Nintendo's Switch 2 has sold over 5 million units, but its 7.9‑inch screen still feels cramped for many gamers. iPadOS 17 now accepts video input, letting owners hook the console to an iPad for a larger, portable display. The trick requires a few adapters and the free Orion app, which captures the HDMI feed and presents it on the tablet.

The cheapest route uses an HDMI‑to‑USB‑C adapter, the official dock, an HDMI cable and a power source. Plug the Switch into its dock, run HDMI to the adapter, then connect the adapter to an iPad Pro or iPad Air. Launch Orion and the console’s home screen appears instantly, with no noticeable lag or color loss. A more portable option swaps the dock for a dedicated video‑output adapter, though those are still scarce and pricier.

Joy‑Cons remain exclusive to the Switch; they do not pair with Apple devices, keeping Nintendo out of the MFi ecosystem. Nonetheless, the iPad setup gives single players a 13‑inch canvas and groups a split‑screen experience for titles like Borderlands 2 and Mario Kart World. This method turns any compatible iPad into a viable Switch 2 monitor without a TV.