Best OBS Color Settings for Nintendo Switch

To get the most accurate colors when broadcasting Nintendo Switch gameplay, you should set your OBS Studio color space to Rec. 709 and the color range to Limited. This article explains why these settings prevent common video issues like washed-out colors or crushed blacks, and provides a quick guide on how to configure your console, capture card, and OBS Studio for a perfect match.

The Best OBS Settings for Nintendo Switch

For the most accurate and vibrant broadcast, apply the following settings in OBS Studio:

Why Rec. 709?

Rec. 709 is the universal standard color space for high-definition television and internet video streaming. Platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Kick expect video inputs to be in Rec. 709. Choosing Rec. 601 will result in inaccurate greens and reds, while choosing Rec. 2100 is meant for HDR (High Dynamic Range), which the Nintendo Switch does not support.

Why Limited Range Instead of Full?

While “Full” range sounds superior because it utilizes the entire 0-255 brightness spectrum, the video players used by web browsers and streaming platforms are designed to display the “Limited” range (16-235).

If you configure OBS to broadcast in Full range, the streaming platform’s player will likely force it into a Limited container anyway. This mismatch causes “crushed blacks” (shadows become pitch black, losing detail) and “blown-out whites” (bright areas lose detail). Setting your color range to Limited in OBS ensures that what you see on your monitor is exactly what your viewers see.

How to Configure Your Setup for Color Accuracy

To prevent color clipping, your Nintendo Switch, your capture card, and OBS Studio must all agree on the color settings.

1. Set Your Nintendo Switch

  1. Turn on your Nintendo Switch and go to System Settings.
  2. Scroll down to TV Output.
  3. Set RGB Range to Automatic (or Limited Range).

2. Configure OBS Studio Global Video Settings

  1. Open OBS Studio and click on Settings in the bottom right.
  2. Navigate to the Advanced tab on the left menu.
  3. Under the Video section, locate Color Space and select Rec. 709.
  4. Locate Color Range and select Limited.
  5. Click Apply and OK.

3. Match Your Capture Card Properties

  1. In your OBS Sources dock, right-click your capture card source (e.g., Elgato HD60X) and select Properties.
  2. Scroll down to Color Space and set it to Rec. 709 (or “Default” if it automatically matches OBS).
  3. Scroll to Color Range and set it to Limited (or “Default”).
  4. Click OK.