Test DS Capture page

Unlike previous handheld systems, Nintendo hasn't released an add-on that allows you to play Nintendo DS or 3DS games on your television like they did for the Game Boy And Game Boy Advance. An SDA forum member, Loopy, developed a method of capturing video footage from the Nintendo DS and 3DS. The method involves installing a small capture board into your handheld console that allows you to play the DS or 3DS normally, but it will simultaneously send a video signal over USB.

The Nintendo DS and Nintendo 3DS do not have a video out option which makes recording video footage quite difficult. To get a good recording of video footage you will need to install a modification that allows for video out.

Capturing Video

You will need to get your handheld system modified to include the capture board. Modifications are available for both the Nintendo DS and 3DS. You have the option of either sending in your system to be modified or purchasing a pre-modified system.

Website for the Nintendo DS modification Website for the Nintendo 3DS modification

The prices are very reasonable. The modification for the 3DS is more complex and costs more than the DS modification. If you plan on speedrunning games on the DS and 3DS it may be worth the investment as the 3DS is backwards compatible with DS games.

What the modification does is that it will send a video signal over a USB cable. Plug the cable into the computer and open up the DS or 3DS capture software and you can record footage. You will need to use the capture software provided on the website. Other capture software will not work.

Capturing sound

To record audio you'll need to plug in a stereo cable that has 3.5 mm male plug on both sides. You'll be plugging one end of the cable into the head phone jack and the other end of the cable to the line in jack.