ShadowCast 2

Name: ShadowCast 2
Brand: Genki
SKU: HTGSC2-WT-NA
Price: 49.99 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.6 (19 reviews)

A sequel to IGN’s “Best Capture Card of 2023” and our most crowdfunded favorite ShadowCast. Ditch the TV and plug this tiny adapter into your console’s HDMI port and you’ve discovered the tiniest, simplest most seamless way to play, record, and stream your console games to your laptop and iPad.

Rated 4.6 out of 5

Based on 19 reviews

$49.99 USD

Description

It’s hard to imagine that the tiny ShadowCast 2 is able to magically turn your laptop screen or iPad into an HDMI monitor for all your gaming (and videography) needs. Simply plug this into the HDMI port of your favorite console (it completely hides inside of the Nintendo Switch dock!) and it converts that signal to a USB-C port that you can directly connect to your laptop or iPad and play instantly. No more hauling a TV around for that game convention or dorm room, simply use the screen you always have with you - that shiny MacBook or other portable computing device.

The ShadowCast 2 is compatible with many apps, essentially turning your game console into a ‘webcam’ of sorts. You can play games in popular streaming apps like OBS if you want to share your gameplay to your Twitch and YouTube followers, or you can record your gameplay in apps like Quicktime. We even have a simple app called Genki Arcade (Win/Mac/Chrome) and Genki Studio (iPad) that lets you get you playing as instant as pushing the ‘input’ button on your TV remote.

Key Features

"Best Capture Card of 2023" by IGN.

High-Definition Recording: Capable of QHD 1440P30 and 1080P60 capture for high-quality video content.
Swift Data Transfer: Features USB-C 3.2 connectivity with a 5Gbps transfer rate for speedy data movement.
User-Friendly: Offers Plug and Play functionality, eliminating the need for driver installation.
Minimal Delay: Engineered for low latency to ensure smooth video transmission.
Software Compatibility: Supports various applications like OBS, Xsplit, Streamlabs, and more for versatile use.
Multi-Platform Streaming: Enables content streaming on popular platforms such as Twitch, YouTube, and others.
Tablet Integration: Includes Genki Studio compatibility for iPad, enhancing mobile use.
Ultra-Light Design: Boasts a feather-light weight of 10 grams for portability.
Camera Flexibility: Allows for easy conversion of a camera to a high-quality webcam for streaming or video conferencing.

How to Use

To get your console video feed to your computer simply plug ShadowCast 2 into the HDMI port of your console and then plug the included USB-C 3.2 cable into the ShadowCast 2 to your computer’s USB-C 3.0+ port.
Important: You need a USB-C 3.2 port to capture 1440p30.
Open your favorite app - and all of these will have various different settings - but essentially you will need to select ‘ShadowCast 2’ as the video/camera input source and ‘ShadowCast 2’ as the audio/mic input source. You’ll also usually be able to set the resolution and framerate - we recommend 1080p60 generally as the best balance of smooth fast gameplay and quality.
From here you should already be able to play your game with video and sound. If you want to record a video of your game play you should have a record video button in your app or be able to record the full screen from your OS. Many apps like OBS, YouTube, and Twitch Studio will also let you livestream your footage.

What's Included

1 x ShadowCast 2
1 x USB-C 3.2 Cable

Genki Arcade

Maximize your experience with the Genki Arcade app for Mac, iPad, Windows, and your browser.

The Genki Arcade app ensures a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience by streaming video and audio from your console to your laptop or tablet device.

Mac (v.1.3): Download Link

iPad (v.1.3): Download Link

Windows (v.1.6.13): Download Link

Browser (v.1.1.2): Download Link

ShadowCast 2

$49.99 USD

ShadowCast Series in the Wild

Neil Genki Using ShadowCast 2 and Analogue Pocket to capture retro gameplay footage

Asia Filipiak @asiathegirl_ Question from TikTok: How do you set up your gaming streams?

Neil Genki Using ShadowCast 2 to capture gameplay footage from retro Nintendo

Christian De Ceglie @_pixelchris This is the Genki ShadowCast

Unbelievably small, deceptively powerful

Designed to be universally compatible

Stream and record at the same time with ultra low latency in all your favorite apps

ShadowCast 2

Frequently Asked Questions

I don’t see the video feed on my app?

he most common solution is to ensure you’re using the included USB-C 3.2 cable and that you’re connecting it to a computer that has a USB-C 3.0+ port. Next things to check is that your console is on of course. If ShadowCast 2 isn’t selectable as a video/camera device this likely means there is something wrong with the USB-C connection or port. If you can select ShadowCast 2 in your app but you see a Genki screen with a QR code its likely the connection to the console. If you see a black screen the culprit is likely your console’s video settings, see the next question.

All I see is a black video feed, what gives?

HDCP is likely the culprit and is a form of content protection. If you’re using a PlayStation 4 or 5 first connect your console to a TV and navigate to Settings -> System -> HDMI section of the PlayStation interface, and turn off Enable HDCP. Other devices generally have HDCP off until specific video apps are launched.

Will this work with my device?

ShadowCast 2 is meant to be as universally compatible as possible. As long as your console isn’t outputting more than a 4K60 video source, ShadowCast 2 should be able to take that video input. There are few consoles/cameras that have unique geometries that may make it complicated to connect ShadowCast 2 and an HDMI extender may be required. In terms of the computer, ShadowCast 2 works with all major computing platforms including Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, and iPadOS - however for optimal performance you’ll want to make sure you’re using a USB-C 3.0+ port on your computer and that your computer speed can comfortably process and record video smoothly at whatever you’ve set as your capture resolution.

Does this work with Covert Dock?

Yes, you can use all versions of Covert Dock with ShadowCast 2. Simply plug ShadowCast 2 into the Covert Dock as you would a typical HDMI console and you’ll capture the feed going into the Covert Dock’s USB-C port.

Does this really fit in the Nintendo Switch dock?

Yep it certainly does.

What Our Customers Say

average rating 4.6 out of 5

Based on 19 reviews

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Review posted

Reviewed by Yongsu S.

Verified Buyer

Rated 5 out of 5

Great item!

Im not the use of the game.

It is used as an HDMI converter for live streaming equipment.

It is lighter and has higher image quality than conventional equipment.

The delay speed seems to be low.

I am satisfied with the image quality and formats supported.

Keep up the good work and more products please!

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Review posted

Reviewed by Matthew I.

Verified Buyer

Rated 5 out of 5

Works well, especially for the price!

My use case for the ShadowCast 2 is solely for my Desktop PC. My goal for this was something that allowed my Switch to display on my main PC monitor but without having to switch inputs, change audio sources, etc. So now I can play Switch games in a separate window while listening to music or watching a podcast.

Initially I was a little concerned as after hooking everything up the ShadowCast 2 wouldn't display anything more than 720p 60fps with the Genki Arcade site, but after some digging, I realised there is an official app on the Microsoft Store. After installing the Genki Arcade app the ShadowCast 2 displayed 1080p 60fps just fine in both the app and on the Genki Arcade webpage.

The latency is noticeable at first, but it is very minor (like way less than any streaming service minor) so after a couple minutes of gameplay I'm not even thinking about it.

The video compression is good, I believe it could be better but it's around 85-90% as good as the native video output in my opinion, so especially for its price I'd say it's definitely adequate.

Overall I'd say the ShadowCast 2 is a nifty little device that can improve your use of the Switch dramatically, just make sure you install the official app from the Microsoft store if you are using Windows.

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Review posted

Reviewed by Mitsunari H.

Verified Buyer

Rated 5 out of 5

Very useful

There are many USB-type capture devices available, but most of them do not operate at 60 fps, or operate at 60 fps but with a delay.

The ShadowCast2 has a small delay, but it is so small that it is not even noticeable when playing action games, and I ended up purchasing two of them to use.

I have also been able to connect the ShadowCast2 to my iPadPro (4:3 monitor) from another capture THRU, which is really convenient!

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Review posted

Reviewed by Hans-Georg G.

Verified Buyer

Rated 5 out of 5

Perfect delivery

I'm very satisfied with this product . fast and uncomplicated delivery. Many Thanks

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Review posted

Reviewed by HANH N., from United States

Rated 5 out of 5

Works great

This worked great with my consoles for far. It is a nice compact form factor and was easy to setup on the PC. The latency seems fine for playing normally but might be an issue if you were using this competively.

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ShadowCast 2

Frequently Asked Questions

Great item!

Works well, especially for the price!

Very useful

Perfect delivery

Works great

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ShadowCast 2

Frequently Asked Questions

Great item!

Works well, especially for the price!

Very useful

Perfect delivery

Works great

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