HardwarePeripheralsThe best external capture card there is just got 4K144 support, and it’s going cheap ahead of Memorial DayWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
HardwarePeripheralsThe best external capture card there is just got 4K144 support, and it’s going cheap ahead of Memorial DayWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Future / Duncan Robertson)
AverMedia’s latest external capture card is ridiculous. The Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 is a 4K capture card that already had VRR passthrough up to 144Hz, a convenient design, and a slew of recording features. Since I started using it, it’s helped me produce some of the most breathtaking gameplay captures I’ve ever shot.
That was back when I reviewed it in February. Last week, I got an email telling me that a firmware update was improving its recording capabilities beyond 4K60, which is pretty much unheard of for external capture devices. Not only will it now record 4K footage up to 144Hz, but it now has 5.1 channel audio passthrough, and Windows Dynamic Lighting support for its RGB array. As if a software update wasn’t enough, this powerhouse of a device just dropped well below its MSRP at Amazon,going for $269.99down from $299.99.
I’m excited for you to know about this because, in my eyes, thebest capture cardjust got even better. It’s not often a firmware update for something like this is so significant but even rarer still is when that sort of update coincides with a price drop.
Now, in fairness, I’ll level with you. 4K144 recording capabilities are arguably overkill. VRR passthrough is going to be much more important for any creator, and the MJPEG files you’d be left with would devour even thebest external hard drives for gaming. Regardless, one of the things I love most about this capture card is that it gives you so many options to record the exact spec of video you want. Having the option to record above 4K60 adds to that already extensive menu of settings, and will no doubt give you some futureproofing.
AverMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1|$299.99$269.99 at AmazonSave $30- While it’s not the cheapest we’ve ever seen this device drop to, it’s not a bad discount to see after a firmware upgrade has made it significantly better. For an external device that’s this powerful, you’re getting a lot of value for money here. The average Amazon price we’re seeing is $284, so even from that, you’re saving some coins.Buy it if:✅ You want to take gameplay recordings to a new level✅ You play or live-stream gameplay from a console✅ You have a Dual PC recording setupDon’t buy it if:❌ You play on PC and have a powerful enough GPU already❌ You don’t need to record 4K footage yetView Deal
AverMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1|$299.99$269.99 at AmazonSave $30- While it’s not the cheapest we’ve ever seen this device drop to, it’s not a bad discount to see after a firmware upgrade has made it significantly better. For an external device that’s this powerful, you’re getting a lot of value for money here. The average Amazon price we’re seeing is $284, so even from that, you’re saving some coins.Buy it if:✅ You want to take gameplay recordings to a new level✅ You play or live-stream gameplay from a console✅ You have a Dual PC recording setupDon’t buy it if:❌ You play on PC and have a powerful enough GPU already❌ You don’t need to record 4K footage yetView Deal
AverMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1|$299.99$269.99 at AmazonSave $30- While it’s not the cheapest we’ve ever seen this device drop to, it’s not a bad discount to see after a firmware upgrade has made it significantly better. For an external device that’s this powerful, you’re getting a lot of value for money here. The average Amazon price we’re seeing is $284, so even from that, you’re saving some coins.Buy it if:✅ You want to take gameplay recordings to a new level✅ You play or live-stream gameplay from a console✅ You have a Dual PC recording setupDon’t buy it if:❌ You play on PC and have a powerful enough GPU already❌ You don’t need to record 4K footage yetView Deal
AverMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1|$299.99$269.99 at AmazonSave $30- While it’s not the cheapest we’ve ever seen this device drop to, it’s not a bad discount to see after a firmware upgrade has made it significantly better. For an external device that’s this powerful, you’re getting a lot of value for money here. The average Amazon price we’re seeing is $284, so even from that, you’re saving some coins.Buy it if:✅ You want to take gameplay recordings to a new level✅ You play or live-stream gameplay from a console✅ You have a Dual PC recording setupDon’t buy it if:❌ You play on PC and have a powerful enough GPU already❌ You don’t need to record 4K footage yet
AverMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1|$299.99$269.99 at AmazonSave $30- While it’s not the cheapest we’ve ever seen this device drop to, it’s not a bad discount to see after a firmware upgrade has made it significantly better. For an external device that’s this powerful, you’re getting a lot of value for money here. The average Amazon price we’re seeing is $284, so even from that, you’re saving some coins.Buy it if:✅ You want to take gameplay recordings to a new level✅ You play or live-stream gameplay from a console✅ You have a Dual PC recording setupDon’t buy it if:❌ You play on PC and have a powerful enough GPU already❌ You don’t need to record 4K footage yet
AverMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1|$299.99$269.99 at AmazonSave $30- While it’s not the cheapest we’ve ever seen this device drop to, it’s not a bad discount to see after a firmware upgrade has made it significantly better. For an external device that’s this powerful, you’re getting a lot of value for money here. The average Amazon price we’re seeing is $284, so even from that, you’re saving some coins.
Buy it if:
✅ You want to take gameplay recordings to a new level✅ You play or live-stream gameplay from a console✅ You have a Dual PC recording setup
Don’t buy it if:
❌ You play on PC and have a powerful enough GPU already❌ You don’t need to record 4K footage yet
View Deal
View Deal
View Deal
Should you buy the AverMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1?
I said the same thing when I reviewed this capture card, but not everyone needs a 4K capture card. I’ve been making gaming content onYouTubefor just shy of a decade now, and I only just made the jump to 4K. If you aren’t a professional, 4K recordings probably aren’t practical - they take up a lot of storage space, they’ll require more power to edit, and the devices required to capture them are more expensive.
AverMedia’s software is great in that it lets you choose your resolution, frame rates, audio channels, and makes it all easy to switch between thanks to presets. Granted, it isn’t perfect - I’d still like a way of knowing when a video was finished processing. Thankfully though, it hasn’t given me any glitches or crashes, which Elgato’s software has tripped me up with plenty of times over the years.
It’s also worth mentioning that the new 4K144 recording features will only work with Windows through the AverMedia software. If you’re trying to get that to work through OBS or Streamlabs, you’ll struggle. Similarly, if you’re on a Mac, you’ll be “limited” to 4K60.
In my eyes, this is the perfect external capture card for anyone looking to take their content creation to the next level. That was true before the latest firmware upgrade, but it’s even truer now. Plus, it’s not often thebest gear for streaminggoes cheap - save some money while you can!
Today’s best capture card dealsElgato HD60 S+$319.99View DealSee all pricesAVerMedia Live Gamer Mini$69.99View DealSee all pricesAVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 2$299.99View DealSee all pricesElgato Game Capture HD$291.88View DealSee all pricesElgato HD60 S$276.38View DealSee all pricesElgato HD60 Pro$331.30View DealSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best capture card dealsElgato HD60 S+$319.99View DealSee all pricesAVerMedia Live Gamer Mini$69.99View DealSee all pricesAVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 2$299.99View DealSee all pricesElgato Game Capture HD$291.88View DealSee all pricesElgato HD60 S$276.38View DealSee all pricesElgato HD60 Pro$331.30View DealSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best capture card dealsElgato HD60 S+$319.99View DealSee all pricesAVerMedia Live Gamer Mini$69.99View DealSee all pricesAVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 2$299.99View DealSee all pricesElgato Game Capture HD$291.88View DealSee all pricesElgato HD60 S$276.38View DealSee all pricesElgato HD60 Pro$331.30View DealSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
Today’s best capture card deals
Elgato HD60 S+$319.99View DealSee all pricesAVerMedia Live Gamer Mini$69.99View DealSee all pricesAVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 2$299.99View DealSee all pricesElgato Game Capture HD$291.88View DealSee all pricesElgato HD60 S$276.38View DealSee all pricesElgato HD60 Pro$331.30View DealSee all prices
Elgato HD60 S+$319.99View DealSee all prices
Elgato HD60 S+$319.99View DealSee all prices
Elgato HD60 S+
Elgato HD60 S+
$319.99View Deal
$319.99
$319.99
See all prices
AVerMedia Live Gamer Mini$69.99View DealSee all prices
AVerMedia Live Gamer Mini$69.99View DealSee all prices
AVerMedia Live Gamer Mini
AVerMedia Live Gamer Mini
$69.99View Deal
$69.99
$69.99
See all prices
AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 2$299.99View DealSee all prices
AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 2$299.99View DealSee all prices
AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 2
AVerMedia Live Gamer Extreme 2
$299.99View Deal
$299.99
$299.99
See all prices
Elgato Game Capture HD$291.88View DealSee all prices
Elgato Game Capture HD$291.88View DealSee all prices
Elgato Game Capture HD
Elgato Game Capture HD
$291.88View Deal
$291.88
$291.88
See all prices
Elgato HD60 S$276.38View DealSee all prices
Elgato HD60 S$276.38View DealSee all prices
Elgato HD60 S
Elgato HD60 S
$276.38View Deal
$276.38
$276.38
See all prices
Elgato HD60 Pro$331.30View DealSee all prices
Elgato HD60 Pro$331.30View DealSee all prices
Elgato HD60 Pro
Elgato HD60 Pro
$331.30View Deal
$331.30
$331.30
See all prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices
For more streaming hardware, check out thebest microphones for streaming and gaming, thebest ring lights for streamers, and thebest webcams.
Sign up to the GamesRadar+ Newsletter
Weekly digests, tales from the communities you love, and more
TOPICSdeals
TOPICS
More about peripheralsThe Secretlab Christmas sale has arrived, and some of the deals are just as good as Black FridaySteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 review: “a Hall effect darling that doubles down on the original’s greatness"Latest26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time"See more latest►
More about peripheralsThe Secretlab Christmas sale has arrived, and some of the deals are just as good as Black FridaySteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 review: “a Hall effect darling that doubles down on the original’s greatness"Latest26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time"See more latest►
More about peripheralsThe Secretlab Christmas sale has arrived, and some of the deals are just as good as Black FridaySteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 review: “a Hall effect darling that doubles down on the original’s greatness”
More about peripherals
The Secretlab Christmas sale has arrived, and some of the deals are just as good as Black FridaySteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 review: “a Hall effect darling that doubles down on the original’s greatness”
The Secretlab Christmas sale has arrived, and some of the deals are just as good as Black Friday
The Secretlab Christmas sale has arrived, and some of the deals are just as good as Black Friday
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 review: “a Hall effect darling that doubles down on the original’s greatness”
SteelSeries Apex Pro TKL Gen 3 review: “a Hall effect darling that doubles down on the original’s greatness”
Latest26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time"See more latest►
Latest
26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time”
26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time”
26 years later, Codemasters' Chris Southall talks Colin McRae Rally: “We wanted to do something that was an authentic rally experience for the hardware of the time”
See more latest►
Most Popular
Elder Scrolls modders have released a playable part of the ambitious Project Tamriel, which aims to recreate all of the beloved RPG’s regions in Morrowind
Disney Plus' new Spider-Man show is no longer canon in the MCU because it was “not fun” to put limitations on its story
Master Chief’s absence from Halo Wars wasn’t Bungie’s fault, it was a move to make players “care about everybody else” in the RTS
One of Sonic 3’s writers threatens us with a good time in a future movie: “We gotta get Big the Cat in there in some capacity”
This nifty gadget turns any M.2 SSD into a portable drive, but it’s great for when you’re upgrading your PC too
League of Legends co-creator responds to report that Arcane was a “financial miss,” says “people think we make things like Arcane to sell skins, when in reality we sell skins to make things like Arcane”
After hours of number-crunching, one Marvel Rivals player has laid out the true meta – and Iron Fist’s ranking feels alarming
James Gunn says his DC shows will likely stick to the “one episode a week” schedule moving forward: “It affords a quality show an opportunity to be discussed”
Just two weeks after its theatrical release, Lord of the Ring: The War of Rohirrim is heading to digital
Escape the horrors of family time this holiday with Slitterhead’s first ever discount
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension"2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package"3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure"4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years"5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths"1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show"2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie"3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action"4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien"5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite"1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now"2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat"3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses"4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist"5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
GAME REVIEWSMOVIE REVIEWSTV REVIEWS
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
1
Nemesis review: “A magical sense of tension”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
2
Arcs review: “A whole lot of game in a small package”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
3
Path of Exile 2 review: “A stellar start to a thrilling and brutal dark adventure”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
4
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle review: “The best adventure Indy has embarked on in over 30 years”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
5
Marvel Rivals review: “So preoccupied with trying to be like Overwatch that it forgets to play to its own strengths”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
1
Sonic the Hedgehog 3 review: “Keanu Reeves as Shadow is wasted whilst Jim Carrey steals the show”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
2
Mufasa: The Lion King review – “It’s no Hakuna Matata but this Disney origin story is a class above the 2019 movie”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
3
Kraven the Hunter review: “The insistence on an R-rating helps save this, with a decent helping of bloodthirsty action”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
4
The Lord of the Rings: The War of the Rohirrim review – “An uninspired expansion of the most iconic screen take on Tolkien”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
5
Nightbitch review: “Amy Adams' disappointing dark comedy is all bark and no bite”
1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
1Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
1
Squid Game season 2 review: “Secures its place as one of the best shows on television right now”
2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
2
Doctor Who 2024 Christmas special review: “Ncuti Gatwa is as magnetic as ever in this delightful festive treat”
3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
3
Secret Level review: “An uneven experience with serious highlights that ultimately make up for the misses”
4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
4
Skeleton Crew review: “Perfectly captures the vibes of classic Star Wars with a swashbuckling twist”
5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”
5
Creature Commandos review: “James Gunn’s heartwarming, R-rated tale about super-monsters proves that the DCU is in good hands”