To record a PlayStation game, you can either use the console's built-in SHARE button functionality or an external capture card for more advanced control.
Recording Directly with the PlayStation SHARE Button
The easiest way to capture gameplay moments is by utilizing the SHARE button on your PlayStation DualSense or DualShock controller. This method is convenient and doesn't require any additional hardware.
How to Start and Stop Recordings
Your PlayStation console continuously buffers recent gameplay, allowing you to save clips of past action or record new segments live.
- To start a new recording: Quickly press the SHARE button twice. A notification will appear on the screen indicating that recording has begun.
- To stop a live recording: Quickly press the SHARE button twice again. A notification will confirm the video clip has been saved.
- To save a recent gameplay segment: If you've just done something epic and want to save the past few minutes (the default duration is often 15 minutes, but can be customized), press the SHARE button once. From the menu that appears, select Save Video Clip.
Adjusting SHARE Button Settings
You can customize various recording preferences to suit your needs:
- Press the SHARE button once.
- Select Sharing and Broadcasts Settings (or similar, depending on your console model).
- Navigate to Video Clip Settings to adjust:
- Length of Video Clip: Choose how long your saved video clips will be (e.g., 30 seconds, 1 minute, 5 minutes, up to 60 minutes).
- Resolution: Select the recording quality (e.g., 1080p, 4K if supported by your console and game).
- Include Microphone Audio: Enable this if you want to record your voice commentary along with the game audio.
- Include Party Audio: Allows you to capture audio from your party chat.
Where Recordings Are Saved
All video clips recorded using the SHARE button are saved to your console's Media Gallery (or Capture Gallery on PS5). From there, you can view, trim, or share them directly to social media platforms like YouTube or X (formerly Twitter).
Using an External Capture Card for Advanced Recording
For professional-grade recordings, streaming, or more intricate control over your content, an external capture card is the preferred solution. These devices connect between your PlayStation console and a computer, allowing you to record uncompressed or high-bitrate footage.
What You'll Need
- PlayStation Console: PS4, PS5, etc.
- External Capture Card: Examples include Elgato Game Capture HD60 S+, AverMedia Live Gamer, or similar.
- Gaming PC/Laptop: With sufficient processing power and storage.
- HDMI Cables: Usually two, one for input and one for output.
- USB Cable: To connect the capture card to your PC.
- Recording Software: Such as OBS Studio (free and open-source) or the software provided by your capture card manufacturer.
Setup Steps for an External Capture Card
- Disable HDCP on PlayStation:
- Go to Settings > System > HDMI.
- Uncheck Enable HDCP. This is crucial as HDCP (High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection) prevents external devices from capturing copyrighted content. Note: Disabling HDCP might prevent you from watching streaming apps like Netflix or Hulu on your console, so re-enable it when not recording.
- Connect the Capture Card:
- Plug one HDMI cable from your PlayStation's HDMI OUT port to the capture card's HDMI IN port.
- Plug a second HDMI cable from the capture card's HDMI OUT port to your TV or monitor's HDMI IN port.
- Connect the capture card to your PC via a USB cable.
- Install Software:
- Install the necessary drivers and recording software on your PC (e.g., Elgato Game Capture HD software, OBS Studio).
- Configure Recording Software:
- Open your recording software.
- Add your capture card as a video source.
- Adjust settings like resolution, frame rate, bitrate, and audio input (game audio, microphone, party chat).
- Ensure your console's audio is being correctly picked up by the software.
- Start Recording:
- Once everything is configured, press the record button within your software to begin capturing gameplay.
Advantages of Using a Capture Card
| Feature | PlayStation SHARE Button | External Capture Card |
|---|---|---|
| Quality | Good, but compressed. | Excellent, often uncompressed or high-bitrate. |
| Control | Limited settings for resolution and length. | Full control over resolution, bitrate, codecs. |
| Editing | Basic trimming on console. | Saved directly to PC for advanced editing software. |
| Audio Mix | Basic mic/party audio inclusion. | Advanced audio mixing for multiple sources. |
| Overlays | None. | Add webcams, alerts, custom graphics for streams. |
| Performance | No impact on game performance. | Minimal to no impact on game performance (PC handles). |
| Cost | Free, built-in. | Requires purchase of hardware and potentially software. |
Best Practices for PlayStation Game Recording
- Check Storage: Ensure your console or PC has enough free space before starting a long recording.
- Internet Speed: If sharing directly from the console, a stable internet connection will speed up uploads.
- Microphone Quality: Invest in a good microphone if you plan on adding commentary.
- Test Recordings: Always do a short test recording to verify video and audio quality before a major session.
- Game-Specific Settings: Some games allow you to disable certain on-screen UI elements, which can make for cleaner recordings.
By following these methods, you can effectively capture your PlayStation gaming moments, whether for casual sharing or professional content creation.
