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You can’t play Nintendo Switch games on a PS5 through a capture card: the PS5’s HDMI port sends video out to a display; it does not accept the Switch’s video signal as an input. Instead, play on a TV connected to the Switch dock, or capture the Switch’s video on a computer. If the capture card has HDMI passthrough, you can also play on a separate TV or monitor while capturing.
Why a capture card can’t make the PS5 play Switch games
A capture card routes a console’s video and audio to a computer for recording or streaming, and some cards pass the signal on to a separate display. It does not transfer a Switch game to the PS5 or turn the PS5 into an HDMI input. Sony’s PS5 connection guidance identifies the console’s HDMI connection as output to a display. PlayStation’s PS5 support page and Elgato’s capture-card explainer describe those signal paths.
Choose how you want to play
| What you want to do | Connection | What you need |
|---|---|---|
| Play on a TV without recording | Switch dock HDMI OUT to the TV’s HDMI input | A Switch model that supports TV mode, its dock, AC adapter, and HDMI cable |
| Record or stream Switch gameplay | Switch dock HDMI OUT to capture card HDMI IN; connect the card to a computer | A TV-mode-capable Switch, compatible capture card, computer, and capture or streaming software |
| Play on a separate screen while capturing | Switch dock HDMI OUT to capture card HDMI IN; card HDMI OUT to a TV or monitor | A capture card with passthrough that supports the intended display mode, plus a computer if recording or streaming |
These are capture and display workflows. In each case, the Switch runs the game and its controllers operate it; the computer, capture card, and display receive or pass along the video signal. For a direct TV connection, follow Nintendo’s TV connection instructions. For a computer or passthrough setup, see Elgato’s capture-card setup guide.
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Set up Switch capture with a computer
- Confirm that your Switch supports TV mode. Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED use the dock for TV output; Switch Lite does not support TV mode.
- Connect the dock to power with the Nintendo AC adapter, then seat the Switch in the dock.
- Connect an HDMI cable from the dock’s HDMI OUT to the capture card’s HDMI IN.
- Connect the capture card to a compatible computer and open compatible capture or streaming software. Select the card as the video and audio source if the software requires it.
- If you want to play on a TV or monitor as you capture, connect the card’s HDMI OUT to that display and select the display’s HDMI input. This step applies only to a card with passthrough.
- Use the Switch controllers to play. The PS5 is not part of this signal path.
Nintendo’s TV mode instructions list the console, dock, HAC-002 AC adapter, and HDMI cable for TV output. Capture-card features and compatibility vary: check the documentation for the exact card, computer, software, supported resolution and refresh rate, and passthrough requirements. Elgato provides a capture-card selection guide, but the general setup guidance does not establish one best model for every setup.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
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If you only want a bigger screen
Skip the capture card and PS5. Connect the Switch dock’s HDMI OUT directly to a TV’s HDMI input, power the dock, place the Switch in it, and select the matching HDMI input on the TV. This is the simplest route for a TV-mode-capable Switch. The dock-based route does not work with Switch Lite because that model does not support TV mode.
Troubleshoot a “no signal” message
- Check the Switch model: Switch Lite cannot send video to a TV through the dock. Switch and Switch OLED support TV mode.
- Check dock power and seating: Make sure the dock is connected to its AC adapter and the console is seated in the dock.
- Check the HDMI path: The dock’s HDMI OUT should connect to the capture card’s HDMI IN. For passthrough, connect the card’s HDMI OUT to the separate TV or monitor.
- Select the right display input: Set the TV or monitor to the HDMI input used by the dock or capture card.
- Check card and host compatibility: Confirm that the capture card supports the intended resolution and refresh rate, works with your computer and software, and supports passthrough if you need a separate display.
Nintendo’s connection steps cover the console, dock, power, and TV setup; the capture-card setup guide covers the card’s HDMI connections.
Rank #2
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Other capture options—and what they don’t do
Save a clip on the Switch
Nintendo says built-in gameplay video capture is available from system menu version 4.0.0 and works with most software, with some titles excluded. It saves supported Switch gameplay clips; it does not send Switch video to the PS5. See Nintendo’s gameplay-video capture support page.
Capture PS5 gameplay
The PS5 has its own gameplay video and screenshot capture features, but those record PS5 gameplay, not video from an external Switch. For PS5 capture-card use, Elgato notes that HDCP blocks capture and advises turning HDCP off. That setting concerns capturing PS5 output; it does not enable Switch gameplay on the PS5. See PlayStation’s PS5 capture instructions and Elgato’s setup guidance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
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- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Rank #4
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Rank #3
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