How to Record 3DS Gameplay With / Without a Capture Card?

Using a Capture Card is the most effective way to record 3DS gameplay with high quality. To record 3DS gameplay with a capture card, there are some tools you need to prepare before the recording.

• A Nintendo 3DS Capture Card
  (If you don’t have a capture card, you need to buy a capture card from online shops like Amazon. Since this service is limited to some regions, you can also send your game console to the company for installation, and then return it to you.)
• A computer to show the display
• Two HTMI cables
• A screen recording program

Now follow the steps below to record your 3DS gameplay with a capture card.

Section 1. Install the capture card to the 3DS game console and computer

Make sure you already have a capture card installed on the Nintendo 3DS. Use an HDMI cable to connect 3DS game console with your capture card. Then plug another HDMI cable into your monitor from the card’s output port. Don’t forget to plug in a USB to connect your capture card and computer.

Section 2. Record 3DS Gameplay with Desktop Screen Recorder

To capture the 3DS gameplay, you also need to download and install the software and driver to go with your device. Most capture cards on the market come with proprietary software. But you can also install other third-party programs to enhance the recording experience.

The following will show you how to use a handy third-party screen recorder to record the 3DS gameplay.

Here, we recommend the simple yet practical game recording software - WonderFox HD Video Converter Factory Pro. It allows you to record any part of the screen and offers a gameplay recording mode for 60fps screen recording. Its user-friendly interface allows all users to quickly get started, even beginners.

GetGet the software downloaded and see how to record 3DS gameplay with it.

Step 1. Open the Gameplay Recorder

Select the gameplay you want to record. Then open WonderFox HD Video Converter Factory Pro and click “Recorder”. Then choose the game-recording mode. This mode allows you to record gameplay at 60 fps.

Step 2. Customize the Recording Settings

Choose the custom mode to select any portion of the screen or the full-screen mode to capture the whole screen of your computer. Click “OK” to confirm the recording region.

Then choose a format and quality from each drop-down list. (MP4 with High Quality is the recommended option.) You can also turn on the GPU acceleration if available to enhance the recording performance.

To record audio with the gameplay, you need to select the “Desktop” audio source. If you don't want to record your voice or background noise, remember to uncheck the “Microphone” source.

Next, press the bottom “▼” button to set an output folder for your gameplay recording.

Step 3. Record 3DS Gameplay on Your PC

When everything is ok, the last step is to press the red “REC” icon. The recording will start after five seconds. During this time, you should be ready to play your 3DS game.

Step 4. End the Recording

When finishing recording, just click the stop button or press “Ctrl + F1” on your board to end the recording. Then a new window will prompt you to check the recorded video file in your local folder.

Although using a capture card can help you record 3DS gameplay effectively, some users may still want to record 3DS gameplay without a capture card. Then here are two ways for you to record Nintendo 3DS gameplay without a capture card.

Way 1. Stream 3DS Gameplay with NTR CFW

NTR CFW is a firmware that can help you stream 3DS gameplay on PC without a capture card. Then you can use a screen capture software like WonderFox HD Video Converter Factory Pro to record the gameplay on your computer screen.

Follow the steps below to install the NTR CFW.

Step 1. Get your NTR CFW from here and install it. Adjust all settings and reserve the IP address for 3DS.

Step 2: Connect your 3DS with computer to initiate the broadcasting process.

Step 3: Now you can play the game on 3DS and the streaming process will begin on the connected PC.

Step 4. Install WonderFox HD Video Converter Factory Pro and start recording. (You can see the whole recording process in Part 1 Section 2.)

Way 2. Use a Camera or Smartphone

Besides downloading the NTR CFW for 3DS gameplay recording with no capture card, you can also try to use your camera or smartphone to record the 3DS gameplay. It can help you record 3DS gameplay quickly without a complex process.

However, note that this method needs a quiet environment since it is hard to control the background noise.

To start the recording, you need to prepare a camera or a smartphone, a phone or camera holder, and a quiet environment for recording.

Now, let’s check out the detailed steps for how to record gameplay on 3DS.

Step 1. Attach your camera/smartphone to the tripod you have prepared. Then, adjust your smartphone/camera to the best recording position.

Step 2. Turn on your camera/smartphone and further adjust the capture angle to view the full gameplay screen.

Step 3. Keep your surroundings quiet without noise, and adjust the light to make the recording clear enough.

Step 4. Start the recording and play your 3DS gameplay.

Step 5. When finished, close the camera and save the recorded video on your camera/smartphone.

Above are all the methods for how to record 3DS gameplay. You can use a 3DS capture card and install the needed screen recorder. Also, you can record gameplay on 3DS with the NTR CFW installed or use your camera/smartphone instead of using a capture card. But for high-quality recordings, it's recommended to use a capture card and download a game recorder.

Thanks for reading till the end. I hope you can successfully record the gameplay on your 3DS console.

Q1. Is there a way to record a 3DS screen?

Yes. You can use a capture card to connect your computer and the device. Then you can record a 3DS screen with some screen recording software. You can also install the NTR CFW to stream the gameplay on your computer and use a screen recorder to record the 3DS screen. A digital camera or your smartphone can also help record your 3DS screen.

Q2. How can I record my 3DS without a capture card?

To record 3DS gameplay without a capture card, you can install the NTR CFW to stream the gameplay on your computer and use a screen recorder to capture it. Or you can fix a digital camera or your smartphone on a tripod and click the record button to start recording.