How to Connect Old Consoles to Modern TV (2026): Complete Guide

Quick Answer

The problem: Old consoles output composite/component video. Modern TVs only have HDMI. The solution: Buy HDMI converter (£50-120) that accepts composite RCA/S-Video and outputs HDMI. Connect console to converter with RCA cables (£8-15), run HDMI to TV, done. Total cost: £60-135. Alternative: Use quality component cables (£15-30) if TV has component inputs (older models). Best option: RetroTink 5X upscaler (£450-500) for professional-grade video quality, but overkill for casual players.**

Console-by-Console Connection Methods

Solution #1: HDMI Converter (Best for Modern TVs)

Why This Works Best

Modern TVs only have HDMI inputs. HDMI converters accept composite/S-Video/component cables and output clean HDMI. It’s the simplest, cheapest solution for 90% of people.

What You Need

1. HDMI Converter Box – £50-120
2. RCA Cables – £8-15 (usually console already has these)
3. HDMI Cable – £10-15
4. USB Power – Usually included in converter

Step-by-Step Setup

Time: 5 minutes

1. Unpack HDMI converter (£70)
2. Take RCA cables from console (£0 – usually included) – OR buy replacement RCA cables (£8-15) if missing
3. Plug RCA cables into converter:
   • Yellow = Video
   • Red = Right audio
   • White = Left audio
4. Plug HDMI cable (£12) from converter to TV
5. Plug USB power into converter
6. Turn on TV
7. Switch TV input to HDMI
8. Turn on console
9. Image appears on TV

Result: Perfect picture, no configuration needed

Which HDMI Converter to Buy?

Budget Option (£50-70):

• Generic HDMI Converter
• Works fine for casual play
• Minimal lag
• Basic features

Recommended (£80-120):

• Elgato Game Capture HD60 (also records!)
• Better build quality
• Multiple input options
• Recording capability
• Smaller footprint

Premium (£150-250):

• RetroTink 2X
• Professional upscaling
• Customizable filters
• Best picture quality
• Worth it if you’re perfectionist

Total Cost for HDMI Solution

HDMI Converter:     £70
RCA Cables:         £0-15 (may already have)
HDMI Cable:         £12
USB Power:          Included
---
TOTAL:              £82-97

Solution #2: Component Video (If TV Supports It)

Why Consider This

Component cables (red/green/blue) provide better quality than composite RCA. But only works if TV has component inputs (rare in modern TVs).

Check Your TV

Look at back of TV for three colored ports:

• Red (R)
• Green (G)
• Blue (B)

If you see them, component works. If not, skip to HDMI converter.

What You Need

1. Component Video Cables – £15-30
2. Audio RCA Cables – £5-10

Setup

1. Connect console’s component video output to TV’s component input
2. Connect audio RCA to TV’s audio input
3. Switch TV to component input
4. Done

Pros: Better picture quality than composite
Cons: TV must have component inputs (becoming rare)

Consoles with Component Output

• PlayStation 2 (better picture than composite)
• GameCube (native component output)
• Dreamcast (via adapter)

Solution #3: Professional Upscaling (For Perfectionists)

RetroTink 5X Upscaler

For people who want absolute best quality, RetroTink 5X (£450-500) is professional-grade solution. It takes analog video and upscales to 1080p/4K with customizable filters.

What It Does

• Takes any analog signal (composite/component/RGB)
• Upscales to 1080p or 4K
• Multiple filter options (sharp, smooth, scanlines)
• Outputs HDMI
• Professional picture quality

Should You Buy It?

Yes if: You’re competitive gamer, streamer, or perfectionist
No if: You just want to play games casually

Alternative: OSSC

OSSC (£250-350) is cheaper professional option. Less features but still excellent quality.

See our full RetroTink 5X vs OSSC comparison for detailed breakdown.

Solution #4: CRT Monitor (Original Hardware Approach)

Why Some People Do This

Original consoles output to CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) televisions. Modern CRT monitors accept SCART/RGB signals. This gives arcade-authentic picture.

What You Need

1. CRT Monitor – £50-150 (used)
2. SCART RGB Cables – £25-40
3. SCART Adapter – If monitor needs it, £10-20

Why This Is Popular

• Authentic arcade picture
• No lag or processing
• Scanlines look authentic
• Professional look

Downsides

• CRT monitors hard to find
• Require space (heavy/bulky)
• Electricity usage
• Setup complexity

See our full Best CRT TVs for Retro Gaming guide for complete information.

Complete Setup Options by Budget

Budget Setup: Modern TV + HDMI Converter (£85-110)

For: Casual players wanting easiest setup

What you get:

• HDMI converter (£70)
• RCA cables (£10)
• HDMI cable (£12)

Result: Plug-and-play, works with every console

Good Setup: Component Cables (£30-50)

For: People with older TVs that support component

What you get:

• Component video cables (£20-30)
• Audio RCA cables (£5-10)
• Already have TV

Result: Better picture quality, direct connection

Premium Setup: RetroTink 5X (£500-550)

For: Competitive gamers, streamers, perfectionists

What you get:

• RetroTink 5X (£450-500)
• Quality cables (£20-50)
• HDMI cable (£15)

Result: Professional-grade picture, arcade quality, streaming ready

Authentic Setup: CRT Monitor (£200-250)

For: Arcade enthusiasts wanting original experience

What you get:

• CRT monitor (£80-150 used)
• SCART RGB cables (£30-40)
• Surge protector (£20-30)

Result: Authentic arcade picture, no lag, scanlines authentic

Common Connection Problems & Solutions

Problem: “No picture on TV”

Checklist:

1. ✓ HDMI converter powered on? (check power light)
2. ✓ HDMI cable properly connected to TV?
3. ✓ TV switched to HDMI input? (not HDMI 1, HDMI 2, etc?)
4. ✓ Console powered on and displaying output?
5. ✓ RCA cables in correct ports? (yellow=video, red=right, white=left)

Fix:

• Try different HDMI port on TV
• Try different HDMI cable (may be broken)
• Try different converter (may be defective)

Problem: “Picture is blurry/pixelated”

Why: Composite RCA is lower quality.

Solution:

1. Upgrade to component cables (£20-30)
2. OR upgrade to RetroTink (£450-500) for upscaling
3. OR buy original RGB mod cables (£30-50) for better quality output

Problem: “Picture has weird colors/tint”

Why: Converter color calibration or cable issues

Solution:

1. Try adjusting TV color settings
2. Check RCA cable connections (may be loose)
3. Try different converter model
4. Clean RCA connector ends with isopropyl alcohol (£8)

Problem: “Audio not working”

Why: Audio RCA cables not connected

Solution:

1. Plug audio RCA cables (red/white) into converter
2. Plug converter audio out to TV audio in
3. Check TV audio input is set to converter
4. Adjust TV volume

Audio Solutions

HDMI Converter Audio

Most HDMI converters (£70) have:

• RCA audio input (red/white ports)
• HDMI passes audio to TV
• TV plays audio through speakers

Setup: Red/white RCA from console → Red/white RCA into converter → HDMI carries audio to TV → Done

Alternative: Audio Extraction

If converter doesn’t have audio, buy audio extractor (£15-25):

• Pulls audio from HDMI
• Outputs to speakers/headphones
• Connects between converter and TV

Cable Recommendations

Best Cables for Connections

Composite RCA (works with everything):

• Budget: £5-10
• Quality: £10-15
• Recommendation: Get shielded cables (£12) – reduce interference

Component Video (better quality):

• £15-30
• Better than composite
• Only use if TV has component inputs

HDMI Cables:

• Budget: £5-10
• Quality: £10-20
• Recommendation: Quality HDMI (£15) – prevents dropout/artifacts

Console-Specific Connection Tips

NES/SNES

• Originally shipped with RF cable (bad quality)
• Upgrade to composite RCA (£10-15)
• Or RGB mod (£30-50) for best quality

See our Best Cables & Connectors guide for full details.

N64

• Notorious for blurry composite output
• Definitely upgrade to S-Video (£12-20)
• Or RGB mod (£40-80) for arcade-quality picture

PlayStation 2

• Comes with composite RCA
• Huge quality improvement with component cables (£15-25)
• Worth the small upgrade cost

Dreamcast

• Has native VGA output (£15-25)
• Best option: VGA cable + VGA-to-HDMI adapter (£35-50 total)
• Superior to composite

Multi-Console Setup

If You Have Multiple Consoles

Option A: HDMI Converter + Switch Box (£100-150)

1. All consoles connect to RCA switch box (£20-40)
2. Switch box outputs RCA to HDMI converter (£70)
3. Converter to TV HDMI

Advantage: One converter handles all consoles
Disadvantage: Only one console at a time

Option B: Individual HDMI Converters (£150-300)

1. Each console gets its own HDMI converter (£70)
2. Each connects directly to different TV HDMI port
3. Switch between inputs on TV

Advantage: Multiple consoles simultaneously
Disadvantage: More expensive, more cables

Related Guides on RetroTechLab

• Best Cables & Connectors for Retro Consoles – Detailed cable quality comparison
• Best CRT TVs for Retro Gaming – Original hardware setup
• RetroTink 5X vs OSSC – Professional upscaling comparison
• Best Retro Gaming Capture Cards – Recording your gameplay
• Best Protective Cases for Handhelds – Portability options

FAQ

Q: Will HDMI converter add lag to my games?

A: Good converters (£70-120) add 1-2 frames of lag, imperceptible to most. If you notice lag, upgrade to RetroTink (£450-500).

Q: Do I really need component cables or is composite fine?

A: Composite is fine for casual play. Component (£15-30) is noticeably sharper, worth the small upgrade. RGB mod (£30-50) is best if you want perfect quality.

Q: Can I use VGA monitors instead of TVs?

A: Yes! Some old monitors still work great. Dreamcast has native VGA output (£15-25). Other consoles need VGA adapters (£30-50).

Q: What’s the cheapest way to connect a console?

A: HDMI converter (£70) + RCA cable (£8-15) = £78-85 total. Works with every console.

Q: Should I use a surge protector?

A: Yes! Surge protector (£15-25) protects equipment from power spikes that kill capacitors. Small investment, protects expensive hardware.

Q: Can I use any HDMI converter or are some better?

A: Cheap ones (£30-50) have lag/compatibility issues. Spend £70-120 for quality. Elgato (£80-120) or RetroTink 2X (£150-200) are worth it.

Last Updated: February 2026 All prices from Amazon UK