Did you know HDMI Switches (also known as HDMI Hubs) are slowly becoming an essential tool in building gaming setups? However, choosing an HDMI Switch for gaming may be tricky since there are a few factors that you should consider. But before we dive into those, let’s have a quick overview of what an HDMI Switch is and what you can do with it.

What is an HDMI Switch?

HDMI Switches are compact devices that let you connect multiple input devices such as gaming consoles, DVD players, or even a CPU to output devices such as TVs, monitors, soundbar and speakers. Using an HDMI Switch is perfect for TVs or monitors that only have limited HDMI slots. An HDMI switch allows you to seamlessly switch between input devices without having to unplug and plug them, making your gaming experience more convenient.

So, what is a good HDMI Switch for gaming?

It depends on your setup. Most HDMI Switches will work for any gaming console, but you have to take your output device into consideration. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing your gaming HDMI Switch: 

Monitors

Wouldn’t it be nice to play games on your 8K TV that has an astounding refresh rate of 120Hz? Well, here’s the thing. Your HDMI Switch should be able to support that kind of quality in order for you to use your TV to its fullest potential. 

Speakers

Playing exciting games with awesome speakers takes your experience to the next level. If you have an ARC soundbar, you need to have an HDMI Switch that has an ARC port. However, this feature is not available on most HDMI Switches so you need to find one that has it. We’ll be including an HDMI Switch with this feature in our list below. 

Number of input devices

When setting up a gaming setup in your living room, you'll need a switch that is capable of supporting all your devices. Some HDMI switches can support up to 4 devices. This is perfect if you have 2 gaming consoles (Nintendo, Playstation, Xbox, etc.), DVD Player, and a TV Box.

HDCP 

HDCP stands for High-Bandwidth Digital Copyright Protection. If you’re planning to get an HDMI Switch for your gaming consoles, you definitely need to know this. HDCP technology is placed to prevent copyright and piracy issues. HDCP-compliant HDMI Switch is needed if you'll be watching movies on subscription-based streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu or streaming gameplay. You may check the required HDCP for each through their website.

Top Gaming HDMI Switches You Can Buy

OREI HDS-401MV: ULTRA HD 4K 4X1 HDMI SWITCH

Looking for the best HDMI Hub for gaming? The OREI HDS-401MV is compatible with PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo, as well as streaming devices such as Roku, Blu-ray, Amazon Fire, Chromecast, and more.

It allows you to connect 4 input devices to a 4K TV with a 30Hz refresh rate, or 2K at 60Hz. As an added convenience, the HDS-401MV comes with a 3.5mm audio extractor to connect your speakers and a handy remote control for ease of use.

Device Specifications:

INPUTS	4x HDMI Type A [19-pin female] 1x SERVICER [Micro USB, Update port]
OUTPUT PORTS	1x HDMI Type A 1x VGA [VGA-D] 1x Audio Out [3.5mm Stereo Mini-jack]
VIDEO BANDWIDTH	10.2 GBPS
VIDEO RESOLUTION	3840x2160@30Hz, 1920x1080@50/60Hz, 1280x720@50/60Hz, 1920x1200@60Hz, 1024x768@60Hz
VGA SUPPORTED RESOLUTION	1920x1200@60Hz(1920x1080@50/60Hz, 1280x720@50/60Hz, 1920x1200@60Hz, 1024x768@60Hz)
ANALOG AUDIO FORMATS	LPCM2.0 44.1KHz 48KHz
HDCP COMPLIANCE	HDCP 1.4

 

OREI UHDS-401A: 4X1 HDMI SWITCH

For gamers with an ARC soundbar setup, the OREI UHDS-401A is for you. It also allows you to connect your gaming consoles to a 4K TV at 60Hz, as well as other HDMI 3D TV formats for a more complete gaming experience. The UHDS-401A supports Smart EDID Management so you can manage your audio better.

The OREI UHDS-401A is also compliant with HDCP 1.4 and 2.2, so feel free to use your gaming console to stream movies on Netflix, Amazon, Hulu, Disney, or other subscription-based online streaming services.

Device Specifications:

INPUTS	4 HDMI Female ports 1 IR Receive port 1 RS232 port
OUTPUT PORTS	1 HDMI Female port 1 L/R & Optical port
VIDEO BANDWIDTH	18 GBPS
VIDEO RESOLUTION	up to 4Kx2K@60 and all HDMI 3D video formats
HDMI AUDIO FORMATS	PCM 2.1/5.1/7.1CH, Dolby5.1, DTS5.1, Dolby-TrueHD, DTS-HD
L/R AUDIO FORMATS	Dolby AC3, Dolby 5.1, DTS 5.1, PCM2.0
HDCP COMPLIANCE	HDCP 1.4, 2.2

 

OREI UHD-401: ULTRA HD 4X1 HDMI SWITCH

Here’s another 2.2 HDCP-compliant HDMI Hub that you could use for your gaming needs. Play your favorite games and stream your favorite movies on a 4K TV at 60Hz and connect your sound system through a 3.5mm audio extractor. It has 4 inputs and 1 output, so feel free to connect your favorite gaming consoles.

The UHD-401 also comes with a remote controller so you can switch your input devices without having to stand up. 

Device Specifications:

INPUTS	4 HDMI Female ports
OUTPUT PORTS	1 HDMI Female port 1x L/R Audio Out [3.5mm Stereo Mini-jack]
VIDEO BANDWIDTH	18 GBPS
VIDEO RESOLUTION	up to 4Kx2K@60 and all HDMI 3D video formats
HDMI AUDIO FORMATS	LPCM 2/5.1/7.1CH, Dolby Digital, DTS 5.1, Dolby Digital+, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD Master Audio, Dolby Atmos, DTS:X
L/R AUDIO FORMATS	Analog Stereo 2CH
HDCP COMPLIANCE	HDCP 1.4, 2.2

 

UHD-401ARC HDMI COMBO SWITCH

Do you have an ARC soundbar setup but don’t have the need for the HDMI 3D feature? If yes, then the UHD-401ARC is a great option. Feel free to immerse yourself in the gaming world through your ARC soundbar while playing on a 4K TV at 60Hz. However, this HDMI Switch does not have an EDID Management Switch.

The OREI UHD-401ARC is also compliant with HDCP 2.2 so you can also stream your favorite movies and TV shows when you’re having a break from gaming.

INPUTS	4 HDMI Female ports
OUTPUT PORTS	1 HDMI Female port
VIDEO BANDWIDTH	18 GBPS
VIDEO RESOLUTION	4K@60Hz(4096x2160), 1080P@60Hz (1920x1080)
HDMI AUDIO FORMATS	PCM 2ch /PCM5.1 /PCM7.1, DTS /DTS-HD, Dolby 5.1 /Dolby 7.1/ Dolby TrueHD
HDCP COMPLIANCE	HDCP 2.2

 

When buying an HDMI Switch, make sure you read the fine print and check carefully to make sure that it’s compatible with your setup. It’s also great to know that most HDMI Switches are backwards compatible, so if you’re planning to upgrade your gaming setup in the near future, it’s best to choose switches that can accommodate those as well to save money. 

 

If you’re looking for other HDMI Switches, you may check our shop. We made sure that you have an optimal buying experience by including all relevant information such as sample applications, complete technical specifications, and customer reviews for each product. You may also feel free to ask us some questions while you’re there!

Do you want to know more about HDMI? Check out other great reads from our blog and become an expert in no time!