How Does Screen Recording Work on Nintendo Switch?

The Switch’s built-in video recorder works the same on both the original Switch and the Switch Lite.

It allows you to record 30 seconds of gameplay, and its disabled when you arent in a game.

Launching a game from the Nintendo Switch home screen.

Jeremy Laukkonen

To record longer videos, you’re gonna wanna use an externalvideo capture machine.

Since the Switch Lite cant output video via HDMI, that method only works with the original Switch.

The capture button has two functions: tap for a screenshot and hold for recording.

A left joy-con with the screen capture button on the right highlighted

This method works on both the Switch and Switch Lite.

Heres how to record a video on a Nintendo Switch:

Load up a Switch game and play it.

When something happens you want to preserve, press and hold thecapture button.

The video successfully saved message on a Switch.

A spinning saving icon will appear on the screen.

When the capture is complete, a message will appear on the screen.

The Switch can only capture 30 seconds of gameplay using the built-in screen recorder.

A video clip highlighted on the Switch.

Nintendo may allow longer clips in the future.

Heres how to view, edit, and share your clips:

From the Switch home screen, selectAlbum.

Select a video clip with thed-pad, and pressAto open it.

A video clip playing on the Switch with A Sharing and Editing highlighted

While the video is playing, pressAto dive into the options menu.

This method only works with the original Nintendo Switch.

Heres how to screen record your Switch using a capture rig:

Connect your Switch to its Dock.

Video clip options on the Switch.

Connect an HDMI cable to your dock if one isn’t already connected.

Connect the output of the Dock to the HDMI input of your capture gadget.

Connect an HDMI cable to your monitor or TV.

Connecting a Nintendo Switch to the dock.

Jeremy Laukkonen

Connect the other end of the HDMI cable to the HDMI output port on your capture equipment.

Connect the capture unit to a computer, or insert your storage medium.

Launch the Switch game you want to record.

An HDMI cable connect to a Switch dock.

Jeremy Laukkonen

Activate the recording feature of your capture gear.

Continue playing your game.

Your gameplay will be captured by your unit or sent to your rig for recording or broadcast.

An HDMI cable connected to the input of a video capture device.

Jeremy Laukkonen

The Nintendo Switch and HDCP

The Nintendo Switch supportsHDCP, but only when certain apps are active.

An HDMI cable connected to a display.

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Connecting to the HDMI out port on a video capture device.

Jeremy Laukkonen

Connecting a USB flash drive to a capture device.

Jeremy Laukkonen

Launching a Switch game with a controller.

Jeremy Laukkonen

Activating the recording feature of a capture device.

Jeremy Laukkonen

Capturing gameplay from a Nintendo Switch.

Jeremy Laukkonen