How to Connect Retro Consoles to a Modern TV

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Most modern TVs have few or no analog inputs, and the ones they have often handle retro signals badly. This guide walks through connecting a retro console step by step, from the simplest working setup to a high-quality one.

For background on why retro consoles look bad on modern TVs, see our complete guide to retro gaming on a modern TV.

Step 1: Check your TV's inputs

Look at the back and sides of your TV. Many newer TVs have only HDMI inputs. Some have a combined composite/component input requiring an adapter cable. If your TV has no analog inputs, you'll need a converter or scaler.

Step 2: Identify your console's best output

• NES: RF and composite (top-loader models RF only, unless modded).
• SNES: composite, S-Video and RGB.
• Genesis/Mega Drive: composite and RGB.
• N64: composite and S-Video (RGB needs mods on most units).
• PS1: composite, S-Video and RGB.
• PS2, Xbox, Wii: component.
• GameCube: component on early models with the right cable, or digital adapters.

Output options vary by model and region, so check your console.

Step 3: Choose your cables

Use the best quality cable your console and scaler support. S-Video is a big upgrade over composite. Component and RGB are best.

Step 4: Add an upscaler

Connect the console to a retro upscaler, and the upscaler to the TV via HDMI. See best retro upscalers.

Step 5: Set up the TV

Enable game mode, disable motion smoothing and noise reduction, and set "just scan" or equivalent.

Step 6: Set aspect ratio

Set 4:3 on the scaler or TV to avoid stretched images.

Step 7: Test and fine-tune

Play a game with fine detail and fast motion. Adjust scaler settings and TV picture settings as needed.

Example setups

• SNES on a 4K TV: SNES RGB SCART cable to a retro scaler, scaler to TV via HDMI, 4:3 aspect ratio, TV game mode.
• N64: S-Video cable to a scaler (unless the console is RGB-modded), then HDMI to TV.
• Genesis: RGB SCART cable with appropriate sync to the scaler.
• PS2 or Wii: component cables to the scaler or directly to a TV with component input, though a scaler still usually looks better.
• NES: composite (or RF on top-loaders) to a scaler; consider RGB mods or HDMI mods for the best picture.

Budget option: no scaler

If your TV still has composite or component inputs, you can connect consoles directly. The picture won't be as sharp and lag may be higher, but it works. Use game mode and set 4:3. Cheap AV-to-HDMI converters are an option for TVs without analog inputs, but they typically blur 240p and add lag, so treat them as temporary.

Troubleshooting

• No picture: check the scaler's input selection and the TV input; some TVs reject certain scaler output modes.
• Black and white picture: often a composite cable connected to the wrong input, or a region/format mismatch.
• Rolling or flickering image: sync issues; try a different sync type or cable.
• No sound: confirm the audio path, since some scalers need separate analog audio.
• Noise or lines: poorly shielded cables or ground loops.

Regional differences

PAL consoles from Europe run at 50Hz and often output RGB over SCART natively; NTSC consoles from North America and Japan run at 60Hz. Most modern TVs handle both via HDMI from a scaler. When buying cables, match your console's region and connector type.

Keeping cables organized

With several consoles, label every cable at both ends, use a switch box to reduce plugging and unplugging, and store spare cables in labeled bags. Wear on console connectors is reduced when you're not constantly swapping cables.

Audio connections

Most retro consoles output analog audio over RCA plugs or through the AV connector. Scalers usually embed audio into HDMI. If your scaler lacks audio input, route audio to a separate amplifier or speaker. Some setups need a 3.5mm adapter.

When to use a CRT instead

For light gun games, perfect authenticity and zero lag, a CRT remains unmatched. See buying a CRT.

Using a switch

If you have several consoles, a switch box reduces cable swapping. Choose a switch that matches your signal type, such as an RGB SCART switch or component switch, and a scaler with profiles for each console. Quality switches maintain signal quality; cheap ones can add noise. Some scalers have enough inputs for a few consoles without a switch.

Mods for the best picture

Some consoles benefit from internal modifications: RGB mods for the NES and N64, HDMI mods for several consoles, and cleaner video output mods for others. Mods can dramatically improve image quality but affect originality and require soldering skill or a professional installer. Weigh the benefits against the value of an unmodified console.

A note on cable quality

Poorly made cables cause many retro video problems: noise, jailbars (vertical lines), dropouts and incorrect colors. Buy cables from makers known in the retro community, with proper shielding and correct sync wiring. It's a small investment that makes the rest of the chain work well.

Ready-to-play checklist

• Best available cable for each console.
• Scaler or converter connected via HDMI.
• TV in game mode with processing off.
• 4:3 aspect ratio.
• Audio confirmed.
• Controllers connected and tested.

Region and power adapters

Imported consoles may need different power supplies. Use the correct voltage and polarity to avoid damaging consoles.

Test with a variety of games

Test several games, including 2D sprite games and 3D games, to fine-tune settings for your whole library.

Connection essentials