time. When on the go I use the Anker powercore Switch battery bank to do the same thing. The monitors usually go on sale but the lowest I have seen for one my size is around $160. I have seen the 13 inch for around $130 or so.... I hope this helps
I have the CF011X to use as an occasional second screen for my Surface, and it's pretty neat. I don't have room for a traditional monitor that's always on the desk, so having the CF011X on a shelf that I can quickly set up when I need it is awesome.
@ermzzz That's just like me!
@DTfeartheBEARD That's a good point... if the screen is getting power it will pass that onto the Switch too. I've been using my dock for this but might try without and just use the USB-C cable...
@DTfeartheBEARD Thanks. Looking into it now, long road trip coming up to take my kid to college. Pandemic permitting.
@Damo Wow 2 years ago huh? Thanks for the link.
So, does linking to Reddit mean NL hasn't covered this before? And what about the Switch Lite?
"I'm not sure I'd advise it "
Wait, did you just write an entire article for devices you don't advise using or were you advising not doing something else?
Anyway, anybody looking to buy 1 of these - not that 1 guy obvs - lightning deal at Amazon US the next 4 hours. Good reviews. Thinking about it.
https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07K8JLR4C/ref=sspa_dk_detail_6?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07K8JLR4C&pd_rd_w=sQOOC&pf_rd_p=a64be657-55f3-4b6a-91aa-17a31a8febb4&pd_rd_wg=ViISG&pf_rd_r=VA5YE3235M0ANWHWBPX2&pd_rd_r=bd369eeb-3586-49a8-b642-6d6cde912af5&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEzSUdWSDBWRE5SR1dYJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMjc1MzM1R1RPSFlMRjJTMEtIJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA1OTAwMDlTR1Y4TjZRNFI4Qkgmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9kZXRhaWxfdGhlbWF0aWMmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl
1. Don't use these screens instead of the Switch dock. Unofficial "docks" are known to brick the Switch. Do not use these displays, unless there is an HDMI input!
2. Don't put your Switch flat down on the table if you are playing in docked mode. The Switch generates a lot of heat. Now laying down the Switch cannot take in enough air and IT WILL overheat which WILL damage the system.
3. The Switch already has a screen built in, which really defeats ANY need for these screens. Except if you want to play local multiplayer, but then you also need additional controllers. Making it even less portable.
I use my PC monitor with a 2nd Switch dock, so I can play and record while I'm sitting at my desk. I bought a separate dock for this and I use it with a 24" Dell IPS monitor.
It would be awesome if I could use an iPad or other tablet as a monitor....
@rjejr I don't advice using the USB-C connection, no. All of the screens I cover here, I used the docked Switch over HDMI.
@Seananigans "And the Switch is NOT flimsy, what are you even talking about?"
I said your argument was flimsy, not the Switch!
Do you even know how to read?
"Just admit, you made this article for clicks and move on"
D'oh, I forgot that the whole point of running a site is to NOT get clicks. How foolish of me!
But the Switch itself has a screen, you dummies!
@Seananigans Sigh. You had my full support until you went and undermined your own credibility by referring to @Damo as a journalist. NintendoLife is not a news site, and its writers aren't journalists. It is a fanboy site written by fanboys producing fanboy content at a fanboy level of skill. That means that you can expect a fanboy reaction, which is exactly what you got. "Journalists". Ha.
All the people arguing against having a portable monitor to play Switch have zero imagination — You can’t fathom a single instance in which someone might prefer to have a screen that quadruples the switch’s screen size? Subtitles? Multiplayer? Even just a more comfortable experience?
All this portable is good in all but Lite can't output to those screen as another said they clearly FAILED to mention this isn't for Lite but for the Switch itself. Also the lowest cost one is still expensive and the setup looks good but if you got that you already have it Docked to the Big Screen TV already. So trying to figure what they are trying to do here? If your coffee table playing at home maybe but I wouldn't take that out to any coffee shop or public areas if can be broken, lost, Stolen or worse you break and what else then? So this sounds more like home use primarily and office work desk use not for Public usage that will cause unforeseen problems as I mentioned.
@Whalehome some can't see outside the box as well here. You got a Dock to your Big Screen what did you miss there? Lite can't hookup only the Switch can do that and I for one will not take something like extra screen outside where one can't secure it from Damage that's why the Switch and Lite have their own screen. If you want to share then that is where you do at Home or Hotel with a Dock connected to the TV of which I know motel/hotel have a TV with HDMI input. So your lacking a whale of imagination here. Why have more things in the way if you just Docked. There's more to it then just screen size here and that is cost and having to lug around more display which can be broken/lost or worse. If you wanted to play bigger TV just get extra Dock for on-road and one at home and your good to go. I have three, one ready to go, one in family room, and one in gaming room without issues. If you want more multi then a Home HDTV is far better then a screen that is 13" for Multi of which is only two put more and that would make that worthless to use.
@Whalehome Exactly. TATE mode is another big bonus here.
@SwitchForce Idk who made the argument about the Lite plugging into the monitor, but it wasn’t me, so I don’t know why you’re using it with me at all. I also agree that I probably wouldn’t take the my portable monitor outside; once again, not an argument I made. If I knew that where I was going would have a tv for me, then I would probably just bring my dock like you’re saying, as would most people I believe. It seems like my point has eluded even yourself. You’re forgetting that not every location that one would stay in has a tv. I’ve stayed in AirBnBs and friends’ houses where there wasn’t a tv available to me. Let me give you another example of something currently happening for me:
As I’m typing, I have Divinity 2 paused on my portable monitor on the side table to my little hospital bed. There is no tv in my room to hook my switch up to. Why not play it in handheld mode then if I’m confined to a bed? Simple: I like playing with my pro controller, and if my switch is on a stable surface like the table, then I have to squint at it to read and play, so I brought my monitor along. It folds up like an ipad, so it fits in my backpack easily and it isn’t heavy or unwieldy. Now I’m back to playing my game comfortably. I get that portable monitors are expensive and not always a great investment for everyone’s circumstances, but clearly there is a set of circumstances that I’ve laid out that make having something like this actually a good product.
@Whalehome never said it was you but stating by now everyone knows Lite can't Dock if they don't then they been a hermit too long. I find nothing wrong with a Gripcase and Joy-Con playing fine and I do have Pro but then I Dock when doing that. Consider BOTW that screen is good for portable but to enjoy a bigger screen more then laptop size is better for enjoyment. I stated by the time your trying to buy these small monitors you already have a Dock to TV. Why else would NIN with the Switch Provide you that option with Pro controller is what I do. People forgot what it means to be portable with just the Switch or Lite by itself and if you want others to enjoy use the home TV as 13 portable screen is asking to be more complicated then it really needs to be. That's why I said most home have more then one tv and just using the Dock as it was intented for gives better gaming pleasure. Sure it nice to have that 13 but then your lugging more stuff rather then just turn on and get gaming on the Switch. That's what it was made for and more then one well the other party should get a Switch and support Nintendo if they really want more innovations from Nintendo to keep coming. That way two people can enjoy the game more without having more hardware to damage. Put it those screens cost a pretty penny and breaking them constantly will not help your gaming funds.
Apologies if someone else covered it (I scanned through the comments and did a search), but won't UK backers get hit with fairly sizeable import tax/duty charges backing any of these US-based campaigns (when it comes to receiving their monitor)?
i have a medium size portable screen like this set up in my bedroom along with a normal dock as well as mini snes. it is great.
@DTfeartheBEARD Hi will either of your monitors work with a Switch Lite? Thanks!
@chicagoan33 No they don't work with the Switch lite. Sorry!
I own a 15 inch "TV" that I bought from Amazon for ~$180. It is primarily used for playing on a bigger screen when away from home and a standard TV is not available. Think conferences, ballrooms, dining. The nice thing about these is that can be powered via USB. So I can use my power bank to power it and the Switch dock for at least 3 hours of game play on a 15 inch screen. The 6 inch tablet is awful for multiplayer, but 15 inches works wonderfully.
@DTfeartheBEARD
you got a model number on that bad boy? i've been interested in these for a bit now.
@qualx https://www.amazon.com/Portable-Monitor-1920%C3%971080-Computer-Display-PS4-Mountable/dp/B07XDDY7TS/ref=mp_s_a_1_17?dchild=1&keywords=15.6+inch+1080p+portable+gaming+monitor+eviciv&qid=1594410436&sr=8-17
Thanks Homie!
These just don't seem much better than just having a small TV/monitor. I myself have never really found myself in a situation where I want to play my Switch with others and there was not a TV or monitor around.
I will bookmark this. Might get one.
@Damo Not sure why this is back on the front page, added another monitor I'm guessing but can't tell which one, but thanks for adding the "Editor's note". It's a small thing but I think it was necessary. 😁
@Zenszulu I have brought a 1080p projector with me to family gatherings to play party games but the PJs in this price range are not very good, especially in lit rooms. Pico projectors (which would be the ones built into a dock) are not very capable with very low brightness, poor colors, and low contrast. These small monitors have much better performance and at the right distance, like shown in the promo pictures.
@sanderev I've been using third-party slim docks (or adapters) marketed for the Switch and Macbooks for years. I have tested 15 different adapters and only three did not work and none damaged my Switch. Two had no signal and one gave an error message "HDMI is not able to be displayed". None had built-in power, I used my own power adapter or Anker 60w power brick and cable or their 45w Powercore+. It's only a problem if the dock supplies power and has a low-quality power supply or you use a low-quality power supply.
Heat is a non-issue. The primary heat dissapator is the top vent run by fans which functions in any orientation. PCs don't have to vent upwards and neither do any other consoles. Online there is as much speculation that laying the dock sideways is better than having it upright. The rear air intakes are even blocked while in the official dock.
You can pack up all you need in a thin laptop bag, including controllers for eight people and an external monitor. That's way more portable than a TV, projector, or monitor.
Obviously you have never traveled with someone else that wanted to play together. These monitors have a purpose which is why they exist.
If you are going to act like a knowitall you should probably know something about the topics.
I have this one (it has a 10 coupon for like 9 months now)
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07VFF4TZG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I got it for work to set up my Surface GO at hotels. But I also plug the Switch charger on one USB-C port and the switch on another and it works.
Now I just pack my Switch charger. And use it for the Surface GO, Switch and my phone. Simple travel bag.
@dew12333 Sitting an inch away from our Switch screen also helps
I have an interesting use case for one of these, which is why I have been researching them lately. I may be about to move somewhere with no electricity, but I still want to play games. These monitors do not require much power, so I can run a Switch (or a Raspberry Pi for media or emulation) and one of these monitors using a dedicated, low-cost, off-grid solar setup.
OK so slightly OT but what's the shooter that's getting played in Tate mode on the C-Force CF016XT please?
They just need to make a connector to display the switch on an iPad. Unfortunately Apple is extremely monopolistic and I doubt this would ever happen.
Buy a compact normal monitor instead. $80 USD IPS and much better and also portable at 20 inches.
@Agramonte How about Audio out how's that work? Maybe if you can make a YT that would help others whom use the Switch when Traveling.
I don't see much point for these, My TV died a few months ago and I was quite happy and content to play my Switch in handheld mode until I got a new TV, Why would anybody carry around a screen that doesn't have the rest of the Laptop attached or even be a Tablet for that matter. Now a tablet that doubled as a screen might work.
@DaruniaJones88 kinda with u. I would personally rather put that $$$$. toward a good 4K. That said, I can see how this could be practiced. Like with friends. Or for certain games where the text is small. Or in a situation where all the TVs are taken and u want a bigger view.
Q: Which 1080p Portable Monitor Is Right For Your Nintendo Switch?
A: Any.
The switch looks like liquid @ss on my 47 inch 4K TV.
I need a 27 inch 1080p monitor instead
I had no idea that these portable screens would work directly with the Switch via USB-C and no dock is technically needed.
Except that, as noted, there is a chance that if the circuitry isn't absolutely correct, it could brick the Switch.
The editor notes that the screens should be used with a dock for this reason... but the dock requires AC power, which somewhat defeats the portability aspect. If you have AC power available, any small LCD TV will work.
This is literally the biggest waste of money you could ever think of. A small screen that is not that much larger than the Switch own screen, no touch support (for the Switch) you also need to carry your Dock with you, and a power brick, and a power brick for your Switch. No, I'll stick to my Switch lite.
And saying that they work as a dock. I would strongly advise against using any unofficial dock (like these monitors). Since those will break your Switch.
Also the "play with friends"-aspect. Most multiplayer Switch games allow for local multiplayer of multiple Switches. Giving everyone their own screen to look at.
If you would use it with something like a mini PC or Raspberry Pi and play some streaming games, then yes.
Potential for other Switch variants:
Switch - Jack of all trades.
Switch Lite - Handheld mode only.
Switch XL/Jumbo - Optimised for tabletop mode. Extra large portable 1080p screen that provides docked performance (perhaps an option to switch to "handheld" performance can be thrown in as a battery saving option). Can also be docked to a television (and continue streaming via its own screen), but will require a dedicated dock.
Switch Home - Docked only. Compatible with external hard drives as opposed to microSD cards. Take Switch cartridges as per normal. Great for families/households that do not require the portable functionality. Will be the cheapest model overall as it won't require the screen. An entry-level home console which could easily be the cheapest and physically smallest on the market.
@Averagewriter : The Switch Lite isn't designed to output video via HDMI, so, no.
@Averagewriter As @Silly_G says, the Lite lacks video over USB-C, so it won't work sadly.
@sanderev 15" or 17" is quite a bit larger than the built-in display - these are basically laptop displays vs. the Switch's smaller phablet-size display. Their clear use case is for tabletop 2-player gaming (aka the often-forgotten "third mode" of the Switch) but they might also help with the "tiny text" problem of many games in handheld mode.
@Agramonte that option for $129 seems great. This original post had options starting at $180 which was more than I want to spend, but $129 isn't too bad.
I'm debating on getting a portable monitor or getting an elgato to use with my 16" macbook pro. And then instead of recording, I'd just watch on the MBP screen using that as a monitor. That solves the problem of having to worry about power for the screen if my macbook is already charged too.
I could also use the elgato to get some SF3 and SFIV fights off my PS3 and onto youtube like I've been wanting but been unable to since the upload functionality on those PS3 games is broken now.
@Shahryar hey, I got it on sale and with a $10 coupon for $89. For the price it is OK. Maybe hold off see if on sale again.
But at any price, next to your MacBook it will look like the budget screen it is. No way it can compete.... for me it was about price and power via USB-C
Yeah, elgato solution would give you a capture, and the much nicer MBP screen
@Agramonte where did you get it at that price? On amazon it was $129 on the day I checked your link and same price today. if you got it at that price from Amazon, I really don't feel like waiting anymore, so I may just buy it and if the price drops in the near future, do a price adjustment if possible, otherwise a buy and return.
I really do like the idea of somehow using my MBP screen with the switch but the idea I shared of using the elgato wasnt recommended from @damo ( https://twitter.com/DamienMcFerran/status/1337686652429406208?s=20 ).
So that's out. so, if I want to only spend around a hundred bucks on this, it seems like your option is the best. I recheck the pricing on all of the models that were reviewed by @damo and everything is still around the same price. Only yours is significantly less.
@Shahryar I got mine back in August on Amazon. But I would just try it then, I actually just packed mine for my Christmas trip to play the FireEmblem DLC (I find the text way to small on the handheld)
I did that recently with my EVGA 240 AIO. It ended up going on sale for $79 after I bought it, but Amazon has the extended returns till end of January 2021 and I simply sent it back and got it again.
If you get it, I would say: 1. put the screen protector that comes in the box right away. I hate them on my monitors, but the case has a design flaw. The little lip that holds monitor in place rubs against the screen, and will polish it with time. 2. Always pack the USBc that comes in the box. I thought mine had died, but it was I had a different cable. Not Switch related, only if you want to power the monitor with just the USBc and no AC adaptor with your MBP as a 2nd screen for productivity work.
@Agramonte thanks for all the info. I just placed the order for it. Hoping the price drops soon to something like your level. I'll keep the USB-C that comes with it too on me like you suggested. I'll put the screen protector on too like you suggested.
Something else I just saw that popped up was this: https://gizmodo.com/turn-your-laptop-into-a-larger-portable-screen-for-your-1845928444
That seems like my ideal product but seems a while until it's out.
Also, O/T but what's Fire Emblem like? I just grabbed several switch games over the past few weeks (Astral Chain, Mario+Rabbids, Octopath Traveler) but I'll add it to the queue for after.
@Agramonte the monitor just arrived today. I'll see how it is tonight. In addition, the price apparently has dropped down to $106. I tried to get Amazon to price match but they wouldn't, so I. just placed a new order and will return the old one.
@Shahryar Oh cool. Merry Christmas! or happy holiday gift!
Would like to know, what you think.
Yeah, I did not even open my 2nd EVGA AIO. I just kept the old one and took the new one out of 1 box and put it in the other with the return label. I did not want to disassemble my PC.
I would keep the one that looks best.
@Shahryar Fire Emblem is cool if you like turn based games. It is by far my favorite type of game for a handheld. It is good also because you can either dive in 100% or use certain settings and options to make management a lot easier and time saving in parts. Also great characters.
But you have a few good games there already (Astral Chain, Mario+Rabbids, Octopath Traveler). When I had FE, that is all I played. Sort of something that can take all your time (might get burned out if you play it after Octopath 🤔 great change of pace during/after Astral) Should have taken a picture of my setup during travel with the screen. It worked really well.
@Agramonte thanks for the fire emblem recommendation. I'll keep an eye out if I come across a good deal. I got astral, octopath, and Rabbids all when they dropped to a great price.
Back to the monitor, I did get it and try it out and while it definitely got the job done, the colors were really washed out and I wasn't feeling the sound too much. It's def not bad for a $100ish though.
I did place an order today for the Genki shadowcast which connects a switch to a laptop (mentioned it earlier, here it is again: https://gizmodo.com/turn-your-laptop-into-a-larger-portable-screen-for-your-1845928444) . I'm hoping that works well. It's just a Kickstarter so have to wait until April and hope there are no delays. If that works good, I'll just sell this portable monitor.
@Shahryar Yeah, you need to keep the price in mind. For me it is also a 2nd screen for my Surface GO I use for work. Between the 2 it makes up for the issues at the price.
Oh that looks nice, and more inline with your Elago idea (the macbook screen would look great) You probably can still get a refund from Amazon - they had the extended returns till end of the month.
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