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The AVerMedia X’TRA GO GC515 is a video capture device designed specifically for handheld gaming consoles. It offers a unique solution for gamers who want to record their gameplay without the need for a PC. This review will examine the GC515’s features, performance, and value for money.

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Specifications

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The GC515 boasts impressive specifications that cater to the needs of handheld console gamers:

SpecificationX’TRA GO GC515
InterfaceUSB-A (USB 3.2 Gen 1) x 2, USB-C x 3, HDMI x 1
Video Input (from console)USB-C DP Alt Mode
Video Output (Pass-through)HDMI 2.0
Audio Output (Pass-Through)HDMI 2.0 / 3.5mm headphone jack (3-pole)
Max. Pass-Through Resolution2160p60, 1080p120
Max. Recording Resolution2160p30, 1440p60, 1080p120
Record FormatMPEG4 (H.264/H.265)
Record File FormatfMP4 (Fragmented MP4)
Supported Resolution2160p, 1440p, 1080p, 720p, 576p, 480p
Micro SD Card Capacity (maximum)1 TB (exFAT format)*, SD card is not included
Dimensions (W x D x H)141 x 99.4 x 37.7 mm (5.55 x 3.91 x 1.48 in.)
Weight176 g (6.21 oz.)
System Requirements (Windows)Windows 10 x64 / 11 x64 or later
System Requirements (Desktop)Intel Core i5-6XXX / AMD Ryzen 3 XXX or above, NVIDIA GTX 1060 / AMD RX 5700 or above
System Requirements (Laptop)Intel Core i7-7700HQ + NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050Ti or above, 8 GB RAM recommended
System Requirements (macOS)macOS 13 / 14 or later, Apple M1 or 3.6 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7, Apple M1 or Radeon Pro 555 with 2 GB of VRAM, 16 GB of 2400 MHz DDR4 memory / 14 or later
What’s in the boxX’TRA GO (GC515), HDMI 2.0 Cable, Type-C to Type-A Cable, Type-C to Type-C PD Cable, Quick Start Guide

These specifications indicate that the GC515 is capable of handling high-quality video input and output, making it suitable for modern handheld consoles.

Design and Build Quality

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The AVerMedia X’TRA GO GC515 features a compact and portable design, which complements its intended use with handheld gaming devices. Its dimensions of 141 x 99.4 x 37.7 mm and weight of 176 g make it easy to carry alongside a handheld console.

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The device’s build quality is solid, with a durable plastic casing that should withstand regular use. The placement of ports is well-thought-out, allowing for easy access and cable management. The GC515’s design prioritises functionality, with a simple yet effective layout that includes status LEDs to indicate power and recording status.

Key Features

PC-free Recording

One of the standout features of the GC515 is its ability to record gameplay without the need for a PC. This is particularly useful for handheld console users who want to capture their gaming sessions on-the-go. The device can record directly to a microSD card, supporting capacities up to 1 TB.

Versatile Connectivity

The GC515 offers a range of connectivity options, including two USB-A ports, three USB-C ports, and an HDMI output. This allows users to connect various peripherals such as a mouse, keyboard, or controller, effectively turning the device into a mini docking station for handheld consoles.

High-Quality Recording

The GC515 supports recording resolutions up to 2160p30, 1440p60, and 1080p120. This ensures that users can capture their gameplay in high quality, matching the output capabilities of modern handheld consoles.

Multi-Platform Compatibility

The device is compatible with various handheld consoles, including the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, and Legion GO. This versatility allows users to switch between different handheld devices without needing separate capture solutions.

PC Mode for Streaming

While the GC515 excels in PC-free recording, it also offers a PC mode. This allows users to connect the device to a computer for live streaming or more advanced recording options, providing flexibility for different use cases.

Setup and Usage

Setting up the AVerMedia X’TRA GO GC515 is straightforward. For PC-free recording, users simply need to connect their handheld console to the device via USB-C, insert a microSD card, and they’re ready to start capturing gameplay. The device’s plug-and-play nature means there’s no need for complex software installation or configuration.

When using the GC515 with a PC, users can take advantage of AVerMedia’s Streaming Centre software. This application provides additional features and control over recording and streaming settings. The software interface is user-friendly, allowing for easy adjustment of video quality, bitrate, and other parameters.

The GC515 is compatible with popular handheld consoles:

  • Steam Deck: The device works seamlessly with the Steam Deck, allowing users to capture gameplay at the console’s native resolution.
  • Nintendo Switch: The GC515 will work on the full sized Nintento Switch, which can output to a display. It unfortunately doesn’t work with the Switch Lite as this does not support display output.
  • Android Tablets and Smartphones: The device supports capturing from Android devices, expanding its utility beyond gaming consoles.

Performance

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Please forgive my messy office desk

The AVerMedia X’TRA GO GC515 delivers solid performance in terms of video capture quality and ease of use. When recording directly to a microSD card, the device can capture footage at up to 2160p30, 1440p60, or 1080p120, depending on the source device’s output.

The quality of the recorded footage is generally very good, with accurate colour reproduction and minimal artifacting. However, some users might notice a slight decrease in sharpness compared to the source, particularly when recording at 4K resolution.

The device’s pass-through capabilities are impressive, supporting up to 2160p60 or 1080p120. This means users can enjoy their games on an external display without noticeable input lag while simultaneously recording their gameplay.

One area where the GC515 could improve is in its support for Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) pass-through. Unlike some higher-end capture cards, the GC515 does not support VRR, which might be a drawback for users with compatible displays.

The PC-free recording feature works well, with the device automatically creating a new video file when the current one reaches 4GB in size. This file splitting ensures compatibility with various file systems and makes it easier to manage large recordings.

When used in PC mode, the GC515 integrates well with AVerMedia’s Streaming Centre software. The software provides additional features such as live streaming support and the ability to add overlays and webcam input to recordings.

While this is geared more towards handheld consoles, you can use it for things like phones, tablets and laptops (if they have USB-C display output).

Compatibility and System Requirements

The AVerMedia X’TRA GO GC515 is compatible with a wide range of systems:

Windows:

  • Windows 10 x64 / 11 x64 or later
  • Desktop: Intel Core i5-6XXX / AMD Ryzen 3 XXX or above, NVIDIA GTX 1060 / AMD RX 5700 or above
  • Laptop: Intel Core i7-7700HQ + NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050Ti or above, 8 GB RAM recommended

macOS:

  • macOS 13 / 14 or later
  • Apple M1 or 3.6 GHz quad-core Intel Core i7
  • Apple M1 or Radeon Pro 555 with 2 GB of VRAM
  • 16 GB of 2400 MHz DDR4 memory

These system requirements ensure smooth operation when using the device in PC mode for streaming or more advanced recording options.

Price & Comparison with Alternatives

To better understand the GC515’s position in the market, it’s useful to compare it with other AVerMedia capture devices:

FeatureX’TRA GO GC515Live Gamer ULTRA 2.1 GC553G2Live Gamer EXTREME 3 GC551G2Live Gamer ULTRA GC553Live Gamer Portable 2 Plus GC513Live Gamer MINI GC311
Price£179.99£214.99£129.99£130.74£111.99£69.99
InterfaceUSB 3.2, HDMI 2.0USB 3.2, HDMI 2.1USB 3.0, HDMI 2.0USB 3.0, HDMI 2.0USB 2.0, HDMI 2.0USB 2.0, HDMI 2.0
Max Pass-Through2160p60, 1080p1202160p144, 1440p240, 1080p3604K60, 1440p120, 1080p2404K60, 1440p144, 1080p2404K60, 1080p601080p60
Max Record Resolution2160p30, 1440p60, 1080p1202160p604K304K30, 1080p60 HDR1080p601080p60
Best ForSwitch, ROG Ally, Steam DeckPS5, Xbox Series X/SPS5, Xbox Series X/SPS5, Xbox Series X/SPS4 Pro, SwitchPS4 Pro, Switch
Ultra Low LatencyNoYesYesYesNoNo

The GC515 stands out for its focus on handheld consoles and PC-free recording capability. While it may not offer the highest recording resolutions or frame rates compared to some alternatives, its unique features make it a strong contender for handheld console users.

Value for Money

Priced at £179.99, the AVerMedia X’TRA GO GC515 sits in the mid-range of capture devices. For users specifically looking for a solution to capture gameplay from handheld consoles without a PC, the GC515 offers excellent value. Its unique features and versatility justify the price point for its target audience.

However, for users who primarily game on home consoles or PCs and don’t need PC-free recording, there might be more cost-effective options available. The value proposition of the GC515 is strongest for those who will take full advantage of its handheld console-focused features.

Conclusion

The AVerMedia X’TRA GO GC515 is a well-designed capture device that fills a specific niche in the market. Its ability to record gameplay without a PC, combined with its compatibility with various handheld consoles, makes it an attractive option for on-the-go gamers who want to capture their experiences.

The device’s build quality, ease of use, and versatile connectivity options are commendable. While it may not boast the highest recording specifications on the market, the quality it delivers is more than sufficient for most users’ needs.

The GC515’s limitations, such as the lack of VRR support and slightly lower maximum recording resolution compared to some alternatives, are minor drawbacks that are outweighed by its unique features for many users.

For gamers who frequently use handheld consoles like the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, or Nintendo Switch and want a hassle-free way to record their gameplay, the AVerMedia X’TRA GO GC515 is a great choice. It offers a good balance of functionality, portability, and ease of use, making it a valuable tool for content creators and gaming enthusiasts alike.

AVerMedia X'TRA GO GC515 Review

Summary

For gamers who frequently use handheld consoles like the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, or Nintendo Switch and want a hassle-free way to record their gameplay, the AVerMedia X’TRA GO GC515 is a great choice. It offers a good balance of functionality, portability, and ease of use, making it a valuable tool for content creators and gaming enthusiasts alike.

Overall
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Pros

  • PC-free recording capability
  • Compact and portable design
  • High-quality video capture up to 4K30
  • Versatile connectivity options
  • Compatible with various handheld consoles
  • Doubles as a mini docking station

Cons

  • No support for Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) pass-through
  • Slightly lower maximum recording resolution compared to some alternatives
  • Micro SD card not included
  • May be overkill for users who don’t need PC-free recording

Last update on 2025-02-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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