With next-gen consoles and software proliferating on PCs, it’s getting easier and easier to capture your gaming moments and share them with the world. But for the moment, nothing replaces the recording quality of a real capture box, capable of transcribing your videos as well as possible and streaming with much less loss. AVerMedia has entered this niche with its Live Gamer Extreme rangegenerally a little more accessible than those of the Elgato brand, although less popular.
We were able to test the latest model with the Live Gamer Extreme 3, a latest generation capture box that goes hand in hand with the latest technologies of the moment. And we must admit that the case has good arguments.
A capture box designed for the new generation
This AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 3 aims to be at the cutting edge of technology to be the ideal accessory for your PS5 or your Xbox Series. With its relatively standard size, it also plugs in very easily. Simple Plug & Play, all you have to do is plug in your box via HDMI and connect it from your console to your computer, and you’re done. Special mention also to the presence of an audio input and output (line-in, line-out), allowing you to separate the audio tracks, for example, to manage them independently on software or a mixer.
Its major asset, is to be able to capture up to 4K in 30 fps, with impeccable capture quality given that it will not compress your videos. It is obviously possible to capture in Full HD with 1080p and 60 fps (while playing on a 120 Hz screen) to add more fluidity. But above all, it has compatibility with the VRR, the variable refresh rate, which makes it possible to make the image clearer and without cuts. Knowing that the PS5 and the Xbox Series are now both compatible with the VRR, it is a good point.
The only downside that we can point out is that it does not allow you to capture games in HDR (it is still possible to capture while playing in HDR, only it will not be visible on the capture). You can also ” downscale » your captures in order to have the right resolution to then upload your gameplay sessions on YouTube. For example, you can play in 1440p/60 FPS and get a 1080p/60 FPS rendering on your final capture.
It also aims to be the ideal companion for all streamers with ultra-low latency, which allows for lag-free and seamless streaming with extreme fidelity. This is particularly useful for streaming games that move very quickly on the screen, such as FPS or fighting games.
In addition, with its AVerMedia RECentral software, it allows you to associate several of your accounts on the different socials in order to broadcast your game online on all platforms without any problem. The software is really very easy to use, whether for simple capture or streaming, we have access to all the important options in a few clicks. Of course it is always possible to use another software like OBS with this AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 3.
We will remember all the same that it is very necessary to have a computer available. You have probably understood by reading these lines, it is necessary to properly connect the box. It is not possible to record alone, on an SD card or an internal disk for example, as other manufacturers are beginning to do. For a case that does not exceed 200€, this is absolutely not a negative point, especially when we are offered 4K recording, but it is worth noting it.
Technical characteristics
Here are the technical characteristics of the Live Gamer Extreme 3:
- Interface: USB 3.2 (Gen 1) Type-C (plug and play, UVC)
- Video Input: HDMI 2.0
- Video Output (Pass-Through): HDMI 2.0
- Audio Input: HDMI 2.0 / 3.5mm 3-Pole Jack
- Audio Output (Pass-Through): HDMI 2.0 / Jack 3.5 mm 3-Pole
- Maximum resolutions HDR Pass-Through: 2160p60 / 1440p120 / 1080p240
- Maximum VRR Pass-Through Resolutions: 1440p120 / 1080p120
- Max Supported Resolutions (Video Input): 2160p60/1440p120
- Max Supported Recording Resolutions: 2160p30 / 1080p60
- Dimensions: (L x W x H): » 112.5 x 66.1 x 20.9 mm
- Weight: 85g
This AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 3 is a very good pick for people looking to capture their game footage on consoles, or who want to stream. Whether for live streaming or simply video recording, the box does its job very well. The possibility of capturing with VRR, separate audio, and its ease of use make it a very good alternative to an Elgato for example. However, there remains a capture box dedicated to the new generation, less recommended for the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Switch (and obsolete for the old consoles) which remains a bit greedy: beware of modest configurations. With the Live Gamer Extreme 3, AVerMedia still manages to provide a complete and solid capture box for anyone who wants to stream or capture gameplay at an affordable price.
Buy the Live Gamer Extreme 3 on Amazon