How To Record Nintendo Switch Gameplay

There are a ton of reasons you might want to record and stream gameplay from your Nintendo Switch. In this video I show you exactly how you can get started.

The console’s built in recording features leave a lot to be desired and there are no built-in streaming functions whatsoever. I started making videos for YouTube that included gameplay a few months ago and I feel like my workflow has improved tremendously over time. I made this video to share with you all the two easiest methods I’ve found to record or stream Switch gameplay.

*Links to Products Discussed in the video*
Very Simple USB 3.0 Capture Card Similar to What I Use

Mic I Use

Switch Dock Adapter

Cheaper PassThrough Capture Card

High Quality Elgato PassThrough Capture Card

New Updated version specifically for streaming (recording is basically the same process)

Timestamp Chapters
00:00 Intro
00:26 Free - ClipStitch Method
01:34 HDMI to USB3.0 Capture Card Method
02:14 OBS Studio
02:39 Set Up Switch Recording
05:43 Other Options & What’s Right for Me?
06:28 End Card

The first method is a fairly simple timed record/capture button press/hold every 20-25 seconds. This will create sequential clips that don’t skip. Once you have the full length of your gameplay segment, you can send them to your editing device via the built in QR wifi transfer or using an SD Card (Much Easier!) Then just place the clips back to back in your editor.

The second method involves getting a capture card. I use a very cheap HDMI to USB 3.0 capture device that I got on Amazon for about 18$. I don’t have 2 displays in my workflow and I don’t play any games where 0 input lag is entirely necessary . I’m also lucky enough to run a setup that performs well so my latency is minimal. Once you connect the card, we download OBS Studio and add one input source for audio, and one for video and direct them to the USB3.0 Inputs from the capture card. From there you can adjust your settings, and start recording/streaming!

It’s surprisingly easy and affordable especially since the software side is completely free! The only truly big limiting factor aside form the 20$ for a capture card is the system performance of your computer. Streaming and recording gameplay is taxing and it may not run optimally regardless of what card you’re able to buy so keep that in mind. You can try to adjust the settings in OBS to smaller resolutions and lower frame rates to help compensate.

Possible tip?! I remember for whatever reason, when I had a slower computer - using the built in (in this case Quicktime) video recorder to take the USB3.0 input had a little bit less lag than any external software like OBS. Maybe that can help get you a few extra FPS!

#NintendoSwitch #CaptureCard #Davenodon #NintendoStreaming

Questions, suggestions, requests? Let me know in the comments.
Thanks for watching,
have a lovely day!

[DaveNodon]

I just created a new updated guide that is specially oriented towards streaming! You can check it out in the video card of this video, link is also in the description and below. It goes over alot of the same but with alot of streaming bonuses and goes through the whole process from start to finish. Hope it helps, have a lovely day!

[JaylanxYT]

If anyone’s having trouble with the audio like I was, go to settings on your computer and open microphone privacy settings. Make sure allow apps to access microphone is turned on, should fix it

[VideoDojoPro]

0:18 - DaveNodon face reveal!!!11!11! 😱😱😱
Thanks so much for this fantastically detailed and very easy to follow guide, another great resource for Switch players!

[SuperSeamus]

Thanks this was super helpful and just what I needed. I’m not planning on streaming but I’ve wanted to make quick 2 minute Pokémon let’s plays and now I can using your Stick Clip method. Now I thankfully don’t have to buy and expensive capture card :)

[wolfcara]

When you're having a question and find a video, that contains all the answers 👌

[brushybillroberts]

Great video. I just started using OSB and also recording Switch gameplay. I found that if you right click on your game play video screen in OSB, it gives you the option of viewing it in full screen mode on your computer while recording.
For the lesser demanding games, it gives you excellent gameplay without having to use the more expensive Elgato capture cards and another monitor.
Thanks for taking the time to share what you are doing, it is very helpful.

[Lollo]

A better way is to connect the switch on a smart tv, install on tv a recorder app and share to ur phone/pc/tablet.

[alvarovilela]

Wow, this is one of those few high quality, concise and helpful tutorials out there. Thank you!

[VIPTaptap]

0:52 you can also go to settings, data management, manage screenshots and videos, and select copy to pc via usb connection (i use my laptop). this is what i do for my switch lite (at least until my HDMI to usbc cable arrives that i can use with my capture card.). i then copy the videos / clips to a new folder and then put them into adobe video merger online. sometimes a clip corrupts and goes pink after merging. what i do here is i disconnect the switch and usbc and try again. this works like 99% of the time

[ayandabose]

Thank you SO much! I managed to record my first good video today! Without your video, I could never have done this.

[MARSHLAND_YT]

0:51 You can actually go to Settings > Data Management, Manage Screenshots and Videos > Copy to a computer via USB connection

[maxie_boy]

One Word. Legend. TYSM mate, saved my life.

[_sploop]

I uploaded a video the second I watched the tutorial. Thank you so much!

[HEXCAT]

In a few years or some time from now i will become a YouTuber and you have helped me thank you :)

[JBoneGaming]

Thank you so much! It works very well!

[flameacegaming]

This is SO helpful for me, as I can now record my Switch for videos.

[countrygaming]

I was having issues getting set up until I watched your video! Thank you for such valuable info and taking out the guess work!

[destructionphysics_officia]

Hey man! Im currently building a series of games, I have used multiple of your tutorials! and i love your content. And i need to record for my demos. Im so happy i can build my game thanks to you!

[ascexmir]

Thanks sm! I know nothing about this and your vid helped me understand diff ways I can record my gameplay.

[IronEbay]

Thank you! I've been trying to find good tutorials but this is the first one I've found that actually explains how to set it up correctly!