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AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K vs Genki ShadowCast 2: Comparison
AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K vs Genki ShadowCast 2 latency compared
The gap that matters here is latency: AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K 2 ms against Genki ShadowCast 2 35 ms, which puts AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K 1650% ahead. There is a split on max recording resolution as well, 4K30 on the AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K versus 1080p60 on the Genki ShadowCast 2.
Which should you buy, AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K or Genki ShadowCast 2?
it is not the pick for HDMI 2.1 features like VRR passthrough, get the GC575 instead and laptop users, this is an internal desktop-only PCIe card. It also earns its place with budget buyers who can find this discounted now that GC575 has replaced it. Avoid it for HDR console capture, this card doesn't support HDR metadata at all. The Genki ShadowCast 2 suits travelers and portable streamers wanting the smallest possible capture device and console capture where 1080p60 recording is genuinely enough, though it is the wrong buy for anyone wanting established big-brand software support and long-term update cadence. The same goes for buyers on a 4K monitor who still want smooth passthrough while recording at 1080p60. It is not the one for 4K recording itself, this device only supports 4K passthrough, not 4K capture. Our rating of the AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K (6/10): still a capable 4K PCIe capture card if you can find it cheap and don't need HDR, otherwise the GC575 replaced it for good reason. Our rating of the Genki ShadowCast 2 (7/10): an impressively small dongle that keeps 4K passthrough alongside 1080p60 capture, just know it's a smaller company than Elgato or AVerMedia.
Frequently asked questions
Do the AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K and Genki ShadowCast 2 differ on form factor?
Yes. Form Factor reads Internal PCIe on the AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K versus Camera Dongle on the Genki ShadowCast 2.
Is the Passthrough Resolution the same on the AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K and Genki ShadowCast 2?
It is. Both are listed at 4K60, so it is not a reason to pick one over the other.
Specs and benchmarks
Form Factor
- AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K
- Internal PCIe
- Genki ShadowCast 2
- Camera Dongle
Brand
- AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K
- AVerMedia
- Genki ShadowCast 2
- Genki
Model Number
- AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K
- Live Gamer 4K (GC573)
- Genki ShadowCast 2
- ShadowCast 2
Connection Type
- AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K
- PCIe x4
- Genki ShadowCast 2
- USB-C / Thunderbolt
Max Recording Resolution
- AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K
- 4K30
- Genki ShadowCast 2
- 1080p60
Passthrough Resolution
- AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K
- 4K60
- Genki ShadowCast 2
- 4K60
HDR Support
- AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K
- No
- Genki ShadowCast 2
- No
Latency
- AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K
- 2 msBest
- Genki ShadowCast 2
- 35 ms-1650%
Which one should you pick?
Choose AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K if you want the lower latency (2 ms vs 35 ms).
Choose Genki ShadowCast 2 if you already have it on hand or find it at a lower price.
Price comparison
| Retailer | AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K | Genki ShadowCast 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Amazon | View on Amazon | |
| Newegg | View on Newegg |
Disclaimer: The price and specification of the given product may differ from the actual product. Please confirm on the retailer's website before buying.
Verdict
AVerMedia Live Gamer 4K
6 / 10 Expert Rating
Still a capable 4K PCIe capture card if you can find it cheap and don't need HDR, otherwise the GC575 replaced it for good reason.
Genki ShadowCast 2
7 / 10 Expert Rating
An impressively small dongle that keeps 4K passthrough alongside 1080p60 capture, just know it's a smaller company than Elgato or AVerMedia.