i have NO CLUE how to use a capture card but im getting one for my birthday and im not sure if i even need it

Capture cards are really important when you want to record games from (mostly used for older) consoles (n64, super Nintendo, etc..) because there is no easy way to record those from the console themselves (I'm pretty sure there are other less easy methods), But if you are not planning on using a capture card to record stuff like consoles I don't see a good use for it. but you can still use your capture card to get higher quality streams, but if you are not planning on doing that I would not recommend a capture card.

I wouldn't buy one if I wasn't going to be able to use it man. I don't say capture cards are a waste of money but I don't see a point in actually getting one unless you're gonna be using it full time. Proping a camera in front of your TV is just as reliable and if you get a good angle it's still visible. I'd say the only downside is that you can't do any cool stream elements, but if you are just using it to record your sessions you might as well use your phone

Plug it in > install drivers > add a video capture device to obs > select the capcard

if you play in PC you can install free any screen capturer lol i even have automaticaly instaled "xbox game bar" for some reason and it records anything in this PC automaticaly so yeah