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USB-C to HDMI on Nintendo Switch? How will it work?

SystemUser

SystemUser

Member
USB-C to HDMI on Nintendo Switch? How will it work? Is HDMI video included in the USB-C standard and is Nintendo using that standard method? Is Nintendo using a modified version of this method that handshakes with the dock before outputting video?


Do you think the Switch will work with this:
Link to $30 Monoprice USB-C HDMI® Multiport Adapter (This does not include a power adapter for the wall. So would need to spend another $20-$50 and also another $5-$20 for an HDMI cable.)


Is there any information on if the video out is standard?


(close if this thread if this topic has already been output.)


EDIT: I should have mentioned that I have seen the Nintendo official dock and the ports on it, but the price for it is $90. The Monoprice dongle I linked to has a price of $30. This thread is about the underlying tech inside and whether that will allow for use of standard adapters. Even the Apple dongle is cheaper at $50. (This does not include a power adapter for the wall. So would need to spend another $20-$50 and also another $5-$20 for an HDMI cable.)

EDIT 2: I know that Switch includes one dock. I want the option to have the Switch ready to connect to other TVs/monitors without disconnecting my main dock.

EDIT 3: Added comments to my links since the price is for the USB-C to HDMI dongle only and you still need a power plug for the wall and an HDMI cable. The Monoprice alternative (which may or may not work) will cost you $55-$85. The Apple solution would be $105-$135 (or more if you buy the HDMI cable from Apple).
 
D

Dystify

Member
Yeah there's a HDMI port on the back.

See:

vAYioTO.png



aweaVqx.png
Click to expand...
 
I

ibrahima

Banned
HDMI is supported over USB-C.

There's a little bit more information about the supported standards over USB-C here.

I wouldn't want to assume that the Switch would support a standard USB-C to HDMI lead since we do not know whether the Switch determines if it is docked by what it is plugged into or whether there are any other contacts on the device to say 'ok I'm docked now'.
 
S

sugarhigh4242

Banned
Yeah, this is totally normal and even a little forward-looking from Nintendo. USB-C isn't ubiquitous yet, but this sort of thing will be more common in like 18-months. I was at CES last year and they had full workstations (monitor, mouse, keyboard) coming out of Windows 10 tablets over USB-C.
 
M

moltonasty

Member
That would be seriously awesome if it outputs thru 3rd party devices like the one you linked. Would save a shitload of money on accessories that's for sure
 
-shadow-

-shadow-

Member
I really hope that third party dongles will be made available/will work. Would that away the problem of taking the dock along with me and just use any other (and much cheaper) adapters.
 
M

Mendrox

Member
moltonasty said:
That would be seriously awesome if it outputs thru 3rd party devices like the one you linked. Would save a shitload of money on accessories that's for sure
Click to expand...

Like? The dock already has HDMI and USB.

Edit: Ah if you don't use the dock I guess? If there is no handshake then any dock or USB-C dongle will work, but I don't think that Nintendo will allow that.
 
T

Totakeke

Member
I asked two different Nintendo reps if I could connect the Switch directly to the TV and their response is a pretty firm and direct no.

That doesn't necessarily mean a usb-c to HDMI cable wouldn't work, but at least it seems Nintendo has communicated to them as such.
 
Z

Zeyphersan

Banned
I thought the HDMI over USB-C spec wasn't finalized until very recently. We sure they aren't doing their own thing for the dock?

Edit: answered below, generates as DisplayPort and converts to HDMI. Just like Apple's adapter
 
D

deletethis123

Banned
This thread will be interesting once the thing comes out. I really hope third party accessories work with the switch. I could take a dongle like this one to work and we could play Mario Kart or Smash without me disconnecting my dock at home.
 
G

Graphics Horse

Member
frankie_baby said:
wasn't the rumour going round that the switch sends the signal out as displayport and the dock converts it to hdmi?
Click to expand...

Yes the version in the patent discovered uses displayport over USB 3 which is more mature than the HDMI equivalent.
The HDMI connection should just be dock-tv.

kadotsu said:
If Nintendo are assholes they could do proprietary pin mapping on USB-C that would be negated by the dock.
Click to expand...
I think it'll only switch displays if it identifies it'a plugged into a genuine dock, doubt you can just hook it up to a monitor, but should be fakeable via PC in time.
 
C

calc84maniac

Member
frankie_baby said:
wasn't the rumour going round that the switch sends the signal out as displayport and the dock converts it to hdmi?
Click to expand...
Yes, that's in the patent.

There definitely has to be some sort of handshaking going on to switch to docked mode, but whether it's the standard DisplayPort handshake remains to be seen.
 
S

spazimoose

Member
I hope Nintendo allows 3rd party USB-C to HDMI adapters as well. I dont see any reason why it couldnt unless the dock is doing something nonstandered. We may just have to wait for switch specific cables then. (assuming Nintendo allowes it) Heres Apples
MJ1K2
 
NOLA_Gaffer

NOLA_Gaffer

Banned
The future going all USB-C is super exciting. One power adapter will be able to power my computer, my phone, the Switch, and a dozen other gadgets.
 
R

rpmurphy

Member
Graphics Horse said:
Yes the version in the patent discovered uses displayport over USB 3 which is more mature than the HDMI equivalent.
The HDMI connection should just be dock-tv.

I think it'll only switch displays if it identifies it'a plugged into a genuine dock, doubt you can just hook it up to a monitor.
Click to expand...
Do you think it would be possible to use a USB-C to DisplayPort adapter to hook to a monitor?

edit: nvm, I understand now.
 
G

Graphics Horse

Member
rpmurphy said:
Do you think it would be possible to use a USB-C to DisplayPort adapter to hook to a monitor?
Click to expand...
I don't think anything will happen unless you can trick the system into thinking it's plugged into a real dock, so it may need something you could write custom drivers to. Just a guess though, maybe it just works.
 
D

Daedardus

Member
The Switch uses DisplayPort Alt Mode. It's a different protocol designed for the USB C port that allows for USB 3.1 data, DisplayPort video and audio and USB Power charging all over the same port, designed by the DisplayPort creators (VESA). The video signal is compatible with HDMI through a small conversion chip inside the dock, and the data through the USB C port is then send to all the USB A type ports on the dock. The end user doesn't notice anything of this though and just plugs in his HDMI cable in the back.

It's a fairly high standard application and is also what makes the dock have some sort of small logic, it needs controllers to convert and combine the signals and to regulate the power supply to dock to power the USB port. It's not that expensive, but it does add up to the price, and combined with a slightly expensive to make USB C adapter and the profit companies want to make on accesoiries, you get the $90 price for the additional dock.
 
C

Cymbal Head

Banned
As someone who doesn't know much about signal processing or protocol standards or whatever, this conversation is completely fascinating to me.
 
D

dawid

Member
My Dell laptop dock transfers power, ethernet, audio, and HDMI+DP @ 1920x1200 to two monitors over USB-C. It's a pretty crazy standard.

(plus a few regular USB-devices like mouse and keyboard ofc)
 
J

JordanKZ

Member
Daedardus said:
The Switch uses DisplayPort Alt Mode. It's a different protocol designed for the USB C port that allows for USB 3.1 data, DisplayPort video and audio and USB Power charging all over the same port, designed by the DisplayPort creators (VESA). The video signal is compatible with HDMI through a small conversion chip inside the dock, and the data through the USB C port is then send to all the USB A type ports on the dock. The end user doesn't notice anything of this though and just plugs in his HDMI cable in the back.

It's a fairly high standard application and is also what makes the dock have some sort of small logic, it needs controllers to convert and combine the signals and to regulate the power supply to dock to power the USB port. It's not that expensive, but it does add up to the price, and combined with a slightly expensive to make USB C adapter and the profit companies want to make on accesoiries, you get the $90 price for the additional dock.
Click to expand...

tl;dr
USB Type-C can do a lot of shit not just simple data/power transfer.
 
W

WadeitOut

Member
It will separate the connection in the dock like what happens with basically every dock.

My work laptop connects to my Dell dock with a proprietary dock connection.
 
SystemUser

SystemUser

Member
Daedardus said:
The Switch uses DisplayPort Alt Mode. It's a different protocol designed for the USB C port that allows for USB 3.1 data, DisplayPort video and audio and USB Power charging all over the same port, designed by the DisplayPort creators (VESA). The video signal is compatible with HDMI through a small conversion chip inside the dock, and the data through the USB C port is then send to all the USB A type ports on the dock. The end user doesn't notice anything of this though and just plugs in his HDMI cable in the back.

It's a fairly high standard application and is also what makes the dock have some sort of small logic, it needs controllers to convert and combine the signals and to regulate the power supply to dock to power the USB port. It's not that expensive, but it does add up to the price, and combined with a slightly expensive to make USB C adapter and the profit companies want to make on accesoiries, you get the $90 price for the additional dock.
Click to expand...


Have you had hands on the Switch or do you have a link to some white papers with this information confirmed for the Switch? Nintendo is not listed on the DisplayPort website. Maybe the DisplayPort website doesn't add devices until they have been released.

https://www.displayport.org/products-database/
 
Soapbox Killer

Soapbox Killer

Grand Nagus
Daedardus said:
The Switch uses DisplayPort Alt Mode. It's a different protocol designed for the USB C port that allows for USB 3.1 data, DisplayPort video and audio and USB Power charging all over the same port, designed by the DisplayPort creators (VESA). The video signal is compatible with HDMI through a small conversion chip inside the dock, and the data through the USB C port is then send to all the USB A type ports on the dock. The end user doesn't notice anything of this though and just plugs in his HDMI cable in the back.

It's a fairly high standard application and is also what makes the dock have some sort of small logic, it needs controllers to convert and combine the signals and to regulate the power supply to dock to power the USB port. It's not that expensive, but it does add up to the price, and combined with a slightly expensive to make USB C adapter and the profit companies want to make on accesoiries, you get the $90 price for the additional dock.
Click to expand...


USB-C 3.1 is expandable to include even eGPU so by that logic you should be able to make the system run better with external hardware.
 
aparisi2274

aparisi2274

Member
SystemUser said:
USB-C to HDMI on Nintendo Switch? How will it work? Is HDMI video included in the USB-C standard and is Nintendo using that standard method? Is Nintendo using a modified version of this method that handshakes with the dock before outputting video?


Do you think the Switch will work with this:
Link to $30 Monoprice USB-C HDMI® Multiport Adapter


Is there any information on if the video out is standard?


(close if this thread if this topic has already been output.)


EDIT: I should have mentioned that I have seen the Nintendo official dock and the ports on it, but the price for it is $90. The Monoprice dongle I linked to has a price of $30. This thread is about the underlying tech inside and whether that will allow for use of standard adapters. Even the Apple dongle is cheaper at $50.
Click to expand...

If you're buying a Switch, you'll get the dock, what do you even need a dongle for?
 
B

brochiller

Member
The Switch is outputting a Display Port signal over USB C and the dock is converting it into an HDMI signal. This does add some cost to dock.
 
P

Piscus

Member
Did we ever find out how long it takes to charge the Switch unit itself? I heard the Joy-Cons take 3.5 hours to charge, but no word on the actual console...
 
J

JordanKZ

Member
Piscus said:
Did we ever find out how long it takes to charge the Switch unit itself? I heard the Joy-Cons take 3.5 hours to charge, but no word on the actual console...
Click to expand...

3 hours, I believe. Although we don't know if its this a limitation of the AC type-c cable that comes with the Switch, missing fast charging standards, or any number of factors.
 
P

Parham

Banned
SuperBanana said:
Guess I need to post this again since there are some people who seem to have already forgotten after 2 page. Wow, how the mind slips!

"Allegedly"

Opening admitting to sexually assaulting someone(then banning anyone who called him out for it)
1508785001663-WgTMVEd.jpeg


Posting revenge porn with their real full names then another admin(a now jailed pedophile) printed the photos and jacked off over them and sent it to the boyfriend.
uRGmEGL.jpg


You're right, how can we even know if he's guilty or not? HMMMM

Also:
6B7C1lb.jpg
Click to expand...

ZQmUpHL.png
 
A

Atheerios

Member
Daedardus said:
The Switch uses DisplayPort Alt Mode. It's a different protocol designed for the USB C port that allows for USB 3.1 data, DisplayPort video and audio and USB Power charging all over the same port, designed by the DisplayPort creators (VESA). The video signal is compatible with HDMI through a small conversion chip inside the dock, and the data through the USB C port is then send to all the USB A type ports on the dock. The end user doesn't notice anything of this though and just plugs in his HDMI cable in the back.

It's a fairly high standard application and is also what makes the dock have some sort of small logic, it needs controllers to convert and combine the signals and to regulate the power supply to dock to power the USB port. It's not that expensive, but it does add up to the price, and combined with a slightly expensive to make USB C adapter and the profit companies want to make on accesoiries, you get the $90 price for the additional dock.
Click to expand...

Sounds reasonable.
 
L

luoapp

Member
Daedardus said:
The Switch uses DisplayPort Alt Mode. It's a different protocol designed for the USB C port that allows for USB 3.1 data, DisplayPort video and audio and USB Power charging all over the same port, designed by the DisplayPort creators (VESA). The video signal is compatible with HDMI through a small conversion chip inside the dock, and the data through the USB C port is then send to all the USB A type ports on the dock. The end user doesn't notice anything of this though and just plugs in his HDMI cable in the back.

It's a fairly high standard application and is also what makes the dock have some sort of small logic, it needs controllers to convert and combine the signals and to regulate the power supply to dock to power the USB port. It's not that expensive, but it does add up to the price, and combined with a slightly expensive to make USB C adapter and the profit companies want to make on accesoiries, you get the $90 price for the additional dock.
Click to expand...

Seems nothing is proprietary, which means cheap, unlicensed 3rd party dock may just work.
 
P

protomouse

Member
USB-C is just a plug anyway. It can do SuperSpeed USB, USB-PD (i.e. "quick charge", which evidently the Switch implements) in tandem with Thunderbolt, DisplayPort, HDMI, and MHL. HDMI Alt Mode is fairly recent, so I don't think it's that. Most likely DisplayPort adapted to HDMI in the dock.

It's a great thing.
 
NekoFever

NekoFever

Member
USB-C is awesome. It won't be long before that's the only port computers have and they use it for power, storage, networking, hardware expansion, multiple displays, and it can all be daisy-chained through a single port if that's all your device has.

Apple's doing it now with the MacBook and MacBook Pro but we need a couple of years for USB-C peripherals to really propagate for it to become properly workable.
 
SystemUser

SystemUser

Member
aparisi2274 said:
If you're buying a Switch, you'll get the dock, what do you even need a dongle for?
Click to expand...


For the other TV at home and for the monitor at work. It would be nice to be able to use my monitor at work without having to schlep all of the cables back and forth everyday. Also it would just be one USB-C plug instead having to do a full setup.


If I can have it ready to go on all the TVs and monitors that I use regularly that would make the system really be the hybrid that I want.
 
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