Buying Guide
The Best Capture Cards for Switch 2
Five capture cards compared, from the JSAUX capture dock to the AVerMedia GC553G2, with the trade-offs of each named.
By The PC Journal editorial team
12 min read5 products evaluated
The Nintendo Switch 2 has been on sale since June 2025, and capture cards need explicit support for it. Every pick lists Switch 2 compatibility in its title or bullets, and we ordered them from the lowest price up.
This is a research roundup, not a lab test: type, what it does and connection come from each maker's published specs; gaps in the specs are flagged, not filled in, and no figure here comes from our own testing.
Quick Picks
Our 5 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.
Lowest Price Here
JSAUX Capture Card Dock for Nintendo Switch 2, Steam Deck and ROG Ally
A lower price than the Guermok capture dock and the rest when we checked.
Best for: Getting 100W USB-C PD charging port for the least money.
Our take Check price for JSAUX Capture Card Dock for Nintendo Switch 2, Steam Deck and ROG Ally (opens in a new tab)
Also Consider
Guermok USB-C Capture Card Dock for Switch 2 and Steam Deck
A low-latency HDMI loop-out up to 4K60.
Best for: Buyers who want low-latency HDMI loop-out up to 4K60.
Our take Check price for Guermok USB-C Capture Card Dock for Switch 2 and Steam Deck (opens in a new tab)
Strong Alternative
AVerMedia GC311G2 USB-C Game Capture Card
1440p144 HDR or 1080p240 HDR pass-through.
Best for: Buyers who want 1440p144 HDR or 1080p240 HDR pass-through.
Our take Check price for AVerMedia GC311G2 USB-C Game Capture Card (opens in a new tab)
Worth a Look
Elgato 4K S Capture Card
Capture at 1440p120 or 1080p240.
Best for: Buyers who want capture at 1440p120 or 1080p240.
Our take Check price for Elgato 4K S Capture Card (opens in a new tab)
Premium Pick
AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 GC553G2
4K144 HDR/VRR pass-through, or 1440p240 and 1080p360 at the highest price in the group.
Best for: Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the JSAUX capture dock costs less.
Our take Check price for AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 GC553G2 (opens in a new tab)
Our Picks
Lowest Price Here1 of 5
JSAUX Capture Card Dock for Nintendo Switch 2, Steam Deck and ROG Ally on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The JSAUX capture dock stands out for a 100W USB-C PD charging port, and it adds no drivers on Windows, macOS or Linux.
Best for
- Getting 100W USB-C PD charging port for the least money.
Skip if
- Look at the other picks if you need a feature not covered above.
Why we like it
It doubles as a portable dock, and its compact size fits a backpack for travel. It accepts a USB-C source at up to 4K at 60Hz or 1440p at 120Hz and passes it through to a display over HDMI. USB-A recording tops out at 4K30 or 1080p60, and it works with OBS Studio on Windows, macOS and Linux without drivers.
A capture card needs the console or second PC's HDMI output and a free USB port on the streaming PC; check which USB version it needs. It was the cheapest of the group when we checked; the Guermok capture dock was the next step up.
Key dimensions & specs
- Type: Capture card and portable dock
- What it does: Captures a handheld
- Connection: USB-C in, HDMI out, USB-A port
- Key figure: 4K30 or 1080p60 recording with 4K60 pass-through
Pros
- 100W USB-C PD charging port
- No drivers on Windows, macOS or Linux
- Portable-dock design for handhelds
- A lower price than the Guermok capture dock and the rest when we checked
Also Consider2 of 5
Guermok USB-C Capture Card Dock for Switch 2 and Steam Deck on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the Guermok capture dock brings to the table is a low-latency HDMI loop-out up to 4K60, plus listed support for Switch 2 in dock mode and Steam.
Best for
- Buyers who want low-latency HDMI loop-out up to 4K60.
Skip if
- Skip it if price comes first: the JSAUX capture dock cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
It mirrors your game to a TV or monitor at up to 4K at 60Hz over HDMI while it captures through the USB-C port. Capture formats include MJPEG up to 4K60 and YUY2 up to 4K at 25Hz. The listing names Switch 2 in dock mode, Steam, laptops, tablets and phones that send video over USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode.
A capture card needs the console or second PC's HDMI output and a free USB port on the streaming PC; check which USB version it needs. Its price falls between the JSAUX capture dock and the AVerMedia GC311G2, based on our last check.
Key dimensions & specs
- Type: Capture card and dock
- What it does: Captures a handheld or Switch 2 in dock mode
- Connection: USB-C in, HDMI out, USB-C capture
- Key figure: MJPEG capture up to 4K60, 2K120 and 1080p120
Pros
- Low-latency HDMI loop-out up to 4K60
- Listed support for Switch 2 in dock mode and Steam
- Capture over USB-C
Cons
- Costs more than the JSAUX capture dock at the time of writing
Strong Alternative3 of 5
AVerMedia GC311G2 USB-C Game Capture Card on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The AVerMedia GC311G2 stands out for 1440p144 HDR or 1080p240 HDR pass-through, and it adds listed support for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PCs.
Best for
- Buyers who want 1440p144 HDR or 1080p240 HDR pass-through.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the JSAUX capture dock, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
HDR applies to the pass-through signal only; the recording or stream is up to 1080p at 60fps. Its HDMI 2.0 pass-through supports up to 1440p144 HDR or 1080p240 HDR, and a USB 3.0 Type-C cable carries the capture to a Windows or macOS computer. AVerMedia says it is made in Taiwan and tested to FCC Part 15 Class B limits.
You also get driver-free use with OBS, Camo Studio and AVerMedia Streaming Center. A capture card needs the console or second PC's HDMI output and a free USB port on the streaming PC; check which USB version it needs. On price it sat third of 5, between the cheaper Guermok capture dock and the pricier 4K S, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Type: Game capture card
- What it does: Captures a console
- Connection: HDMI in and out, USB-C
- Key figure: 1080p60 capture with 4K60 HDR pass-through
Pros
- 1440p144 HDR or 1080p240 HDR pass-through
- Listed support for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PCs
- Driver-free use with OBS, Camo Studio and AVerMedia Streaming Center
Cons
- Costs more than the JSAUX capture dock at the time of writing
Worth a Look4 of 5
Elgato 4K S Capture Card on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
What the 4K S brings to the table is capture at 1440p120 or 1080p240, plus HDR10 capture with tone mapping on Windows.
Best for
- Buyers who want capture at 1440p120 or 1080p240.
Skip if
- If budget leads, the JSAUX capture dock was cheaper at our last price check.
Why we like it
It captures at 4K60 from PS5, Xbox Series X/S and Switch 2. A 3.5mm analog input records party chat or commentary with the game audio. It plays and captures at 1440p120 or 1080p240, and it works with PS5, Xbox Series X/S and Switch 2.
You get a 4K60 HDR10 capture key figure here, which sets it apart from the AVerMedia GC553G2 and its a 4K144 capture on Windows key figure. A capture card needs the console or second PC's HDMI output and a free USB port on the streaming PC; check which USB version it needs. On price it sat fourth of 5, between the cheaper AVerMedia GC311G2 and the pricier AVerMedia GC553G2, at the time of writing.
Key dimensions & specs
- Type: Game capture card
- What it does: Captures a console or second PC
- Connection: HDMI in and out, USB
- Key figure: 4K60 HDR10 capture
Pros
- Capture at 1440p120 or 1080p240
- HDR10 capture with tone mapping on Windows
- Support for PS5, Xbox Series X/S and Switch 2
- 4K60 HDR10 capture key figure, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the JSAUX capture dock at the time of writing
Premium Pick5 of 5
AVerMedia Live Gamer Ultra 2.1 GC553G2 on Amazon (opens in a new tab)
The AVerMedia GC553G2 is built around 4K144 HDR/VRR pass-through, or 1440p240 and 1080p360, with listed support for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC on top.
Best for
- Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the JSAUX capture dock costs less.
Skip if
- Price-first buyers should look at the JSAUX capture dock, which cost less when we checked.
Why we like it
You get a 4K144 capture on Windows key figure here, which sets it apart from the 4K S and its a 4K60 HDR10 capture key figure. A capture card needs the console or second PC's HDMI output and a free USB port on the streaming PC; check which USB version it needs. It was the highest-priced of the 5 picks at the time of writing, so the case for it rests on what it adds over the 4K S and the rest.
Key dimensions & specs
- Type: Game capture card
- What it does: Captures a console
- Connection: HDMI 2.1 in and out, USB-C 10Gbps
- Key figure: 4K144 capture on Windows
Pros
- 4K144 HDR/VRR pass-through, or 1440p240 and 1080p360
- Listed support for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC
- Capture on Windows, Mac or iPad
- 4K144 capture on Windows key figure, the only one here
Cons
- Costs more than the JSAUX capture dock at the time of writing
How We Chose These Capture Cards for Switch 2
Each pick was assessed across 4 criteria weighted for real-world use.
- The figures behind the order
- We set side by side five streaming gear on type, what it does, connection and key figure from manufacturer specifications. We did not test them in-house, and all 4 compared fields are stated for every pick.
- The shared baseline
- All 5, from the JSAUX capture dock to the AVerMedia GC553G2, state type, what it does and connection.
- Who each pick suits
- The JSAUX capture dock for a lower price than the Guermok capture dock and the rest when we checked; the Guermok capture dock for a low-latency HDMI loop-out up to 4K60; the AVerMedia GC311G2 for 1440p144 HDR or 1080p240 HDR pass-through.
- Price range
- At our last check the picks ran from the JSAUX capture dock (under $50) to the AVerMedia GC553G2 ($150 to $250).
What to Look for in a Capture Card for Switch 2
Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.
Features beyond the spec table
The AVerMedia GC311G2: listed support for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PCs. The 4K S: HDR10 capture with tone mapping on Windows. The AVerMedia GC553G2: listed support for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2 and PC.
Budget
Under $50 buys the JSAUX capture dock and the Guermok capture dock; $50 to $100 buys the AVerMedia GC311G2; $100 to $150 buys the 4K S; $150 to $250 buys the AVerMedia GC553G2 at our last check.
Match the pick to your priority
Getting 100W USB-C PD charging port for the least money: the JSAUX capture dock. Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the JSAUX capture dock costs less: the AVerMedia GC553G2.
Stream controls
A Stream Deck puts scene changes, mute and alerts on physical keys. The number of keys decides how much fits on one page.
Light your face
A key light lets any webcam run a faster shutter and cleaner image. Mount it off to one side of the camera.
How to Choose a Capture Card for Switch 2
By priority
| Priority | Consider | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Getting 100W USB-C PD charging port for the least money | JSAUX capture dock | A lower price than the Guermok capture dock and the rest when we checked |
| Buyers who want low-latency HDMI loop-out up to 4K60 | Guermok capture dock | A low-latency HDMI loop-out up to 4K60 |
| Buyers who want 1440p144 HDR or 1080p240 HDR pass-through | AVerMedia GC311G2 | 1440p144 HDR or 1080p240 HDR pass-through |
| Buyers who want capture at 1440p120 or 1080p240 | 4K S | Capture at 1440p120 or 1080p240 |
| Buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the JSAUX capture dock costs less | AVerMedia GC553G2 | 4K144 HDR/VRR pass-through, or 1440p240 and 1080p360 at the highest price in the group |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
Key specs side by side
The JSAUX capture dock, the Guermok capture dock and the rest, as their makers list them.
| Streaming gear | Type | What it does | Connection | Key figure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JSAUX capture dock | Capture card and portable dock | Captures a handheld | USB-C in, HDMI out, USB-A port | 4K30 or 1080p60 recording with 4K60 pass-through |
| Guermok capture dock | Capture card and dock | Captures a handheld or Switch 2 in dock mode | USB-C in, HDMI out, USB-C capture | MJPEG capture up to 4K60, 2K120 and 1080p120 |
| AVerMedia GC311G2 | Game capture card | Captures a console | HDMI in and out, USB-C | 1080p60 capture with 4K60 HDR pass-through |
| 4K S | Game capture card | Captures a console or second PC | HDMI in and out, USB | 4K60 HDR10 capture |
| AVerMedia GC553G2 | Game capture card | Captures a console | HDMI 2.1 in and out, USB-C 10Gbps | 4K144 capture on Windows |
Scroll sideways to see every column.
By price at the time of writing
At our last check the cheapest pick, the JSAUX capture dock, sat in the under $50 tier, 4 tiers in all up to the AVerMedia GC553G2 at $150 to $250; Amazon prices move, so recheck before buying.
| Price tier | Streaming gear |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | JSAUX capture dock, Guermok capture dock |
| About $50 to $100 | AVerMedia GC311G2 |
| About $100 to $150 | 4K S |
| About $150 to $250 | AVerMedia GC553G2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the JSAUX capture dock the Lowest Price Here?
It earns the label for a lower price than the Guermok capture dock and the rest when we checked. It suits getting 100W USB-C PD charging port for the least money.
Beyond the specs, what sets the JSAUX capture dock and the Guermok capture dock apart?
The JSAUX capture dock: a 100W USB-C PD charging port. The Guermok capture dock: a low-latency HDMI loop-out up to 4K60. The AVerMedia GC311G2: 1440p144 HDR or 1080p240 HDR pass-through.
Who should choose the AVerMedia GC553G2?
The AVerMedia GC553G2 carries our Premium Pick label for 4K144 HDR/VRR pass-through, or 1440p240 and 1080p360 at the highest price in the group. It ranks fifth of 5 here and sat in the $150 to $250 tier at our last price check; it suits buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the JSAUX capture dock costs less.
Should I pick the JSAUX capture dock or the AVerMedia GC553G2?
The JSAUX capture dock suits getting 100W USB-C PD charging port for the least money; the AVerMedia GC553G2 suits buyers for whom price is not the deciding factor, since the JSAUX capture dock costs less.
What else do the 4K S and the AVerMedia GC553G2 offer?
The 4K S: support for PS5, Xbox Series X/S and Switch 2. The AVerMedia GC553G2: capture on Windows, Mac or iPad.
Bottom Line
Our first pick is the JSAUX capture dock, chosen for a lower price than the Guermok capture dock and the rest when we checked. Look at the Guermok capture dock for a low-latency HDMI loop-out up to 4K60, the AVerMedia GC311G2 for 1440p144 HDR or 1080p240 HDR pass-through and the 4K S for capture at 1440p120 or 1080p240 if those matter more to you.
Switch 2 docked output can reach 4K60 with HDR, so check each card's pass-through limits and use the HDMI cable and dock that came with your console.