Elgato Game Capture HD60 S review

Earlier model · external USB 3.0 · 1080p60 ceiling

This is a research-based assessment of Elgato's Game Capture HD60 S, not a hands-on test. The useful case for the HD60 S is narrow: send an unencrypted HDMI feed to a Windows 10 computer over USB 3.0, record or stream at up to 1080p60, and send HDMI onward to a display. It is not the HD60 S+ and should not be treated as a 4K passthrough, HDR, or high-refresh device.

A straightforward HD route, with a host that does real work

The manufacturer's technical page lists a USB 3.0 (5 Gbps) Type-C connection, unencrypted HDMI input and HDMI output. Its supported inputs include 1080p60, 1080i, 720p60, several PAL and NTSC standard-definition formats, and interlaced modes. Elgato's supported-resolution page likewise lists capture through 1080p, with 720 × 480 as its supported 480p frame size; 640 × 480 is not supported. The product manual says its HDMI output sends the signal to a television or monitor in real time. Those facts describe an HD capture path, not a promise of high-refresh display output.

One important design distinction is that the S does not contain a built-in H.264 encoder. Elgato says it sends video over USB for the computer to process and encode. That makes the host's processor, graphics encoder, USB controller and other workload part of the setup rather than background details. When streaming and recording together, Elgato describes this model's “Stream Copy” behavior: both outputs use the same resolution, frame rate and bitrate instead of independently choosing a high-quality master recording and a differently configured stream. That is a real workflow limitation if you want the two outputs to differ.

For Windows, Elgato's current legacy setup material documents OBS Studio and selects the card as a DirectShow video-capture device. Its system page still lists Windows 10 64-bit, a built-in USB 3.x port, 4 GB RAM, and older processor/graphics requirements. Those are legacy baselines, not proof that a current Windows release will work unchanged. Check the exact driver and application release before depending on a used unit. Elgato's newer multi-app support page lists the HD60 S on Windows 10 with a minimum driver version, while an older OBS setup page says the device can only be accessed by one program at a time. Because those instructions conflict, treat simultaneous use across OBS and other apps as driver-version-dependent and verify the exact installed path rather than assuming both statements apply to every setup.

Connector details matter more than the family name

The video input is HDMI only; Elgato says HDCP-protected signals cannot be captured. Its comparison table marks the HD60 S as lacking the A/V input used by older Elgato models for PS3 or retro-video sources. Composite, component or S-Video therefore needs a separate converter path.

The 3.5 mm analog audio input is line-in, not a microphone port. Elgato lists an HDMI cable and USB-C cable in the original box, but a second-hand offer may be incomplete; check what the seller actually supplies.

Mac support is historical, not a modern promise: Elgato's June 2026 page lists macOS 10.12+, a dedicated GPU and Intel-era processor, and expressly excludes Apple Silicon. Verify the actual Mac and old Elgato software; this review assigns no OBS/macOS match.

Where HD60 S+ changes the answer

The family name is easy to misread. HD60 S+ retains USB 3.0 and 1080p60 recording, but Elgato documents HDMI 2.0, 4K60 HDR10 passthrough, up to 2160p30 capture in compatible software, UVC support, and Windows HDR recording up to 1080p60 under specified conditions. The HD60 S has none of those 4K/HDR claims. Conversely, the HD60 S+ is not a 4K60 capture card: when a 2160p60 source goes through it, Elgato says the display path remains 2160p60 while the USB capture stream is 1080p60. The two paths must not be collapsed into one resolution label.

Elgato's current comparison marks no 1080p240/1440p144 passthrough for HD60 S; its capture ceiling is 1080p60 and HDR capture is not listed. A 4K60 display, HDR recording or high-refresh pass-through need points elsewhere. Do not buy from “HD60” shorthand.

Practical checks before considering an older unit

• Match the label to HD60 S, not HD60, S+, HD60 X or HD60 Pro.
• Confirm unencrypted HDMI and a recording target no higher than 1080p60.
• Verify a USB 3.x data port, the exact driver/app versions and the host's encoding capability. Check the driver-specific multi-app guidance rather than assuming OBS can share access in every configuration.
• For Mac, verify the old Intel/dedicated-GPU requirements; Apple Silicon is excluded in Elgato's page. The 3.5 mm socket is line input, not a mic jack.
• Ask the seller to identify the model and included leads and clarify condition, return terms and warranty. Elgato records a January 2022 production stop and no further driver/firmware development, not the state of an individual unit.

The HD60 S may suit a known HD-only workflow and exact compatible host. Its clear upside is USB 1080p60 capture with HDMI output and a documented Windows OBS route. Its limits are no 4K/HDR recording, high-refresh passthrough or analog video input, alongside old software dependencies. Treat the model suffix as material.

Primary sources: Elgato's technical specifications, manual, supported resolutions, OBS setup, system requirements, model comparison, multi-app support list, driver list, and Legacy/EOL notice.