Elgato 4K S Review: Is It Worth the Upgrade?
▼ Summary
– The Elgato 4K S is a compact, easy-to-set-up capture card offering 4K recording and high-quality passthrough at a competitive price of $160.
– Built-in console DVRs and PC software like Xbox Game Bar or OBS provide adequate recording for casual users, reducing the necessity of external capture cards for many.
– Capture cards excel at handling console streaming and recording, particularly for devices like the Nintendo Switch 2 which lacks built-in streaming functionality.
– The Elgato 4K S performs well with minimal latency and intuitive software, but it is outperformed by the cheaper AverMedia Live Gamer Ultra S GC553Pro which offers additional features like 5.1 audio.
– While the 4K S is a strong mid-range option, its value is challenged by competitors, making it a secondary choice unless specific preferences like port layout or software ease justify the higher cost.
For those stepping into the world of high-quality game capture, the Elgato 4K S presents a compelling option with its blend of performance, ease of use, and competitive pricing. This compact device delivers crisp 4K60 HDR recording and smooth passthrough, making it an attractive choice for streamers and content creators who demand reliability without breaking the bank.
Setting up the 4K S is refreshingly straightforward. Inside the box, you’ll find braided HDMI and USB-C cables, and the device itself features a clean layout with all ports on one side. Simply connect your console or gaming PC to the capture card, then link it to your streaming rig, you’re ready to go in minutes. The lightweight design, at just 90 grams, makes it highly portable, though the heft of some cables might require minor adjustments to keep it sitting flat.
One of the standout features is its exceptional passthrough performance. Whether connected to a Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, or Xbox Series X, the lag is nearly imperceptible. In fact, the experience is so seamless that many users may find themselves playing directly through the Elgato software on their PC rather than switching to a TV. The ability to capture at 4K resolution and 60 fps provides a noticeable upgrade over built-in console DVRs, which often cap at 1080p or impose restrictive recording limits.
Elgato’s companion software is intuitive and user-friendly, though somewhat minimal in features. It allows for quick resolution adjustments, screenshot capture, and easy integration with third-party applications like OBS. Where the 4K S truly shines is in its handling of consoles, especially the Nintendo Switch 2, which lacks native streaming capabilities. The card not only enables streaming but often improves visual quality over the console’s own recording function.
That said, the market for capture cards is crowded, and the AverMedia Live Gamer Ultra S GC553Pro offers similar, and in some cases superior, specs at a lower price. While the Elgato 4K S excels in usability and software integration, it lacks 5.1 audio support, a feature its competitor includes. For many, that immersive audio experience could be a deciding factor.
At $160, the Elgato 4K S sits in a competitive spot. It’s a solid mid-range capture card that delivers on its promises: high-quality 4K capture, reliable passthrough, and hassle-free setup. However, if budget is a concern and you’re willing to explore alternatives, the AverMedia option provides compelling value. Ultimately, the 4K S is an excellent tool for creators who prioritize simplicity and performance, even if it doesn’t quite claim the top spot in its category.
(Source: PCGAMER)
