If you want to copy screenshots or videos from your Nintendo Switch to a Mac via USB cable, you can now do so with system update 1
What you need
Before you begin, make sure your switch is updated to system 11.0.0 or higher. Updating is easy via the Switch’s Settings app. Simply select ‘System’ from the sidebar and then choose ‘System Update’.
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You also need a compatible USB-C cable that is fully wired to transfer data, not just charge. Also note that this technique does not work through the Switch dock. You must connect the USB cable directly to the USB-C port on the bottom of the switch.
Download and install Android File Transfer on your Mac when your cable is ready. This free utility was created by Google and supports the Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) used by the switch to transfer photos via USB. Android devices also use this protocol, but Macs don’t support it, which is why Google created this utility.
Transfer screenshots and videos from Nintendo Switch to Mac via USB
To start transferring media, connect the USB-C cable to the bottom of your switch and then the other end to a USB port on your Mac. Navigate to the Home menu on your Switch, then tap the System Settings icon (the gear in a circle).
In “System Settings”, select “Data Management” in the sidebar.
Scroll down and select ‘Manage screenshots and videos’.
Choose ‘Copy to a computer via USB connection’.
The switch will try to connect to your Mac. If successful, a “Connected to computer” popup will appear.
Open Android File Transfer (the software you downloaded earlier) on your Mac. You will see a list of folders corresponding to the software titles on your switch. In each folder you will see screenshot or video files from that game or app.
Tip: Screenshots taken in the Switch system menus are saved in a folder called ‘Other’.
To transfer pictures or videos to your Mac, drag them to a Finder window or onto your desktop. You can drag individual files or folders or select groups of them.
Once you drag and drop a screenshot or video file, it will be automatically copied to your Mac. When done, close Android File Transfer on your Mac and tap “Disconnect” on the Switch screen. You can also disconnect the USB cable.
If the USB connection doesn’t work for any reason, try a different cable or port on your Mac. And if all else fails, you can also transfer screenshots to your Mac via microSD card.
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