I’ve been using the ClonerAlliance Box Pro Pocket for a few weeks now, and it has genuinely impressed me, particularly when it comes to capturing video from retro consoles. Over the past decade, content creation has evolved dramatically, with streamers, YouTubers and professional video producers constantly searching for reliable tools to capture and share gameplay, presentations and multimedia content. Enter the ClonerAlliance Box Pro Pocket capture card: a device that delivers professional-grade recording capabilities in an incredibly compact design. After extensive testing in a variety of scenarios, it’s clear that this small capture solution doesn’t compromise on performance.
Opening the unassuming ClonerAlliance Box Pro Pocket packaging reveals a unique all-in-one capture card in a pocket-sized form factor, roughly the size of a standard external SSD. Despite its compact dimensions, the device’s plastic construction feels solid in hand and should hold up well with the usual care you’d give any piece of gear. The matte black finish resists fingerprints and gives the device a professional appearance—one that wouldn’t look out of place in a high-end streaming setup or corporate presentation environment. However, the most impressive feature is the level of control it offers, allowing you to perform all functions without the need for a computer or secondary device.
The box includes all the cables you need to get started: HDMI, RCA, component and VGA, as well as a power supply, a USB cable and a rechargeable battery. There’s even a remote control which, while functional, I haven’t used much beyond testing its features. This attention to detail means most users can begin capturing footage right away, regardless of the source device. The inclusion of a 90-degree HDMI adapter is a thoughtful touch for tight setups. ClonerAlliance has provided everything needed to get started, allowing you to begin capturing footage shortly after unboxing.
“The ClonerAlliance Box Pro Pocket is ideal for streamers and creators who regularly record commentary.”
Now that everything is unboxed, it’s time to put the Box Pro Pocket to the test. Despite its small size, I was impressed by what it delivered. Once connected, it captures smooth, detailed video at 1080p resolution and 60 frames per second. The quality of the recorded footage is strong, with minimal compression artifacts and accurate colour reproduction. For creators accustomed to computer-based capture solutions, the lack of a PC in the workflow can be liberating, offering more flexibility to experiment with unique setups or capture footage on location.
The device’s standalone operation means it can be used anywhere—at home, in a studio or on the go. Its rechargeable battery, which uses a Sony NP–F–style cell, provides ample power for extended recording sessions, and the battery level is clearly indicated by LED lights on the device. The Box Pro Pocket’s portability is further enhanced by the fact that it doesn’t require an external monitor or TV; the built-in screen is sufficient for both live monitoring and playback.
The ClonerAlliance Box Pro Pocket is ideal for streamers and creators who regularly record commentary. It features inputs for line-in, mic and audio-out, allowing users to capture audio alongside video. This capability is essential for anyone looking to record voiceover, ambient sound or original audio directly from a source device. The Box Pro Pocket handles audio capture smoothly, with no sync issues or dropouts. For those archiving old family videos or producing Let’s Play content for YouTube, this all-in-one solution offers a notable advantage—especially for new creators looking to avoid cumbersome setups.
Jumping into the Box Pro Pocket’s menu system reveals a range of features that are, for the most part, easy to understand and navigate. You can quickly switch between 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios, ensuring compatibility with both modern widescreen displays and classic CRT televisions, making it an excellent choice for retro game capture. The ability to change aspect ratios on the fly is a welcome feature for anyone working with a mix of old and new video sources. You can even adjust settings using the included remote control, which is especially convenient if you’re sitting away from the Box Pro Pocket.
The ClonerAlliance Box Pro Pocket records directly to a microSD card, which is not included—but fortunately, prices for storage have come down in recent years. For all our testing, we used a 128GB Samsung Pro microSD card and experienced no issues throughout, though we did not test other brands. As with any tool you rely on for work, it’s always best to use a brand you trust—there’s nothing worse than recording hours of footage only to find the card corrupted or the files unusable.
The device produces manageable file sizes, and when storage fills up, it stops recording gracefully without risking data loss. I also appreciated the ability to review and delete files directly from the device’s built-in screen—a practical feature that saves time when managing recordings and one that many standalone capture alternatives unfortunately lack.
While I’ve been very positive about the ClonerAlliance Box Pro Pocket so far, it does have its limitations. Although marketed as a “pocket” device, its size—while compact—is closer to a small external hard drive than a truly pocket-sized gadget.
“When connected to a game console or laptop via HDMI, the ClonerAlliance Box Pro Pocket delivers crisp, lag-free video that’s ideal for streaming or archiving gameplay.”
This is a minor quibble, but it’s worth noting for users who prioritize maximum portability. The device is also limited to 1080p at 60 frames per second, so it’s not ideal for capturing footage from modern consoles that output in 4K. That said, the fact that it can record 1080p60 without the need for a PC is impressive. However, for creators focused on modern gaming, there are better alternatives, though most will require a PC to take full advantage of higher resolutions.
While it’s marketed as a standalone device—with the built-in screen being one of its biggest selling points—the ClonerAlliance Box Pro Pocket can also be connected via USB for firmware updates or to function as a live capture device. This flexibility ensures the unit can adapt to a variety of workflows, whether users prefer standalone operation or integration with a PC-based editing setup.
While it has its limitations, I will say the footage it captures from modern sources is solid, making it a great option for 1080p videos on YouTube or other platforms. When connected to a game console or laptop via HDMI, the ClonerAlliance Box Pro Pocket delivers crisp, lag-free video that’s ideal for streaming or archiving gameplay. As with most capture devices, a slight delay is present, but it’s minimal and unlikely to affect casual recording or typical content creation workflows. For users who require zero-latency monitoring, an HDMI splitter can be used to send one signal directly to a display and another to the recorder, effectively eliminating any perceptible delay.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time using the ClonerAlliance Box Pro Pocket. It has quickly become my go-to option when I need to capture 1080p footage on the go or while testing different devices. You simply can’t beat the combination of simplicity, versatility and quality, which makes it a worthy addition to any content creator’s toolkit. Whether you’re archiving family memories, streaming gameplay or digitizing old tapes, this device offers a seamless and enjoyable experience, proving that sometimes, the best tools are the ones that just work.
- What can it do? – ClonerAlliance Box Pro Pocket allows you to record HD video independently without a PC. It captures video from a variety of sources like HDMI, RCA, YPbPr and VHS, and stores it in MP4 format. You can watch live video or playback recordings on the built-in 3-inch screen or TV instantly. It supports recording up to 1080p@60fps, making it perfect for gaming, conferences, and digitizing old media.
- Why do I need it? – If you need a standalone, portable video recorder, ClonerAlliance Box Pro Pocket is ideal. It’s perfect for users who want to record video from various devices without complex setups. You can convert analog videos, record gameplays, or capture meetings and conferences with ease—all without a PC.
