The best capture cards for Nintendo Switch provide an easy way to record gameplay on your console. They're a reliable and efficient way to share your gaming footage online without lags or interruptions, and they're also a great option if you need to edit the footage first.
The Nintendo Switch has no way of recording in-game footage, only capturing images, and it 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 quality software and a PC to hook it up to (or an Xbox One console, see the FAQs to learn more about streaming and using capture cards).
We've compared a range of capture cards at different price points in order to pick the best options for the needs of different gamers, whether you want to record your gaming sessions for professional streaming or just for personal use. See our pick of the best Nintendo Switch games and the best Nintendo Switch deals if you're still looking for a console or you want to expand your library. In the meantime here are the best capture cards we can recommend.
Latest Videos From Creative Bloq
The best capture cards for Nintendo Switch
Best overall
1. Razer Ripsaw HD - Capture Card
Connection: USB 3.0, HDMI 2.0
Max capture quality: Uncompressed 1080p 60FPS Size: 10.5 x 8.5 x 1.6cm
We think the Razer Ripsaw HD capture card is a fantastic option for Pro streamers, offering 4K 60FPS pass-through capture for uninterrupted and smooth gameplay. It uses both HDMI 2.0 & USB 3.0 connectivity for polished output, and we think it's well priced too at around $150/£160.
Best budget
2. DIGITNOW Audio Video Capture Card
The best value capture card available
Connection: USB 2.0 Max capture quality: 1080p 30fps Size: 6.4 x 2.8 x 2.8cm
We think the DIGITNOW USB capture card is a great choice if you're just starting out and want something simple. It's convenient for those on a tighter budget, too, but the lower price (under $15) means that streaming at 60fps isn't an option. Portable and easy to store, this capture card couldn't get any smaller, plus it's fully compatible with OBS studio.
Best premium
3. Elgato HD60 S+
Connection: USB 3.0 Max capture quality: 1080p 60fps Size: 1.9 x 11.2 x 7.5cm
The Elgato HD60 S+ is easy to set up and works on a multitude of devices, including the Nintendo Switch. We think the 1080p quality at 60fps with HDR10 Capture is impressive, with smooth and professional rendering. But that's the least you should expect for $300. The free Elgato software is easy to work with and a great starter option for those getting into streaming.
For beginners
4. AVerMedia Live Gamer Mini Capture Card
Connection: USB 2.0, USB 3.0 Max capture quality: 1080p 60fps Size: 9.9 x 5.7 x 1.8cm
The initial set-up of this capture card from AVerMedia is easy, with a plug-and-play approach and simple connections. It works on a range of consoles, Switch included, and provides an optimised gaming experience with full HD 1080p 60fps HDMI pass-through. You'll be streaming in no time with this budget-friendly capture card for beginners.
Most compact
5. GENKI ShadowCast capture card
Connection: HDMI
Max capture quality: 720p 60fps Size: 2.5 x 5.2 x 0.9cm
This tiny Genki powerhouse from Human Things is a great option for streaming your gameplay onto other devices, and what's more, it slots into the back of your Nintendo Switch Dock! It might not offer the best quality compared with other options in this guide, but you can plug it into any HDMI port to connect it to your PC/laptop and you're set.
How to choose the best capture card
Choosing the best capture card for your Nintendo Switch is not so much about the brand as what each product can offer. Think about what you value most when shopping for a capture card: is it the price? Or do you want it to be user-friendly? How about portable? Do you want maximum resolution?
If you're a pro streamer then chances are you've already figured out exactly what you want/need in a capture card for the best performance. But it's important to consider your budget too, as you don't want to be overpaying for a branded device that can offer the exact same (or maybe even less) features and maximum output as an unbranded capture card from Amazon.
We advise that you start with your budget, and then research into the very best specs you can get at this price point. If you're shopping for a younger gamer who's just starting out, then the last thing you'll want is an influx of cables that you don't know what to do with or complicated connectivity options.
How we tested the best capture cards for Nintendo Switch
We chose the best capture cards for our list based on a combination of hands on testing, either by are own team or expert reviewers at our sister sites Techradar, Gamesradar and Tom's Guide, and evaluation of manufacturer's specs and analysis of verified customer reviews. We chose cards to meet the needs of different gamers with different budgets, from the best cheap Nintendo Switch capture card to more premium options.
FAQS
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.
Get the Creative Bloq Newsletter
Daily design news, reviews, how-tos and more, as picked by the editors.
Abi Le Guilcher previously worked as Creative Bloq’s former ecommerce writer. With a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Design for Game and Film, Abi enjoys almost anything creative and will either be found crafting or gaming in her spare time. Her previous experience as a retail assistant at CeX means she has a wide range of knowledge in both technology and media and loves to keep up to date with the latest tech. Abi is an avid cosplayer and has most recently worked with PlayStation and Santa Monica Studio on a promotional campaign for the release of God of War Ragnarök.
