Switch Streaming Guide

[smoky hearth]

🚧 Under constructions 🚧

Budget Capture Card Guide

WHAT?
The budget capture card mentioned in our list is a generic no-name capture card. It was first discovered by the hardware hobbyist community then tested by EposVox.
@Ascii211 Twitter's thread: https://twitter.com/Ascii211/status/1268631069051453448
EposVox's video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=daS5RHVAl2U

It's often sold under various different brands in the Western market. They have multiple variations, with different looks, cables, ports, etc... But ultimately they have the same hardware component (Notably the MS2109 chip) and therefore the same performance: USB 2.0 (never 3.0), 4k maximum input, output to 720p60fps or 1080p30fps.

[smoky hearth]

WHY?
This capture card is extremely suitable for the Nintendo Switch. The 1080p60fps performance only exist to a handful of games on the Switch, while the majority of them are at 1080p30fps, with 720p60fps acts as the standard "performance" mode - And that's exactly what this capture card can do best, with very acceptable delay and audio quality.

Furthermore, the low price is its biggest argument. You can find this card as low as under $10 on AliExpress, while going to the next tier of capture card (for that sweet 1080p60fps), you would need to pay at least $50 more. In fact, at under $50 price point, there is no better capture card.

HOW?
The problem is this capture card has too many variants. Even within one variant, there are still some differences exist among them that can lead to unsatisfactory performance. It's hard to track down one single reliable online store listing to put into our recommendation list. So you will have to search by yourself. Under here are some information that can be helpful:

• All the generic capture card under $20 might be a variant using the same chip (MS2109). Do be careful about false specifications such as USB 3.0, 4K output (it's only input), and 1080p60fps. They can only do 720p60fps or 1080p30fps.

Switch streaming or "play" it on a laptop/monitor's screen.

STREAMING F.A.Q

※ You will need a capture card and a computer to stream the Nintendo Switch.

• What is a capture card?

A capture card is a device that can take (capture) the video and audio output of the console and send it to the computer, where software can be used to record or stream the content onto Twitch, Youtube, Discord, etc...

• Recommended Capture Cards:
(Amazon listing & prices updated July 2020)
･ Elgato HD60 S - $199.99
･ Elgato HD60 PRO PCIE Card - $249.99
･ AVerMedia - Record without PC - $161.99
･ No brand - Budget option - $10 - $35

This budget capture card is sold with different names through different sellers. We have tested several ones that were identical to each other. One was able to output 1080p@60fps while the other was 1080p@30fps, both can do 720p@60fps. It is, however, the cheapest capture card with acceptable quality on the market.

• Can you stream with the Switch Lite?

Unfortunately, no. Since a capture card will require HDMI input, only the normal Switch can do that through the dock.

• Can you stream in handheld mode?

No. Like the answer above, you can only stream when the Switch is sending HDMI signal through the dock.

• Can any computer stream?

It's highly recommended to use a computer that meet the requirement of your capture card. Otherwise it will affect performance, especially when trying to stream and record at the same time. However, some external capture cards can work without a computer.

• What are the criteria to choose a capture card?

･ Resolution and Frame Rate- the Nintendo Switch can output up to 1080P, 60fps. This varies from game to game. Smash, for example, can output 1080P @ 60fps but Witcher 3 can only do 720P @ 30fps.
･ Your need for recording/streaming quality. This will depend on your computer, internet connection and the platform you want to stream on. For example: Discord's starting option is 720P @ 30fps.
･ If you need to project the Switch onto PC/Laptop, then delay is a big factor. Our more expensive recommendations will have less delay, but the budget option is pretty good as well. Games that require fast reaction will be affected by this the most.

• What software should I use for streaming/recording?

Open Broadcaster Software - OBS, free, open-source and very popular.

• Is there a method to stream without a capture card?

･ Yes, with a Xbox One. Guide here