Hey retro gamer! , I’m about to show you how to get the best image quality from your Super Nintendo on your modern TV with the best options available this year.
Any one of the devices mentioned it this article with give you an awesome looking picture on your TV. Just be careful. Make sure you follow any instructions with them otherwise you may not be getting the best from them.
How do I connect my old Super Nintendo to my new TV?
If like me you still would like to play some of those classic SNES games. You also want to be able to play them on a modern TV such as a Smart TV or HDTV.
Depending on what model of Super Nintendo you are using and what kind of display you would like to use it with, Also how much you are willing to pay and what kind of picture quality you are expecting or can just put up with; there are a number of different of options to consider.
Smart TV Inputs Explained
Many new Smart TVs can have any combination of these inputs. The most common input connection nowadays is the HDMI port.
HDMI stands for High Definition Multimedia Interface. This Connection on your TV will produce the best quality picture.
Here are the many different input connections that your TV may have:
| Port | Purpose | Quality | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | HDMI | Video/audio/computer/console | Best |
 | Component | Video input | Good |
 | S-Video | Video input | Good |
 | Composite AV | Video input / Retro Computer or console | OK |
 | DVI | Computer | Very Good |
 | VGA | Computer | Very Good |
 | Antenna In | RF Input / Retro Computer or console | Poor |
The Difference Between AV and HDMI.
The AV signal coming from your SNES is an analogue composite signal that transmits in a low resolution.
HDMI is a High Definintion digital signal that can display very high resolutions.
Both of these signal types are not directly compatable so a device called an upscaler is required to convert the AV signal to HDMI.
The HDMI connection will definatly produce the best picture quality. If you are planning to connect an original SNES to your TV via the HDMI port you will need an upscaler or converter.
HDMI Upscalers
There are many different upscaler options available many of them produce an excellent image quality on your screen.
What are the options?
- XRGB Mini Framemeister
- Zerone CGA/EGA/YUV/RGB to VGA Arcade Game HD Video Converter Adapter Board
- Open Source Scan Converter
- RetroTINK2x
XRGB Mini Framemeister
Get one here: https://amzn.to/3qoqa02
Zerone CGA/EGA/YUV/RGB to VGA Arcade Game HD Video Converter Adapter Board
Get one here: https://amzn.to/39Dee3K
Open Source Scan Converter
Get one here: https://amzn.to/38UmSvy
RetroTINK2x
Get one here: https://amzn.to/38SFIDa
Other Options
Nintendo Classic Mini: Super Nintendo Entertainment System
A excellent option for playing SNES games with the best video quality is to use a SNES Mini or Super Nintendo Classic Mini.
This is a stand alone console with built in games with the option to install more games. This has a HDMI output that will plug directy into the HDMI port of your HDTV or Smart TV.
This option has the best picture quality by far and is my personal favourite for playing SNES games on the HDTV in my living room.
You can get The SNES mini on Amazon, Check here for the latest price.
Does the SNES mini Play Cartridges?
This is a GBS-8200 converter board and will convert RGB or composite video to VGA which then can be easily converted to HDMI. Using a cable adapter similar to this one here.
SNES Component mod
SNES YPbPr Component Cable
SNES mini RGB mod
The stock SNES Mini console is not about output an RGB or S-Video signal natively, but mods are available to overcome this. Some soldering skills are required though. See here for more information.
SNES HDMI adapter
RF to HDMI Converter
Simple Composite Modification
Pound HD Link
How to Hook up Super Nintendo without multi out
| TV Input | SNES PAL | SNES NTSC | SNES Mini | |
| RF | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Composite | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Component | Yes | Yes | No | |
| RGB | Yes | Yes | No |
FPGA Analogue Super nt – https://www.analogue.co/super-nt/
LevelHike HDMI Cable for Super Nintendo – https://stoneagegamer.com/levelhike-hdmi-cable-for-super-nintendo-model-1.html
Connect a Super Nintendo to a VGA monitor or VGA compatable Televsion
