Combining a Nintendo Switch with a portable projector to enjoy an immersive gaming experience on the go
Playing video games on a large projection screen offers an unmatched immersive experience. The larger image size not only pulls the player into the gaming world, but the enhanced visual details make the game more engaging and visually spectacular.
The ability to customize the screen size with a projector means gamers can adjust the display to their preferred dimensions, optimizing their viewing experience without being confined to the fixed size of a TV or monitor. This is also beneficial for those looking for a portable gaming solution.
In previous gaming articles, Kam Valentine has focused on the latest games available on newer gaming consoles like Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. In this article, I wanted to explore how a projector can enhance the portable gaming experience.
One of the most popular portable gaming solutions is the Nintendo Switch. My son has used his Switch to pass the time on long road trips for years, but he loves gaming on a bigger screen. The good news is a portable gaming projector like the BenQ GP100A lets you enjoy the benefits of gaming on a massive screen anywhere.
PROJECTOR UTILIZED - BENQ GP100A
The BenQ GP100A is the perfect companion for a Nintendo Switch
While we have used other BenQ gaming projectors like the X3000i for previous articles in this series, I thought the GP100A was the perfect companion for the Nintendo Switch. I am in the process of reviewing the GP100A, which is BenQ's best portable projector, but the model includes several gaming-related features. The BenQ GP100A projector complements the console’s portability and versatility, making it an appealing option for anyone looking to elevate their Nintendo Switch gaming sessions.
Matching the Nintendo Switch’s portable nature, the GP100A’s lightweight and compact design makes it easy to carry to different locations, from a friend’s house to a gaming tournament. This portability ensures that gamers can enjoy their Nintendo Switch games on a screen as large as 120 inches without being tethered to a traditional gaming setup.
The projector’s LED light source can deliver up to 1000 ANSI lumens so it is bright enough to utilize in a room with low to moderate ambient light. The GP100A is a 1080P LED projector so it can deliver a sharp and vibrant image that takes full advantage of the Nintendo Switch’s output capabilities. This ensures games are displayed in high definition, providing a visually immersive gaming experience that’s a significant upgrade over playing on the console’s screen or smaller flat-panel television.
The USB-C port on the GP100A supports video out while charging a mobile device.
The GP100A comes equipped with multiple input options, including HDMI, which is the primary way you would connect the projector to most sources. However, the GP100A also includes a USB-C port that supports DisplayPort video output and power delivery.
It can be used to connect the projector to a mobile device, laptop, or even a Nintendo® Switch. The BenQ GP100A can even charge the Nintendo Switch while projecting gaming content from it. This is a nice feature because you don’t need to carry the Switch’s docking station or AC power supply with you. Also, the ease of setup means that Switch users can quickly transition from handheld play to enjoying their games on a large screen.
While the GP100A does not have a built-in battery you can also connect the projector to a compatible USB battery bank to power the unit if you want to watch a movie on the go.
Even casual gamers appreciate the competitive advantages of low input lag, which is the delay between pressing a button on the controller and seeing the action performed on-screen. BenQ designed the GP100A with gaming in mind, so it features low input lag making it suitable for fast-paced games. This ensures a responsive gaming experience, crucial for competitive gaming and enjoying games as they were meant to be played.
While the Nintendo Switch has its own speakers, the GP100A’s built-in speakers offer a more powerful and immersive audio experience. This is great for games that benefit from high-quality sound or when playing in a group. The GP100A audio capabilities really enhanced the overall gaming experience without the need for external speakers.
Pokémon Shield is a classic Nintendo game introduced in 2019, but the gaming experience is better on a massive screen
While there are a wide variety of games available for the Nintendo Switch, my son is a big fan of Pokémon games, so I decided to try out Pokémon Shield. Pokémon Shield is a role-playing video game developed in 2019 by Game Freak. The game starts in the Galar region in the town of Postwick. You aim to become the Pokémon Champion, the greatest trainer in all of Galar. At the beginning of the game, you receive a starter Pokémon, either a Grookey, Scorbunny, or Sobble, from Leon, who is the champion of Galake. You are then joined by Leon’s brother, Hop, as you embark on a quest to participate in the Galar Gym Challenge.
Along the way across Galar you try to collect Gym Badges by defeating powerful Gym Leaders. you collect eight badges from Gym Leaders. You also uncover the history of the mysterious Darkest Day and end up facing off against Leon and legendary foes like Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta. The finale is a showdown against the Legendary Pokémon Eternatus to prevent a second Darkest Day, orchestrated by Rose, the chairman of the Galar Pokémon League.
For casual gamers owning a Nintendo Switch and playing games like Pokémon Shield, a large projection screen can significantly amplify the gaming experience. While this game was not graphic intensive, when playing Pokémon Shield, I felt like I was in the middle of a Pokémon movie. The expansive display makes it easier to see finer details in the game and track your opponent’s movements, which is essential for gameplay success.
A large projected image also fosters a more social gaming experience. I detached the Switch’s Joy-Con controller from the table and kicked back on the couch with the family enjoying the game together on my 100’ screen. The large screen is especially beneficial when playing multiplayer games since it ensures that everyone can see the action clearly, making it ideal for gaming parties or family game nights. Big screen gaming unites players and spectators alike, creating a shared experience that smaller screens simply cannot match.
Playing on a large projection screen offers a competitive advantage by making it easier to see opponents and game elements. This is particularly advantageous in more competitive games, where spotting your opponent's moves ahead of time can be the key to victory. The larger field of view ensures that players can react more swiftly and accurately.
Investing in a high-quality projection screen can enhance color, contrast and clarity. Projecting the GP100A image on to a flat white wall still delivered a satisfying gaming experience.
Moving up from the Switch’s tiny built-in screen to a TV delivers a better gaming experience. However, any casual gamer who has the opportunity to experience gaming on a projector and screen will praise the enhanced immersion and social interaction that the even larger projected image offers. The ability to see the game's environment and characters in greater detail, combined with the communal aspect of shared gameplay, significantly adds to the enjoyment and excitement of gaming.
In summary, the BenQ GP100A projector’s compatibility with the Nintendo Switch enhances the gaming experience by offering high-definition visuals, low input lag, versatile connectivity, and portability. These features make it an ideal companion for the Switch, providing gamers with a seamless and immersive gaming experience on a large screen.
