The Best Way to Play Retro Games on an HDTV or Modern Monitor

Quick Summary

If you’re after a quick answer and don’t have time to read this whole article, my recommendation is the Open Source Scan Converter, Its freaking Awesome!!

Best Upscaler for Retro Consoles in 2023: Enhance Your Gaming Experience with These Top Picks

As retro gaming continues to grow in popularity, many gamers are looking for ways to enhance their experience. One essential component of retro gaming is the upscaler, which is a device that converts the low-resolution output of older consoles into a high-definition signal that can be displayed on modern TVs.

There are many different types of upscalers available, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Some are designed specifically for certain consoles, while others are more universal. Some offer more advanced features like scanline filters and custom color palettes, while others focus on simplicity and ease of use.

When choosing an upscaler, it’s important to consider factors like compatibility with your console, the quality of the output signal, and any additional features that may be important to you. Additionally, it’s important to choose a reputable brand with a track record of producing high-quality products.

In this article, we will take a look at the best upscalers for retro consoles in 2023. We’ve tested and researched a variety of different models to identify the ones that offer the best performance, compatibility, and value for gamers. Whether you’re a hardcore retro gamer or just looking to relive some childhood memories, we’ve got you covered.

Best Upscaler for Retro Consoles

If you’re an avid retro gamer, you know that the graphics of classic consoles can be a bit lackluster on modern TVs. That’s where upscalers come in handy – they enhance the resolution of your retro console’s output, resulting in a crisper, clearer image. In this roundup, we’ve compiled a list of the best upscalers for retro consoles available in 2023. Whether you’re playing on an original Nintendo Entertainment System or a Sega Genesis, these upscalers will help you get the most out of your retro gaming experience.

LiNKFOR OSSC Open Source Scan Converter v1.6

If you’re looking for a high-quality upscaler for your retro gaming consoles, the LiNKFOR OSSC Open Source Scan Converter v1.6 is a great choice. This device uses FPGA technology to deliver a delay-free line multiplier that can display high-quality retro games on modern monitors and HDTVs.Pros

• Converts SCART, Component and VGA to HDMI, as well as all analogue audio
• Provides a top-screen effect on the LCD monitor, full of nostalgia
• Includes remote, instructions, power supply, and the ability to adjust scanlines, tweak output HDMI settings and adjust frame rates

Cons

• Requires a high-quality SCART RGB cable, not compatible with composite video and S-Video
• May not work with non-RGB modded NES or NTSC GC
• May not be suitable for those who prefer not to tinker with settings

The LiNKFOR OSSC Open Source Scan Converter v1.6 is a must-have for anyone looking to play retro games on modern displays. Its excellent picture quality and easy-to-use features make it a great choice for gamers of all skill levels. Whether you’re a seasoned retro gaming enthusiast or just starting out, the LiNKFOR OSSC Open Source Scan Converter v1.6 is definitely worth considering.

Kaico Edition OSSC Open Source Scan Converter 1.6

If you want to play retro games on modern TVs with zero lag, then Kaico Edition OSSC Open Source Scan Converter 1.6 is the perfect upscaler for you.Pros

• Exceptional versatility for all retro consoles from Spectrum, Amiga, SNES, Gamecube (PAL), Saturn, Megadrive to PlayStation and more.
• Adjust scanlines, upscale image, tweak output HDMI settings and adjust frame rates with the included remote and instructions.
• 12 Months Support, Repair or Replace Warranty with KAICO.

Cons

• Needs a suitable RGB high quality SCART cable to work. Will only work with RGB inputs.
• Will NOT work with an Nintendo N64, Non-RGB modded Nintendo NES, or a NTSC Gamecube as these are both S-Video and NOT RGB.
• Expensive compared to other upscalers on the market.

Kaico Edition OSSC Open Source Scan Converter 1.6 is a high-quality upscaler that provides excellent picture quality and zero lag. The device is easy to use and comes with a remote, instructions, power supply, and multi-country plug. It works on all retro consoles except for a few exceptions that are not RGB, and it requires an RGB high-quality SCART cable to work.

The upscaler is also expensive compared to other upscalers on the market, but it comes with a 12-month warranty and exceptional versatility. You can adjust scanlines, upscale image, tweak output HDMI settings and adjust frame rates with the included remote and instructions.

If you’re looking for a high-quality upscaler that provides excellent picture quality and zero lag, then Kaico Edition OSSC Open Source Scan Converter 1.6 is the perfect choice for you.

Kaico HDMI Adapter

If you’re looking for an easy way to play your old Nintendo consoles on your modern TV, the Kaico HDMI Adapter is a great option thanks to its plug-and-play design and support for multiple consoles.Pros

• Easy setup with no additional software or hardware required
• Supports multiple consoles, including N64, SNES, and Gamecube
• No need for additional power source or messy cables

Cons

• Some users have reported poor color and image quality
• May not work with all TVs or monitors
• Higher price point than some other options on the market

The Kaico HDMI Adapter is a great choice for anyone looking to play their old Nintendo consoles on a modern TV without the hassle of additional hardware or cables. The plug-and-play design makes it easy to set up, and the support for multiple consoles means you can use it for all your retro gaming needs.

One potential downside to the Kaico HDMI Adapter is that some users have reported poor color and image quality, so it may not be the best option if you’re looking for the highest-quality picture. Additionally, it may not work with all TVs or monitors, so be sure to check compatibility before purchasing.

Overall, if you’re looking for a convenient and easy-to-use solution for playing retro Nintendo games on your modern TV, the Kaico HDMI Adapter is definitely worth considering.

So if you are a retro-gaming enthusiast and you’re looking for that crystal clear quality image for your old computer or console to look freaking awesome on your screen!!

I’ve had the oportunity to use a few of the options and am very impressed with the results some of these upscalers can produce.

All of the solutions available will give you a considerable improvement on just plugging your old SNES or Amiga straight into the A/V input on your TV. To be frank old console and computers look like crap on a modern TV without an upscaler.

As you’ve landed on this page, I will assume you know what an upscaler is and does so I wont bore you with any of that. But if you want to know more info on how what they are and how they work, check out this article here: What is an up scaler?

If like me and enjoy playing Amiga games still, you deserve the best picture quality you can get.

So what are the options?

Here are the 4 Upscaler options I’ve used:

• 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

The XRGB-Mini aka Framemeister from Micomsoft in my opinion is a an awesome bit of kit and now the king of 240p processing with no noticable lag.

Its definatly suited for casual gamers but is one of the best processors for 240p you can buy, especially if you have a large LCD or OLED TV.

Integrated scanline support, high compatibility and very good picture quality for all 240p sources.

It definatly requires a certain knowledge of video processing and the willingness to spend time learning how to get the best from it.

Open Source Scan Converter

Get one here: https://amzn.to/38UmSvy

The OSSC by Markus Hiienkari. This one is considerably a less expensive scaling solution than the Framemeister.

It has no input lag whatsoever. Its awesome at 240p line doubling to 480p or 720p if you got a compatible display aintegrated scanline support.

It has little more tweeking around than the Framemeister due it’s missing audio support so it might not be one for beginners. Consider this one instead of the FM if you want lagfree processing! The OSSC makes the XRGB-3 and other linedoublers obsolete.

Upscaler Model	Compatibility	Input/Output	Latency	Price Range	Additional Features
OSSC 1.6	Most retro consoles (SNES, PS1, Genesis, etc.)	RGB, VGA, Component, SCART, DVI-D	Low (<1ms)	$$$	Line-doubling, firmware updates, optimal timings
RetroTINK 2X Pro	Composite, S-Video, Component, SNES, PS1, Genesis, etc.	Composite, S-Video, Component, HDMI	Very low (<1ms)	$$	Line-doubling, smoothing, scanline filters
Framemeister XRGB-mini	Nearly all retro consoles	RGB, S-Video, Component, SCART, HDMI	Low (1-2ms)	$$$$	Custom profiles, scanlines, remote control, up to 1080p
RAD2X	SNES, Genesis, N64, PS1, Saturn	RGB, HDMI	Low (<1ms)	$	Plug-and-play, automatic resolution switching, RGB bypass
GBS-C	Wide range of consoles	RGB, VGA, Component, SCART	Moderate (3-5ms)	$	Custom firmware, deinterlacing, scanline filters

Zerone CGA/EGA/YUV/RGB to VGA Arcade Game HD Video Converter Adapter Board

Get one here: https://amzn.to/39Dee3K

RetroTINK2x

Scart, Componant Video, 1080p, S-Video Resolution.

Get one here: https://amzn.to/38SFIDa