Top 10 Best Video Game Recorders (Capture Devices)

Elgato Game Capture HD

Gamers have taken to YouTube and game streaming sites such as Twitch.tv these days. This is due in part to the rise of video game livestreaming and the many “Let’s Play!” video walkthroughs for any and all games.

If you’re interested in moving into that world of video game livestreaming, then you’ll need to select from this group of top-notch video game recorders/capture devices. Tech companies such as Elgato, Diamond Multimedia and Hauppauge are known to produce a line of awesome devices that gamers will no doubt be pleased with purchasing.

Here are the top 10 video game recording devices you’ll need for your streaming needs!


10. Diamond Multimedia USB 2.0 HD

Video Game Capture Devices

The 1st video game recorder on this list is a good pick for gamers who want to sample the video game streaming life. As a starter device, Diamond Multimedia’s USB 2.0 HD is great for gamers who want to test out their “Let’s Play!” walkthroughs via YouTube. Cop this one if you want to buy a capture device that’s pretty cheap.

Buy it here.


9. Hauppauge HD PVR Rocket Portable Stand Alone HD

Video Game Capture Devices

This portable version of Hauppauge’s video game capture devices comes with a USB device, which means there’s not a ton of cables to hook up to your HD TV’s and consoles. It’s small enough to haul around, plus it records in perfect 1080p for high quality gameplay visuals. The extra built-in microphone is also great for gamers who are down for doing some live commentary.

Buy it here.


8. Hauppauge 1212 HD-PVR HD

Best Video Game Recorders

Now we go from a mini version of Hauppauge’s video game capture device to a set top box edition. It’s capable of recording in 720p, 1080p and 1080i fidelity. The Hauppauge 1212 HD-PVR HD also has the ability to also record any shows from your cable/satellite feeds. This one’s a bigger piece of recording software, bu you definitely get what you pay for here.

Buy it here.


7. Blackmagic Design Intensity Extreme HDMI and Analog Capture & Playback Device – Thunderbolt

Video Game Recorders

Now here’s one piece of video game recording software that will set you back a few extra bucks. This device comes with some hardcore video editor software that may be difficult to decipher at first, but it’s many options will make you a video editing master soon enough. This device is capable of capturing SD/HD footage in 720 or 1080 HD with a max video rate of 60Mbps.

Buy it here.


6. AverMedia Game Recorder – C285 Capture HD II

Video Game Recorders

AverMedia’s C285 video game recorder model practically works with all current and past-gen consoles. You can record up to 1080p and have your gameplay move at a clip of 30fps, but there is a lack of HDD quality recording. That may be the one feature you’ll frown at, but you’ll be thankful for the mobile app that’s good for checking the statues of your recorded playthroughs.

Buy it here.


5. AverMedia C281 Game Capture HD

Video Game Capture Devices

The C281 model is just a wee bit better than the C281 model because of it’s more easily accessible recording setup. It’t possible to do all your video game recording without the use of a PC and record up to 1080p, 60 input and 30fps. The remote makes managing your gameplay recording a much simpler affair.

Buy it here.


4. Hauppauge HD PVR 2 Gaming Edition

Best Video Game Capture Devices

The many editions of this hardware are all great picks, but this one’s more suited for the more hardcore gamers out there. You can not only do your video editing through Windows PC’s, you can also perform those same tasks via Mac. Both major computer brands are covered here, so you won’t have any issue recording your HD gameplay vids. You can do all of your recording through HDMI or those old school composite cables for retro consoles.

Buy it here.


3. Roxio Game Capture HD Pro

Video Game Capture Devices

This miniature capture box works more for future gaming celebrities who do their work via Twitch.tv. The simple setup and ease of access makes this one of the better choices for livestream concentrated gamers that want to deliver great visuals in 720p or 1080i. Get yourself a compatible USB cable to get the most out of the Roxio Game Capture HD Pro.

Buy it here.


2. AverMedia C875 Live Gamer Portable (LGP)

Best Video Game Capture Devices

This premium, miniature game capture device is pure quality. With just one button press, you’ll be welcomed to the world of recording any current console you may have in stock. All you need to do is equip an SD card and record your footage up to 1080p. Livestreaming your gameplay ventures are an easier process with this device thanks to it’s “pick up and go” accessibility.

Buy it here.


1. Elgato Game Capture HD

Video Game Recorders

If you stay abreast of all the video game livestream proceedings of your favorite live gamers, then you know that most of them do their recording with the Elgato Game Capture HD. The setup is simple, the black box looks great, it comes in a perfect small size and you’ll only need two items to fully utilize it – an HDMI cable and a USB cable. The coolest part of this video game capture device is the one-button option that allows you to post gameplay up to your social media accounts.

Buy it here.