For TV gaming, PS5 is a home console, while most Nintendo Switch models can move between the TV and portable play. The important exception is Switch Lite, which cannot connect to a TV. Switch 2 also has notably higher TV-output limits than the original Switch and Switch OLED. Your best fit depends more on the games you want, portability and physical media than on headline output specifications alone.
Can you play a Nintendo Switch on a TV?
Yes, if you have a standard Nintendo Switch, Switch OLED or Switch 2. These models support TV play through a dock. Switch Lite is handheld-only and does not support TV mode.
Switch and Switch OLED use the first-generation dock. Switch 2 has its own dock; Nintendo says the original Switch dock is incompatible with Switch 2. Check the model before buying accessories or planning to reuse a dock.
What TV output does each system support?
Original Switch and Switch OLED
Both support docked TV play, but their TV-output capabilities are not the same as Switch 2’s. Do not apply Switch 2’s 4K or 120 fps specifications to the original Switch or Switch OLED.
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- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 14.1" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy ergonomic support with the integrated cushioned wrist rest.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a sleek black carbon color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.8 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
Switch 2
Nintendo lists Switch 2 TV output up to 3840 × 2160 (4K) at 60 fps, or up to 120 fps at 1920 × 1080 or 2560 × 1440. These are system output limits, not a guarantee that every game renders at those resolutions or frame rates. The game and TV must support the relevant mode. Nintendo’s [April 2025 announcement](https://www.nintendo.co.jp/corporate/release/en/2025/250402.html) describes TV output up to 4K and play up to 120 fps; its technical specifications distinguish 4K at 60 fps from 120 fps at the listed lower resolutions.
PS5
PS5 connects to a TV or monitor over HDMI. Sony lists support for 4K 120 Hz TVs, 8K TVs and VRR. Whether you can use 120 Hz, HDR or VRR depends on the connected display, settings and game. A supported output mode does not mean that every game renders at that resolution or frame rate. See Sony’s [PS5 specifications](https://www.playstation.com/en-us/ps5/ps5-tech-specs/) and (https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/hardware/ps5-4k-resolution-guide/).
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Switch vs. PS5 for TV gaming
| What matters | Nintendo Switch family | PS5 |
|---|---|---|
| TV and portable play | Switch, Switch OLED and Switch 2 can play docked and in portable modes. Switch Lite cannot connect to a TV. | Designed for use with a TV or monitor; not a handheld console. |
| TV output | Depends on model. Switch 2 supports up to 4K at 60 fps and up to 120 fps at specified lower resolutions. Those are output limits, not promises for every game. | Supports features including 4K, 120 Hz, HDR and VRR where the TV and game support them. |
| Physical games and films | Physical Switch games are supported on compatible models and titles. | The disc-drive configuration supports Ultra HD Blu-ray. A Digital Edition has no optical disc support in Sony’s cited launch guidance. Check the exact model and configuration. |
| Older game libraries | Switch 2 plays compatible physical and digital Switch games, but some titles are unsupported or not fully compatible. | Sony says the overwhelming majority of more than 4,000 PS4 games work on PS5, with some exceptions or reduced functionality. |
How to choose for your TV setup
Choose around the games you want
Start with specific titles, not a console’s maximum output number. Game catalogs are not interchangeable, and compatibility with an older library has exceptions on both platforms. Sony’s [PS4-to-PS5 compatibility page](https://www.playstation.com/en-us/support/games/ps5-backward-compatibility-games/) and Nintendo’s [Switch 2 compatibility information](https://www.nintendo.com/us/gaming-systems/switch-2/compatibility/) describe the respective caveats.
Decide whether portability is important
If you want to play away from the TV or use tabletop mode, a dockable Switch model offers that flexibility; Switch Lite does not support TV play. If the console will stay by the TV, portability may matter less, and PS5 is built for TV or monitor use.
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Match features to the TV you already own
A basic HDMI TV can be used for TV gaming, but it may not show the benefit of higher resolution, refresh rate, HDR or VRR. Check your TV’s supported inputs and features before treating those specifications as a deciding factor; a console comparison alone is not a reason to replace a working TV.
Check whether you need a disc drive
If you own physical PS4 or PS5 games, or want UHD Blu-ray playback, confirm that the exact PS5 configuration you are considering includes or supports an optical disc drive. Digital configurations cannot play optical discs. Retail configurations can vary, so verify the model rather than assuming the drive is included.
Rank #4
- Anti-Slip Surface - Transform your laptop into a mobile workstation with the AboveTEK portable laptop lap desk. The anti-slip surface provides a strong grip for laptops up to 15.6 inches(Diagonal), while the double rubber strip on the bottom ensures a stable display or typing experience on your lap, couch, or bed.
- Retractable Mouse Pad - Retractable laptop mouse pad extends on both directions for the left/right handed with elevation along the edges for stopping mouse from falling off. The size of laptop tray is 14" X 9.7" and the size of mouse pad is 7.4" X 6.1".
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What specifications cannot tell you
Official output specifications do not establish which console runs a particular game at a higher resolution or frame rate, loads it faster, or looks better. Those are game-specific questions that require a reliable comparison of the same title under comparable conditions. The figures above describe supported system output modes, not a measured head-to-head result.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Spacious Design: Measuring 21.1" wide and 12" deep, our lap desk comfortably fits most laptops up to 15.6". Extra room for accessories ensures convenience.
- Enhanced Functionality: Packed with handy features, including a 5x9" precision tracking mouse pad and a built-in phone slot for seamless work or video calls. Plus, enjoy laptop support with the integrated device ledge.
- Cool Comfort: Enjoy a stable surface with our lap desk's dual bolster cushion, designed for comfort and airflow, keeping your lap cool during extended use.
- Durable Surface: Work with confidence on our lap desk's solid surface, featuring a blush pink color, ensuring optimal air circulation to prevent your laptop from overheating.
- On-the-Go Convenience: With an integrated handle and lightweight design (2.14 lbs), our lap desk is portable for travel or moving around the house, offering flexibility in any space.
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