What Equipment Do You Need for PC Gaming and Console Streaming?
Are you a PC gamer or console streamer who wants to take your passion to the next level? Whether you’re just starting out or already have an established streaming channel, having the necessary equipment can help you share your game with other gamers around the world. In this blog post, we’ll provide an overview of the streaming equipment you need to take PC or console gaming to the next level.
First and foremost, the most important tool you need for streaming is a reliable gaming PC or console. You can either use a gaming PC or an Xbox One/PS4, depending on your preference. A gaming PC will give you more flexibility when streaming, as you can adjust the settings for the best performance possible. If you’re using an Xbox One or PS4, we recommend getting an external capture card as this will allow you to stream at higher resolutions, have more streaming options, and have a better overall experience. However, if you’re on a budget, an Xbox One or PS4 will suffice.
The next most important component of streaming is having a fast, reliable internet connection. If your internet isn’t fast enough, your stream can be choppy, leading to a poor viewing experience. The recommended upload speed for streaming is 5-6 Mbps, though it’s recommended to have a minimum of 3 Mbps upload. If you don’t have enough bandwidth, you can also look into adding additional bandwidth to your plan.
The main thing is that your internet is stable—you don’t want your viewer’s experiences to be hampered by lagging or buffering.
For the stream itself, you’ll need a streaming program. There are free options like OBS Studio and Streamlabs OBS, as well as paid options like XSplit and Streamlabs Premium. All of these programs will allow you to stream your gameplay on platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Mixer. Additionally, some streaming programs come with additional features such as overlay themes, chat boxes, and donation/subscribe alerts.
If you don’t have a microphone and would like to add voice commentary to your streams, there are plenty of options to choose from. The most popular microphones for streaming are USB and XLR condenser microphones. For a budget option, we recommend getting a USB microphone like the Blue Yeti, whereas if you’re looking for something more professional, an XLR microphone like the Shure SM7B or Rode Procaster would be good choices. If you’re looking for a more basic microphone, you can also use a headset microphone plugged into your PC/Console (many gaming headsets come with this feature).
Another thing you’ll need to consider is streaming software. This will allow you to show images and videos on your stream and add music, sound effects, and voice overs. Again, there are free streaming tools like OBS Studio, as well as paid options like Streamlabs.
Finally, you’ll need an external encoder. This is a device that compresses your video and audio and sends it to the streaming platform. If you’re using a gaming PC, you can use your TV or monitor as your encoder, but if you’re using an Xbox One or PS4, you’ll need an external encoder like the Elgato Stream Deck or Logitech Stream Deck XL.
These are the basic components of streaming equipment you need for a successful streaming setup. As you grow your platform and gain more viewers, you might find that you need to upgrade certain pieces of equipment or invest in additional features like a green screen or lighting.
No matter what equipment you use or budget you have, as long as you have the basic streaming equipment set up and you’re confident in your production skills, you can make a great stream! Have fun and good luck!
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