How to Stream or Record Nintendo Switch 2 Gameplay

If you're playing Mario Kart World, Donkey Kong, Metroid Prime 4, or Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom on Switch 2, chances are you’ll want to show it off. With support for 4K60, 120 fps, and HDR, games look better than ever, and this guide shows you how to stream or record them.

When docked, Switch 2 supports:

• Up to 4K60
• Up to 120 fps at 1080p or 1440p
• HDR10 output for supported games

Note: VRR is only available in handheld mode and won’t be active when docked.

If you're unsure which capture card is right for your setup, we’ve got you covered. Check out this guide for a full comparison of our capture cards and find out which works best for you.

• Nintendo Switch 2
• A capture card
• Two HDMI cables (Switch 2 and most capture cards include one; you likely already have what you need)
• A computer with Elgato Studio or software such as OBS Studio, or an iPad using the Elgato Capture app.

1. Connect one HDMI cable from the console to the HDMI In on your capture card.
2. Connect another HDMI cable from the capture card's HDMI Out to your TV or monitor.
3. Connect your capture card to your computer using the included USB cable. If you're using 4K Pro, install it in a PCIe slot.
4. Finally, power on your Switch 2.

To start recording right away, open Elgato Studio. It automatically detects your capture card and resolution.

If you’re streaming, open OBS Studio, Meld Studio, or a similar program. Add your capture card as a Video Capture Device before going live.

In Elgato Studio

• Automatically detects resolution and frame rate. Supports passthrough up to 4K60 HDR, with recordings saved in SDR.
  

In OBS Studio or other streaming software

• Go to Settings > Video and match your output resolution (e.g., 3840x2160).
• Set FPS to 60.
• In your capture card’s Source Properties, set it to Custom and match your resolution and frame rate.
• If HDR looks off, turn HDR off in Switch 2 settings or adjust tone mapping in OBS.

Click Record in Elgato Studio, or Start Streaming in OBS Studio. From here, you can watch your preview, switch scenes, and adjust audio as needed.

If you want to double-check settings for your platform, here are the official guides:

• Twitch broadcasting guidelines
• Kick streaming setup
• YouTube livestreaming setup

No signal

If your capture card or TV/Monitor isn't receiving a signal from Switch 2, try setting the EDID mode of your capture card to Display:

• Windows: Open 4K Capture Utility → Preferences → Device → Set EDID Mode to "Display"
• macOS: Use Elgato Studio → Device Settings → Set Input EDID Mode to "Display"

Still no signal?

If your capture card or TV/Monitor still isn't receiving a signal from Switch 2, try disabling the following settings:

• Turn Off 120 Hz Output
• Turn Off Auto Low-Latency Mode (ALLM)
• Turn Off Match TV power state
• Try a different HDMI Cable between Switch 2 and your capture card

Washed-Out Colors (over-brightened or other strange colors)

Try disabling HDR:

• On your Switch 2, go to System Settings → Display → Scroll down to HDR Output → Off

Learn more

Audio Not Capturing

If audio is not being captured by your capture device, set the output of your Switch 2 to Stereo:

• System Settings → Audio → TV Sound → Stereo

Update to the latest capture card firmware

• Download Elgato Studio from https://elgato.com/s/beta
• Open Preferences → Device

Still having issues? Power Cycle the Console

1. Hold the Power button on Switch 2 (not the controller)
2. Select Power Options → Power Off
3. Wait 60 seconds
4. While it’s still off, connect:
   • Connect your Switch 2 → Dock
   • Dock → Capture card → PC
   • Power on your Switch 2

Use our Capture Card Selector to find the one that fits your setup.