This guide will cover setting up the Nintendo Switch with Elgato HD60 X.
Contents
- Video Guide
- Required Items for Setup
- Inputs and Outputs
- Setup Steps
- Using headphones when Switch is docked
Video Guide
Required Items for Setup
The following are required for capturing Nintendo Switch:
- Nintendo Switch
- Nintendo Switch Dock with power adapter
- Desktop or laptop with USB 3.0 port
- Elgato HD60 X
- 2 x HDMI cables.
- One is provided with HD60 X.
Inputs and Outputs
HD60 X has one HDMI input, one HDMI output, one USB output, and one audio input.
HDMI In
This connects to a game console or other video source. Signals protected by HDCP can't be used.
HDMI Out
This sends the HDMI signal in real time to a TV or display so that you can play your game normally.
Analog Audio In
This connects to an analog audio source using a 3.5mm cable. This is the audio line-in and not a microphone port.
USB Out
This USB-C port sends the captured video to your computer via USB 3.x.
Setup Steps
1) Navigate to Nintendo Switch System Settings > TV Settings.
2) Set the TV Resolution to 1080p or 720p, set the TV Sound to Stereo, and disable Match TV Power State.
3) Connect your Nintendo Switch Dock to the HDMI In of HD60 X via an HDMI cable.
4) Connect the HDMI Out of HD60 X to your TV/Monitor via an HDMI cable.
5) Connect the HD60 X to your computer via a USB cable.
6) Open 4K Capture Utility to start capturing right away or add HD60 X to your preferred streaming software such as OBS Studio, XSplit, Streamlabs Desktop, and more.
4K Capture Utility is available for download at elgato.com.
Using headphones while Switch is docked
The Nintendo Switch will not output game sound over HDMI if headphones are plugged into the headphone port.
Unplug headphones connected to the Switch headphone port to capture game sound via HDMI.
Below are some solutions for using headphones.
Solution #1) Use TV/Monitor headphone port
Some TVs and most computer monitors have headphone ports located at the rear.
Connect your headphones directly to the TV or monitor instead of the Switch.
Audio will go from the Switch to the capture card, then to the display via HDMI, then to your headphones via the headphone port.
Solution #2) Use Elgato Chat Link
Using headphones and capturing game audio can be done by using the Elgato Chat Link cable. Learn more about Chat Link Pro here.
Solution #3) Use software audio playback
Some software such as 4K Capture Utility and OBS Studio can playback capture device sound to headphones connected to a PC.
Software sound playback will have slightly higher latency than the other two solutions.
OBS Studio
1) Right-click inside the audio mixer and select Advanced Audio Properties.
2) Find the HD60 X source, and in the Audio Monitoring column, select "Monitor and Output".
3) If audio has a slight echo, mute desktop audio in the audio mixer or in the advanced audio properties, select "Monitor only (Mute output)".