If you want to show people how you play games on your Nintendo Switch, you may need to record them and share those recordings with them. But recording on Nintendo is not an easy task. Given that, this article comes in handy. Here we will walk you through how to record Switch gameplay with some easy solutions. So just check the solutions to capture gameplay on Switch.
Nintendo Switch is a fantastic video game console that enables you to play various games with it. Since it was published on March 3, 2017, this hybrid device has become popular worldwide. Nintendo Switch can be regarded as both a home console and a portable device, and its portability is why more and more types of games are being transplanted onto it.
Sharing videos about computer games is not a difficult task, as there are enough screen recorder programs you can use on a PC. But how to record Switch gameplay? There are two frequently-used methods: recording gameplay with the built-in tool in Switch or mirroring a Switch game on PC and recording it with a Nintendo Switch screen recorder. This post will walk you through those two ways step by step. Keep reading if you want to know the details.
When it comes to recording Nintendo Switch gameplay, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is whether to rely on a built-in software solution or use a third-party tool. While many capture cards come with their own recording software, they can vary greatly in terms of features and ease of use.
A powerful capture card like the Elgato HD60 S can record gameplay directly, but if you're looking for more flexibility and control over your recordings, you may want to use a third-party game recorder like EaseUS RecExperts. This enables a seamless recording experience with no time limits, providing more options to customize your recording settings.
Step 1. Prepare the capture card and HDMI cables.
Step 2. Plug one end of an HDMI cable into the HDMI OUT port on the Switch, and insert the other end of the cable into the HDMI IN port of the capture card. Likewise, connect your computer to the capture card.
Step 3. Now, you need to connect the Nintendo Switch to your computer. The output ports should be connected to the PC, and the input port should be connected to the Switch.
Now, a Windows screen recorder will help you capture the gameplay. Continue reading to learn the steps for creating your gameplay videos with a lightweight yet powerful Windows screen recorder.
EaseUS RecExperts works seamlessly with most capture cards, allowing you to easily record Nintendo Switch gameplay in high definition (1080p or 4K). The software offers advanced features, including audio sync adjustment, customizable recording modes, and the ability to capture both gameplay footage and microphone audio, providing a fully integrated recording experience.
It also includes screen recording capabilities for other sources if needed, giving you flexibility beyond just gameplay capture. Click the button below to download EaseUS RecExperts for free and start recording your Nintendo Switch gameplay today!
Step 1. Launch the gameplay that you want to record. Next, open EaseUS RecExperts and click on the Game mode on the main interface.
Step 2. Then, choose a Game Window. Then, you can enable the audio and webcam recording if needed. When all are done, click the REC button to start the gameplay recording.
Step 3. A floating toolbar will pop up, allowing you to pause or stop the recording. Additionally, the camera icon lets you take a screenshot, and the timer icon enables you to set an automatic stop for the recording.
Step 4. After saving the recorded gameplay video, you can preview it. This tool provides a built-in feature to trim the recording, add a watermark (text/image), add video intro and outro, or transcribe with AI.
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The most regular way for Nintendo Switch recording is using the pre-installed gameplay capturing tool. This is free and convenient for users who don't want to set up a capture card.
However, this method comes with an inevitable defect: you can only record the gameplay for up to 30 seconds, but it's effortless to press the button and capture what you need directly.
How to Record on Nintendo Switch with Built-in Tool:
Step 1. Start your gameplay on Nintendo Switch.
Step 2. Press and hold down the Capture Button on the left Joy-Con. (The Capture Button is a square button located under the directional pad).
Step 3. Make a long press to start the recording. Once done, you can view the captured video in the Album.
Here is a video tutorial about how to record Switch gameplay, and you can take a look:
Apart from recording videos, it also supports taking screenshots from the saved gameplay video.
How to Screenshot on Switch:
✅Note: The built-in recorder only supports recording for up to 30 seconds. So, if you want to record your gameplay for more than 30 seconds, you need to download and try EaseUS RecExperts.
Recording Switch gameplay on PC with a capture card is a good idea for many reasons. This part will offer you more related information about this method so that you can get your own Switch gameplay video conveniently.
The capture card is a device that can be connected to a computer to record on-screen content. In addition to that, the capture card can help encode what is happening on the screen so that you can play it as a Live stream or save it as a video file. However, the capture card cannot encode the data itself, and it helps an important role in transmitting the data from one end to the other.
You can follow the guide on the following picture to set up and use a capture card.
Recording Switch gameplay on PC using a captured card is a great choice for those following reasons:
✅Use the Right Capture Card: The quality of your capture card directly impacts the recording experience. Choose a reliable capture card, such as the Elgato HD60 S or AVerMedia Live Gamer, that supports 1080p/60fps recording for smooth gameplay capture.
✅Set Up Proper HDMI Connections: Ensure your Nintendo Switch is properly connected to the capture card via HDMI, and then link the capture card to your PC. Always use high-quality HDMI cables to avoid connection issues or signal drops.
✅Switch to TV Mode: If you're using a capture card, ensure you use the "TV Mode" on your Switch, as it enables the device to send a signal to your capture card. This ensures you can record your gameplay without interruptions.
✅Adjust Display Settings: Depending on your capture card's capabilities, you can adjust the resolution of the Switch’s output. If you’re aiming for the highest quality, set the resolution to 1080p or 4K.
✅Choose 1080p or 4K for Maximum Quality: If you want the best possible recording, set your capture card and Switch to 1080p or 4K resolution. This ensures your gameplay looks crisp and clear during playback.
✅Set Frame Rate to 60fps: For smooth, fluid gameplay capture, set the frame rate to 60 frames per second. A higher frame rate provides better visuals, particularly for fast-paced games where precision matters.
By following these essential tips, you can significantly enhance the quality of your Nintendo Switch gameplay recordings.
Spread out this post now!
This post discussed how to record Switch gameplay in high quality with or without a capture card.
Whatever you choose, make sure the solution suits you best. We hope this post can help you!
Check the frequently asked questions related to this topic below.
Yes, to capture video gameplay footage, you need to press and hold down the "Capture" button on the left Joy-Con. The captured videos can be viewed within the "Album".
Recording Nintendo Switch for more than 30 seconds requires external hardware. A capture card or a third-party screen recorder is needed.
The most regular way to record Switch gameplay without a capture card is using the pre-installed gameplay capturing tool. This is free and convenient for users who don't want to set up a capture card.
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