The best capture card for Nintendo Switch in May 2023

Product shots of the best capture card for Nintendo Switch with a Switch console on a red background
(Image credit: Future/Nintendo/Elgato)

If you want to be able to easily record and stream your gameplay footage to share online, you've come to the right place to find the best capture card for Nintendo Switch. 

With the wealth of choice available today, it can be difficult to choose the right capture card. Here's where we can help: we've tested and compiled a list of the best capture cards the internet has to offer below, so whether you want to record for online content creation or personal use, or if you're on a tight budget, you're sure to find one here to suit your needs.

Investing in a capture card to record and watch back on your favourite moments is a great way to relive your Nintendo Switch adventures! If you want to seamlessly broadcast your gameplay, you'll need a good quality capture card, so why not get started today and take a look at our list below?

The best capture card for Nintendo Switch available now

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A product shot of the Elgato HD60 S+ capture card on a white backgroundcb badge

(Image credit: Elgato)

01. Elgato HD60 S+

The best capture card for Nintendo Switch

Specifications

Connectivity interface: USB 3.0
Highest 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 Nintendo Switch. It goes up to an impressive 60fps to ensure your captures are smooth and professional looking whilst capturing your in-game action.

A product shot of the DIGITNOW 4K capture card on a white background

(Image credit: DIGITNOW)

2. DIGITNOW Audio Video Capture Card

The best value capture card for Nintendo Switch

Specifications

Connectivity interface: USB 2.0
Highest capture quality : 1080P 30fps

The DIGITNOW is a fantastic capture card for those on a tighter budget. Averaging under $15/£15, it's a perfect piece of starter kit, 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. 

A product shot of the Razer Ripsaw HD capture card on a white background

(Image credit: Razer)

03. Razer Ripsaw HD - Capture Card

The best Nintendo Switch capture card for serious streamers

Specifications

Connectivity: USB 3.0
Highest 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. The card can be easily hooked up multiple audio devices, too.

A product shot of the Pengo 4K capture card on a white background

(Image credit: Pengo)

04. Pengo 4K HDMI Video Capture Card

A powerful capture card for the Nintendo Switch

Specifications

Connectivity: USB 3.0
Highest capture quality : 1080p 60fps

The Pengo 4K HDMI Video Capture Card is a solid option if you're looking for a middle-range priced capture card that offers great quality and easy use. The sleek titanium-grey aluminium colour is modern, and the small size makes it highly portable. Just one downside: the set up can be a bit tricky. 

A product shot of the Genki ShadowCast capture card on a white background

(Image credit: GENKI)

05. GENKI ShadowCast capture card

The best Switch-specific capture card

Specifications

Connectivity: HDMI
Highest capture quality : Not specified

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 all set. 

A product shot of the AVerMedia Live Gamer Mini Capture Card on a white background

(Image credit: AVerMedia)

06. AVerMedia Live Gamer Mini Capture Card

A powerful capture card for the Nintendo Switch for beginners

Specifications

Connectivity: USB 2.0, USB 3.0
Highest capture quality : 1080p 60fps

The AVerMedia Live Gamer capture card is perfect for people who are new to streaming, as both initial set up and connection is really easy. The card works on a range of consoles and provides an optimised gaming experience with full HD 1080p 60fps HDMI pass-through.

What does a capture card do?

A capture card is a device that allows you to record content like gameplay footage and then later edit it. It also allows a direct feed to streaming platforms like Twitch and Youtube if hooked up to a laptop or PC using the correct software like OBS studio or Elgato game capture. By connecting a headset, camera and microphone you can also use a capture card to record content like multiplayer chat and voiceovers whilst you game.

Do you need a capture card to stream on the Nintendo Switch?

Considering the Nintendo Switch doesn't have any in-built streaming capabilities, the best capture card for Nintendo Switch is the best way to seamlessly broadcast your gameplay.

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Abi Le Guilcher
Ecommerce Writer

Abi Le Guilcher is Creative Bloq’s 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.