Looking for an easy way to record gameplay footage? You've come to the right place, as we've found the best capture cards for the Nintendo Switch console. Streaming your adventures has never been easier, and using a capture card is often the most reliable and efficient way to share your gaming footage online without any lagging or interruptions. It's also a great option for those needing to edit the footage first.
The Nintendo Switch has no way of recording in-game footage, only images, and doesn't support direct live streaming via Twitch or other platforms, so if you want to record your gameplay, you'll need a capture card with high-quality software and a PC to hook it up to. These cards unfortunately don't come cheap, but the only other way to stream from your switch is by using an Xbox One console + a PC. Take a look at our FAQs to learn more about capture cards.
With the wealth of choice available, it can be difficult to choose the right capture card or even know where to start. But luckily, we're here to help. So whether you want to record for professional streaming or for personal use, you're sure to find a capture card in this guide to suit your budget and lifestyle. Investing in a capture card is a great way to relive your favourite Nintendo Switch adventures! So let's get started.
The best capture cards for the Nintendo Switch
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Best capture card for Nintendo Switch
Connectivity: USB 3.0
Max capture quality: 1080p 60fps
The Elgato HD60 S+ is a fantastic device that is easy to set up, provides excellent capture footage and audio, and works on a multitude of devices, including the Switch. With an impressive 60fps, your captures are smooth and professional. The (free) Elgato software is easy to work with once you learn the ins-and-outs, so it's a great starter option.
The best value capture card available
Interface: USB 2.0
Max capture quality: 1080p 30fps
The DIGITNOW is a great choice for those on a tighter budget, but the low price means that streaming at 60fps isn't an option. Measuring just 6.4 x 2.8 x 2.8cm, it's portable and easy to store, plus it's fully compatible with OBS studio.
Top capture card for serious streamers
Interface: USB 3.0
Max capture quality: 4K 60fps
The Razer Ripsaw HD capture card is a fantastic option if you have a higher budget. It features 4K 60 FPS pass-through for uninterrupted, smooth gameplay whilst capturing, and has both HDMI 2.0 & USB 3.0 connectivity for polished output.
A sleek, powerful capture card
Interface: USB 3.0
Max capture quality: 1080p 60fps
This is a solid option if you're looking for a middle-range priced capture card that offers great quality and easy of use. The sleek titanium-grey, aluminium colour is modern and simple, and the small size makes it easily portable and easy to store. Just one downside: the set up can be a bit tricky.
Clever Switch-specific capture card
Interface: HDMI
Max capture quality: 720p 60fps
This tiny powerhouse is a great way to stream your gameplay onto other devices with ease, and what's more, it slots into the back of your Switch Dock! Simply plug it into the back of your console, connect it to your PC/laptop via a cable and you're set.
The best capture card for beginners
Interface: USB 2.0, USB 3.0
Max capture quality: 1080p 60fps
This is a great starter capture card, as the initial set up and connection is easy. It works on a range of consoles and provides an optimised gaming experience with full HD 1080p 60fps HDMI pass-through.
What else do I need for a capture card to work?
Aside from a regular Nintendo Switch console (note that the Switch Lite cannot output to a display), you'll need an official Nintendo Switch docking station, a power source for the docking station, an HDMI cable, an external TV or Monitor, a stable internet connection, optionally: an ethernet cable, plus a PC, Mac or Laptop with at least 8GB of RAM that can run the compatible software with your capture card.
You'll also need to decide on which streaming platform you want to use, whether that's YouTube, Discord, Twitch, or Facebook - and create an account for the preferred platform if you haven't already. Then there's broadcasting, and you might be required to run software with your capture card to be able to process the footage and upload it to another platform.
Do I really need a capture card to stream from a Nintendo Switch?
If you happen to also have an Xbox One console, an external monitor, and a separate PC or laptop, then there is a way to stream from your Nintendo Switch using a slightly different method that doesn't involve a capture card.
To do this, you'll need to put your switch into its docking station and then connect it to your Xbox One via the HDMI "in" port on your Xbox console.
Next, boot up the Xbox App (OneGuide) on both your Xbox One console and your PC, and then you'll need to use software such as either Streamlabs or OBS Studio to begin streaming directly to Twitch, while capturing your Xbox app window (which will be displaying your Switch display screen).
Do I need to install any extra software?
Depending on your capture card, you'll likely need to download and install some compatible software or alternatively use a free broadcasting app to stream and share your footage. The ones we would recommend using are OBS (Open Broadcaster Software), or there's an app you can get on smartphones called Streamlabs.
