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. Dock the Switch 2 and power it on.
2. Plug one HDMI cable from the dock into the HDMI input on the capture card.
3. Connect a second HDMI cable from the HDMI output on the capture card to your TV or monitor.
4. Connect the capture card to your computer:
   • Use the included USB cable for an external model like 4K X, HD60 X, or Game Capture Neo.
   • If you’re using 4K Pro, make sure it’s installed in a PCIe slot.

To start recording right away, open Elgato Studio. It works out of the box with your capture card and automatically detects your Nintendo Switch 2.

Note: Elgato Studio is currently in beta. You can download it from our beta page here.

If you want to stream, use a broadcasting app like OBS Studio, Meld Studio, or others. Before you go live, you’ll need to add your capture card as a Video Capture Device source.

In Elgato Studio

• No manual setup needed. It automatically detects the input resolution and frame rate.
• Elgato Studio supports recording up to 4K60. If your console is set to output 120 fps, use OBS Studio to capture at higher frame rates.

In OBS Studio or other streaming software

• For frame rates above 60 fps (like 1080p120), some additional setup is required.
• Go to Settings > Video, adjust the Base (Canvas) Resolution and Output (Scaled) Resolution, and set the Common FPS Values (e.g., 120).
• In the source properties for the capture card, set the resolution and frame rate to Custom, then input values like 1920x1080 at 120 fps.

• Click Record in Elgato Studio or Start Streaming in OBS Studio.

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.