Nintendo Switch Firmware Update Allows (Limited) Video Capture and Profile Transfer

As successful as the Nintendo Switch has been, the hybrid console has had some growing pains. With a new firmware update to version 4.0.0, Nintendo is now trying to alleviate some pain points, namely the inability to transfer save files and the lack of video capture features. With the latter, however, there’s a big asterisk attached.

Switch users can now transfer their save files from one device to another, but this requires a total one-way migration of the user profile attached to the saves. Nintendo’s support website details the relatively easy process of transferring, clarifying: “Once the process is complete, the user information, the associated save data, and the software purchased with the user account that is transferred will no longer be available on the source console.”

While the Switch allowed users to capture screenshots, they can now capture the last 30 seconds of video by simply holding the capture button on the controller. 30 seconds may seem measly compared to the 30 minutes that the Playstation 4 Share function is capable of, but you won’t have to worry about missing hilarious Breath of the Wild moments that just occurred. But for now, it will only be that Zelda game, and three other first-party titles (Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, ARMS and Splatoon 2) in which the video capture feature will be possible—at least for now. Why this is the case is unknown, but we’d hope to see the feature roll out for more titles in the near future. As with screenshots, videos can be edited and posted directly on Facebook and Twitter.

Additionally, 4.0.0 provides more profile icons for users, with icons based on the forthcoming Super Mario Odyssey now included as options. Finally, users on the eShop can “pre-purchase” some select titles. Check out Nintendo’s demo for video capturing below.