You need an HDMI converter matched to your console’s output — RF coax for Atari/early NES, composite RCA for NES/Genesis/SNES, component for PS2/Xbox, or S-Video/SCART for SNES/Saturn — because modern TVs no longer have analog inputs.
- You match the converter’s input to your console’s output type
- Your TV has at least one HDMI port
- The converter is powered (USB or 5V) if required
- You use component over composite for better picture quality
- The converter doesn’t support your console’s specific output (e.g., OSSC skips composite)
- Your TV has no HDMI and no analog ports
- Region mismatch — NTSC console with PAL converter
- You rely on a cheap converter that introduces input lag
Find Your Console’s Output First
Before buying anything, check what port your console actually outputs. The output type determines everything — the converter, the cable, and the final picture quality.
- RF/Coax: Atari 2600, NES (older models), Commodore 64
- Composite (yellow/red/white RCA): NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, N64, PS1, Wii
- S-Video: SNES, N64, PS1, Sega Saturn (better than composite)
- Component (YPbPr): PS2, Xbox, GameCube, Wii, Xbox 360, PS3
- SCART: PAL region consoles — SNES, Mega Drive, PS1
Which Converter Do You Need?
Once you know your output, pick the right converter. Check the GamesRadar retro console connection guide for hands-on recommendations by system.
| Setup | Works? | Need | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| RF to HDMI (Atari, old NES) | Yes | RF-to-HDMI converter | Tune converter to channel 3 or 4 |
| Composite to HDMI (NES, Genesis) | Yes | Composite-to-HDMI converter | Powered via USB; quality is soft |
| S-Video to HDMI (SNES, N64) | Yes | S-Video-to-HDMI converter | Noticeably sharper than composite |
| Component to HDMI (PS2, Xbox) | Yes | Component-to-HDMI converter | Best analog quality; minimal lag |
| SCART to HDMI (PAL consoles) | Yes | SCART-to-HDMI converter | Confirm NTSC/PAL region match |
| Direct to modern TV (no converter) | No | — | Modern TVs have no analog inputs |
Tips for Better Picture Quality
Not all converters are equal. Cheap composite-to-HDMI boxes can introduce blur or input lag, which matters in fast games. Spend a little more on a mid-range converter if gaming responsiveness is important to you.
- Component output gives the best analog signal — use it when available (PS2, Xbox, Wii)
- Avoid long RF cable runs; signal degrades quickly
- If your console supports S-Video, always choose it over composite
- Upscalers like the Retrotink 2X are worth it for frequent retro gaming
If you’re also working with modern devices that use USB-C, see whether USB-C connects to HDMI for current-gen setups. And if your HDMI adapter isn’t working at all, our guide on why USB-C to HDMI stops working covers common faults that apply to converter boxes too.
Bottom line: The right old console to new TV cable is almost always a converter box — match the input to your console’s output port, power it if needed, and connect the HDMI output to your TV. Spend a little more to avoid lag, and go with component or S-Video whenever your console supports it.