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Play Switch 2 on iMac with 4K capture card

9to5Mac •
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Apple's discontinued Target Display Mode has left iMac owners without an easy way to use their displays for gaming consoles. A new workaround using UGREEN's 4K 60Hz capture card and Mac App Store software now enables Switch 2, PS5, and Xbox gaming at 4K resolution on iMac and iPad displays.

The $95 capture card offers 4K at 60Hz with HDR support, outperforming cheaper alternatives that max out at 30Hz. For Mac users, the UVC Video Capture app provides reliable streaming at $9.99/year, while Orion serves iPad users with a free tier and $9.99 one-time purchase for advanced features. Both apps offer simple plug-and-play functionality.

This solution delivers practically indistinguishable latency from native output, making it viable for fast-paced games like Mario Kart World and Fortnite. While Apple's hardware limitations led to Target Display Mode's removal, this third-party approach fills the gap until Apple potentially reintroduces the feature on Apple Silicon. The setup transforms high-quality iMac displays into versatile gaming monitors without requiring a separate TV.