How can I programmatically switch my game window between monitors while in fullscreen mode?

Programmatically Switching Game Window Between Monitors in Fullscreen Mode

Managing monitor switching for a game running in fullscreen mode requires leveraging the underlying graphics API and platform-specific functions. Below are the steps and considerations for implementing this feature using Unity:

1. Detect Available Monitors

Firstly, identify and retrieve the list of available displays. In Unity, this can be done using Display.displays which provides an array of Display objects that represent each monitor connected to the system.

New challenges and adventures await!

foreach (var display in Display.displays) { Debug.Log("Display: " + display); }

2. Handling Fullscreen Mode in Unity

Unity’s Screen.fullScreenMode property allows setting different fullscreen modes. Use FullScreenMode.FullScreenWindow to enable borderless fullscreen, which typically allows easier switching between displays.

Screen.fullScreenMode = FullScreenMode.FullScreenWindow;

3. Implement Monitor Switching

To switch your application’s rendering display in Unity, you can adjust the targetDisplay property of the main camera. Set it to the index of the desired display.

Camera.main.targetDisplay = 1; // Switch to the second monitor

4. Managing Resolution and Refresh Rate

Upon switching displays, ensure that the resolution and refresh rate are appropriate for the new monitor. You can set these using Screen.SetResolution.

Screen.SetResolution(1920, 1080, true, 60); // Set to 1920x1080 at 60Hz

5. Handling Window Transitions

Use a seamless approach to transition the game window between monitors, ensuring that any context-sensitive elements (e.g., UI) are also updated to fit the new resolution and aspect ratio.

Full implementation would require handling edge cases and testing across different hardware configurations to ensure smooth operation across various setups. Additionally, consider providing in-game settings allowing players to configure display preferences.

Platform-Specific Considerations

Keep in mind that certain platforms may require additional handling due to their specific API constraints or multi-monitor support differences. Exploring platform documentation or community forums may offer further insights into overcoming unique challenges.