Casting 3DS to PC requires a capture card, not wireless casting like you might use for a phone

The Nintendo 3DS does not have built-in screen mirroring to send its display to a PC wirelessly. Instead, you need a capture card—a small hardware device that connects between your 3DS and your PC, recording or streaming what appears on the 3DS screen in real time. The most common and affordable option is the Elgato HD60 S+ or similar HDMI capture cards, though these require you to modify your 3DS first to output video.

If you want to avoid hardware modification, you can use a 3DS capture card designed specifically for the handheld, such as the Loopy HD or similar devices that connect directly to the 3DS without opening it. These sit between your 3DS and your PC via USB and capture the screen output. The trade-off is cost—specialized 3DS capture cards are more expensive than standard HDMI cards, but they require no soldering or internal modification.

Key Takeaways

  • The 3DS has no wireless casting feature, so you must use a physical capture card connected to your PC via USB or HDMI.
  • Non-invasive capture cards like the Loopy HD connect directly to the 3DS without opening the device, but cost more than HDMI alternatives.
  • HDMI capture cards are cheaper but require you to solder a video output mod inside the 3DS, which voids the warranty and carries risk of damage.
  • Once connected, capture software on your PC (OBS Studio, Elgato's software, or others) displays and records the 3DS screen in real time.
  • Streaming to Twitch or YouTube from a 3DS requires the capture card to be connected to your PC, which then handles the broadcast.

Non-invasive capture cards that don't require opening the 3DS

The Loopy HD is the most widely used non-invasive option. It connects to the 3DS via a small connector on the bottom of the device (the same port used for charging), and the other end plugs into your PC via USB. The Loopy HD captures both screens of the 3DS simultaneously and sends the video feed to your PC at 1080p resolution. Setup involves installing the Loopy software on your PC, plugging in the device, and launching your game.

Other non-invasive cards include the Inogeni 3DS capture device and similar USB-based solutions. These are less common than the Loopy but work on the same principle: no internal modification needed. The main drawback is cost—non-invasive cards typically run between $150 and $300, compared to $100 to $150 for standard HDMI capture cards.

Non-invasive cards are the safest choice if you want to preserve your 3DS in its original state and avoid the risk of hardware damage during modification. They also work with any 3DS model without compatibility concerns.

HDMI capture cards with internal 3DS modification

If you are willing to open your 3DS and solder a video output mod, you can use a standard HDMI capture card like the Elgato HD60 S+ or AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus. These cards are cheaper and more widely available than 3DS-specific devices. The catch is that installing the mod requires soldering skills, opens the device (voiding Nintendo's warranty), and carries a real risk of damaging the motherboard if done incorrectly.

The mod itself is a small circuit board that taps into the 3DS's video output lines and converts them to HDMI. You solder this board to specific points on the 3DS motherboard, then route the HDMI cable out through a small hole drilled in the case. Many people pay a specialist to perform this work rather than doing it themselves—shops that offer this service typically charge $80 to $150 in labor.

Once the mod is installed, the HDMI capture card connects to your PC and works like any other capture device. The video quality is typically 1080p at 60 frames per second, depending on the card and the mod version.

Setting up capture software on your PC

After your capture card is connected to your PC, you need software to display and record the video feed. OBS Studio is free and works with any capture card—it is the standard choice for streamers and content creators. read it from obsproject.com, install it, and add a new source by selecting "Video Capture Device" and choosing your capture card from the dropdown menu.

If you purchased an Elgato capture card, you can use Elgato Control Center, which is designed specifically for Elgato hardware and offers one-click setup. AVerMedia cards come with their own software. The Loopy HD has its own companion app that handles the video feed. All of these options display the 3DS screen on your PC monitor in real time and allow you to record or stream.

Once the software recognizes your capture card, you can resize the video window, adjust settings like resolution and frame rate, and begin recording or streaming. Most capture software allows you to add overlays, alerts, and chat windows if you are broadcasting to Twitch or YouTube.

Streaming 3DS gameplay to Twitch or YouTube

To stream your 3DS to Twitch or YouTube, your capture card must be connected to your PC, and your PC must run the streaming software. Open OBS Studio (or your capture software), add your capture card as a source, then configure the stream settings: select your streaming platform (Twitch, YouTube, or another service), enter your stream key, and click "Start Streaming."

Your PC handles all the heavy lifting—encoding the video, uploading it to the platform, and managing chat. The 3DS itself does not connect to the internet for streaming; it only sends video to the capture card. This means you can stream any 3DS game without the game needing online features.

Stream quality depends on your internet upload speed. Most platforms recommend at least 2.5 to 4 Mbps upload speed for 1080p streaming. If your connection is slower, lower the resolution or bitrate in your streaming software to avoid lag and buffering.

Troubleshooting common connection and video issues

If your capture card is not recognized by your PC, check that the USB cable is fully inserted and try a different USB port (USB 3.0 ports are faster and more reliable). Restart your PC and the capture software. If you are using an HDMI card with a 3DS mod, make sure the HDMI cable is seated firmly in both the mod and the capture card.

If the video feed appears but is laggy or stuttering, lower the resolution or frame rate in your capture software settings. Close other programs running on your PC to free up CPU and RAM. If you are streaming, reduce your bitrate in the streaming software—a lower bitrate uses less bandwidth and may reduce lag if your internet connection is the bottleneck.

If the 3DS screen appears upside down or rotated, check your capture software's video settings for a rotation or flip option. Some capture cards include this setting in their own control panel. If the video is very dark or very bright, adjust the brightness and contrast in your capture software or in the card's settings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cast my 3DS wirelessly without a capture card?

No. The 3DS has no built-in wireless casting or screen mirroring feature. You must use a physical capture card connected to your PC via USB or HDMI. There is no wireless alternative that works with an unmodified 3DS.

Which capture card is best for beginners?

The Loopy HD is the easiest for beginners because it requires no soldering or internal modification—you just plug it in and install the software. If you are comfortable with soldering or paying someone to do it, a standard HDMI capture card like the Elgato HD60 S+ is cheaper and more versatile for other devices.

Will using a capture card damage my 3DS?

Non-invasive capture cards like the Loopy HD carry no risk of damage. HDMI mods require soldering and do carry a risk of damage if done incorrectly, which is why many people pay a specialist to install them. Once installed correctly, the mod itself does not cause ongoing damage.

Can I use a capture card with a 3DS XL or New 3DS?

Non-invasive cards like the Loopy HD work with all 3DS models. HDMI mods are model-specific—the soldering points and case modifications differ between the original 3DS, 3DS XL, New 3DS, and New 3DS XL. Make sure any mod you purchase or have installed is designed for your exact model.

Do I need a powerful PC to use a capture card?

No. The 3DS screen is small and low-resolution, so even an older PC can handle capturing and displaying the video. A modern PC with at least 4 GB of RAM and a dual-core processor will have no trouble. Streaming to Twitch or YouTube requires a faster upload internet connection more than a powerful PC.