Major Nintendo Switch Update Brings Saved Data Transfers, Video Capture And New Character Profile Icons
There is a big update for the Nintendo Switch that is rolling out now. The new update (version 4.0.0) adds some nifty new features and functionality that Switch owners have been asking for since the hybrid console came out, the most significant of which is the ability to capture video from games (it was already possible to save screenshots, but not video). This does not work with all games right out of the gate—that is the case with Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, however a future game patch to version 1.3.0 (up from the current 1.2.1 release) will introduce support for it.
While Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is perhaps the most interesting game to capture video from, we are glad to see that Nintendo plans to roll out support. In the meantime, Switch owners can record their epic gaming moments in other titles, including The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Arms, and Splatoon 2. And this is just the beginning—Nintendo says video capture support will come to many more games in the future.
The video capture function allows users to record and save up to 30 seconds of game play. To do this, hold down the Capture button on the left Joy-Con controller after doing something in a game that is worthy of saving and sharing. Up to a maximum of the previous 30 seconds then gets saved in an Album, from which uses can trim the beginning and end of each clip and post to Facebook or Twitter.
Being able to capture 30 seconds of video is not really conducive to saving long game sequences. However, it is better than nothing. We also like that pressing the Capture button saves the previous 30 seconds, which takes the worry out of trying to predict when something worth sharing might occur.
The other big feature update is the ability to transfer saved games and profiles from one console to another. This does not equate to a backup, but it does come in handy for anyone who has been playing on someone else's Switch console up until buying their own. The Switch is in high demand and still sometimes difficult to find in stock.
One thing to keep in mind is that after transferring data to another Switch, it will no longer be available on the console it was extracted from.
In addition to video capture and data transfers, Nintendo added new profile icons featuring characters from Super Mario Odyssey and Breath of the Wild. There is also now a pre-purchase option available for certain games on Nintendo's eShop for the Switch.
While Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is perhaps the most interesting game to capture video from, we are glad to see that Nintendo plans to roll out support. In the meantime, Switch owners can record their epic gaming moments in other titles, including The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Arms, and Splatoon 2. And this is just the beginning—Nintendo says video capture support will come to many more games in the future.
The video capture function allows users to record and save up to 30 seconds of game play. To do this, hold down the Capture button on the left Joy-Con controller after doing something in a game that is worthy of saving and sharing. Up to a maximum of the previous 30 seconds then gets saved in an Album, from which uses can trim the beginning and end of each clip and post to Facebook or Twitter.
Being able to capture 30 seconds of video is not really conducive to saving long game sequences. However, it is better than nothing. We also like that pressing the Capture button saves the previous 30 seconds, which takes the worry out of trying to predict when something worth sharing might occur.
The other big feature update is the ability to transfer saved games and profiles from one console to another. This does not equate to a backup, but it does come in handy for anyone who has been playing on someone else's Switch console up until buying their own. The Switch is in high demand and still sometimes difficult to find in stock.
One thing to keep in mind is that after transferring data to another Switch, it will no longer be available on the console it was extracted from.
In addition to video capture and data transfers, Nintendo added new profile icons featuring characters from Super Mario Odyssey and Breath of the Wild. There is also now a pre-purchase option available for certain games on Nintendo's eShop for the Switch.
