AceThinker Recorder
The Nintendo Switch has taken the gaming world by storm with its versatility and fun interface. Many gamers love sharing their epic moments, creating content for streaming, or just keeping a record to review their performance. Furthermore, recording your Switch gameplay is a great way to share exciting moments with friends, build a gaming channel, or track your progress to improve your skills. That's why, in this guide, we'll walk you through different methods to record Switch gameplay. Whether you're looking for simple ways to record directly from your console or want to explore more advanced setups, this article will help you get started. By the end, you'll have all the knowledge you need to start recording and sharing your Switch adventures with ease.
| Methods | Effectiveness |
|---|---|
| Aqua Demo | It is highly effective for recording Switch gameplay with no time limits and supports high resolutions up to 4K Learn More |
| Nintendo Built-in Capture | The built-in capture tool is useful for quick, short clips but has limitations, such as a maximum duration of 30 seconds and lower resolution Learn More |
| Capture Card | Capture cards are highly effective for professional-quality recordings and live streaming, offering high resolutions and smooth performance for extended gameplay sessions Learn More |
Best Nintendo Switch Screen Recorder - No Time Limit
If you have difficulty recording your gameplay on Nintendo Switch using its built-in recorder and are looking for the best way to capture switch gameplay, go for Aqua Demo! Aqua Demo is a versatile tool that is perfect for beginners and professionals and has many features. One of the advantages of this tool is that it allows you to capture any activity on your screen with no time limit, like recording Twitch streams or Switch gameplay. This means you can record in the unlimited time you want, ranging from seconds to an hour. Furthermore, this recorder tool ensures the captured gameplay is clear because it supports capturing games in 720P up to 4K resolutions. Additionally, the recorded gameplay can be saved in various formats, such as AVI, MP4, WMV, and more. Besides, the tool can automatically saves the captured gameplay on your desired folder once you stop the recording.
How to Record Gameplay on Switch Using Aqua Demo
Step 1. Connect Nintendo Switch To Your PC
The first thing you must do before recording your Nintendo Switch gameplay is to connect the device to your PC. Get an HDMI cable and insert one end into the HDMI output dock on the Switch dock. Then, insert the other end into the HDMI input port on the capture card. Finally, use the USB cable to connect the capture card to a USB dock on your computer.
Step 2. Download and Set the Aqua Demo
Once the Switch is connected to your computer, you can download the Aqua Demo. To get it, you can choose from the download buttons below and wait until it is downloaded. Next, install the tool, bypassing the setup wizard to install it successfully. After installation, the recorder's interface will appear on your screen.
Step 3. Configure the Settings
Next, modify the recorder's settings according to your liking. Simply click the drop-down menu of Settings and select the Recording Settings option. From there, you can configure the settings from Recording to Quality to Output settings. Once configured, change the Video Recorder to Game Recorder and select Nintendo Switch to record. After that, ensure all the audio sources are turned on to capture internal and microphone audio.
Step 4. Start and Play Recording Switch Gameplay
After setting everything up, click the REC button and start playing your favorite game on your Nintendo Switch after the 3-second countdown. Next, tap the Stop button if the gameplay is finished. Then, preview the recorded gameplay and remove the unnecessary parts from beginning to end using its built-in editing tools. Afterward, you can share and upload your gameplay on social media.
Record Switch Gameplay With Built-In Capture Button
The capture button on the Nintendo Switch controller is used to take screenshots of your gameplay. It's a small button on the controller's left side, just below the directional buttons. When you press it, your Switch instantly saves a snapshot of what's happening on the screen. Also, this is great for capturing exciting moments or sharing your achievements with friends. Apart from getting screenshots, you can also use this to record your gameplay on Nintendo. However, there are limitations when you use the built-in capture to record your gameplay. See them below.
Limitations:
- Duration: The built-in recording function only captures the last 30 seconds of gameplay, which is not sufficient for longer sessions or key moments.
- Resolution: The recordings are saved at a lower resolution than what you might get with dedicated capture hardware. This might affect the clarity of the clips, especially for high-detail games.
How to Record Switch Gameplay Using its Built-in Capture
Step 1. Start the Game and Start the Recording
First, launch the game you want to record and start playing. While playing, press and hold the capture button on the left side of the Nintendo Switch controller, located just below the directional buttons. This action will start recording the last 30 seconds of your gameplay.
Step 2. Stop the Recording and Locate the File
When you want to stop recording, release the capture button, and the recording will automatically end. Next, navigate to the Album icon from the home menu, where your recorded clips are stored. From there, you can review the captured gameplay footage.
Step 3. Edit and Share the Recording
Next, if you want to trim or edit the clip, you can use the editing tools built into the Album interface. You can also send it to your computer or smartphone via a microSD card or the QR code.
Duration in recording gameplay in Nintendo Switch
Up to thirty seconds of gameplay video can be captured on a Nintendo Switch system.
Capture Switch Gameplay Using External Capture Card
A capture card is an external device that lets you record or stream video from your gaming console or computer. It connects between your Nintendo Switch and your PC, capturing the gameplay footage and sending it to your computer. This allows you to create high-quality videos or live streams of your gaming sessions. Furthermore, capture cards are useful for sharing gameplay with others and creating content for live streaming platforms like YouTube or Twitch. Additionally, it will improve your gaming experience by reviewing your performance. Also, they ensure that you get clear and smooth recordings or streams of your gameplay. Moreover, you can use various capture cards to record Nintendo Switch gameplay. You can see the list of different capture cards that are fully compatible with Nintendo Switch.
1. Elgato HD60 S
2. Elgato HD60 X
3. AverMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus
4. AverMedia Live Gamer Extreme 2
5. Razer Ripsaw HD
6. Magewell USB Capture HDMI
How to Record Nintendo Switch Gameplay Using Capture Card
Step 1. Connect the Hardware
First, get your capture card, Nintendo Switch, and the HDMI and USB cables. Then, connect the HDMI OUT port on the Switch dock to the HDMI IN port on the capture card. Next, insert the other end of the HDMI into the HDMI IN port on the capture card. Finally, get the USB cable to link the capture card to your PC or laptop.
Step 2. Install and Configure Software Settings
Next, download the necessary drivers and software to the capture card manufacturer’s website. Then, follow the installation instructions to set up the capture card software on your PC. Afterward, open the software and adjust video settings, such as resolution and frame rate, to match your recording preferences.
Step 3. Start Recording Gameplay
When the hardware and software are ready, launch your favorite game on the Nintendo Switch. Then, ensure you see the Nintendo Switch screen in the software’s preview window. Finally, hit the record button on the capture card software to start recording your Switch gameplay.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to screen capture on Switch?
Nintendo Switch has a built-in capture tool that can take screenshots and record the gameplay. To do it, simply press the capture button on the left side of the Nintendo Switch controller, below the directional buttons, to take a screenshot. The image will be saved to the Home menu's Album section, where you can view and manage it.
How to record Switch gameplay without a capture card?
You can use the built-in recording feature by holding the capture button to save the last 30 seconds of gameplay. For longer recordings, you'll need a capture card, as the built-in feature has a time limit.
How long does a 100% Nintendo Switch last?
The Nintendo Switch's battery typically lasts 4.5 to 9 hours on a full charge, depending on the game and settings. Also, battery life gradually decreases with regular use.
Conclusion
In this article, we’ve covered several methods for recording Switch gameplay. First, you can use the built-in capture feature for quick, short clips or opt for more advanced tools like Aqua Demo for high-quality unlimited recording. For even better results, capture cards offer professional-grade recording with options for high resolutions and smooth gameplay. Furthermore, each method has advantages, whether you need a simple solution or a more detailed setup. We encourage you to explore these options and choose the best fit for your needs. Moreover, start recording your gameplay, share exciting moments with friends or online communities, and make the most of your Nintendo Switch adventures!
