Nintendo Switch version 4.0.0 released today with several important updates, including video capture capabilities. Switch users can finally record their favorite moments, trim them to size, and post them to social media.
A #NintendoSwitch system update is available now. Transfer user profiles & saves between systems & more! Details: https://t.co/96hQYnYpPe pic.twitter.com/mGamHHFsTO
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) October 19, 2017
Still, this long-awaited addition comes with a few limits. The feature is currently only compatible with “select games.” On Nintendo’s official update notes, the only compatible titles listed are The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, ARMS, and Splatoon 2.
Video capture is done by holding down the screenshot button for just a couple seconds. Sadly, another limitation is that the Switch can only record 30 seconds of game footage at a time. This is plenty of time to catch a memorable moment, but it does restrict how much context can be included.
After the capture is complete, players can access their clips in the album along with their screenshots. The 30 seconds can be trimmed on either end and posted directly to social media. One can also stop the clip anywhere and save the moment as a screenshot.
For example, here’s my first use of the new feature.
First use of video capture on the new Switch update and it's me getting outplayed. #Splatoon2 #NintendoSwitch pic.twitter.com/yJ6qipZU6x
— Felagund (@Felagund_Smash) October 19, 2017
Several other improvements and new additions grace this Switch update. Players can now transfer their user and save data to another system. A pre-purchase option will now be provided for future digital titles so that a game can be pre-loaded and ready to play upon its release date. This addition will cut down on one of the worst feelings in gaming: waiting for that shiny new game to download.
Smaller updates like more user icons from Zelda and Super Mario Odyssey and improvements to the news channel interface are also included. All in all, the update carries one crucial addition and a plethora of small improvements to make the life of a Switch user better.
The initial video capture update covers the bases of the Switch’s biggest first-party titles. However, it would be nice to have this feature available on the horde of indie games the platform provides. The wording of the update notes seems to indicate that video capture will be compatible with more games in the future, so here’s hoping this key feature may one day be universal.
