As a seasoned gamer and tech enthusiast, I must say that the AVerMedia X’TRA GO GC515 has truly caught my eye! This versatile device has become my new go-to for recording and streaming high-quality gameplay without the need for a bulky computer setup.
One advantage of owning a portable gaming device such as the Steam Deck, ROG Ally, or Legion Go is that it can serve as an affordable alternative to pricier gaming laptops.
On smaller devices, capturing screen content isn’t as straightforward. This is why AVerMedia introduced the X’TRA GO GC515 Charging Dock, an accessory that allows you to record handheld gameplay directly without requiring a computer connection.
Over the past two weeks, I’ve been testing the AVerMedia X’TRA GO GC515 with a range of my handheld gaming devices (ROG Ally, ROG Ally X, Legion Go, Steam Deck, and Nintendo Switch). Here are my findings.
AVerMedia X’TRA GO GC515W: Price and availability
It’s quite possible that you’re already aware, but there’s a plethora of gaming handheld docks available today, catering to various devices such as the Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, ROG Ally, Legion Go, and numerous other portable gaming systems.
Several of these docks are available for prices ranging from $25 to $50. This might initially seem expensive for the AVerMedia X’TRA GO, priced at $199.99. However, its higher price tag is justified because it is among the few, if not the only dock, that can capture handheld game footage without requiring a computer connection.
Rather than serving solely as a transfer station, X’TRA GO incorporates an internal capture card. By sliding in a microSD card, this accessory allows you to effortlessly record your gameplay by pressing a button, all while holding your handheld device upright.
As a fan, I’d be thrilled to share that you can connect the X’TRA GO to your laptop or desktop for enhanced screen capture control via software like OBS Studio. Plus, it comes in both black and white variants, allowing you to either blend seamlessly with or make a bold statement against your preferred gaming handheld device.
You can purchase the X’TRA GO at Amazon or the AVerMedia website. If you’re lucky, you might be able to find it on sale during specific discount events throughout the year, such as Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or Prime Day. So far, the best sale I’ve seen has made the X’TRA GO dock drop down to $179.99 at Amazon. It’s definitely pricier than many of the best external capture cards, but these other options don’t display your handheld, and they often don’t offer extra ports like the X’TRA GO does.
AVerMedia X’TRA GO GC515W — What’s in the box?
The AVerMedia X’TRA GO GC515 docking station and recording device includes an HDMI 2.0 cable, a USB-C to USB-C cable, a USB-C to USB-C Power Delivery (PD) cable, and a quick user manual for easy setup.
AVerMedia X’TRA GO GC515W: What I like
The AVerMedia X’TRA GO is an exceptional portable gaming accessory that makes it simple for me to record gameplay without needing a computer. Its rubber base accommodates devices like the Steam Deck, Nintendo Switch OLED, ROG Ally, and Legion Go comfortably. Additionally, the supplied USB-C cable stretches out enough to connect with all these devices. However, I’ve discovered that connecting the Legion Go is more straightforward when I plug the USB-C cable into its bottom port instead of the top one on the handheld device.
Among the aspects I adore about the X’TRA GO GC515 is its remarkable compactness. Typically, external capture cards aren’t overly large, but even enclosed within a plastic dock, this accessory manages to occupy merely around 5.5 inches by 4 inches of space on my desk, making it a perfect fit.
Plenty of charging ports, three monitors, and two host devices
The ports make it easy to connect the dock to my handheld, a couple of accessories, and, optionally, my computer. I took some time to tuck my cables carefully behind the accessory, and I got a relatively clean setup overall.
The ports are clearly labeled, making it simple to identify where to connect various devices. A USB-C port with a handheld icon indicates it’s suitable for my gaming handheld, while another USB-C port with a laptop icon suggests it can be used optionally for my computer. Concurrently, a slider on the right allows me to switch between Capture Mode and Card Reader Mode.
Using a handheld device directly within its dock felt a bit uncomfortable for me, so I opted for using my preferred Xbox controller or a mouse and keyboard instead.
The X’TRA GO device doesn’t include a power cable/adapter and requires a 65W power supply for optimal performance. Consequently, I utilized my ROG Ally charging block, capable of providing sufficient power to charge both the ROG Ally and Legion Go devices, even during high-demand gaming sessions at their maximum TDP levels.
either using my preferred Xbox controller wirelessly via Bluetooth or connecting a mouse and keyboard via USB-A dongle to the dock, for smoother game control.
TIP: To connect the GC515 to your Nintendo Switch, always remember to utilize the Nintendo Switch’s power adapter and HDMI cable for seamless compatibility.
Easy capture and beautiful footage
After some problem-solving, operating the X’TRA GO for recording is effortless now that it’s all set up. To start with, I connected all required cables (without linking to a computer), followed by inserting a Samsung Evo Select 1TB microSD card into the dock. If you don’t have an appropriate memory card yet, consider checking out our recommended list of top-quality gaming handheld microSD cards for better performance.
After that, I easily recorded video just by pushing the big AVerMedia control button situated at the device’s front. A light indicator underneath this button, which is an LED, flashes red to signal active recording. Once I stopped the recording by pressing the button again, the light changed from red to blue.
During my experiments, I tested multiple recording sessions on various handheld devices I own. It turned out that the dock automatically saves videos as MP4 files and offers two recording options: 120 frames per second at 1080p resolution or up to 60 frames per second in 4K. Upon reviewing these recordings, I found them clear, sharp, and with a smooth playback quality. The sound was also satisfactory.
After that, I linked the docking station with my compact ROG NUC 970 gaming PC. Then, I downloaded AVerMedia Streaming Center from the official AVerMedia website to adjust the settings of my GC515. When ready, I employed OBS Studio to have better command over my recording or streaming activities while trying out various games such as Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Cyberpunk 2077, and Baldur’s Gate 3.
On your computer screen, there might be a slight delay when displaying images, which is quite normal in many cases. The pass-through resolution seems impressive because it can handle up to 4K at 60Hz or 1080p at 120Hz, provided you have a compatible monitor for these high resolutions and frame rates.
How to set up X’TRA GO GC515 with OBS for streaming
Among various streaming applications available, we favorably recommend OBS Studio, a free and open-source tool. Here’s a guide on setting up your GC515 gaming handheld with this software:
- Download the AVerMedia Streaming Center from AVerMedia.com and install it on your computer. If it doesn’t detect the GC515, unplug and then replug the power cable to the dock and then press the Refresh button. You might also want to try restarting your computer.
- Connect the X’TRA GO to your gaming handheld (and optionally your computer) as instructed in the Quick Start Guide.
- Turn on your docked gaming handheld.
- Adjust resolution and refresh rates on your handheld device (something that is possible with Windows handhelds but not Nintendo Switch).
- Use the switch on the back to put the X’TRA GO in the correct mode. Left is Capture Mode, and the right is MicroSD Card Reader Mode.
- Connect a keyboard and mouse or a controller to the gaming handheld either through the USB-A ports on the GC515 or via the handheld’s Bluetooth.
- Download OBS (if you don’t already have it) and install it on your computer.
- Open OBS on your computer. If this is your first time, you’ll need to determine some settings. I selected:
- Usage Information: Optimize for streaming, recording secondary
- Video Settings: 1920×1080, Either 60 or 30, but prefer 60 when possible
- Stream Information: Twitch with a connected account.
- In the Sources box near the bottom of the screen, click on the + button.
- Select Video Capture Device. By default, it should have GC515 X’TRA GO selected.
- Adjusted settings if desired or press OK to close the window.
- If you’re ready to stream or record, simply make sure the gaming handheld is on and running whatever game you want it to. Then click on Start Streaming or Start Recording in the Controls box (found in the bottom right corner of OBS).
- When you’re done, select Stop Streaming or Stop Recording.
TIP FOR USERS: To ensure the correct display of signals on your computer or monitor, you may have to modify the settings for your device’s screen.
AVerMedia X’TRA GO GC515W: What I do not like
Previously, I hinted at an issue with the X’TRA GO – it lacks the ability to adjust its stand. This inconsistency in angle causes handhelds to be positioned differently based on the thickness of the device’s casing.
The Nintendo Switch has a tendency to rock back and forth, while the Legion Go fits snugly and stands upright. On the other hand, the X’TRA GO is too narrow to securely hold the larger ROG Ally X. Despite this, I managed to utilize the GC515 for recording or streaming from the enhanced ASUS gaming device, but not with the Ally X attached to the stand.
I was somewhat taken aback as well, given that this charging dock lacks an Ethernet port (RJ45). Although it’s functional without connecting to a computer, many other docking stations on the market come equipped with Ethernet ports. For my gaming needs, I’d much rather have a faster wired internet connection available.
AVerMedia X’TRA GO GC515W: Competition
When seeking top-notch laptop docking stations or Thunderbolt 4 hubs, you’ll discover a variety of choices. However, each device provides distinct connection opportunities. To ensure you select the perfect match for your requirements, first decide what specific features you desire from a docking station and then find one that aligns with those needs.
If you’ve got a handheld docking station and a computer, and you’re just in need of a capture card, take a peek at our Elgato HD60 X review. This device is simple to set up, boasts HDR processing capabilities, and provides VRR passthrough. It retails for $179.99, but during sales on Amazon, you can grab it for as low as $129.99.
If you’re only looking for a docking station without the need to record video, I would suggest considering the JSAUX accessory. You might find my review of the JSAUX 6-in-1 Multifunctional Docking Station useful ($38.99 on Amazon), which is perfect for ROG Ally, ROG Ally X, and Legion Go devices, or alternatively, you could check out my colleague’s review of the JSAUX Steam Deck dock ($39.99 on Amazon) for two fantastic options.
If you’re in need of a comprehensive solution to easily connect various devices to your computer, I recommend checking out our review on the CalDigit TS4. This dock station offers a good number of ports within a compact design. Among its offerings, it includes both an SD Card reader and a microSD card reader. The CalDigit TS4 typically retails for $449.95, but you can frequently find it on sale at Amazon for $399.95.
AVerMedia X’TRA GO GC515W: Should you buy it?
You should buy this if…
✅ I discovered an amazing gadget known as the X’TRA GO: This versatile device isn’t just a docking station; it also functions as a recording tool for all your gaming sessions. That means you can record your gameplay without needing a laptop or computer connected to your handheld device.
🔺 You’re looking for a docking station that supports all popular modern gaming handhelds? Here’s one option: The X’TRA GO is designed to work with Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, ROG Ally, Legion Go, MSI Claw, as well as other USB-C gaming devices.
✅ You’re searching for a device that is space-efficient and aesthetically pleasing: The X’TRA GO, despite its multiple functionalities as a docking station, port hub, and recording device, boasts a compact size. Additionally, it features an attractive design that complements any gaming setup, office, or living room decor.
You should not buy this if…
To establish a reliable wired internet connection with your gaming devices using the X’TRA GO GC515, you should note that it lacks an Ethernet port, so it can’t provide such a connection by itself.
If you aren’t planning on recording or streaming your gameplay: A more straightforward and less expensive gaming handheld docking station would suit you better, as it doesn’t have the recording capabilities of this specialized device.
The AVerMedia X’TRA GO GC515 is an incredibly convenient tool for recording or live-streaming high-quality game clips directly from your gaming handheld. It allows you to effortlessly capture footage without the need for a computer, giving you the flexibility to upload or share your captures online or with friends as you prefer. If you’re aiming for more control over your streaming, I suggest linking it with a PC and employing OBS Studio for a smoother experience.
Although the current port selection works fine, it would be more advantageous if the X’TRA GO included an RJ45 port for a stable wired internet connection during online gaming sessions. Furthermore, incorporating an adjustable stand area could facilitate better viewing angles for various gaming devices and potentially accommodate the ROG Ally X as well. Despite these minor drawbacks, I still strongly suggest the X’TRA GO to gaming handheld owners who wish to stream or record gameplay.
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2024-11-08 19:10