Connecting a retro console to a modern TV

Whatever sits between console and TV, a plain cable or a converter box, can only work with a signal the console actually puts out. So this guide goes through those outputs console by console, then the cable mix-ups to avoid. Where the sources listed at the end say nothing about a console or a signal, neither does this guide; handhelds other than the PSP are not covered.

What does each console output in stock form?

Does an NES or Famicom need a mod for RGB?

Yes: on any NES or Famicom, RGB or HDMI output requires a modification⁷.

Out of the box, it depends on the model: the original Famicom outputs only RF, while the front-loading NES adds composite video through RCA jacks¹³. The later redesigns turned that around: the top-loading NES outputs RF only, and the redesigned Famicom outputs composite through a multi-out port¹³.

Which SNES models give RGB?

Every original (large) SNES and Super Famicom, NTSC or PAL, outputs RGB without modification; all it needs is the proper cable¹.

The redesigned SNES (SNS-101) and the Super Famicom Jr. are different: they output only composite, because RGB and S-Video were disabled internally, and Wikipedia describes the modification that restores them as "relatively simple"⁹. If you go that way, the console opens with a 4.5 mm game bit²⁴.

PAL owners should read the cable warning further down before buying an RGB cable.

What can a Nintendo 64 output, and what does a mod involve?

By default the N64 outputs RF through a modulator, plus composite and S-Video through its AV port; RGB and HDMI both need a mod⁸. It uses the same AV cables as the Super NES and GameCube²⁵.

PAL boards complicate S-Video: many need a special cable with certain parts to display it correctly, and some, such as the board in the PAL "Clear Blue" model, do not make S-Video available on the multi-out at all until it is restored¹⁴.

For an RGB mod, the serial number is the thing to check: early boards, with serials starting NS1 in the US or NUJ1 in Japan, usually take a simpler kit; any other serial, and any PAL console, needs one of the "advanced" kits²⁶. To open the console you need a 4.5 mm game-bit driver and a Phillips screwdriver²⁶.

What does a GameCube output, and why does the digital port matter?

Japanese and American GameCubes output composite and S-Video; European ones output composite and RGB, but not S-Video¹⁵. A PAL GameCube gives RGB through a standard PAL SNES RGB SCART cable, but only at 240p and 480i: 480p is not supported over that connection¹⁷.

GameCubes with the digital-out port can output up to 480p¹⁶. Not every console has one, because towards the end of the GameCube's life Nintendo stopped making consoles with that port¹⁷.

Which Mega Drive/Genesis models give RGB?

The Model 1, Model 2 and CDX output RGB without modification². Their ports differ, though: the Model 1 uses an 8-pin DIN port with mono sound, while the Model 2 replaces it with a 9-pin mini-DIN that carries composite video, RGB and stereo sound¹⁸.

Every Genesis 3 outputs RGB without modification too; the claim that some do not has been disproven³. Two catches: its sound is mono only, and its A/V port hole is deep, so the cable's plug has to fit all the way in³.

What do the Saturn and Dreamcast output?

All regular Saturn models output composite, S-Video and RGB from one 10-pin mini-DIN port, with RF through an external modulator¹¹. RGB needs no modification, just an RGB SCART cable, but RetroRGB warns that most Saturn cables are built wrong and advises buying only from vendors it trusts⁴.

The Dreamcast supplies video through A/V, RF, S-Video and SCART cables, and a VGA adapter connects it to computer monitors or enhanced-definition TVs in 480p¹⁹. Not every game works with VGA, though a very large share does²⁰. A few discs output composite and S-Video but not RGB²⁰.

What do the PlayStation, PS2 and PSP output?

Every PlayStation outputs composite, S-Video and RGB from its multi AV socket, with RF through an external modulator²¹. RetroRGB confirms RGB on every model, the PSone included, and notes that none outputs component video⁵. Only the SCPH-1000, released on 3 December 1994, had its own S-Video port; it was removed from the next model²⁷.

A stock PS2 outputs RGB, component (YPbPr), S-Video and composite, plus RF through an external modulator⁶. RetroRGB rates RGB and component as equal in quality, but finds component easier to use at every PS2 resolution²². Over RGB, the console switches to sync-on-green (RGsB) once a game runs in 480p, though most of the library is 480i²².

The original PSP-1000 has no TV output; video out arrived with the PSP-2000²³. On a PSP-2000, games reach a TV only over component or D-Terminal, in 480p, while composite and S-Video carry other media only²³. The PSP-3000 added standard-definition game output over the video-out cable²³. The PSP Go needs its own cables, and no S-Video cable was released for it²³.

Which cables can damage a PAL console's equipment?

On three PAL consoles, the line an NTSC-style RGB cable uses for sync carries a voltage instead, and plugging in that cable can damage the equipment at the other end¹⁰¹¹¹².

If you are not sure which TV system your console uses, see PAL vs NTSC; region locking is a separate question.

How to check yours

1. Name the exact model, not just the console. An original SNES gives RGB with the proper cable while a SNS-101 gives composite only¹⁹, and a front-loading NES has composite where a top-loader has RF only¹³. On a Mega Drive/Genesis, the Model 1 has an 8-pin DIN port and the Model 2 a 9-pin mini-DIN¹⁸.
2. Know whether it is PAL or NTSC before buying an RGB cable. For a PAL SNES, Saturn or GameCube, use the cable types in the table above, never an NTSC cable that uses composite sync¹⁰¹¹¹².
3. Read the N64's serial number before ordering an RGB kit. A serial starting NS1 or NUJ1 usually means the simpler kit; anything else, or a PAL console, means an advanced one²⁶.
4. Look for the GameCube's digital-out port. Consoles that have it can output up to 480p, and late consoles were made without it¹⁶¹⁷.
5. Check the PSP's model number. A PSP-1000 has no TV output, a PSP-2000 sends games only over component or D-Terminal, and a PSP-3000 adds standard-definition game output²³.
6. On a Dreamcast, test the game, not just the adapter. Not every game supports VGA, and a few discs give no RGB²⁰.

If you are not sure which console and edition you own, the RetroReady app can tell you from a photo.

Frequently asked

Can an N64 output RGB without a mod?

No: by default it outputs RF, composite and S-Video, and RGB and HDMI both need a mod⁸. Early boards with NS1 (US) or NUJ1 (Japan) serials usually take the simpler kit²⁶.

Can I use a SNES AV cable on an N64 or GameCube?

The N64 uses the same AV cables as the Super NES and GameCube²⁵. On a PAL GameCube, a standard PAL SNES RGB SCART cable gives RGB¹⁷. Never use an NTSC SNES RGB cable that uses CSYNC on a PAL GameCube: it sends 12 V down the sync line¹².

Does the Genesis 3 output RGB?

Yes: every Genesis 3 outputs RGB without modification, and the claim that some do not has been disproven³. Use a cable whose plug fits all the way into the deep A/V port hole, and expect mono sound³.

Can a PS2 output VGA?

Not among its stock outputs, which are RGB, component, S-Video, composite and RF⁶. For a VGA monitor, RetroRGB suggests good component cables into a component-to-VGA converter; some people instead modify boards older than GH-015 to output VGA²².

Can I play PSP games on a TV?

Not on a PSP-1000, which has no TV output²³. A PSP-2000 shows games over component or D-Terminal in 480p, a PSP-3000 adds standard-definition game output, and the PSP Go needs its own cables²³.

Sources

1. SNES, RetroRGB: "All original (large) versions of the Super Nintendo and Super Famicom (NTSC & PAL) can output RGB without a modification – All that’s required is the proper cable."
2. Sega Genesis, RetroRGB: "The Sega Genesis / Megadrive versions 1, 2 and CDX require no modification to get RGB output."
3. Genesis 3, RetroRGB: "While all Genesis 3’s do output RGB video, audio is mono-only ... There was an internet myth that some Genesis 3’s didn’t output RGB. This has been disproven time and time again; As long as you use a cable that can fit through the deep A/V port hole, RGB will work."
4. Sega Saturn, RetroRGB: "The Sega Saturn requires no modification to get RGB output, just an RGB SCART cable. WARNING: Please make sure to only buy cables from the trusted vendors below!!! Most Saturn cables are built wrong"
5. PlayStation 1, RetroRGB: "All versions of the PlayStation (and PSOne) support RGB-output, but not component video."
6. PS2 Video Output Notes, ConsoleMods (read via the Wayback Machine): "The PS2 outputs RGB, YPbPr component, S-Video, composite, and RF (via an external modulator)."
7. NES, RetroRGB: "The Nintendo Entertainment System (or Famicom outside the US) requires a modification to get RGB or HDMI-output"
8. N64 Video Output Notes, ConsoleMods (read via the Wayback Machine): "By default, the N64 outputs RF via a RF modulator, and composite and S-Video through the AV output port. There are various mods to add RGB or HDMI output."
9. Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Wikipedia: "the former's AV port only supports composite video output natively as support for RGB video and S-Video was disabled internally; however, they can be restored via a "relatively simple" modification"
10. SNES Video Output Notes, ConsoleMods (read via the Wayback Machine): "PAL SNESes have 12V on pin 3 of the multi-out, which is used for SCART autoswitching. If you connect a CSYNC cable to a PAL SNES, you can damage your equipment! Instead, you can use a cable that gets sync from luma (pin 7) or composite video (pin 9) on the multi-out connector (luma recommended)."
11. Saturn Video Output Notes, ConsoleMods (read via the Wayback Machine): "All regular models of the Sega Saturn output composite video, S-video ... and RGB through a 10-pin mini-DIN connector; RF is provided through an external modulator"; "PAL Saturns do not have composite sync and instead output 9V DC on pin 1, used for aspect ratio switching on certain TVs with SCART input. RGB cables that use csync and are meant for NTSC consoles cannot be used on PAL consoles, as this will cause damage to any attached device."
12. GameCube Video Output, ConsoleMods (read via the Wayback Machine): "If you use an NTSC SNES RGB cable that uses CSYNC on a PAL GC, 12v will be sent down the sync line! This will most likely damage video equipment it's plugged into."
13. Nintendo Entertainment System, Wikipedia: "The original Famicom features only radio frequency (RF) modulator output, and the NES additionally supports composite video via RCA connectors."; "The redesigned Famicom omits the RF modulator entirely, only outputting composite video via a proprietary "multi-out" connector ... conversely, the redesigned NES features RF modulator output only"
14. N64 Model Differences, ConsoleMods (read via the Wayback Machine): "Exposes S-video to the multiout, but a special cable with certain parts is required to correctly display S-video. ... Found in the PAL "Clear Blue" (turquoise blue top, eggshell white bottom) model ... This board does not make S-video available on the multiout, but it is possible to restore it."
15. GameCube Region Information, ConsoleMods (read via the Wayback Machine): "The Japanese and American consoles output NTSC video in composite and S-Video ... The European GC outputs video only in PAL (4.43) composite (SNES/N64 compatible connector) and RGB"
16. GameCube, RetroRGB: "GameCube’s with the digital-out port can output up to 480p!"
17. GameCube video output, RetroRGB: "Toward the end of the GameCube’s life, Nintendo stopped producing consoles with the digital-out port, presumably to save money"; "PAL GameCube’s also output RGB natively using a standard PAL SNES RGB SCART cable, however the output is limited to 240p and 480i – 480p isn’t supported at all."
18. Sega Genesis, Wikipedia: "a specialized 8-pin DIN port, which both provide video and audio output. Both outputs produce monophonic sound ... On the Model 2, the DIN port, RF output port, and headphone jack are replaced by a 9-pin mini-DIN port on the back for composite video, RGB and stereo sound"
19. Dreamcast, Wikipedia: "The Dreamcast can supply video through several accessories including A/V cables, RF modulator connectors S-Video cables and SCART. A VGA adapter allows Dreamcast to connect on computer displays or enhanced-definition television sets in 480p."
20. Dreamcast, RetroRGB: "Not all Dreamcast games are compatible with VGA, but a very large amount are."; "a few game discs will output composite and S-Video, but not RGB!"
21. PS1 Video Output Notes, ConsoleMods (read via the Wayback Machine): "All versions of the PlayStation 1 output composite, stereo audio, Y/C (S-Video) and RGB from the multi AV socket, with RF output available through an external modulator."
22. PlayStation 2, RetroRGB: "PlayStation 2 consoles output both Component Video (YPbPr) and RGB. Both are equal in quality, but component video is easier to use in all resolutions with the PS2."; "Once the console switches to 480p output, the signal changes to RGsB, or “sync on green”"; "most of the PS2’s library is 480i"; "I’ve seen some people mod their PS2’s to output VGA (specifically motherboards older then GH-015. It’s my opinion that using good quality component video cables and a component to VGA converter will achieve the same exact thing"
23. PlayStation Portable, Wikipedia: "In addition, the serial port was modified to add video out support"; "with support for 480i output of media via composite, S-Video, component, and D-Terminal, with the latter two also supporting game output in 480p"; "Games could now be output in standard definition using the video-out cable"; "the PSP Go had its own separate cables. S-video cables were released for the PSP 2000 and 3000, but not the PSP Go."
24. Tools, RetroRGB: "4.5MM Game Tool – ... opening SNES and N64 systems."
25. Nintendo 64, Wikipedia: "using the same cables as the Super NES and GameCube"
26. N64 RGB compatibility, RetroRGB: "If you have a serial number that starts with “NS1” (USA), “NUJ1” (Japan) or French systems with the model number “NUS-001(FRA)”, then you most likely have an N64 that’s compatible. ... If you have a serial number that starts with anything else, or is a PAL console, you’ll need to use the “advanced” kits described above."; "To open the system, you’ll simply need a 4.5MM game tool and a philips screwdriver"
27. PlayStation (console), Wikipedia: "the SCPH-1000, released on 3 December 1994, was the only model that had an S-Video port, as it was removed from the next model"

How this guide was made. Written from facts we checked against the pages listed under Sources: each claim is quoted word for word from its source before it goes in. Spot a mistake? Write to support@retroready.app.

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