

Simply connect the capture card to your computer via USB (it uses the modern USB-C standard), and connect your console to the HDMI-in port and your TV to the HDMI-out port and away you go. We recommend the Elgato HD60S, it can work with any modern console in crisp 1080p at 60 FPS. But there are external capture cards you can use instead. If you've got a laptop that you were planning to use for streaming, installing a capture card inside it isn't going to happen.

Something like the Avermedia Live Gamer 4K, which allows you to capture and stream your gaming footage in up to 4K at 60 FPS at a reasonable price. If you're able to install it in a dedicated stream-recording PC, you can easily record both your PC gaming and your console gaming without having to worry about splitting resources between running your games and the stream capturing software. Internal capture cards have the benefit of taking a load off of your PC hardware and recording more efficiently at a higher quality. Check out our breakdown of the best capture cards for more details on what makes for the best streaming option. You've basically got two options to consider - an internal capture card, which you'll need to install inside your PC tower, or an external capture card that connects to your console and PC via HDMI and USB. But what about from your Xbox? For that, you'll need a capture card. So, you've got the parts to put yourself on the internet, and streaming from your PC is easy - you just need the right software. These require a little more in terms of money, accessories, and time to get everything working, but the end results can even surpass USB microphones like the Blue Yeti for scalability and audio control. USB microphones are a great way to go, but there's also the choice of professional studio condenser microphones like the Audio-Technica AT2020.

Connecting via USB and requiring no software to makes it easy to plug 'n' play. You get multiple record modes and direct controls for headphone volume, mute, and microphone gain. Both are sturdy and reliable desktop microphones built with streamers and podcasters in mind. We've rounded up some of the best microphones out there, recommending either the Blue Yeti or HyperX QuadCast. You might have a basic microphone kicking around or a gaming headset that's fine enough for in-game chat, but if you want to produce high-quality Let's Play streams and commentary videos, you're going to want a good dedicated microphone.
