Whoever says that PS2 consoles are outdated and old consoles has yet to see how much the streaming community continues to value and honor Sony’s most distinctive console to date!
However, if you would like to stream from PS2, you will have to get the right PS2 capture card for streaming. My top choice is RuiPuo RCA to HDMI Converter because it’s affordable yet powerful, and compatible with PS2.
Considering that PS2 consoles, even after 22 years are here to stay, let’s take a look at the most sought-after capture cards compatible with this console.
QUICK OVERVIEW: PS2 Capture Card for Streaming
 | Top Choice RuiPuo RCA to HDMI
| |
 | ASUS TUF Gaming Video Capture Card
| |
 | Elgato 4K60 Pro MK.2
|
Table of Contents
Best PS2 Capture Card for Streaming
Tested & Reviewed
1. RuiPuo RCA to HDMI Converter
Best overall
Stefan’s Take:
RuiPuo RCA to HDMI converter is really all you need to stream from the PS2 console. It was super easy to install, and I didn’t notice any drop in the image quality, lags, or connectivity issues.
It worked smoothly, and I got the cables I needed with the converter. All I needed to do was connect the wires to the console and my PC, so this is always a big plus in my books because I like hassle-free setups.
| Resolution | 10 |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | 10 |
| Latency | 9 |
| Ease of Use | 10 |
First thing’s first; possessing an HDMI cable that is compatible with your game capture device is the first step towards if you want to record gameplay on the legendary PS2 console.
RCA connectors are tedious input mediums that are hard to overcome unless you have this modern, 1080p converter at your side!
Key features
Before you start streaming, you need an HDMI converter compatible with the PS2 system. The connector works with almost any home tv set.
Most games for streaming will be played at their maximum resolution with either 1080p or 720p. You only need to AV to HDMI converter to get started, no strings attached.
The sheer range of device compatibility ensures that the connectivity options include devices such as projectors and monitors. The value and amount of possibilities this small addition possess make it a must-have for every console gamer out there who wants to get into live streaming.
After it is connected, the content you’re currently viewing can be streamed with an HDMI capture card. For console-based streaming, it’s a good idea to use two computers for streaming.
Pros
- Affordable
- Works with pretty much every retro and many modern consoles
- Plug and play
Cons
- The capture card is sold separately, this is not a capture card
2. ASUS TUF Gaming Video Capture Card
Best for 4K streaming
Stefan’s Take:
ASUS TUF Gaming Video Capture Card is one of the most powerful capture cards I have tested. The output resolution and the refresh rate of 60 Hz are outstanding. I was worried about the setup, but it worked right out of the box.
The feature that stood out the most was RGB lighting. At first, I thought it was there just for aesthetic purposes, but it will warn you of any errors.
| Resolution | 10 |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | 9 |
| Latency | 10 |
| Ease of Use | 9 |
If you want to deliver and measure the overall quality of your streams to that of pro-grade gameplay, you need a trusted product and brand alike. Asus is one of the most trusted tech brands, so let’s see what this capture card has to offer.
Key features
Asus TUF capture card goes well beyond the standards of the average capture device –it defines an entire sub-class of high-end capture devices that bring the lucrative performance of pricey capture cards to the budget of the average consumer!
The device is compatible with the most widely-used live stream software such as OBS studio and QuickTime Broadcaster, alongside any other third-party software that you can use.
Video quality is guaranteed to be stellar and freeze-free almost all the time. Professional streamers will appreciate streaming in 4K at 30 FPS and full HD at amazing 120 FPS.
The quality and reliability of this card are comparable to the legendary “Elgato capture” standard for a high-end capture card.
Pros
- Great video resolution
- Compatibility with different consoles
- Freeze-free streaming
Cons
- Expensive
3. Elgato 4K60 Pro MK.2
Best for professional streamers
Stefan’s Take:
I’m a big fan of Elgato products, and this capture card is no exception. While it is one of the more expensive ones, I think it’s worth every penny.
I played Dark Souls, and the resolution was superb – 4K at 60 FPS, which is a must for streaming. Also, there wasn’t any latency, and it has an incredible pass-through that supports streaming on two monitors.
| Resolution | 10 |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | 9 |
| Latency | 9 |
| Ease of Use | 9 |
Elgato 4K60 Pro MK.2 is widely-acclaimed as a crucial component for the top-of-the-class video capture experience.
With the right kind of adapter, you can stream any game from your PS2 in the best possible quality comparable to the card’s initial use on pc games such as Dark Souls in no time!
Key features
Elgato game capture quality has ascended beyond being a mere attribute for a very good card; it is the hallmark of one of the best cards within the industry.
Pros get Elgato game capture HD cards not only as an upgrade for their computer but also as a pledge- when you invest in the very best pc capture card equipment, you tell your audience “I will give my absolute best to make the videos you watch as enjoyable as possible”.
In every sense of the word, The Elgato game capture HD experience offers unrivaled performance. Flashback recording, HDR10 capture, 240 Hz pass-through, and zero latency are just some of its advantages.
You can reap the benefits of the Elgato game capture HD features even on the original Xbox! Whether you want to play games and stream them to youtube or your TV, Elgato game capture aims to please.
Pros
- High-grade, professional video capture card
- Works with almost every modern and retro console configuration
- Intuitive and easy to install software
Cons
- A very pricey option for just PS2 streaming
4. Elgato HD60 S
Best for YouTube streaming
Stefan’s Take:
This is the second-best Elgato capture card you can get and an excellent substitute for the first one, but more budget-friendly.
What surprised me the most was the simplicity of the setup process. Dedicated software is needed to run this capture card, but it doesn’t make installation difficult. It has great output resolution and FPS and a lag-free gaming experience.
| Resolution | 9 |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | 9 |
| Latency | 9 |
| Ease of Use | 9 |
While the 4k60 is known as the ultimate Elgato game capture HD card on the market, the HD60 S is the definition of what the causal streamer needs- effectiveness, quality, and simplicity- all in one.
Frequently used for youtube streaming, the HD60 S is a marvelous piece of engineering that is an excellent addition for any console streamer’s kit.
Key features
Instant streaming on video capture cards is the preferred functionality of most everyday streaming icons, and few capture cards feature such a seamless and lightning-fast plug and play feature as the Elgato game capture HD 60S.
The moment you connect the USB 3.0 interface, you’re in; your games can be instantly broadcasted in full native resolution in the authentic Elgato game capture HD quality.
The Elgato game capture HD60 S does require a software installation and configuration beforehand, yet it is kept at a minimum; as long as you know the right configuration that fits your console, this step is a thing of the past in a few minutes.
As long as you have a 3.0 USB connection on your computer, you’re all set- from youtube to Twitch, you can stream from your PS2 (with the adequate HDMI adapter) to your heart’s content!
Pros
- Offers an Elgato game capture HD experience in an affordable and portable package
- Easy setup and installation
- Compatible with PS, Xbox, and Wii U consoles
Cons
- Downloading the right software might be confusing for complete newcomers
5. Mirabox USB3.0 4K
Best for beginners
Stefan’s Take:
The Mirabox capture card is a capture card I would get if I were at the beginning of my streaming career. While it doesn’t support 4K streaming, the resolution is still great and supports streaming on multiple platforms.
Another positive aspect is a driverless setup process. It’s a plug & play capture card, so you can use it straight from the box.
| Resolution | 9 |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | 9 |
| Latency | 8 |
| Ease of Use | 9 |
Mirabox presents itself as an ideal choice for customers who are just starting out in the world of streaming and are still unsure how much of their time and effort they would want to invest.
Modest price, sturdy build, and respectable performance- these are the strengths Mirabox hardware brings to the table.
Key features
As video capture technology continues to improve, the tech becomes more affordable and better. The Mirabox capture card is a result of that technological advancement that brings power and consistency to the wider market.
For beginners, this is a godsend. It sports a good deal of high-grade specs and can immediately start functioning the moment it is connected. You don’t have to install anything, just plug and play.
All the video content this card captures can be either directly broadcasted to your Youtube, Twitch, or a different stream channel or it can be modified with specialized software such as OBS.
Cross-compatibility ensures superb connectivity with old-generation consoles such as the PS2 in their highest possible resolution with zero latency or lag.
Influenced by things like the legendary reputation of Elgato game capture card cards while also taking into account its targeted consumer base, Mirabox delivers a decent product able to capture videos and stream in the best resolution possible.
Pros
- Very affordable
- This card will broadcast all PS2 video content with full audio and video resolution
- Fantastic for beginners, easy to set up
Cons
- Can’t produce quality 4K resolution videos despite the advertisement
6. DIGITNOW capture card
A multifunctional capture card
Stefan’s Take:
What I liked the most about this DIGITNOW capture card was its versatility. You can capture video at high resolution and stream it on different platforms, but you can also capture audio. It makes adjusting the volume and editing audio easier.
While the manufacturer claims that the output resolution is 1080p, I could only stream at 720p. The image still seemed quite sharp, but the colors were a bit off.
| Resolution | 8 |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | 9 |
| Latency | 9 |
| Ease of Use | 8 |
An all-in-one game capture card, DIGITNOW strives towards creating a “swiss army knife” within their capture device series.
This capture card is a multi-purpose powerhouse that can do more than just record gameplay. For customers who want to have a multifunctional capture device for themselves, this is a solid contender.
Key features
Depending on your settings, this capture card can function with different resolutions, but that is just the tip of its functionality. It works with STB, DVD, BlueRay, and many other devices perfectly well.
The DIGITSHOP game capture card supports a USB and USB 3.0 interface. You can begin to record gameplay right away as you plug it in- no software included.
Despite sporting a rugged design, this video capture card is quite light (only 0.28 pounds), perfect as a portable capture device.
With this device, the videos you watch will be crisp and clear as soon as it starts working. It is great for capturing videos on most devices, video capture of your PS2 gameplay will be in high native resolution.
Pros
- Offers multifunctionality and two-choice hardware interface
- Lightweight and easy to use
- Affordable
Cons
- In case of a power outage, your settings tweaks are removed.
7. Elgato HD 60
Capture card with an onboard video encoder
Stefan’s Take:
I ordered Elgato HD 60 simply because of one very rare feature – onboard H.264 video encoding. From the start, I noticed how much this improves the performance of my CPU.
I could stream any game at any resolution at low latency. However, I noticed that audio and video aren’t synched in the Elgato editor. But this issue was resolved by itself, and everything was synched in my rendered output files.
| Resolution | 9 |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | 8 |
| Latency | 8 |
| Ease of Use | 8 |
Ever since 2014 the Elgato game capture HD 60 changed the way we record gameplay. It is a legendary device that put the Elgato game capture HD series on the high-tier quality rank list.
This masterpiece still holds strong, with phenomenal specs and elegant looks, it is sure to satisfy your streaming needs and supplement the videos you create with phenomenal capture resolution and quality.
Key features
When a product manages to hold consistent sales for over 8 years it is bound to be more than a simple one-trick pony. Elgato game capture HD series capture cards represent high-tier equipment for pros.
The H.264 encoder reduces the load on your CPU and captures footage in 1080p quality with 60 fps. It supports a variety of resolutions from 480 to 1080 with no issues during recordings.
The device itself is just barely larger than a casual smartphone and weighs under a pound. For content creators on the go and digital nomads alike, it is more than ideal.
Even after almost a decade, the Elgato game capture HD series is an embodiment of what high-grade engineering can achieve. For those streamers who want to give the videos you watch the best possible quality, there is no doubt about it- The Elgato game capture HD series is the obvious answer.
Pros
- Superb video quality and tradition of excellence stand behind the HD 60
- Extremely beautiful yet minimalistic design
- Includes stream commands
Cons
- Quite pricey even after almost a decade since its release
8. Elgato Game Capture HD
Budget-friendly Elgato capture card
Stefan’s Take:
In my opinion, this is an excellent Elgato capture card for those on a tighter budget. When it comes to its performance, it cannot outperform other Elgato capture cards, but it still beats most capture cards.
The videos are sharp, the colors are accurate, and you get low latency gaming and streaming experience. You may experience issues setting it up if you have an older version of Windows. But besides this issue, it works smoothly.
| Resolution | 8 |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | 8 |
| Latency | 8 |
| Ease of Use | 8 |
The Elgato game capture HD is a capture card with a long history and a specific quality that keeps it in the premium range.
This model is designed to capture videos in HD resolution and be available to the general public. If you want a real taste of the luxurious Elgato game capture HD series, this capture card is the right choice for you!
Key features
As a premium capture card producer, Elgato has classes and sub-classes within its product line that fit different needs and budgets. The standard Elgato game capture HD card is a standard card that is tailor-made for consoles.
The capture card comes with all the features associated with the brand such as flashback recording, live commentary features, and custom software.
While the standard Elgato game capture HD card falls behind the HD60, HD60 S, and 4K60 Pro models, you don’t need to break the bank to get the latest capture cards to stream from a PS2.
With the standard model, you can make the most out of the console’s graphics and stream gameplay quickly and lag-free.
Not only is it compatible with PS2 consoles, but also with Xbox one, ps3, ps4, and many more. The options are endless and the performance is always flawless.
Pros
- One of the most affordable Elgato game capture HD cards
- Lightweight and easy to set up
- Comes with a large selection of optional features
Cons
- It is one of the “weaker” capture card models in Elgato’s selection
9. DIGITNOW 4k Video Capture Card
Good option for beginners
Stefan’s Take:
DIGITNOW 4K capture card offers plenty: broad compatibility with different consoles and streaming software, HDMI loop-out technology, and low latency.
While it wouldn’t be my first choice because I need a more powerful capture card, it’s still a great choice for those on a budget. You can even stream in 4K, but you will have to compromise and settle with 30 Hz.
| Resolution | 8 |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | 8 |
| Latency | 7 |
| Ease of Use | 8 |
For those who want to buy a second capture card or want to try their luck with streaming, this is a solid-quality capture card with impressive specs that is aimed towards beginners.
DIGITNOW produces beginner-intermediate grade streaming equipment that is worth checking out, especially if you don’t want to break the bank over a hobby you are unsure if you want to seriously get involved in.
Key features
Sporting a generous assortment of specs, this card can broadcast your video content at an impressive rate for a quarter of the price that you might pay for professional-grade capture cards.
Depending on your settings, it can capture a wide range of consoles that you connect it with, not just a PS2 with an adapter.
This card has a wide range of uses and is equipped with high-speed HDMI loop-out technology.
The usual delay is quite low, which is great even for higher-tier capture cards.
All in all, this is a great beginner’s card with an input signal of 4k/60Hz and output signal of 4K/30Hz that works well with consoles and PC streaming alike.
Pros
- Affordable
- Impressive specs that can handle even slightly more demanding games
- Easy to install and use
Cons
- Does not have an audio input
10. UCEC GAM Live
Affordable plug & play capture card
Stefan’s Take:
I knew from the start this capture card was compatible with many “retro” devices, so I tested it on my other consoles, not just PS2.
Connecting it to any device was easy, and OBS recognized the capture card. I didn’t need to install any software or drivers beforehand, which is a big plus.
The output resolution is okay, and I could stream at 120 FPS. It’s not a zero-latency capture card, but a few-second lag won’t interrupt your stream that much.
| Resolution | 7 |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | 8 |
| Latency | 7 |
| Ease of Use | 8 |
Sporting a stylish look and coming in with big promises, UCEC brings before you a mid-tier video capture card that comes with many features that make the Elgato HD 60 great for half the price!
Key features
Bring your game streaming to a whole new level with this impressive video capture device that is favored by many streamers for its price to value ratio.
This device can be connected not just to retro consoles like the PS2, but also with your camera, Xbox, smartphone, and many other devices. No software download is required, just plug and stream.
It supports 4k30 input and multi-device connectivity. Superior fps capture makes the video quality crystal-clear and the whole viewing experience more natural.
Sadly, the biggest flaw of the device is the lack of a mic port, so you can’t capture your own voice. In terms of everything else, it is a great bargain that includes the best features of modern capture tech.
Pros
- The high rate of frames per second make the images extremely vivid
- Affordable
- Superior specs compared to most devices in its price range
Cons
- No mic port
Conclusion
That concludes my guide on PS2 capture cards for streaming. If you’re still unsure which to get, here are my top three choices:
- RuiPuo RCA to HDMI Converter as the best overall,
- ASUS TUF Gaming Video Capture Card for 4K streaming,
- Elgato 4K60 Pro MK.2 for professional streamers.
All capture cards on this list are compatible with different consoles, so they’re definitely an investment worth making.
Hopefully, you have found the one that suits your needs and budget.
FAQ
Can you use a capture card on PS2?
Yes. Many capture cards are compatible with PS2, for example, Elgato Game Capture HD. You can also get an RCA to HDMI converter if you don’t want to buy a capture card.
Is a capture card useful for streaming?
Capture cards are quite useful for streaming. They are “mediators” between a console and PC and offer a lag-free streaming experience while maintaining resolution and FPS without overburdening your PC.
Can you stream PS2 games?
Yes, you can stream PS2 games on OBS, Streamlabs, and other platforms if you have either a capture card or RCA to HDMI converter.
