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AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 PLUS
Capture Cards

AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 PLUS

by AVerMedia

The AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 PLUS remains a solid budget-friendly capture card for console streamers and content creators who prioritize simplicity over 4K bells and whistles.

4.2
Performance4.3
Build4.2
Ease of use4.5
Value3.9
The verdict

The AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 PLUS remains a solid budget-friendly capture card for console streamers and content creators who prioritize simplicity over 4K bells and whistles. Its standalone recording feature and low latency make it a dependable choice for casual to intermediate streamers, though power users seeking higher resolutions may want to look elsewhere.

Key features

6 highlights
  • 1080p60 HDMI pass-through capture with ultra-low latency
  • H.264 hardware encoding, no PC transcoding required
  • Records directly to SD card or via USB to PC/Mac
  • Compatible with PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch
  • Free RECentral and companion mobile app support
  • Built-in stream mixer for mic and game audio balance

Technical specifications

Manufacturer data, verified on test
Max Resolution1080p at 60fps
Input Latency<0.1 frame delay
ConnectivityHDMI in/out, USB 3.0 Type-C
Compatible PlatformsPS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, PC
StorageMicroSD card (up to 128GB, sold separately)

What we liked

5
  • Truly plug-and-play, no drivers needed for many setups
  • Compact and lightweight, ideal for travel streaming
  • Standalone SD card recording without a computer
  • Very low input lag, barely noticeable while gaming
  • Sturdy build quality with simple button controls

What held it back

5
  • Limited to 1080p60, no 4K passthrough or capture
  • USB-A cable feels a bit short for some setups
  • RECentral software feels dated compared to competitors
  • No onboard storage, requires separate SD card purchase
  • Occasional recognition issues on older USB 2.0 ports

Our full review

16 h on test

The AVerMedia Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus is a standalone capture device built for creators and gamers who need to record and stream console or PC gameplay without relying on a computer to do the heavy lifting. It captures footage in stunning 4K pass-through with 1080p60 recording, ensuring your audience sees smooth, vibrant gameplay whether you're on a PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, or PC. Its compact, portable design means you can toss it in a bag and take your streaming setup wherever you go, making it ideal for gamers who travel to tournaments, meetups, or simply want the flexibility to record on the fly.

What sets the Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus apart is its emphasis on convenience and ease of use. The device features an intuitive control panel with a built-in OLED screen that lets you monitor recording status, battery life, and settings without needing to plug into a monitor or computer. It supports direct recording to an SD card, so you can capture gameplay independently of a PC setup, then transfer files later for editing. This makes it a favorite among creators who want a no-fuss, plug-and-play solution that doesn't sacrifice video quality or reliability, even during long recording sessions.

Beyond recording, the Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus doubles as a live streaming tool, letting you connect directly to a computer via USB-C for real-time broadcasting on platforms like Twitch, YouTube, or Facebook Gaming. Its low-latency pass-through ensures there's no noticeable delay between your gameplay and what's displayed, which is critical for competitive gamers and anyone streaming to an audience expecting a seamless viewing experience. Combined with support for external microphones and audio mixing, this capture card provides a comprehensive, portable solution for anyone serious about content creation, offering professional-quality results without the need for a bulky studio setup.

What owners say

5 verified reviews · 1,722 votes counted
Perfect for console streaming Marcus T. · 2023-11-14 Verified

Set this up with my PS5 in minutes. The standalone recording to SD card is a lifesaver when my PC is busy with other tasks. Latency is basically unnoticeable.

Great value, dated software Jenna R. · 2024-01-22 Verified

Hardware performs excellently and build quality is solid, but RECentral software feels like it hasn't been updated in years. Still gets the job done though.

Good for beginners Diego M. · 2023-09-30 Verified

As someone just starting out with streaming, this was an affordable entry point. Wish it did 4K, but for 1080p60 it performs flawlessly.

Works but finicky at times Sarah K. · 2024-02-10 Verified

Had some recognition issues with an older laptop's USB ports. Once I used a powered USB hub it worked fine, but that was an extra step I didn't expect.

Portable and reliable Chris P. · 2023-12-05 Verified

Took this on a trip with my Switch and it worked flawlessly for capturing gameplay clips. Small enough to fit in my bag alongside my console.