What do I need to record console gameplay? Specifically old consoles.

[BunnieRabbott]

So I've been wanting to make a new YT channel doing little lets plays/reviews of all my classic games that I own. Specifically games for SNES,Gameboy (via SNES),Master System and N64. I know you need a video capture thingy in order to record things from your TV to Laptop/PC but I have no clue of the compatibility of those with older consoles. Especially considering my old consoles won't even work with most of my televisions. Due to the fact my laptop is in a poor condition and I can't afford a new one at current I can't go with the emulator option even though it seems like it'd be a lot easier to do that. So does anyone know what I need to buy to record my gameplay from my consoles? It has to be fairly inexpensive.

I guess if that can't be done I'll have to wait a bit until I get a new laptop.
I thought it would be worth asking here at least before I gave up entirely.

 

[unknown_user0032]

Costs for capture cards (the device you'll need) can run into the hundreds. You won't find one less a hundred brand new, at least. Most will require 4GB of RAM as standard, or your footage may lag or be out of sync with the audio.

Roxio and Elgato are the names I had recommended to me, perhaps they will be of use?

 

[Andrew Flint]

Roxio Game Capture HD Pro - is about £99 I'm not sure what that is in $ but thats the cheapest one I can think of that does HD recording

 

[Kanashimi]

I use the Black Magic Shuttle for HD videos (which you won't really need for retro stuff), but it's quite costly. I personally recommend a capture device that doesn't need to be slipped into a PCI slot on the PC versus one you can unhook and take with you. The latter makes it easier to record in other locations or with specific people.

 

[Sickflowz TV]

I use the HD-PVR Gaming Edition 2 to record my xbox 360 gameplay, not sure if it would work on older systems but you could always research that.
This one cost about $160

 

[xDannyYu]

HD capture cards aren't what she would really need for older consoles. An SD capture card would work best for the SNES and the Nintendo 64. I have an AVerMedia SD capture card and I get decent quality. It was only $50. You can also get a Dazzle dvd recorder which is also $50.

I would also recommend getting A/V splitters as well. These are also fairly inexpensive and will be needed if you want to record on your computer while playing on your TV. You'll most likely need three and that's about $15 for all of them.

All prices given in USD. I don't know what they would be in your currency.

Most will require 4GB of RAM as standard, or your footage may lag or be out of sync with the audio.

Frankie is right about the RAM requirements. So make sure the laptop you look at has at least 4 gb of memory before buying it.