AUD Price Showdown: Elgato HD60 X vs. AVerMedia Live Gamer Mini for Switch Streamers

When choosing a capture card for your Nintendo Switch in Australia, two excellent external options often come up: the feature-rich Elgato HD60 X and the budget-friendly AVerMedia Live Gamer Mini. While both perfectly capture 1080p60 gameplay, their Australian dollar (AUD) price points tell two very different stories.

Direct Answer & Analysis

In the Australian market, the AVerMedia Live Gamer Mini (GC311) is significantly cheaper, typically retailing between $129 and $159 AUD. In stark contrast, the Elgato HD60 X commands a premium price, usually sitting between $289 and $329 AUD.

The price difference of over $150 AUD is not arbitrary; it's a direct reflection of features and future-proofing. The Elgato HD60 X is a modern powerhouse designed for next-gen consoles. It boasts 4K60 HDR10 passthrough, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support, and superior onboard processing. This means you can play your PS5 or Xbox Series X on a high-end monitor without sacrificing any visual quality while you stream.

The AVerMedia Live Gamer Mini, however, is a purpose-built 1080p60 tool. It does one job—capturing full HD footage at a smooth 60 frames per second—and it does it exceptionally well. Since the Nintendo Switch's maximum output is 1080p60, the Live Gamer Mini's specifications are a perfect match. You are not paying for any features that the Switch cannot use.

Pros & Cons

Elgato HD60 X

• Pros:

  • Future-Proof: 4K60 HDR and VRR passthrough make it ideal if you also own a PS5 or Xbox Series X.
  • Superior Software: Elgato's 4K Capture Utility and Stream Link ecosystem are polished and user-friendly.
  • High-Quality Capture: Can capture in 10-bit HDR for more vibrant colours (if you have a compatible setup).
  • Low Latency: Instant Gameview technology provides near-zero latency for monitoring your stream feed.

• Cons:

  • High Price in AUD: The cost is more than double its competitor for features the Switch can't utilize.
  • Overkill for Switch-Only: Paying a premium for 4K passthrough is unnecessary if you only stream Switch games.

AVerMedia Live Gamer Mini (GC311)

• Pros:

  • Exceptional Value: The price-to-performance ratio in Australia is unbeatable for a 1080p60 capture card.
  • Perfectly Matched: Its 1080p60 passthrough and capture capabilities are exactly what the Nintendo Switch requires.
  • Plug-and-Play Simplicity: UVC (USB Video Class) support means it works out-of-the-box with OBS and Streamlabs without needing special drivers.
  • Compact Size: Its small footprint is great for tidy or portable setups.

• Cons:

  • No Future-Proofing: Limited to 1080p60 passthrough, making it a bottleneck for 4K consoles like the PS5.
  • Basic Software: AVerMedia's RECentral software is functional but generally considered less intuitive than Elgato's offering.

Verdict

For the Australian streamer focused exclusively on the Nintendo Switch, the AVerMedia Live Gamer Mini is the clear winner and the smarter financial choice. It delivers flawless 1080p60 capture that perfectly matches the console's output for less than half the price of the Elgato card. That extra $150+ AUD is better invested in a quality microphone or lighting to improve your stream's overall production value.

However, if you are a multi-console streamer who also plays on a PS5 or Xbox Series X and demands the best visual fidelity on your own monitor via 4K HDR passthrough, the Elgato HD60 X is the justified long-term investment. It provides the power and flexibility to handle any console you throw at it, ensuring you only need to buy one capture card for the foreseeable future.