Hey there! Connecting your classic Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) to a new high-definition TV can seem really tricky, but don‘t worry – with the right cables and adapters, it‘s actually pretty straightforward. The SNES was originally designed to connect to old CRT TVs using analog inputs, so getting it to work properly on a modern digital flatscreen requires converting the analog signal to HDMI. With a little bit of effort though, you‘ll be up and running playing Super Mario World and other SNES classics in gorgeous HD in no time! Let me walk you through it step-by-step.
Inside the SNES – A Look at Video Outputs
To get your SNES hooked up properly, it helps to understand the various video output options built into the console hardware:
- RF Switch: This connects to the antenna/cable input on really old TVs using coaxial connectors. Picture quality is quite poor and this option won‘t work with new TVs.
- Composite Video: Uses the familiar yellow RCA connector to output a decent 240p signal. But it‘s still analog and not compatible with modern TVs.
- S-Video: Produces a sharper 480i image than composite by separating luminance and chrominance signals. Unfortunately still analog though.
- RGB: Separates video into pure red, green and blue signals for the best possible picture over analog cables. Requires a compatible TV or upscaler that supports RGB input.
As you can see, all the SNES video outputs are analog – fine for CRT TVs, but modern flatscreens use digital HDMI. So to connect your SNES, you‘ll need to convert one of these analog signals into a digital HDMI signal your TV can understand. Let‘s explore some ways to make this analog-to-digital conversion.
Converting Analog to Digital HDMI
Here are your main options for getting that glorious 16-bit SNES image onto a modern television:
1. SNES to HDMI Adapter
This is by far the easiest "plug-and-play" solution. The adapter converts the analog signal from the SNES‘s multi-AV out port into a digital HDMI signal your TV can process. No modding or special cables required! The adapter is powered over USB, so you just plug it into your TV‘s HDMI port and a USB power source and you‘re set.
However, cheaper adapters tend to add input lag during processing, which can really mess with your Super Mario World timing and impact gameplay. So I highly recommend investing a few extra bucks in a high-quality, zero-lag adapter solution like the HD Retrovision SNES component cable paired with the Retro Access SNES HDMI adapter. This utilizes the SNES‘s RGB output for the cleanest and most vibrant picture possible. Reviews show little to no lag compared to cheap generic adapters.
2. Video Scaler/Upscaler
Another good option is an external video scaler or upscaler like the Retrotink 2X. This converts the analog signal from your SNES to digital HDMI like an adapter, but also upscales the native 256 x 224 resolution up to 720p or 1080p resolution. This helps the retro games fill the modern widescreen TV better.
Dedicated upscaler units like the Retrotink tend to introduce less input lag and process the image nicer than generic adapters. However, they are more expensive. I suggest the Retrotink 2X Multiformat as a solid upscaler choice for the SNES and other retro systems.
3. CRT Display + HDMI Capture
For zero lag and 100% authentic retro image, you can connect your SNES directly to an old CRT television or PVM/BVM monitor using original composite or S-video cables. Then just output the CRT‘s image to your flatscreen HDTV by connecting a camera or video capture card between them. This captures the analog signal with zero lag, while encoding it to digital HDMI for your modern TV.
It‘s expensive buying vintage CRTs and capture devices these days though, so this method is best for videophiles and speedrunners only. For most, an adapter or upscaler gets you 95% there at a fraction of the price.
Now let‘s walk through connecting your SNES using the simple HDMI adapter method, step-by-step:
Step-by-Step SNES to HDTV Connection Guide
Follow these steps to easily connect your SNES to a modern HDTV using a basic HDMI adapter:
- Obtain a high-quality, zero-lag SNES to HDMI adapter solution. I suggest the HD Retrovision SNES component cable + Retro Access SNES HDMI adapter.
- Connect the SNES component cable to your SNES and the other end to the HDMI adapter input.
- Plug the HDMI adapter into an open HDMI port on your TV.
- Power the HDMI adapter with a USB cable connected to a USB power adapter or USB port on your TV.
- Turn on your TV and switch to the correct HDMI input source.
- Power on the SNES and verify it displays properly on your TV screen. Adjust settings if needed.
- For least lag, enable "Game Mode" on your TV – this bypasses post-processing.
The SNES should now be running beautifully in crystal clear HDMI RGB goodness with minimal lag for an optimal retro gaming experience. Be sure to tweak your TV‘s video settings like aspect ratio and scaling to properly fit the 4:3 240p image as needed. Alright, time to binge play Super Metroid all over again – in HD!
Troubleshooting Display and Connectivity Issues
If you don‘t see a nice crisp SNES image after following the adapter setup process, don‘t panic! Here are some tips for troubleshooting display or connectivity issues:
| Issue | Solution |
|---|---|
| No image on TV | Try different HDMI ports on TV, replace HDMI cable, ensure adapter has power via USB, check SNES cables fully inserted, verify TV input source set correctly. |
| Blurry image | Enable "Game Mode" on TV, adjust Sharpness settings, use high quality SNES cables, match SNES resolution to TV. |
| Bars on sides of image | Adjust aspect ratio setting on TV to "4:3" or "Just Scan". |
| Laggy response | Make sure TV is in Game Mode to reduce processing lag. |
| Audio issues | Use original SNES cables for clean analog audio signal, ensure stereo audio output enabled on adapter. |
If you‘ve tried multiple troubleshooting tips and ports without success, the issue could simply be compatibility between your particular TV model and the HDMI adapter. Some modern TVs don‘t like processing the digital signal from certain cheaper adapters. Try using a different adapter make/model in this case, such as the RetroTINK-2X recommended above.
Don‘t lose hope if HDMI isn‘t working out! Let‘s look at some alternate connection methods for your retro SNES.
Legacy Connection Options for SNES
If HDMI just refuses to play nice between your SNES and TV, fear not – you‘ve still got options:
Connect to Old CRT TV
Hooking up your SNES directly to an older CRT television is super easy and natively supported. You can use the original RF switch cable, or for better quality try composite video or S-Video cables. Image quality varies based on cable quality. Just match your SNES video output type to the matching input port on the CRT TV and you‘re golden!
Connect via AV Receiver
If you have an older stereo or home theater audio/video receiver handy, you can connect the SNES to it via composite or S-Video cables, then output the receiver‘s HDMI signal to your TV. This allows seamlessly switching between HDMI devices while keeping that retro SNES analog magic.
Dedicated Video Scaler
As mentioned before, a dedicated video scaler like the Retrotink 2X Multiformat or OSSC takes the SNES‘s analog input and upscales it nicely to HDMI for your digital flatscreen with less lag than cheap adapters. Great image quality combined with lag-free gameplay.
HDMI Capture Card
Another way to record and digitize the SNES‘s analog output is using an HDMI capture card like the Elgato Game Capture HD60 S. Connect your SNES to the capture device‘s inputs via original cables, then pass the HDMI signal to your TV. More steps, but zero lag possible.
Getting the Sharpest HD SNES Image
Alright, you‘ve got your SNES successfully connected to your swanky HDTV via HDMI adapter, upscaler, or other method – awesome! Now here are some pro tips for getting the very best, sharpest, most vibrant and colorful HD SNES image possible:
- Make sure to enable "Game Mode" on your TV – This bypasses unnecessary processing that adds input lag.
- Sharpness and aspect ratio settings impact SNES image, so tweak for best results.
- Use original SNES cables if possible for cleanest analog video signal.
- Upscale to 720p or 1080p for smoother image, but 720p is more faithful to 240p.
- Match TV resolution settings to SNES‘s output – 480i for S-Video, 240p for composite.
- Set aspect ratio to 4:3 standard unless the game specifically supports widescreen.
- Utilize RGB video out from SNES for vivid colors and clarity if TV supports it.
- Consider pro mods and amps to really supercharge SNES video quality over HDMI!
With some tweaking and the right setup, your favorite SNES games can look incredible on a modern TV, with beautiful rich colors and silky smooth motion. The magical fun gameplay we remember is preserved, now in HD! Rediscover timeless classics like Super Metroid, Zelda, and Super Mario World all over again. Enjoy!
Let me know if you have any other questions getting your vintage SNES hooked up. Happy gaming!
