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It’s the season to cozy up in front of your monitor with a big blanket, a cup of hot cocoa, a great game and all of your best friends in the Twitch chat. But before going live on Twitch or YouTube, there are dozens of factors to consider, such as lighting, audio quality, video output and software organization — and that’s just to get on-air. It takes practice, charisma and luck to be a successful streamer.
While we can’t help with the patience, natural talent or Social factorsWe can help you make your streaming channel professional from the beginning. If anyone on your gift list is serious about diving into the business of video game streaming, these are the gadgets they’ll be ecstatic to unwrap (and show off on-camera).
Elgato Wave:3
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The Wave:3Solid. The mic can be connected to a computer via USB. It delivers high-quality audio and comes in a sleek, black box. The Wave:3 is a cardioid mic, meaning it’s designed to isolate background noise and pick up just one speaker at a time, making it ideal for streamers. It’s simple to plug in and go live with this baby, and a mute button at the top of the mic also makes it easy to cut off your audio at the source. If you’re looking for broadcast-quality sound at a reasonable price point, the Wave:3 is the mic for you.
BEACN Mic
BEACN
Now you’re just showing off. The BEACN Mic delivers incredibly high-quality audio, complete with noise cancellation so precise you’ll be able to ditch your headset, even with a game raging through your speakers. This makes the BEACN great for YouTube and Twitch. The BEACN can also be used on-camera in white or black with a customizable RGB strip running around its middle. The BEACN is a dynamic microphone that can be connected to a PC via USB C. However, the kit also includes a USB adapter. The BEACN is the perfect choice for those who want the best and most beautiful mic available.
Astro A10 Gen 2
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Astro’s A10 Gen 2No matter your style, the Gen 2 will do the job and look great. The Gen 2 comes in a variety of colors and patterns, from deep black with neon details to pastel purple or teal, meaning there’s something for every kind of live streaming vibe. It features a flip-to mute boom mic, a flexible body, replaceable ear cushions and a headband pillow. This headset is compatible on PC, Mac and Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5 and Switch.
Buy Astro A10 Gen 2 at Amazon – $60
Steelseries Arctis Nova Pro
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This one is great for PC streamers with serious live streaming goals. The Arctis Nova ProThe headset delivers crisp sound and 360 degree spatial audio. It is the top-of-the line headset. The mic features AI-powered noise cancelling capabilities, and there’s a 10-band equalizer to allow you to change settings quickly. The Arctis Nova Pro uses a USB connection and it’s compatible with PC, Mac, PS4, PS5 and Switch.
Buy Arctis Nova Pro at Amazon – $239
Elgato Stream Deck
Will Lipman Photography, Engadget
Elgato’s Stream Deck makes live streaming easier, while also making users feel like they’re the captain of a 1970s spaceship. The Stream Deck is a desktop controller that can be configured with 15 LCD keys. This allows you to launch and control apps such as Twitch, YouTube OBS, Spotify, Spotify, and XSplit. This allows streamers to switch between programs easily, and the buttons are great fun to press. This baby looks cute, feels good and it’s extremely useful in streaming situations – what more do you need?
Amazon: Elgato Stream Deck – $180
8bitdo Pro 2 Bluetooth controller
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8bitdo has mastered the use of wireless gamepads. Pro 2 Bluetooth controllerThis is no exception. The Pro 2 is available in transparent-body special edition, classic black, white, or gray. It provides precise inputs and support for up three custom profiles. There are also two additional back buttons. Although it looks old-fashioned, the Pro 2 has modern capabilities and works with PC, Mac and Android.
Razer Ripsaw HD
Razer
Capture cards are a way to ensure that your streaming and gameplay is preserved in the best possible form. Razer’s Ripsaw HDIt is an excellent option for players. It’s a pluggable device that records and streams gameplay at 1080p and 60fps, while allowing the game itself to hit 4K and 60fps. This streaming is professional-level with a plug and play interface.
Razer Ripsaw HD on Amazon – $219
Logitech StreamCam
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Logitech is one the most established desktop camera brands. Its expertise is evident in the StreamCam. The Logitech StreamCam records in full HD – 1080p and 60fps – with a 78 degree field of view, auto-focus and dynamic auto-framing that keeps you centered as you shift around in the shot. The entire thing can be connected to a PC or Mac using USB-C. It also works with streaming software such as OBS or Streamlabs.
Logitech Litra Glow
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The best thing you can do for your live-streaming setup is to get some good lighting, and Logitech’s Litra Glow has you covered. This is a small, mountable LED square that delivers a diffuse, soft glow without any harsh shadows or defined edges, and it’s designed to make its subjects look their best. It has a USB-powered USB charger and a 3-way extendable monitor mount.
Nanoleaf Hexagon Smarter Kit
Nanoleaf
Every stream needs a little flair, and that’s where Nanoleaf comes in. Nanoleaf offers a range of light panels in a variety of shapes and configurations. Hexagon Smarter KitIt’s a great place where to begin. The kit comes with seven light-up hexagon panels, and all the things you’ll need to install and customize them. You’re able to sync the lights to your gameplay or music, and they connect to Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, Apple Homekit, Samsung SmartThings and Razer Chroma.
Buy Nanoleaf starter kit at Amazon – $200
Wanxing neon signs
Wanxing
Nanoleaf is the most trusted brand in live-stream lighting. However, there are many other cheaper options for on-screen glow. Wanxing, for instance, has a line of neon signs that’ll make any streaming space pop, at prices that won’t bust your budget. There are many designs available, including cute text and skulls, hearts, ghosts and game controllers.
