Best Capture Cards for Xbox, PS4 and Wii U

As the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Wii U have evolved into each of their respective generations, there’s been a shift in what is considered to be “the best.” The era of 3rd party capture cards for consoles has come to an end as digital streaming capabilities allow users access superior quality footage with ease. There are two major players at this point: Elgato Game Capture HD60S & AverMedia Live Gamer Extreme Duo

The “elgato capture card” is a popular and highly rated capture card for Xbox, PS4, and Wii U. It is compatible with all versions of the consoles.

If you’re looking for a capture card, you’re probably aware of the financial benefits of streaming your game online. Capture cards are often used by PC gamers to capture or transmit video over a network.

It’s natural to want to share your PC gaming experience with your friends and the rest of the world, particularly if you have a YouTube channel that you’d want to expand. As a result, one of the major obsessions in the gaming PC market is effectively live-streaming video.

The adaptability and dependability of a capture card cannot be matched by the built-in streaming features of an Xbox or Playstation. In this buyer’s guide, the VG crew has compiled a list of the finest capture cards for console gaming. 

What is a Capture Card, and how does it work?

It’s a card that lets you collect video from a variety of sources, including game consoles and computers. Gamers may, for example, utilize capture cards to connect consoles to PCs or to record video to broadcast live games on networks like Youtube and Twitch. Gamers may also use capture cards to gather gameplay video that they can subsequently edit into a VOD.

A capture card will allow you to have greater control over the quality of your live broadcast. You can use a capture card to add features like commentary, overlay, and picture-in-picture webcam video. These capture cards act as middlemen, stealing a feed of your gameplay while you’re playing and recording it to your computer or streaming it to YouTube or Twitch.

A shopping guide is provided below to assist you in making the best option when selecting the finest capture card for your requirements. We’ve also highlighted the top external, internal, and budget-friendly options.

External Capture Devices of the Highest Quality

The cards listed below are external, which means they connect to your computer through USB. External capture cards are often less expensive than internal capture cards, and they may be utilized with laptops. Hours of HD video may be recorded – and streamed – with these capture devices.

1) Elgato Game Capture HD60 S (Elgato Game Capture HD60 S) (Elgato Game Cap

If you have a laptop and want high-quality streaming at a reasonable price, the Elgato Game Capture HD60 S is the finest capture card to buy. It’s only a smidgeon beyond a budget buy, but the 60 frames per second, 1080p streaming, and recording capabilities make it a worthwhile investment. The USB 3.0 technology is the key selling point for the Elgato Game Capture HD60 S capture card.

When recording, the USB 3.0 connection to your PC ensures near-zero latency, providing the smoothest connection available short of purchasing an internal capture card that connects directly to your motherboard. Because of the Elgato Game Capture HD60 S’s low latency, you may game while recording video on the display.

2) AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus is a portable version of the AVerMedia Live Gamer.

When it comes to obtaining a capture card for your Nintendo Switch, the AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus is one of the better options. The portable capture card enables you to easily record 4K films, but you won’t be able to broadcast in this mode since the Nintendo Switch’s base resolution is 1080p.

The AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus enables you to record both commentary and gaming at 60 frames per second, which you may save to your micro SD card. AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus also allows for one-button operation. The AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus does not need any LGP2+ connection since the USB is sufficient to deliver consistent power.

3) HD PVR 2 Hauppauge

Another good external capture card option is the Hauppauge HD PVR 2 Gaming Edition. However, we don’t believe it’s as excellent as the Elgato Game Capture, owing to the fact that it uses a USB 2.0 port (which means more chance of latency). It’s also roughly twice as heavy as the Elgato Game Capture HD60 (0.8 pounds vs. 2 lbs).

If mobility is vital to you, the two options listed above may be worth considering. The Hauppauge is usually less expensive than the AVermedia Live Gamer 4K and Elgato Game Capture, however if the price difference is less than $20-$30, we recommend the Elgato Game Capture. This capture device, on the other hand, may work if you desire a less expensive card than the AVerMedia.

4. AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 is a portable version of the AVerMedia Live Gamer.

AVerMedia’s stand-alone capture card is another high-quality alternative for console streamers and recorders. A USB 2.0 connection allows the card to record 60 frames per second. However, since it is a stand-alone device, you have the option of recording straight to a micro SD card (which you would need to buy).

This model is pocket-sized, which, in addition to the fact that it does not need a computer, makes it particularly adaptable to various gaming configurations. The AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 allows you to broadcast straight to Twitch and Youtube, among other streaming networks. If you prefer recording to an SD card, have a laptop, and a portable gaming station, the AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 is the ideal external capture card.

 

Elgato HD60 S vs. AVerMedia

Because of the pricing and the Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro’s USB 3.0 vs. 2.0, we believe the Elgato system is a little superior. As a result, if you want a true low-latency device, the Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro is the preferable choice. Not to mention the fact that it’s $50 less. 

Internal Capture Card of the Year

Internal capture cards are designed to have as little delay as feasible. Instead of using a USB 2 or 3 connection, you connect these cards directly to your computer’s motherboard. Internal cards are not available for laptops, however desktop users may typically acquire an internal card for a low price without losing gaming latency. 

1) Elgato HD60 Pro Game Capture

17%

Elgato HD60 Pro1080p60 Capture and Passthrough, PCIe Capture Card, Low-Latency Elgato HD60 Pro1080p60 Capture and Passthrough, PCIe Capture Card, Elgato HD60 Pro1080p60 Capture and Pass

• PCIe x1 interface
• Input: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Nintendo Switch, and Wii U
• HDMI output (lag-free pass-through)
• 1080p60, 1080p30, 1080i, 720p60, 720p30, 576p, 576i, 480p are all supported resolutions.

The first internal capture card on our list is the Elgato Game Capture HD60 Pro; this slightly more costly version of the Elgato capture card ups the ante when it comes to decreasing latency and improving quality. Because the Elgato Game Capture HD60 Pro internal card connects through PCIe rather than USB 2 or 3, there is almost no delay between what’s occurring on TV and what’s happening on your computer. Your computer must be a desktop computer in order to connect the Elgato Game Capture HD60 Pro card to the motherboard.

You may play without a TV since the Elgato Game Capture HD60 Pro features an HDMI In and Out port. Simply connect your console to the card and the card to the computer, and you’ll be able to play on your display in real time. This capture card normally sells for over $200 on Amazon, but it can be found for as little as $150, which we think is a great deal. We suggest this Elgato Game Capture HD60 Pro capture card and software if you have a desktop and want exceptionally high-quality streaming at 60 frames per second and are ready to invest a bit more.

Pros

• To record games or film, you’ll need an advanced encoder.
• The bitrate is 60Mbps, and the video is 1080p.
• Form-factor is stylish and portable.
• 60 frames per second HDR capture

Cons

AVerMedia Live Gamer HD 2 is the second version of the AVerMedia Live Gamer.

Between the AverMedia Gamer 2 and the Elgato Pro, there isn’t much to choose between them. You get 60 FPS streaming and recording with very little, if any, latency, much as the Elgato. Both cards work in OBS studio. Both internal capture cards are virtually the same price depending on the day. If you have a PC, require analog audio input, and want ultra high-quality streaming at 60 frames per second, this is the finest capture device for you.

There are just a few minor details to remember. The AVerMedia capture card offers an analog audio input, which the Elgato does not, and the picture quality is somewhat better on the AVerMedia. Even yet, if you don’t have a 4K display and zoom in a little, you won’t detect anything. One potentially important feature that the AVerMedia lacks, but the Elgato provides, is a gaming “flashback” function that preserves a running buffer of your recorded video, enabling you to go back and record stuff you may have missed. The changes aren’t significant, and any capture card would be an excellent pick.

Pros

• HDMI passthrough in real time with minimal latency
• Supports both uncompressed and compressed video output with minimal bandwidth requirements.
• The image quality of the capturing equipment is excellent.
• Support for Windows is plug-and-play.
• Live Editing, Content Overlay for Stream & Record, and Customizable Quality Settings are all features of RECentral 3 capture software.
• You can utilize up to four cards on your gaming PC with multi-card capability.

Cons

• It will need a strong machine to function properly.

3) Elgato 4K60 Pro Game Capture

Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro is a very high-end card that is the greatest capture card money can buy – with the emphasis on money – and is better ideal for pro-users who want the best. It’s a capture device that allows you to capture game video at the greatest possible quality and frame rate. Furthermore, it is the most effective capturing equipment. Choose the Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro capture card if you have a powerful PC desktop with Windows 10 and want the highest-quality streaming possible.

The Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro can stream in 4K as stated, but you should make sure you have adequate storage space for the films since they may rapidly become large. Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro contains an encoder that may help you conserve memory by reducing file size, although it can still be bulky at times.

Furthermore, unlike other capture devices, the Elgato Game Capture 4K60 Pro’s PCLe 4x connection assures minimal latency.

Pros

• A 4K clip at 60 frames per second
• Encoding of video
• High frame rate and resolution
• Passthrough 1080p @240hz / 1440p @144hz
• It also has a flashback recording feature.
• HDR compatibility
• Support for several apps

Cons

• It is pretty costly.
• PCIe is the only option.
• It necessitates stringent system requirements.

Budget-Friendly Capture Cards

Perhaps you’re still on the fence about “streaming” and don’t want to invest in a capture card just now. Don’t worry; there are a number of high-quality affordable alternatives available to get you started. Of course, there will be significant trade-offs if you choose a low-cost alternative, such as worse software or streaming. Regardless, we believe these are the finest cards for any aspiring console video game broadcaster. The following devices are Xbox, Playstation, and Wii U compatible. 

1) HD PVR Rocket from Hauppauge

High-quality video capture at 1080p30 and the fact that it is a stand-alone device are the card’s finest characteristics. To record the film, all you need is a USB flash drive that plugs into the system’s USB port. Another significant aspect is that it is pocket-sized, allowing for a lot of mobility. This video capture will be ideal for you if your gaming station or recording location is prone to continual movement. Soon after receiving the device, you should be able to start recording game video, downloading it to your computer, and then posting it to YouTube.

Please keep in mind that this gadget is just for recording games and not for broadcasting. Another disadvantage is that it only records in m2ts, ts, or ts+ formats. Other formats, such as mpg and wmv, are unfortunately unavailable. Nonetheless, if you’re on a budget and require a high-quality, easy-to-set-up device that’s portable but won’t be streaming, it’s the ideal capture device.

Pros

• It’s portable and compact enough to take with you.
• It comes with a built-in microphone audio mixer that allows you to record your commentary with game sounds.
• A minimum transfer rate of 2.5 MB/s is required.

Cons

• The Blu-ray burner software is not included.

2) Game Capture Card AGPtEK HD

The AGPtEK card is the most affordable on our list, yet it’s still capable of capturing video game footage. The gadget supports Xbox, Playstation, and Nintendo consoles and broadcasts in 1080p at 30 frames per second. If you want to use it with Xbox systems or the Wii U, you’ll need a separate HDMI splitter, which isn’t included. At this price, you have to wonder whether it performs the job, and for the most part, the AGPtEK HD Game Capture card does – at least for a time.

However, there are a number of 1-star reviews on Amazon for the product, with the common theme being that the gadget fails after a long period of time. The actual length of time seems to be dependent on a variety of factors. Still, we wouldn’t advocate doing this if you want to shoot video for long hours for safety reasons. It’s one of the greatest capture cards if you’re on a budget and want something simple to set up and carry about that can record films for less than an hour.

Pros

• It comes with a convenient control for changing modes and settings.
• User-friendly, making the setup and operation procedure very simple.
• With a single click, you may record your games in 1080P.
• Using an HDMI input card, you may record audio.

Cons

• Insufficient recording time
• To connect this capture device to most consoles, you’ll need an HDMI cable.

3. AVerMedia Mini Live Gamer

20%

AVerMedia Live Gamer Mini Capture Card 1080p 60 Video Streaming and Recording, AVerMedia Live Gamer Mini Capture Card 1080p 60 Video Streaming and Recording, AVerMedia Live Game

• 1080P video in full HD Recording: all of your material may be streamed and recorded in full HD at…
• Pass-through video with no lag: enjoy watching uncompressed video on your PC…
• Plug-and-play functionality: saves time and effort. Simply connect it to your computer and…
• H.264 hardware encoder: thanks to hardware encoding, this device can handle a lot of…

The AVerMedia Live Gamer Mini is the greatest budget capture card since it’s not only cheap, but it’s also small and portable, making it a good companion for any new gamer entering into video capture and streaming. It’s a basic device with a micro-USB connector and two HDMI connections that can transfer a 1080p signal at 60 frames per second without latency or compression.

Because the AVerMedia Live Gamer Mini game capture card features a built-in hardware encoder that employs the H.264 standard, capturing gameplay video won’t slow down your PC. The game capture card also comes with RECentral software to get you started, and it can be used with other video capture applications as well.

Pros

• Compatibility with 1080p FHD resolutions is good.
• 60FPS frame rate for high-quality gaming
• Compatible with a wide range of HDMI-enabled devices
• Elegant design and a compact shape
• Its user-friendly streaming software is included.
• Like the AVerMedia Live Gamer Duo, it resists latency.
• Affordable
• Built-in gaming hardware reduces the demand on your game PC’s CPU.

Cons

• Some people complain that the directions are difficult to follow.

Best 4K Passthrough Capture Card

1. Razer Ripsaw HD Game Streaming Capture Card (Razer Ripsaw HD Game Streaming Capture Card)

Razer Ripsaw HD Streaming Capture Card

• Full HD 1080p @ 60 frames per second – for smooth streaming
• Pass-through at 4K 60 FPS — for continuous, smooth gaming.
• For hassle-free audio management, full audio mixing capabilities are available.
• Connectivity through HDMI 2.0 and USB 3.0 ensures low latency and optimum detail.

The Razer Ripsaw HD is another excellent capture card for your Nintendo Switch dock, with the exception that it lacks broadcasting software. It does, however, enable users to experience next-level streaming, which allows for 4K streaming at a 60FPS frame rate and zero latency gaming. If you’re a PC gamer who wants to share their games online but doesn’t want to sacrifice the excellent visual fidelity provided by your pricey and powerful graphics cards, this capture device is the way to go.

With the aid of the convenient mic and headphone connectors, the Razer Ripsaw HD also offers built-in software and simple audio mixing. You can achieve exquisite audio quality and outstanding visual fidelity with the push of a button thanks to the built-in audio mixer. However, it can only broadcast and record in 1080p, but the Razer Ripsaw HD lets you play your favorite games while capturing or streaming in 4K 60fps.

Pros

• Passthrough at 4K 60fps
• Audio mixer built-in to improve gameplay
• The Razer Ripsaw HD perfectly records gaming.
• Because there is no compression, there is no loss of resolution.
• With the Nintendo Switch dock, it’s simple to operate.

Cons

• You’ll need your own program.
• There is no component input.

AVerMedia Live Gamer Duo, No. 2

The AVerMedia Live Gamer Duo is the greatest capture card since it can record two sources at the same time, unlike other cards that only have one output and input. To top it off, the two sources may also transmit the entire 1080p signal at 60 frames per second.

Because the AVerMedia Live Gamer Duo is a PCIe card, you’ll need a free PCIe slot on your streaming computer to use it. It also requires a sixth-generation i5 or first-generation Ryzen 5 processor, as well as a GTX 1050, R7 560 or faster graphics card and 8GB of RAM. It also doesn’t enable 4K recording or streaming, but it does offer a 4K passthrough at 60 frames per second, giving you complete graphical quality.

Pros

• There are two HDMI ports.
• HDR compatibility
• Passthrough in 4K60

Cons

• There will be no 4K recording.
• Because it lacks gaming hardware, you’ll need a good PC to operate it.
• It is pretty costly.

How to Select the Most Appropriate Capture Card

When it comes to selecting a capture device, there are various alternatives. Even if you’ve made it this far, you may still be undecided about which capture card is best for you. Here are some things to think about while selecting a device for your Playstation, Xbox, or Wii U.

1. Capture Cards: External vs. Internal

Internal capture cards’ major benefit is their near-zero latency. They use a PCLe connection to connect directly to the motherboard of a computer. Because of the zero-latency, you may play immediately on your computer screen without the need for a television. An internal capture card is a more dependable solution if you plan on streaming rather than merely recording. To use one, you’ll need a desktop computer, of course.

2. Convenience

Your system will be less portable if you use an internal capture card. Small external capture cards, such as the Elgato HD60 S, are a preferable choice if your gaming environment is prone to movement. Some tiny external capture cards provide the ability to record straight to an SD card.

3. Stream Quality and Internet Speed

All of the gadgets in this roundup are capable of streaming in 1080p. You should stream at 1080p if you have a PS4 or Xbox One X, but only if your upload internet bandwidth allows it. If you wish to stream at 1080p, you’ll need an upload connection of at least 8 Mbps.

• For 720p HD quality, 5 Mbps is required.
• For 1080p HD quality, 8 Mbps is required.
• For 4K UHD quality, use 25 Mbps.

4. Image and video quality

If you’re buying a capture card to record games, picture quality is crucial, and you should think about it. Capture cards come in a variety of resolutions, with some reaching 1080p and others reaching 4k.

Without high-quality graphics, your streaming business is doomed, since prospective viewers want to see and hear excellent sound and video quality. This allows you to fully immerse yourself in your reality rather than being distracted by continual glitches and fuzziness.

a) A decision

One of the criteria that determines video quality is resolution, and you’ll need a capture card that can handle 1080p at the very least (FullHD). You’ll need a capture card that supports 4K and HDR10 video and picture resolutions if you want to broadcast footage in UHD.

However, before you go on to the capture card with the best quality, consider whether or not you can easily stream it in HD.

If you don’t have additional equipment to handle the speed and quality, such as your broadband speed, a capture card capable of streaming in 4K will be worthless. A 4K and HD capture card will also need more storage and be more expensive than their 1080 equivalents.

Frame Rate (b).

This is the other component that affects picture and video quality; if your screen has a 60Hz frame rate, it may display 60 images per second or 60 frames per second. Because the most majority of capture cards can only take up to 60 frames per second, you won’t have to worry about this.

You can easily operate with a frame rate of 30fps if you’re a video podcaster. If you’re playing on a PC, though, you may want to keep your high refresh rates while recording, which is where the passthrough comes in.

Check the maximum output resolution allowed by the platforms you intend to use for your game. Also keep in mind that streaming at a higher quality requires more bandwidth to guarantee that your internet connection can handle it.

5. The Capture Card comes with streaming software.

Some capture cards are ready to use right out of the box and feature built-in software, while others need a more involved setup. Install the capture software that came with the capture card or third-party software for capture cards that did not come with proprietary software to utilize the capture card with your computer. It’s up to you to determine if the additional installation time is worth it, so make sure you check what software is included before you buy.

In addition, look for cards that come with user-friendly, powerful capture software that includes capabilities like creating overlays and using your camera. Others may have audio mixing capabilities, rudimentary editing software built-in, and the ability to automatically modify the resolution and other features.

Input and output (numbers 6 and 7)

Input and output refer to how your capture card connects to your computer or device, with USB being the most common. They’re popular since they’re simple to set up and use, but they don’t capture video with any delay.

If you don’t acquire one that connects to the right cable, you’ll have to scurry to find cable converters. Also, if you’re a gamer, remember to verify the cords your gaming system uses; certain systems, such as the Nintendo 64, have special cable needs.

In addition, make sure the input method on the capture card is compatible with the console you’ll be streaming from. The input is usually HDMI, so be sure to double-check before buying.

7. Price

It’s easy to get carried away by the technical specs of a capture card that promises to alter your streaming career, but you should be cautious of your bandwidth and money. Depending on what you want to broadcast, an expensive capture card may not necessarily be the best option.

Normally, picture quality, particularly resolution, drives up the price, but if your streaming arrangement doesn’t handle UHD imaging, a capture card that captures films in 4K isn’t worth the money. When determining your equipment budget, you may want to consider your streaming ambitions as well. If you’re not sure if you’ll stream the game for a few friends or make it into a rich business or side hustle, for example, you might start with a low-cost alternative.

Most Commonly Asked Questions

1. If I use OBS, why would you need a capture card?

OBS and other third-party capture and streaming applications are functional, but they have limits. Instead of using a webcam to broadcast games from a gaming console, you should utilize an HDMI camera. This is the most straightforward approach to verify that they function with your desktop PC without the need for an external or internal capture card.

For recording video inputs, the OBS program completely relies on the system’s resources, such as your GPU or CPU. The software might be a drawback, particularly if you’re recording at a high bitrate and playing a game at the same time. Modern CPUs have improved their multitasking abilities, however employing a dedicated capture card only helps to lessen the strain a little.

2. Do capture cards degrade the quality of the image?

No, the greatest capture card will enhance the quality of your broadcast, perhaps reducing the load on your primary PC and improving game performance while streaming gaming. Bandwidth is one of the most important aspects of live broadcasting. These game capture cards, on the other hand, may cause a reduction in frame rate, but it will not affect your FPS. Notably, although though it will be less than with FRAPS, you can still observe the little percentage decline.

                                                                                                Photo courtesy of photoschoolthailand.com

Watch This Video-

The “capture card ps4” is a capture card that has been designed to work with the PS4. It allows users to record and stream gameplay on their console.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you use a capture card with a PS4?

A: You cannot use a capture card with a PS4, as the hardware does not support it.

Can you use a capture card with Xbox?

A: No, Microsoft does not allow users to use capture cards with Xbox. They believe that the hardware (the Kinect) is sufficient and they want to emphasize a focus on software games instead of hardware peripherals like this.

Which video capture card is best?

A: This is a tough question because there are several different brands of video capture cards. The best card for you would depend on your budget, the features that you desire and what games/applications will be running off of it. These factors should all play into which card you choose to purchase.

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