- Miracast: Use a Miracast dongle to connect the Nintendo Switch dock to a TV that supports Miracast (screen mirroring) and visualize it on a computer. Use OBS to stream live content.
- Built-in Screen Recording: Use the Nintendo Switch’s in-built capturing feature to record gameplay and export footage.
- Handheld Camera: Use a handheld camera to manually capture the TV screen.
- Xbox Console: Connect the Nintendo Switch dock to an Xbox console, and then connect the Xbox to a computer via HDMI. Use the Xbox app to stream the gameplay.
- Smartphone: Transfer the live gameplay from the Nintendo Switch to a smartphone and use an HDMI adapter and recording app to capture and stream the phone’s screen.
| Method | Requirements | Steps |
| Miracast (Cast Switch to PC) | Miracast dongle, TV that supports Miracast, OBS software | 1. Connect Nintendo Switch dock to HDMI port on TV. 2. Connect Miracast dongle to computer via HDMI port. 3. On TV, enable Miracast and visualize Switch on Sources Menu. 4. On computer, go to Start Menu > Settings > System > Projecting to this PC and select the Miracast-enabled TV. 5. Open OBS and enlarge Miracast window, then stream computer screen via OBS. |
| Built-in Screen Recording | Nintendo Switch | 1. Hold the square-shaped Capture button to save 30 seconds of video. 2. Press the button once to take screenshots. 3. To access videos and screenshots, go to Home Menu, select “Album” tab, and choose “All Screenshots and Videos”. |
| Handheld Camera | Phone camera, TV with HDMI input, stationary camera position | 1. Connect Switch’s dock to TV via HDMI and select correct source. 2. Position phone’s camera and capture TV screen, aligning it with the corners. |
| Xbox Console | Xbox console, HDMI cable, Xbox app on computer | 1. Connect Switch dock to HDMI input on Xbox. 2. Connect Xbox to computer via HDMI cable. 3. Open Xbox app on computer and start streaming Xbox gameplay, which should include Switch gameplay as well. |
| Smartphone |
HDMI adapter, recording app, ability to transfer live gameplay | 1. Use HDMI adapter and recording app to capture phone’s screen. 2. Stream to platforms like Twitch and Youtube. |
Are you looking to stream your Nintendo Switch gameplay but don’t have a capture card? You’re not alone! Due to hardware limitations, streaming live gameplay from the Switch directly is impossible. However, there are ways to work around this and stream your gameplay to platforms like Twitch, Youtube, and TikTok. In this article, we will discuss five ways to stream Nintendo Switch without using a capture card.
1. Use Miracast (Cast Switch to PC)
One proven method to stream live content from the Nintendo Switch to destinations such as Twitch and Youtube is by using Miracast. This involves visualizing the Switch’s screen on your computer and then streaming your display (including the Nintendo feed) online.
To achieve this, you will need a Miracast dongle to connect to the computer and a TV that supports Miracast (screen mirroring). Connect your Nintendo Switch dock to the HDMI port on your TV and connect the Miracast dongle to your computer via the HDMI port. On your TV, go to Settings > Miracast and enable the feature. Then, on your TV, go to the Sources Menu and visualize your Switch. On your PC, go to Start Menu > Settings > System > Projecting to this PC, and select the Miracast-enabled television that should appear in the tab.
After the Nintendo Switch screen appears on the computer screen, use apps such as OBS (Open Broadcast Software) to stream live content. You will need to enlarge the Miracast window and then stream your computer screen via OBS toward an IP.
2. Use the Built-in Screen Recording
The Nintendo Switch has an in-built capturing feature that allows you to record your gameplay and then export and share the footage. The capture button is square-shaped and located on the bottom of the Joy-Con. While in a game, hold the Capture button to save 30 seconds of video. You can also take screenshots by pressing the button once. To access your videos and screenshots, go to Home Menu, then select the “Album” tab, and choose “All Screenshots and Videos.”
3. Use a Handheld Camera
If you don’t have a Miracast dongle or don’t want to use the built-in screen recording, you can use a handheld camera to capture your screen manually. Connect your Switch’s dock to a TV via HDMI and select the correct source to play on a large screen. Then, position your phone’s camera (stationary) and capture your TV screen, aligning it with the corners.
4. Use an Xbox Console
If you have an Xbox console, you can use it to stream your Nintendo Switch gameplay. Connect your Nintendo Switch dock to the HDMI input on your Xbox, then connect your Xbox to your computer via an HDMI cable. Open the Xbox app on your computer and start streaming your Xbox gameplay, which should include your Nintendo Switch gameplay as well.
5. Use Your Smartphone
Finally, if you’re able to transfer the live gameplay from the Nintendo Switch to your smartphone, you can stream the phone’s screen. Use an HDMI adapter and a recording app to capture your phone’s screen and stream it to platforms like Twitch and Youtube.
Conclusion
Streaming Nintendo Switch gameplay without a capture card is possible using these workarounds. Some methods are more complex than others and may require additional equipment, so choose the one that works best for you. With these methods, you can start streaming your favorite Nintendo Switch games online and share your gameplay with the world!