What you need to play retro games
An honest checklist for getting old consoles running well on today's TVs. We don't make any of this gear; the links go to eBay listings and Amazon searches.
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Video cables by console
The cable decides how sharp the picture can be. From worst to best: RF (through the antenna input), composite (one yellow video plug), S-Video, then component or RGB. Get the best your console and TV both support.
| NES | The original front-loading NES has RF and composite (yellow video, plus mono audio) outputs. The later top-loader has RF only unless it has been modified. |
|---|---|
| Super Nintendo, Nintendo 64, GameCube | All three share the same multi-out port, so one cable fits all of them. Composite works everywhere; S-Video looks noticeably sharper if your TV or adapter has an S-Video input. A US Super Nintendo also puts out RGB (with a SCART cable); most US Nintendo 64s don't. |
| Sega Genesis | The Model 1 and Model 2 use different AV connectors, so check which model you have before buying a cable. Both can output composite, and RGB with the right SCART cable. |
| PlayStation and PlayStation 2 | Both share the same multi-out port: composite, S-Video and RGB cables fit either. The PS2 also supports component (red, green and blue video plugs). Some TVs don't accept the 240p picture many PS1 games send over component. |
| Dreamcast | Composite and S-Video cables, plus a VGA adapter for a sharp 480p picture in most games. |
| Original Xbox | Composite out of the box; the official-style HD AV (component) cable allows 480p and higher in games that support it. |
RGB and SCART: RGB SCART is the European connector for the sharpest picture from many 80s and 90s consoles. US TVs don't have SCART inputs, so RGB is for use with an upscaler that accepts it. Buy a cable made for your exact console, and check that it matches what your upscaler expects (some RGB cables carry the picture's sync signal differently).
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HDMI adapters and upscalers
Modern TVs often show old consoles badly: a soft or laggy picture, or no picture at all from 240p games.
Budget: Plug-in HDMI adapters that fit a console's AV port, and composite-to-HDMI boxes. Cheap and convenient; picture quality and lag vary a lot between models, so read recent reviews.
Better: Dedicated retro scalers (the RetroTINK and OSSC families are well known) are built for 240p consoles: a much sharper picture with very little lag. They cost more and work best with S-Video, component or RGB cables.
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Replacement controllers
Original controllers feel right but wear out: N64 analog sticks loosen, and buttons get sticky. Used originals in good shape are often the best value. New third-party controllers (wired and wireless) are easy to find; check reviews for build quality and input lag before you buy.
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Cartridge cleaning
Most "it won't start" problems are dirty contacts. Clean the cartridge contacts with a cotton swab and 91% or stronger isopropyl alcohol, let them dry fully, and do the same for the console's slot with a cleaning card or kit. Don't blow into cartridges: the moisture causes corrosion. Opening a cartridge or console needs the right security screwdriver bits (3.8 mm and 4.5 mm for most Nintendo and Sega games).
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Storage
Keep cartridges and discs away from heat, sunlight and damp. Dust covers or cases for cartridges, and clear box protectors for boxed games, keep labels and boxes from getting worn.
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Save batteries
Many older cartridges keep saves on a small coin battery (often a CR2032 or CR2025) that lasts years but not forever. If a game stops keeping its saves, the battery is likely done.
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eBay prices are from eBay when this page was last updated (October 4, 2026) and change often; the listing has the current price and shipping. Amazon links open a search, so prices are on Amazon.