Video game streaming is an increasingly popular pastime that requires sophisticated gear. From PC gaming-specific capture cards to mics that pick up gameplay audio, streaming your gaming sessions online requires sophisticated hardware.
Streamers can choose between set-top boxes from Apple, Amazon, Google and Roku or streaming stick-style devices that connect directly to an HDMI input on their television screen. Some models, like Roku Streaming Stick 4K models offer features like hands-free voice control and private listening.
Roku Streaming Stick 4K
The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is one of the most beloved streaming devices on the market, supporting virtually all major services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hulu Apple TV+ and Google Movies and Music Apps – not forgetting its free ad-supported Roku Channel offering films and TV shows without subscription costs!
The Streaming Stick is easy to use and offers great value at an incredible price point. Simply connect it to your television via HDMI for resolutions up to 4K UHD with HDR10+ support for HDR playback as well as HDCP 2.2 for secure playback.
The remote of the Streaming Stick features clicky tactile buttons and shortcuts for major streaming services, as well as a built-in microphone to perform voice searches and control of TV functions such as power and volume. Furthermore, this device can also be controlled via smart home assistants like Alexa and Google Assistant via smartphone apps or smart home assistants such as Alexa.
Roku Ultra
Roku Ultra is the top-tier streaming player from an industry pioneer that’s been around since streaming first became a thing. Packed with features and modern conveniences, this streaming player easily rivals rivals like Amazon Fire TV Cube and Apple 4K TV (without exclusive features). And it even works on budget smartphones.
It provides 4K and HDR content through Dolby Vision and Atmos compatibility if both your TV and sound system support it, plus Ethernet port support for hardwired internet connections, plus an easy-to-find lost remote finder button.
Roku’s latest Voice Remote Pro features a rechargeable battery, headphone jack (finally!), programmable shortcuts to favorite apps and a private push-to-talk mode for earbuds or headphones – making this an excellent option for recent cord cutters as well as longtime streamers seeking an easy user-friendly experience. Priced between $90-$105 but frequently discounted when sold on sale –
Razer Seiren Elite
If you’ve considered starting to stream video, then you know it requires quite an investment of hardware. One essential piece is a high-quality microphone – that’s where the Razer Seiren Elite steps in!
Razer has long been considered an industry leader when it comes to PC gaming peripherals, but this marks its inaugural foray into streaming mic technology. Like their Kiyo webcam and Seiren X microphone from last year, this microphone was created specifically to meet the demands of Twitch and YouTube broadcasters.
The Seiren Elite microphone was designed as a plug-and-play solution without needing external mixers and amplifiers, boasting a single capsule design promising richer, warmer voice tones not previously available from expensive broadcast equipment. All this comes together in an attractive black case featuring volume gain mute controls conveniently placed on its front face for user use with popular broadcast software such as Open Broadcast Studio (OBS) and XSplit broadcasting platforms.
Blue Yeti Microphone
The Blue Yeti microphone has become a beloved icon among streamers and podcasters due to its quirky look, making it the go-to microphone choice. Offering simple plug-and-play USB mic functionality with direct headphone monitoring for streamers and podcasters alike. Other “professional” options exist as well, though with less features such as built-in desk stands and four different polar patterns the Blue Yeti offers content creators an affordable entry point into content creation – perfect for streaming musicians or new podcasters looking for an effortless setup experience.
Its red-lit mute button can come in handy for newcomers who may accidentally peak their mic and ruin an audio recording (although this can be rectified using software later). Furthermore, the rotary dial allows for switching through various pickup patterns – what mic picks up from its surroundings – such as cardioid mode (for optimal noise rejection and signal quality) as well as other uses (including stereo mode which is great for music recordings).
