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What's the difference between 4K S and HD60 X

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When it comes to external capture cards, both Game Capture 4K S and Game Capture HD60 X deliver Elgato’s signature quality, but they have a few differences. Here's how they stack up:

4K S vs HD60 X Thumbnail

At a glance

4K S HD60 X
MSRP $159.99 USD $179.99 USD
Perfect for Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S
Capture resolution (Max) 4K60 4K30
1440p Capture (max) 1440p120 1440p60
Passthrough resolution Up to 4K60 / 1440p120
HDR Passthrough Up to 4K60
HDR capture Up to 1080p60
Variable Refresh Rate Passthrough Yes
HDMI (Input & output) HDMI 2.0
PC interface USB-C 3.0 (5Gbps)
Analog Audio In 3.5mm
Software Elgato Studio, OBS, etc. 4K Capture Utility, OBS, etc.

4K60 SDR Capture

Both HD60 X and 4K S support 1080p60 HDR capture, delivering vibrant Full HD footage with rich color and contrast. But the difference becomes clear at 4K resolution.

While HD60 X maxes out at 4K30 SDR, 4K S steps up with full 4K60 SDR capture, perfect for recording gameplay that’s both high-res and high-framerate. This makes 4K S an ideal companion for Nintendo Switch 2 and other consoles, outputting clean 4K60, letting you preserve every frame and every detail in cinematic clarity.

Higher Framerates

While HD60 X supports 1440p120 passthrough, it’s limited to 1440p60 capture, meaning high frame rate gameplay doesn’t make it into your recordings. That’s where 4K S pulls ahead.

With 4K S, you get full 1440p120 passthrough and capture, so what you play is exactly what you record, smooth, sharp, and frame-accurate. Whether showcasing fast-paced shooters or highlighting buttery-smooth console gameplay, 4K S ensures your high-FPS performance is captured in full fidelity, ready for playback, editing, or sharing without compromise.

Elgato Studio

When HD60 X launched, 4K Capture Utility was the standard for gameplay recording. But with the release of 4K S, we’re introducing something new: Elgato Studio, our next-generation recording software.

Built from the ground up with creators in mind, Elgato Studio delivers clear, real-time capture diagnostics across the entire HDMI chain. You’ll always know what’s connected, what’s live, and what resolution and framerate you're recording in. A refreshed interface and bold recording indicators ensure total confidence whenever you hit the record button.

Like any Elgato software, Stream Deck integration comes built-in, so you can control Elgato Studio with a single tap, switch scenes, start recording, or monitor inputs without breaking your focus. It’s a more innovative, more seamless way to create.

Price Point

Not only does 4K S pack a bigger punch than HD60 X, it does so at a lower price. While HD60 X has held its ground as a dependable capture card at $179.99, 4K S is launching at just $159.99, delivering superior 4K60 capture, 1440p120 recording, and next-gen software support for $20 less.

That means more features, flexibility, and future-ready performance without stretching your budget. Whether upgrading your current setup or diving into content creation for the first time, 4K S gives you more headroom and savings.

Final Thoughts

4K S raises the bar, with higher capture resolutions, elevated frame rate support, next-gen software integration, and a more creator-friendly price tag. Whether streaming to your favorite platforms like Twitch or recording gameplay for your YouTube channel, Game Capture 4K S offers more power, precision, and value right out of the box.

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