Among gamers who would like to share how they play or create content, recording 3DS gameplay is prevalent. Nintendo 3DS does not have a built-in recording feature but there are many ways of capturing your gaming footage. In this article, we’ll show you how to record 3DS gameplay with or without a capture card.

For content creators, streamers, and those people who just want to keep their gaming memories intact, you will find what you need right here. Let’s take you through our step-by-step guide that will lead you to the best solution for your needs and start capturing all those epic gaming moments.

In this article
    1. Step 1: Get A Nintendo 3DS Capture Card
    2. Step 2: Connect Capture Card with 3DS and Desktop
    3. Step 3: Record 3DS Gameplay with DemoCreator Screen Recorder
    1. Step 1: Install Your Smartphone on Holder
    2. Step 2: Focus the Camera on the 3DS Gameplay
    3. Step 3: Start Recording the 3DS Gameplay
    4. Step 4: Save the 3DS Gameplay
    1. The Legend of Zelda: A Image name Between Worlds
    2. Super Mario 3D Land
    3. Animal Crossing: New Leaf

Method 1: Using A Capture Card to Record 3DS Gameplay

There is an easier way of recording your 3DS gameplay by just using a 3DS video capture card. These devices screen capture 3DS the video output from your 3DS, providing you with high-quality footage. Capture cards, though involving an additional device, make it easier for you to record your gaming sessions. Here is how do you record 3DS gameplay:

Step 1: Get A Nintendo 3DS Capture Card

hd60s+ capture card

To start recording, you’ll be required to have a specialized 3DS capture card designed for Nintendo 3DS. One good choice is Elgato HD60 S. This card can record at resolutions of up to 1080p and frame rates of up to 60 frames per second which will result in very smooth and clean-looking video footage.

The Elgato HD60 S works well with Nintendo games as well as other game consoles such as the PlayStation or Xbox Ones. You could buy this capture card online at stores such as Amazon. It’s readily available and easy to find.

Step 2: Connect Capture Card with 3DS and Desktop

connect capture card with 3ds and desktop

After acquiring your capture card, you are ready to start using it. To begin with, attach the capture card to your 3DS or game console using the cables that have been given. After that, Image name it up with an HDMI cable from your Input port of the capture card to your Console video output.

Then take another HDMI cable and connect its output port in the Capture Card to the TV or monitor displaying what you are recording.

Lastly, connect the two devices using a USB cord. This will facilitate moving the recorded Nintendo 3DS video capture from the capture card to your computer for editing or sharing purposes.

Here is the video tutorial on how to connect the capture card with your 3DS and computer:

Nintendo 3DS Capture Card Setup Tutorial + Unboxing (3DS XL)

Step 3: Record 3DS Gameplay with DemoCreator Screen Recorder

Once you have successfully image-named your 3DS to a capture card and personal computer, you can watch the gameplay on your laptop screen.

The next thing that one should do is to get a program called DemoCreator, which is a 3DS screen recorder. With its powerful features, DemoCreator makes capturing games from this device even more convenient. Moreover, it has lots of editing tools and sharing capabilities that make it an ideal solution for any gamer’s needs. 

democreator-interface-recorder

DemoCreator is an all-in-one video solution with high-quality recording, simple editing, and instant sharing. It also has AI-powered tools and rich effects, allowing players and content creators to tell better stories together. Thus, in order to discover what are the most appealing features and advantages of using DemoCreator when recording with Nintendo 3DSs.

Main Features

  • High-Quality Recording: DemoCreator offers six different recording modes designed for various purposes, which guarantees a smooth and remarkable process when recording.
  • Capture Options for All Occasions: Your screen, camera, and audio tracks can be recorded separately with DemoCreator; schedule recordings and even capture footage in 4K/8K at up to 120 frames per second.
  • Tools for Screen Drawing: Annotate, highlight or customize your game play videos with a range of drawing tools available on the screen.
  • Game Recorder Mode: The Game Recorder Mode is specifically made for gamers; it allows you to record continuously and stably for up to 24 hours, use webcam overlay, cut out real-time, as well as have a rich game resources library.
  • Combine Recording and Editing Efforts: The process of recording and editing is made more efficient through DemoCreator’s integrated environment that allows you to capture your gameplay footages without breaks.

Steps to Record 3DS Gameplay

Here is how to capture 3DS gameplay using DemoCreator:

  1. Start by downloading and installing DemoCreator on your computer. Once installed, launch the application and navigate to the Game Recorder feature. This mode allows you to simultaneously capture your 3DS game screen, audio, and webcam footage if desired.
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    democreator-game-recording
  2. Before recording, you'll need to customize the settings. First, select the 3DS game you want to record, making sure it's already open. Next, choose your input sources, such as a webcam for facecam overlay or a microphone for commentary.
    democreator-record
  3. Adjust the camera and audio settings to your preference. When you're ready, simply click the "REC" button or press F9 to begin recording your 3DS gameplay.
    game recording
  4. While recording, you can pause or resume the capture by pressing F9, or stop it entirely by pressing F10. Once you've finished recording, click the DemoCreator 3DS Recorder icon in your taskbar and select the end recording option.
    democreator-stop-recording
  5. After capturing your footage, DemoCreator provides a built-in video editor where you can apply effects, add captions, and stickers, and make other enhancements to your 3DS gameplay video.
    edit recorded gameplay
  6. When you're satisfied with the result, you can export the recorded and edited video for sharing or safekeeping.
    export gameplay

Method 2: Recording 3DS Gameplay Without a Capture Card

When you do not have a separate card for capturing, your 3DS gameplay may still be recorded using a mobile device or digital camera. The quality might not be as high as with a capture card but this is cost-effective and can serve as an option. Here is how to capture gameplay on 3DS:

Step 1: Install Your Smartphone on Holder

install phone on holder

First, you will need to stabilize your smartphone’s camera and position it in a way that it can capture the 3DS screen. Place your recording device like a phone or camera on a tripod or any other stand you have made so that it is stable and directly facing the 3DS display.

Step 2: Focus the Camera on the 3DS Gameplay

Before starting to record, ensure the correct focusing of your camera lens onto the 3DS screen. Set up zoom and focus for gameplay to be clear and sharp.

Step 3: Start Recording the 3DS Gameplay

start recording using your phone

After positioning your camera correctly and ensuring its focus is achieved start recording the gameplay as seen on the 3D.S Make sure that this camera is still and nothing blocks its view towards this screen.

Step 4: Save the 3DS Gameplay

Once you are done with recording of your session during which you were playing games on Nintendo 3DS; stop video shooting through either smartphone or digital camera. Then move this recorded film into a computer for any further editing if you wish for trimming as well as sharing purposes. So, this is how to record gameplay on a 3DS.

What Games Can You Record on Nintendo 3DS?

Nintendo 3DS is loaded with countless games across various genres, and you can film the gameplay of almost all titles. From high-paced adventures to intriguing role-playing games or oddity puzzle games, the 3DS has several alternatives you could get for and share with friends who are gamers.

Below are three popular games that are most suitable for recording on the Nintendo 3DS:

The Legend of Zelda: A Image Name Between Worlds

the legends of zelda

Every 3DS owner should play this highly-rated game in the famous series. A nostalgic yet new adventure throughout the wonderful world of Hyrule awaits you while playing “An Image Name Between Worlds.” With its cute graphics, challenging dungeons, and interesting puzzles, your keys to solving problems would be appreciated by others or simply highlight the game’s beautiful locations.

Super Mario 3D Land

super mario 3d land

No Nintendo console would be complete without Mario’s classic platformer and Super Mario 3D Land exemplifies how timeless fun can be provided by the mustachioed plumber. This game combines traditional side-scrolling 2-D gameplay with groundbreaking three-dimensional features producing an unconventional but visually stunning experience.

Animal Crossing: New Leaf

animal crossing new leaf

For those who want a more relaxed and comfortable gaming experience, choose Animal Crossing: New Leaf as the best option for recording on 3DS. It is a life simulation game that lets you build and customize your village, interact with some peculiar animal inhabitants, and enjoy other fun activities like fishing, bug catching, and home decoration.

Conclusion

Recording 3DS gameplay can be fun and satisfying whether you are a content creator, streamer or simply looking to keep your gaming memories. Even though the 3DS does not have its recording feature, we gave you two ways: install a capture card or place a camera right in front of the screen.

For seamless recording and quality resolutions, we recommend DemoCreator as an important, powerful screen-capturing software with a separate mode for game recorders.

FAQ

  • How do I record on my 3DS?
    Unfortunately, the Nintendo 3DS doesn’t come up with its built-in feature for recording. As such, you’ll have to use an external method like a capture card or placing a camera in front of the screen to record gameplay through your 3DS.
  • How to capture 3DS without capture card?
    For capturing 3DS gameplay without using a dedicated capture card there are several options available which includes your smartphone or digital camera. The camera should be placed on an even surface ensuring that it is focused properly and aligned well with respect to the screen of the 3DS.
  • Can you record 3DS with Elgato?
    Certainly; you can record Nintendo’s games using Elgato capture cards including 3DS. For example, the Elgato HD60 S is popularly used by people who would want to record consoles.
Oliva Eve
Oliva Eve Mar 25, 24
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