The Nintendo Switch is a great device that bridges the gap between a home console and a portable gaming platform. However, it lacks many features that modern competitors have, such as being streaming-ready. It’s still possible to stream your favorite Switch games, but you’ll have to get creative.
For gamers looking to stream Nintendo Switch games to Twitch, you’ve come to the right place. There are several methods available and you can choose the one you prefer. Continue reading to find out the details.
How to Stream Nintendo Switch to Twitch on Windows PC
It’s not difficult to stream Switch gameplay to a Windows PC, although you may need a capture card or an Xbox One. On your Windows PC, you must first install obs either Streamlabssince its download and use for streaming are completely free.
The next requirement is to get at least two more HDMI cables, as you will need them to connect the consoles to the PC.
If you opt for a capture card, make sure it is compatible with the Nintendo Switch. Not every product out there works, so it’s best to do a little research beforehand.
We will first start by using a capture card.
Stream with a capture card
For this part, we will assume that you have a elgato capture card and installed OBS Studio as they are the best in the industry. The steps will also work for others on the market, even if there may be slight differences. This works for Windows and macOS
- Connect the Nintendo Switch.
- Disconnect the HDMI cable that connects the Switch to your monitor.
- Connect the cable to your elgato capture card.
- Connect another HDMI cable to the HDMI output port on the capture card.
- Insert the other end into the HDMI port of the monitor.
Next, you’ll need to link OBS to your Twitch account for a better streaming experience.
- Go to the official Twitch website.
- Go to your user profile.
- Click on account settings.
- Choose Channel and videos.
- look for something called Primary Transmission Key.
- Copy the key.
- Go to OBS Study And go to Archive.
- Then choose Settings and Stream.
- Allow Twitch and paste the key into the text box.
- Confirm your choice and you should be able to stream now.
After this section, you’ll be almost ready to stream your Nintendo Switch footage. This will be the third and final step.
- In OBS Studio, right-click anywhere.
- Click on Add and video capture device.
- Give this layer a name.
- Select the layer and find your Elgato capture card.
- Once you confirm your choice, a box will appear with live images from your Switch.
- You can move it and resize it from this stage.
- When you’re ready to stream, click Start transmission.
Before you start streaming, OBS Studio will allow you to adjust the volume levels at the bottom of the window.
Stream using an Xbox
Surprisingly, Xbox One owners can replace the Elgato capture card with this console. You’ll take advantage of the OneGuide software on the console. Other than that, the requirements are quite similar to the above.
- Make sure your Nintendo Switch is docked.
- Connect an HDMI cable from the dock to the Xbox One’s HDMI input port.
- Connect the Xbox One to a monitor.
- Launch A guide on the Xbox One.
- Turn on the switch.
- Select Activate OneGuide.
- Connect your Xbox to PC using an Ethernet cable.
Since you will be streaming on Twitch, you should also link it to OBS.
- go to the official Twitch website.
- Go to your user profile.
- Select account settings.
- Click on Channel and videos.
- Find Primary Transmission Key.
- Copy the key.
- Go to OBS Study And go to Archive.
- Then choose Settings and Stream.
- Enable the Twitch streaming option and paste the streaming key.
- Confirm your choice and you should be able to stream now.
At this point, you will need the Xbox app for your Windows PC.
- Launch the Xbox app on your Windows PC.
- Select the Xbox console.
- To return to obs.
- Use the software to capture the Xbox application window.
- Start streaming the live footage to Twitch.
Alternative capture cards
The Elgato HD60 S is among the best capture cards you can use to capture Nintendo Switch games. However, not everyone wants an Elgato. Here are some alternatives you can consider.
AverMedia Mini Live Player Capture
This capture card has a maximum recording resolution of 1080p60, which is what the Switch can achieve. There is zero latency passthrough for smooth recordings along with OBS and Xsplit support. With its compact chassis, you can take it anywhere.
Mirabox USB 3.0 4K HDMI
This capture card will record live footage up to 1080p60 and also has zero latency. Its beginner-friendly setup makes it an attractive option for streaming on Twitch. Plus, it works perfectly with Nintendo Switch.
Razer HD Scraper Saw
Razer entered the capture card market with Ripsaw HD, promising smooth 1080p60 recordings. As a plug-and-play device, you only need to connect the Switch to the card and OBS. After doing that, you will be ready to show the world your gaming skills.
Frequent questions
Here are the answers to more questions about streaming your favorite Nintendo Switch games on Twitch.
What equipment do I need?
To stream Switch games on Twitch you will need:
1. An Xbox One or capture card.
2. A Nintendo Switch.
3. Streaming software like OBS or Streamlabs.
4. Your Nintendo Switch dock and an HDMI cable.
5. A good Internet connection capable of streaming.
Fortunately, most of the things you need are free. So once you have everything set up, you can start streaming whatever you want.
Can I stream Nintendo Switch games to YouTube?
Yeah!
OBS is a versatile software that works with YouTube and Twitch.
Let’s play some games
The Switch may not be ready for streaming on its own, but capture cards will always be on the market. Additionally, connecting the portable console to an Xbox One is unorthodox but effective. No matter how you do it, anyone with the right equipment can stream Switch games.
