From the moment I heard about the AVerMedia X’Tra Go Capture Dock GC515 at Computex 2024, I was excited. Now that I’ve finally had time to test the device, I can say it delivers on its promise. As someone who works in a job where game capture is a constant need, I know that the rise of handhelds has made things a bit more tedious. While there are plenty of methods that work and get the job done, few make it feel seamless — at least until I tested the X’Tra Go Capture Dock GC515. It not only makes the process painless, but it also delivers a solid capture experience that can handle anything you throw at it.
With the X’Tra Go finally in the office, I have put it through its paces. AVerMedia has managed to pack a tremendous amount of functionality into a device that’s not much larger than a standard portable game system dock. The X’Tra Go Capture Dock GC515’s matte grey finish gives it a premium feel, and the large, satisfyingly clicky capture button on the front is both practical and aesthetically pleasing. It fits right in with other AVerMedia devices and looks great on the desk, thanks to lighting that gives it a pop of colour when in use.
After unboxing and preparing it, I was surprised at how easy the process truly was. Simply dock your handheld device, connect the included USB-C cable, and you’re ready to start capturing gameplay. The dock supports a wide range of popular handhelds, including the Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and ROG Ally, making it a versatile option for gamers with multiple devices. Getting it installed on your PC only took a few minutes, and with the software downloaded and set up, I was ready to go.
Even though it can be used with a PC, it technically doesn’t need one. The X’Tra Go Capture Dock GC515 has the ability to capture gameplay without requiring a connected PC. By inserting a microSD card and toggling the switch to capture mode, you can start recording with just a press of the front button. The LED indicator changes from blue to a pulsating red, letting you know you’re capturing footage. This level of simplicity is a godsend for those who want to record gameplay on the go without lugging around a laptop or dealing with complex software setups.
Should you need to set things up for the X’Tra Go Capture Dock GC515 on your PC, the process is incredibly simple, thanks to the AVerMedia Streaming Center software. This application allows you to configure various settings, including recording quality, codec choice, and button functionality. You can choose between H.264 and H.265 encoding, with options for “normal,” “good,” or “optimal” quality. In my testing, I found that 1080p, 60fps, H.264 encoding at “optimal” quality provided the best balance of performance, quality, and file size for most use cases.
“Even though the X’Tra Go Capture Dock GC515 is shockingly easy to get up and running, it still delivers impressive capture quality, supporting resolutions up to 4K at 30fps or 1080p at a buttery smooth 120fps.”
Even though the X’Tra Go Capture Dock GC515 is shockingly easy to get up and running, it still delivers impressive capture quality, supporting resolutions up to 4K at 30fps or 1080p at a buttery smooth 120fps. While 4K might seem overkill for current handheld devices, it future-proofs the X’Tra Go and allows for high-quality captures from connected PCs or laptops. During my testing, I found the 1080p 60fps setting to be the sweet spot, offering excellent visual fidelity without creating massive file sizes. However, with new handhelds constantly entering the market, this dock has the ability to push higher settings if needed.
What impressed me most is that AVerMedia has managed to make the X’Tra Go Capture Dock GC515 a solid handheld dock and capture device. It features an HDMI 2.1 port, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, three USB-C ports, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a microSD card slot. This wealth of ports transforms the device into a versatile hub, allowing you to connect external controllers, keyboards, or even a mouse for more complex gaming setups. It’s that extra effort that makes it something you want to use and helps it stand out.
“Should you need to set things up for the X’Tra Go Capture Dock GC515 on your PC, the process is incredibly simple, thanks to the AVerMedia Streaming Center software. “
Much like there are plenty of ways to capture using current capture cards, when they are tedious to set up and use, it becomes a challenge to make them part of your routine. Also, did I mention the device supports up to 65W power delivery? This is sufficient for charging most handheld devices, though it’s worth noting that a power supply isn’t included in the package.
Though I was skeptical about how it would all work, the AVerMedia X’Tra Go Capture Dock GC515 managed to impress me, even when it comes to streaming. If you’ve ever tried to stream directly from a handheld device, you know how frustrating it can be, especially on devices like the Steam Deck. The X’Tra Go simplifies this process immensely, allowing you to stream your gameplay easily without the hassle of alt-tabbing or juggling multiple applications on a tiny screen. You will need to use an external controller, but that’s a relatively small ask compared to the normal process involved.
I was genuinely impressed with the full package AVerMedia brought to the table. A lot of thought went into making the AVerMedia X’Tra Go Capture Dock GC515 feel like a seamless part of your setup. That said, the AVerMedia Streaming Center software, used for device configuration and streaming, can be frustratingly unstable at times. I encountered occasional crashes when trying to change settings or update firmware, which detracted from an otherwise polished experience. It’s a minor gripe, as I don’t spend much time in the software beyond setup and adjustments, but it’s something I hope they address in a future software release.
Another gripe is the X’Tra Go Capture Dock GC515’s compatibility with certain handheld models. While it works flawlessly with most devices, owners of the newer Asus ROG Ally X may find that their device doesn’t fit snugly in the dock due to its slightly thicker design. It may still work, but it won’t be quite as elegant a solution as it is with many other devices. It’s disappointing to see, but considering most features still work flawlessly, it’s a minor issue at best.
As with most of the AVerMedia capture lineup, it comes at a premium. At $199.99, the X’Tra Go Capture Dock GC515 is far from the cheapest option on the market, even among capture cards. However, when you consider that it replaces the need for a separate dock, USB hub, and capture card, the price becomes much more reasonable. For content creators or serious gamers who frequently use handheld devices, the convenience and functionality offered by the X’Tra Go more than justify its cost. It has remained a fixture on our editing desk since it arrived — a testament to how seamlessly it fits into the capture and editing process.
I walked in excitedly, and AVerMedia did not disappoint. This is a device that delivered on almost everything I could have asked for, and as handheld gaming continues to grow in popularity, tools like the X’Tra Go Capture Dock GC515 will become increasingly valuable. Whether you’re a casual streamer, a professional content creator, or just someone who loves to share their gaming experiences, the X’Tra Go offers a level of convenience and quality that’s hard to beat. It’s a versatile, powerful, and user-friendly device that deserves a place in any serious gamer’s toolkit.
