I Tested Nintendo Switch 2 With XREAL One — Here’s the Setup That Actually Worked

I love playing Switch games, but long gaming sessions are not always comfortable. After sitting for too long, my back and waist start to feel tired, so I kept thinking: is there a better way to play Nintendo Switch 2 while reclining in a chair instead of always looking down at the handheld screen?

So I tested it myself with XREAL One.

The good news is that yes, you can use Nintendo Switch 2 with XREAL One — but not by connecting the glasses directly to the console. Nintendo’s official specs say Switch 2 outputs video over HDMI in TV mode, and one of the console’s USB-C ports does not support video output. XREAL’s own guide also says the glasses cannot be directly connected to the Switch. (Nintendo)

In my real test, I got it working in two ways:

• Method 1: with the CABLETIME 3-in-1 Switch hub
• Method 2: with the official Switch dock

Both worked for me.

That means if you want to play Switch 2 on XREAL One while leaning back more comfortably, you do have workable options.

The exact products I used

Here are the products I used in my test setup:

• XREAL One
• Nintendo Switch 2
• CABLETIME 3-in-1 Switch 2 Dock Replacement Portable TV Dock Station (CT-SHUB31-AB)
• CABLETIME Active HDMI to USB-C Cable for XREAL / portable displays (CT-HMCM4K-AG2)
• CABLETIME 240W Magnetic USB-C Charging Cable (CT-CM240-MZO2)
• A power adapter
• The official Switch dock as an alternative setup

The CABLETIME 3-in-1 hub includes HDMI output, USB-A 3.0, and 100W PD input. The CT-HMCM4K-AG2 is an active HDMI-to-USB-C cable with a USB-A power lead, designed for sending HDMI output to a USB-C display such as XREAL-style glasses or a portable monitor. The CT-CM240-MZO2 is a 240W USB-C charging cable. (CABLETIME)

Why a direct connection is not the right way

This is the part that matters most.

If someone tries to connect XREAL One directly to Switch 2 with a simple USB-C connection, they may think the two products are not compatible. But the issue is really the connection path.

Nintendo’s official specs show that Switch 2 sends video through HDMI in TV mode, not through a simple direct video-out USB-C path. XREAL also says the glasses are not meant to be directly connected to the Switch in the normal way. (Nintendo)

The working path in my test was:

Switch 2 → hub or dock → HDMI output → active HDMI-to-USB-C cable → XREAL One

That was the key.

Method 1: Using the CABLETIME 3-in-1 hub

This was the first setup I tested.

How I connected it

1. Connect the CT-SHUB31-AB hub to the Nintendo Switch 2
2. Connect power to the hub using the CT-CM240-MZO2 charging cable and a power adapter
3. Connect the HDMI end of the CT-HMCM4K-AG2 cable to the hub’s HDMI port
4. Connect the cable’s USB-A power lead as required
5. Connect the USB-C display end to XREAL One

Once I connected everything correctly, the setup worked.

What I like about this method is that it feels much more compact than a full dock setup. It is better if you want something smaller on the desk or something easier to move around.

According to the product page, the hub supports 4K 144Hz HDMI output, 100W PD charging, and 5Gbps USB-A data, which makes it a practical replacement for a bulkier dock-style setup. The HDMI-to-USB-C cable also requires USB power and supports 4K 60Hz. (CABLETIME)

Method 2: Using the official Switch dock

I also tested the same idea with the official Switch dock instead of the 3-in-1 hub.

This also worked for me.

That is useful because some people already own the official dock and may not want to buy another hub just to try this setup. If you already have the dock, it can do the video output part of the job, as long as the rest of the connection path is correct.

Nintendo’s official dock includes an HDMI port and is the standard way the console outputs video in TV mode, so it makes sense as an alternative to a compact third-party hub. (Nintendo)

Which setup I would choose

After testing both, I think the better option depends on how you want to play.

Choose the 3-in-1 hub if you want:

• a smaller setup
• fewer bulky accessories
• something easier to move between rooms or desks

Choose the official dock if you want:

• a more familiar setup
• a fixed home desk arrangement
• to use what you already have

So for me, both are valid. One is more portable, and the other is more traditional.

Why I like this setup

For me, this setup is not just about using a bigger screen.

It is about comfort.

When I play in handheld mode for too long, I naturally look downward, and after a while I start to feel it in my back and waist. With XREAL One, I can lean back much more naturally and still keep the game in front of me.

That is the biggest benefit.

It makes Switch gaming feel more relaxed, especially when I want to sit back in a chair instead of staying in a fixed upright posture the whole time.

What worked, and what I learned

After testing this setup myself, these are the main things I would tell other people:

• A direct connection is not the practical solution
• The connection path matters
• External power matters
• The active HDMI-to-USB-C cable matters
• Both the 3-in-1 hub and the official Switch dock can work

That last point is important.

A lot of posts online only talk about one method, but in my own testing, I confirmed that both setups were workable. So if someone wants a more portable solution, the 3-in-1 hub is a good option. If they prefer a standard desktop-style setup, the official dock works too.

Final thoughts

If you like playing Switch games but want a more comfortable way to do it, this setup is worth trying.

For me, the biggest difference was simple: I was able to play in a more relaxed position instead of constantly looking down at the screen.

And after testing both methods myself, I can say this clearly:

Nintendo Switch 2 can work with XREAL One — as long as you use the right connection setup.

If you already have the official dock, you can start there. If you want something more compact, the CABLETIME 3-in-1 hub is the cleaner option in my opinion.

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FAQ

Can you connect XREAL One directly to Nintendo Switch 2?

Not in the simple plug-and-play way most people expect. Nintendo’s specs and XREAL’s own guide both point to the need for a proper HDMI-based output path rather than a direct glasses-to-console connection. (Nintendo)

Do you need a dock or hub to use XREAL One with Switch 2?

Based on my test, yes. I got it working with either the CABLETIME CT-SHUB31-AB or the official Switch dock.

What cable did I use?

I used the CABLETIME CT-HMCM4K-AG2 active HDMI-to-USB-C cable. Its product page specifies HDMI input, USB-A power, USB-C output, and support for 4K 60Hz. (CABLETIME)

Do you need external power?

Yes. In my setup, power was necessary for stable use. XREAL’s own Switch guidance also notes that Nintendo Switch needs to stay connected to power during compatible hub-based use. (XREAL US Shop)

Is the 3-in-1 hub better than the official dock?

Both worked for me. The hub is better for portability, while the official dock is better for a fixed desk setup.