Nintendo Switch: How to Stream Live on Twitch

The Nintendo Switch console isn’t capable of streaming directly to Twitch, but players can use an external capture card and complete a few quick steps to start live streaming their Nintendo games. Before getting started, players will need to create a Twitch account by visiting the website. A recording or streaming software will need to be downloaded as well, and an account has to be created for that service.

To start streaming games on Twitch, players will need a capture card, a computer, two HDMI cables, a television or monitor, and a streaming software like OBS Studio or similar. The Nintendo Switch will need to be docked for streaming purposes. Unfortunately for those that prefer handheld gameplay, there isn’t a way to stream to Twitch yet. Additionally, anyone using a Nintendo Switch Lite won’t be able to stream live on Twitch because of the limitations of the system.

There are plenty of affordable options for capture cards that players can find online or in stores, and it just needs to have input and output HDMI ports and a USB port. Many streaming software downloads are free, and the most commonly used software for streaming Nintendo Switch games on Twitch is OBS Studio. Players can easily create an account for OBS Studio and download it or choose another free streaming software before connecting their console.

Using A Capture Card To Live Stream Nintendo Switch Games On Twitch

After getting the necessary equipment and software, players will need to dock their Nintendo Switch and use an HDMI cord to connect the console to the input port on the capture card. Next, players can attach another HDMI cord from the output port on the capture card to the input port on their television or monitor. From there, players can connect the capture card to their computer via a USB cable to finish the streaming setup.

Players can connect their Twitch account to their streaming software by going to Twitch, accessing the account settings, then copying the Primary Stream Key under the Channel and Videos tab. If using OBS Studio, players can go to the Stream tab under Settings, then enter their Twitch Primary Stream Key. This option should be under the Settings menu for most of the other streaming services as well. Then players can right-click in OBS Studio, select the option that says Add Video Capture Device, and choose their capture card.

Once the capture card is selected, players should see their Nintendo Switch screen streaming in OBS Studio. If any changes need to be made, such as adding a webcam overlay or resizing the streaming window, this can be done before the stream starts. After getting everything set up, players can select Start Streaming, and the content from their Nintendo Switch will stream live on their Twitch account. The stream can also be ended at any time from within the streaming software. Although Nintendo Switch doesn’t have a direct live streaming option for Twitch, setting up a live stream is still fairly easy and inexpensive.

Nintendo Switch is available now.

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