It is not easy to stream Nintendo Switch gameplay to Discord. As Discord has no direct support for it. However, there are some applications and a dedicated video streaming capture card through which we can make this possible. This tutorial will share steps for streaming Switch gameplay to Discord.
Following is the content list:
- Things You Need for Streaming Nintendo Switch to Discord
- Steps to Stream Nintendo Switch to Discord
- Final Thoughts
Things You Need for Streaming Nintendo Switch to Discord
As we know Discord has no direct support for streaming Nintendo Switch gameplay. So, we cannot stream directly on Discord. However, we have to rely on computers or PCs to seamlessly stream Switch gameplay. In addition, following items need to be prepared:
- Video Capture Card
- A Streaming Software
- Discord Application and Some Cables
1: Video Capture Card
Video capture card will read the video signal for Nintendo Switch and convert it into a digital signal that can be streamed easily on Discord using the PC and streaming software such as OBS and VLC.
Video capture cards are necessary because most PC and Laptops have only HDMI out ports which limits the system for receiving a signal from devices such as Nintendo Switch dock.
Always go for the video capture card that supports online streaming and has support for both audio and video signal.
2: A Streaming Software
Video streaming software is needed to be installed on a PC or Laptop. Multiple free streaming softwares are available among which VLC and OBS Studio are the best classic programs that can stream a video seamlessly. Both VLC and OBS are open source and freely available for use.
- VLC is recommended for beginners as it has a friendly UI.
- OBS Studio is for advanced users as it has more features such as video recording.
Note: There are few Video Capture Cards that come with their own streaming software. Read manual instructions of the video capture card before interfacing it with the PC.
This article will use VLC as a streaming software.
3: Discord Application and Some Cables
Lastly, we will need a Discord application to be installed in the system. However, the web version of Discord can also be used. But it’s recommended to use the desktop instead as it is more efficient.
We also need some connecting cables such as HDMI and USB to USB C.
Steps to Stream Nintendo Switch to Discord
After collecting all required necessities now we will move towards the steps needed to connect Nintendo Switch to Discord.
Step 1: Connect Nintendo Switch to Video Card
1: Connect the USB-C port of the Nintendo Switch to the Dock.
2: Disconnects all other devices from Dock. This prevents the dock from transmitting video signals to any other device.
3: Dock only contains the HDMI out port. Connect Dock and video capture card using the HDMI cable. The output of Dock will be connected to the HDMI input of the video card.
4: Connect the USB output of the video card with the PC USB port. Some capture cards have a USB output port so connect them directly with the system.
5: After connecting, press the power button on the Nintendo switch. This will display the Switch screen on your PC.
Step 2: Setup Video Streaming Software (VLC or OBS Studio)
Video streaming software will link your live gameplay to discord. To setup VLC follow the steps.
1: Open any text editor and paste the given code.
Quotation marks are important so make sure they don’t get deleted as you copy the code. Secondly, change the audio and video device name accordingly. You will find the audio and video device name after the dshow-adev and dshow-vdev respectively.
VLC installation directory address might vary if you have installed in any other folder. Update it according to your address.
2: Open VLC and select Open Capture Device or press Ctrl + C.
3: Select Capture Device and set the mode to DirectShow.
4: Select the Audio and Video device from the drop-down menu. Video capture card name will be displayed here.
5: Check the Show more options. Here MRL along with start time is displayed. In Edit Options you will get the audio and video device name for your video capture card. Copy the video device name written after “:dshow-vdev=” and audio device name after the “:dshow-adev=“.
Paste both these names in text editor code which was copied earlier. Replace the name of the audio video device from the one you copied. If your device name does not contain the (Video) (#01) and (Audio) (#01) information in device name, then delete this information.
After updating the information click cancel and close the VLC player.
6: Now open the VLC player installation folder and create a desktop shortcut. We are creating a custom shortcut for the settings we did. This helps to open VLC and stream Switch without any need to update the detail every time.
Note: In case you want to use VLC without Video Capture Card open it from the start menu or from the installation directory else you can also create a new shortcut for VLC.
7: Right click the shortcut folder and select Properties.
8: Copy the code from the text editor file and paste it in VLC Target. Click OK to save.
We have completed interfacing of VLC with Nintendo Switch. Only step left is to create or join the Discord server and screen share Switch gameplay.
Step 3: Streaming with Discord
After interfacing the Video Card with a PC or Laptop the only step left is joining a server where you want to stream your gameplay. Follow the steps to screen-share gameplay to discord server.
1: Open the server or join a new one. Select voice channels and click Screen Share in bottom left.
2: New window will open here, select the Applications, and click the VLC media player.
3: Configure the settings for streaming and click Go Live.
Final Thoughts
Discord is a popular voice and video chatting app. Discord is popular among gaming communities as it is a widely used platform for streaming gameplay live on multiple servers. Many Nintendo Switch players want to stream gameplay to Discord servers but Discord has no direct support for that. Using VLC and any video capture card we can stream Switch gameplay on Discord.
