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Is the Elgato HD60 Obsolete? A Deep Dive for Content Creators

Yes and no. The original Elgato Game Capture HD60, launched back in 2014, has reached its End of Life. Elgato no longer provides active support or updates for it. However, “obsolete” is a strong word. While you won’t find official support or new features, it can still function for basic gameplay capture at 720p or 1080p at 30 FPS. Think of it like an old car: it might not have all the bells and whistles, but it can still get you from point A to point B, albeit with a little more effort and fewer assurances. The HD60S and HD60 Pro are discontinued as well but are definitely more usable. If you’re looking for a modern experience with better performance and continued support, upgrading is highly recommended. But if you are on a budget, you might want to look at other alternatives such as the AVerMedia GC513 Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus.

Understanding the HD60 Family and the Passage of Time

The Elgato HD60 family, including the HD60, HD60 S, and HD60 Pro, revolutionized content creation by providing accessible and relatively affordable solutions for capturing gameplay. But technology marches on, and what was cutting-edge in 2014 is often considered outdated today. Let’s break down why the older models are starting to show their age:

End of Life for HD60: As mentioned, the original HD60 is officially unsupported. This means no driver updates, no software improvements, and no official troubleshooting assistance from Elgato. If you run into issues, you’re largely on your own.
Discontinued HD60 S and HD60 Pro: While not completely obsolete, these models are also discontinued. You can still use them, but it may be more challenging to repair them.
Technological Advancements: Newer capture cards offer features like 4K capture, HDR support, higher frame rates (120 FPS and beyond), and lower latency. The HD60 series, in comparison, is limited to 1080p at 60 FPS (and even lower for the original HD60).
Software Compatibility: As operating systems evolve, older hardware can sometimes struggle with compatibility. While the HD60 might still work on some systems, you might encounter driver issues or performance problems.

When is Upgrading Necessary?

While clinging to older hardware can be tempting (especially if it still technically works), consider upgrading if any of these scenarios apply to you:

You want to capture in 4K or HDR: The HD60 series simply can’t do this. Newer games and consoles are designed with these technologies in mind, and you’ll miss out on a significant visual upgrade if you stick with older hardware. The Elgato Game Capture HD60 S+ is a good option if you are looking for 4K capabilities.
You need lower latency: Lower latency is important if you are also trying to game on a 1080p monitor because this affects the responsiveness of your gameplay, especially for fast-paced games. While the HD60S has lower latency and better quality, a more modern capture card can significantly reduce this delay, providing a smoother and more enjoyable gaming and streaming experience.
You want better software integration: Modern capture cards often come with more advanced software features, such as built-in streaming tools, customizable overlays, and improved editing capabilities.
You need reliable support: If you rely on your capture card for professional content creation, having access to reliable technical support is crucial. With the HD60 being end-of-life, this isn’t an option.

Alternatives to Elgato: Expanding Your Options

While Elgato remains a popular brand, several excellent alternatives offer similar or even superior performance:

AVerMedia: AVerMedia offers a range of capture cards, including the AVerMedia GC513 Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus, known for its competitive pricing and solid performance.
Razer: Razer’s capture cards are designed with gamers in mind, offering features like low latency and high frame rate capture.
Blackmagic Design: Blackmagic Design is known for its professional-grade video equipment. While their capture cards tend to be more expensive, they offer exceptional quality and versatility.

The Future of Content Creation: Beyond Capture Cards

It’s also worth considering that the landscape of content creation is constantly evolving. Cloud-based streaming services and console-integrated streaming tools are becoming increasingly popular, potentially reducing the need for dedicated capture cards in some cases.

Consider these alternatives:

Console Streaming: Modern consoles (like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S) have built-in streaming capabilities that allow you to broadcast directly to platforms like Twitch and YouTube.
Cloud-Based Streaming: Services like Nvidia GeForce Now and Google Stadia handle the streaming process in the cloud, eliminating the need for local capture hardware.

However, these options often lack the customization and control offered by dedicated capture cards, making them less suitable for professional content creators.

Why Gaming is More Than Just Tech: The Importance of Community

Beyond the technical specifications and hardware limitations, gaming is about community, learning, and shared experiences. To understand this better, explore the resources and research available at the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org). You’ll find insights into how games shape learning and culture, highlighting the deeper significance of the content we create and share.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 common questions about the Elgato HD60 and its relevance in today’s content creation landscape:

1. Is the Elgato HD60S discontinued?

Yes, the Elgato HD60 S and HD60 Pro are discontinued. You can still find used ones for sale, but Elgato no longer manufactures or officially supports them.

2. Why is my Elgato HD60 so laggy?

Lag can stem from several factors:

USB Bandwidth: Ensure the HD60 is connected to a dedicated USB 3.0 port. Sharing bandwidth with other devices can cause performance issues.
Computer Specs: The HD60 requires a reasonably powerful computer to function correctly. Check the minimum system requirements.
Software Conflicts: Other software running in the background can interfere with the HD60’s performance.

3. Is Elgato HD60S worth it?

For a budget option it has great built quality and the quality of the graphics is very good! However, it is not what is advertised and the tech support isn’t enough. If you want an older device and have a bigger budget I would recommend it, it has lower latency and better quality.

4. Does the Elgato HD60 overheat?

Overheating isn’t a common issue with the HD60 itself, but your computer’s CPU can overheat if it’s struggling to encode the video. Using software encoding (x264) at high resolutions and frame rates can put a heavy load on the CPU.

5. What are the key differences between the Elgato HD60 X and HD60 S+?

The HD60 X is a newer model with improved latency and compatibility with modern consoles. The HD60 S+ focuses on 4K passthrough and HDR recording, but may not have the same low-latency performance as the HD60 X.

6. What’s a good alternative to the Elgato Stream Deck?

The Loupedeck Live is a popular alternative, offering similar functionality and customizable controls for streamers and content creators.

7. Does the Elgato cause FPS drop in games?

Yes, if your computer doesn’t meet the minimum System Requirements for Elgato Game Capture HD60 S, it can lead to performance issues and FPS drops.

8. Is the Elgato HD60 good for streaming?

The Elgato Game Capture HD60S is a convenient and affordable solution for streaming at 1080p at 60 FPS from a PC or console. It provides a decent feature set at its price point.

9. Is Elgato a Chinese company?

No, Elgato was founded in 1999 in Germany. In 2018, Corsair Gaming, Inc., acquired the brand and its employees.

10. Can the Elgato HD60 record in 4K?

No, the original Elgato HD60 cannot record in 4K. However, the Elgato Game Capture HD60 S+ can pass-through full 4K60 in HDR and converts the incoming 4K60 HDR signal to 1080p60 HDR.

11. Which is better: the HD60 S+ or the HD60 S?

If you play games or stream using a 1080p monitor, you want the HD60 S. If you have a 4K monitor, you want the HD60 S+ since it can passthrough the full 3840×2160 signal.

12. Can the Elgato HD60 record gameplay from a PS5?

Yes, regardless of which Elgato capture device you own, you’ll be able to capture your PlayStation 5 gameplay.

13. Is there a cheaper alternative to Elgato capture cards?

Yes, the AVerMedia GC513 Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus is a good budget-friendly alternative.

14. Does the Elgato limit FPS?

Elgato Facecam is designed to operate at 60 frame-per-second. The device itself may limit FPS if your computer does not meet the correct requirements.

15. Does Elgato use CPU or GPU?

For maximum performance, Elgato Game Capture HD60 S+ requires that your Mac have a dedicated GPU. Both NVIDIA and AMD GPUs are supported. However, an Elgato can also use a CPU.

Final Verdict: Adapting to the Evolving Landscape

While the original Elgato HD60 might be showing its age, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s completely useless. If you’re on a tight budget and only need basic 1080p30 capture, it can still serve a purpose. However, for serious content creators looking for the best possible quality, features, and support, upgrading to a newer capture card is highly recommended. The world of content creation is dynamic, and staying ahead of the curve requires adapting to the latest technology. By understanding the limitations of older hardware and exploring the available alternatives, you can ensure that your content always looks its best.

Is the Elgato HD60 obsolete?