On Xbox One, you can only capture a few minutes of footage, and PlayStation 4 can block certain spoiler-heavy scenes from being shared at all. The solution to this problem is an external capture device more commonly called a “capture card.”
How do capture cards work?
The term “capture card” is somewhat nebulous, as it technically refers to a peripheral slotted into a PC that allows you to capture your gameplay footage. However, for our purposes, we will also be talking about external gameplay capture devices when we use the term.
Capture cards can work a few different ways depending on the model you use, but they all act as pass-through devices between your game console, your computer, and your display. Instead of plugging your HDMI or VGA cable from your console into your television, you instead plug it into the capture card and a second HDMI cable is then plugged from the capture card into the television. Lastly, a USB cord is plugged into the capture card and your computer so it can transmit data as you record footage.
Some capture cards are equipped with an H.264 encoder, which handles much of the processing power required to record video game footage. Those that do not may require a more powerful PC to handle the bulk of the processing, so be aware of your device’s features before making a purchase.
Also keep in mind that although we listed separate capture cards for each console below based on specific features tailored to that system, you can use the same card for all three. If one of the ones we listed suits your fancy but isn’t marked as the “best” for your console of choice, you can use it, anyway!
Best capture card for PS4
Elgato Game Capture HD60 S
Pros: Instant Streaming, Flashback Recording, Console, PC, and Mac support
Cons: Lacks H.264 encoder, editing software capabilities are limited
Elgato has ruled the game capture market for the last several years, and when you take a look at the brand’s products, it’s easy to see why. From its internal capture cards to its external devices and software, Elgato Game Capture is equipped to handle almost anything.
Featuring 1080p and 60 fps with USB 3.0 support, the HD60 S from Elgato is a great option for consoles, especially the PS4. Since the PlayStation 4 can’t play 4K games and its more powerful sibling the PlayStation 4 Pro does not play most games in native 4K, a capture card with that kind of capability isn’t necessary.
It also brings convenient features like “Instant Streaming,” which gets your captured content up on Twitch or YouTube quickly, and its “Flashback Recording” allows you to retroactively save footage from your favorite game. It’s also compatible with Mac via the proprietary software.
The major downside to the HD60 S over the discontinued older models is that it doesn’t have a built-in H.264 encoder. This means your computer will be doing more of the work. Additionally, the editing software it comes with is largely limited to trimming and piecing together footage.
Why we love it:
- Instant Streaming to upload content to Twitch or YouTube
- Flashback Recording to save footage from a favorite game
- Fast, high definition performance
Best capture card for Nintendo Switch
AverMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus
Pros: Small and portable, 4K passthrough, Software is versatile and easy to use, Records footage to MicroSD, Console and PC support
Cons: Mac users will need to use third-party software
The Nintendo Switch’s portability makes it a great choice for traveling gamers, and with the right carrying case, you can even take the system’s dock with you and play it on a friend’s television. If you want to record your footage on the go but don’t want to bring a computer along, as well, the AverMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus is a perfect choice.
The Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus allows you to record your gaming footage without using a PC, and it can record at 1080p resolution and 60 frames per second, which is the ceiling for the Nintendo Switch’s more limited hardware. If you are using a 4K device, it also has
RECentral, Avermedia’s capture and streaming software, is easy to use and comes with features comparable to OBS and XSplit. Live editing allows for you to chop down recordings before saving them as a file. The one major downside of the Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus, however, is that its proprietary software only works with PC. For Mac users, you’ll have to find another third-party solution, such as OBS.
Why we love it:
- Easy to use, with live editing capabilities
- High definition, 4K video resolution
Best capture card for Xbox One
MYPIN Video Capture
Pros: Compatible with most current generation consoles
Cons: Doesn’t have part chat support
The Ripsaw MYPIN records and streams your content at 1080p resolution and 60 frames per second. It’s also compatible with consoles such as the PS4, Xbox 360, and Wii U. The MYPIN Video Capture supports USB and it features audio mixing and a microphone input so you can easily record quality commentary while you play, however it does not support part chats.
Why we love it:
- Compatible with multiple consoles and gaming systems
- Audio mixing and mic input for easy recording
Whether you have dreams of being famous on Twitch or Youtube, or just enjoy capturing game content from games you play, you can choose any one of these capture cards to do just that. These cards offer high resolution recording, most at 60 frames per second. They are compatible with multiple consoles, so everyone should find the perfect capture card for them.
