Are there any user friendly ways to access screenshots taken on the Switch?

I have an SD card on my console and have it set to store screenshots on the card. But it doesn't seem like there's a way to view or otherwise extract those screenshots without having to pull out the SD card and use a reader to access them. But this is not a desirable option since the Switch has to be turned off before removing the card. Connecting the Switch to a (Windows) computer doesn't work, it's recognized as a USB device but nothing else. I can't imagine how it would work if I didn't have an SD card.

How else are we expected to access these screenshots?


Solution 1:

As of November 30th, 2020, users can now wirelessly transfer photos and videos from their Nintendo Switch to a smart device if they are running Version 11.0.0 of the Nintendo Switch software:

  • Users can wirelessly connect their smart devices to Nintendo Switch to transfer the screenshots and videos saved within their Album.
  • For screenshots, users can transfer a maximum of 10 screenshots and 1 video capture at once. *To connect, users must use their smart device to scan the QR Code displayed on the Nintendo Switch screen.

Screenshot screenshot

QR Code

Solution 2:

Currently the only way to get images off of the Switch is to either, as you mentioned, turn it off before removing the SD Micro card, or by sending them directly to social media.

I have seen a couple people on Twitter apologize for several Switch tweets in a row just because it's the easiest way for them to retrieve the images.

Solution 3:

If you have a Facebook account, you can configure the Switch's post sharing settings to use Only Me when linking your account for the first time.

This allows you to upload your screenshots to Facebook without sharing them publicly. Once uploaded, you can login on your PC, save the screenshot, and delete the post.

Facebook privacy - only me


If you've already linked your Facebook account, you can still edit your privacy settings afterwards.

To edit the privacy and settings for your apps and games:

  1. Click ▼ in the top right of Facebook and select Settings.

  2. Click Apps in the left menu.

  3. Click an app or game to edit its settings.

  4. Click Save.

Facebook - Privacy settings