Summary
- You get the same nostalgic rush replaying retro games, armed with old tricks.
- Most TVs still have RF or AV/RCA ports; use RCA-to-HDMI adapters for clearer modern hookups.
- Some consoles need special cables or coax adapters; older hardware models (like Sega/Atari) vary.
Some video games are absolutely timeless. Conquering a level that took hours of effort made you feel like a champion. And revisiting it years later means you can probably beat it more easily now, knowing the tricks of the trade — unless, of course, you’ve forgotten all the button combos, and it takes a while to get back into the rhythm. Either way, throwing it back and playing your old games is a nostalgic burst of energy.
It’s why people enjoy going to arcades — you get the full, tactile feel of a game. But it can seem like the games you loved growing up aren’t available anymore. Yes, you might find them in an online gaming hub or through the Nintendo Store on a console like the Switch, but it’s not quite the same as playing them in their original form. For some upgrades (like better graphics) that’s fine. But it doesn’t give you that same classic feel.
Chances are, you’ve updated your TV since the days of the NES or the original PlayStation. Still, it’s possible to hook up those old consoles to a modern smart TV. You likely need some help though, as those systems are a bit outdated. Here’s what you need.
- 4K Capability
-
Yes
- Brand
-
Nintendo
- Screen
-
7.9-inch 1920 x 1080 pixel resolution LCD, HDR, 120Hz refresh rate (4K/60fps 3840 x 2160 pixel resolution when docked)
- Game support
-
Switch 2, Switch 2 Edition, Switch
- Storage
-
256GB (expandable with microSD Express cards)
- CPU
-
Custom NVIDIA processor
Nintendo’s Switch 2 features a more powerful chip, a higher resolution screen, and upgraded Joy-Cons.
A TV with an RF port (and an RF coax cable)
These aren’t as common anymore
There are ways to hook up an NES or a Super NES (SNES) that requires an RF port. An RF port is also known as a coaxial port, and most TVs still have these. If you have an NES or SNES that has these cables, you can just screw your connector into the TV. Over the years, it may have deteriorated — metal doesn’t always last a really long time. If that’s the case, you may have to try and replace it.
RF ports are used to transmit audio and video signals, just like you did for a cable TV connection back in the day. If you haven’t cut the cord yet, you still likely have a set-top box that plugs into your coaxial port. If your console doesn’t have an RF port, then it very well has color-coded AV/RCA ports.
A TV with an AV/RCA port
It’s already on many TVs, but you can also use your HDMI port
You need to ensure that you’ve hooked up the correct colors of cable to the correct color ports in the back of the TV.
If your console, such as a PlayStation 2 or Nintendo 64, has AV/RCA cables, you’ll see a number of color-coded cables. Usually, they’re yellow (video), red, and white (audio), though sometimes you’ll also see blue or green. These cables carry audio and video signals to your TV, and if they’re not plugged in correctly, nothing will display.
In this case, you’ll need to switch your TV to the correct input that matches the console. This might be something like Channel 3 or another low-numbered input, depending on your TV model. While you likely use your TV inputs for HDMI options now, this is different — unless you use an RCA to HDMI adapter.
With an adapter, you can connect the RCA cables to an HDMI cord and plug that into your TV. It will deliver a clearer picture and help you adapt the TV to an 8-bit or 16-bit gaming console. It’s also a smart decision because, many times, HDMI ports are on the side of TVs, meaning you don’t need to reach the back of your TV, like you would for the AV/RCA ports.
A female-to-male coax adapter for your Atari
Go super retro with your gaming
The Atari 2600 is arguably one of the most innovative video game systems ever. It basically started the gaming revolution when it was released. You can still play an Atari 2600 on your HDTVs today, and it’s actually kind of simple if your TV has an RF port. You’ll need a female-to-male coax adapter cable as well as the RCA cable that comes with the console. Screw that into the RF port, and you should be able to find your TV and console in sync (once you find the channel that it’s working on.)
If you don’t have a female-to-male coax adapter, that’s okay. You can actually use something else to plug the RCA cable into with an RF port (which can even include a VCR). This is the throwback of throwback ways to get your video game system to work. But sometimes, you have to do what you have to do to get the special games of yesteryear.
Special cases for Sega Genesis
Regardless, you need the right cables
If you have a Sega Genesis, the first thing you’ll want to do is check which model it is. That will determine what kind of adapter cable you’ll need. Unfortunately, different versions of the Genesis (depending on the year they were made) use different types of connectors. You might need RCA cables, RF cables, or something else entirely to get it hooked up properly.
Of course, it really just depends on what kind of ports any gaming console has for you to be able to hook it up to the TV. Most TVs either have RF ports or AV/RCA access even now. Once you find the right adapter, you’ll be golden.
