Streaming your console on Twitch might feel like a difficult task, but it’s actually easier than you think.
If you want to take it to the next level, however, there’s some initial investment needed to turn Twitch streaming into a long-term hobby, or even a career.
You have two streaming options on a console. You can either stream with a PC with a capture card, or use a built-in Twitch app on the device. The method of streaming is clearly different on each device. Others do not have a native Twitch feature, such as the Switch.
Remember to create a Twitch account before you start.
Xbox One guide
You need to get your stream code from the Twitch website before using the Xbox One to stream the gameplay.
Once you have your code, just follow these quick and easy steps.
- Find and download the Twitch app from the Xbox Store.
- Open the app and login with your Twitch account.
- Enter the six-digit code that you can find on your Twitch dashboard.
- Select the “Broadcast” option to start streaming.
- (Optional) Enable your Kinect device to allow your video and headset to work for your viewers.
- Enter a title for your broadcast and then click the “Start Broadcast” button.
PS4 Guide
It’s easier to stream from the PlayStation 4’s native app, however. The PS4 has built-in streaming functionality, which means it can all be accessed through the click of a button.
These are the steps you need to take to go live on Twitch using your PS4.
- Start the game.
- Press the “Share” button on your PS4 controller.
- Select the option “Broadcast Gameplay.”
- Select the Twitch option.
- Login to your account if you haven’t done so already.
- Set the title and options for your broadcast.
- Start streaming.
You can also end the stream at any time by pressing the Share button and choosing the option to end your broadcast.
Nintendo Switch Guide
The Nintendo Switch doesn’t have a native streaming app like the PS4 or Xbox One, so the only way to stream games from the console is to use a capture card, which is detailed down below.
Problems with native gaming app streaming
While a streaming app can be an easy solution for anyone who wants to jump into a stream without any further difficulty, it has its setbacks.
For example, games on PS4 can sometimes completely block the streaming and recording. Multiple companies, such as Atlas (Persona 5) and Bandai Namco (Dragonball series), have included in-game functions that interrupt the streaming of their games after a certain period of time.
There's no real way to tell either which parts of the game will be cut and streamers often find it hard. There is no way of removing it, either.
Streaming with a capture card
Capture cards are physical devices that connect your console to your PC and TV, enabling you to stream your game to a piece of OBS, Xsplit, or Elgato Game Capture software. The app then transmits to Twitch or other streaming websites your gameplay and audio, or record them.
Based on your setup, there are many different capture cards to use, but the Elgato HD60S is arguably the best and cheapest system available. It is user friendly. You can just remove it from a box, attach the cables to your PC and you're ready to leave. Then simply select your streaming or recording program and click on record.
After configuring everything, take some time to explore the settings for each broadcast program to find the one that suits you best. To see how things look on your channel, try hosting a few practice streams.
What are the minimum specifications that a PC needs to stream?
In order to use your computer to stream onto Twitch, you need to have a specific build. Twitch recommends that streamers have these components in order to stream through a capture card or on PC.
- CPU: Intel Core i5-4670 (Compare your CPU)
- MEMORY: 8GB DDR3 SDRAM
- OS: Windows 7 Home Premium or newer
You can check to see what your current PC requirements are either through PC config or by typing “msinfo32.exe” into the search bar on a Windows 10 PC.
The main issues with capture card streaming
The first problem that comes with streaming a capture card on Twitch is the cost.
You not only need a Mac, but you also need to invest in the catch card itself. At price, the Elgato costs more than $100, and a decent PC from which to stream could set you back hundreds or thousands of dollars.
There's also a degree of knowledge required to know how to stream on a PC and how to customize your stream's look. Most of the basic information and guides for streaming with a capture card are available online, though in places such as the official YouTube channel of Elgato. Guides for each piece of broadcast software can also be found on Twitch.
