Most modern devices usually have either an HDMI port or a Display Port when you want to share your visuals with a TV or a monitor. However, if you wanted to use retro devices such as old-school media pliers and gaming consoles, you would have to use whatever input port your TV had at that time. Well, not everyone has stuck on to their old-school CRT TVs to enjoy their game consoles the way they were intended to be.
So, what do you do when you own a Nintendo 64 console and a smart TV? Is it as easy as it was to connect these old-school gaming consoles to your smart TV? Let’s find out.
Before we go into the details of you and what you need to use to connect your N64 to the smart TV, there are a few things that you need to know.
First off, the video output from your N6 will be either at 240p or 480i. You will also see that the image quality will not be the best if compared to a regular CRT TV. Also, there will be some sort of delay or lag between your input via the controller, and the output on your screen.
Connect N64 Controller to Smart TV via RCA Cables
The N64 out-of-the-box came with an AV composite/RCA cable set up for you to connect to your TV. But, when it comes to modern smart TVs, not all of them have a dedicated AV port. But, if your smart TV has an AV port at the back, then you simply need to plug the jacks based on the port color. You will have one yellow jack for video input and two jacks in red and white color for your left and right audio output.
Make sure that the other end of this cable is plugged into the output port of your N64. Once you have powered up the N64 console and switched the video input on your TV to composite AV, you should be able to enjoy your N64 games right away. The video output will not be great but will be playable enough.
Connect N64 Controller to Smart TV via HDMI Converter
Now, if your smart TV has no composite/AV ports to connect the N64, well you will have to get yourself a converter. This converter will be a better option as you can connect the RCA cables from your N54 to the converter and have an HDMI cable connected to your TV and this converter. You will find these converters on Amazon, and they range anywhere from $10 to $20.
Use a Direct 3-in-1 Cable
If you don’t want to spend too much money, then the composite to HDMI converter is a good deal. However, there will be issues with your video output being stretched, resulting in some poor video quality. But, if you don’t mind spending a little more money to get a little better output quality from your N64, then the Hyperkin 3-in-1 HDTV cable is your best choice. You can find this cable on Amazon for $30.
This is a better option simply because of the cable, a switch on board that lets you easily switch between 4:3 or the 16: 9 aspect ratio at 720p. This is the best option if you want good output.
Connect N64 Controller to the Retrotink
The Retrotink is a device that helps you get better video output from almost any retro console you own to your modern smart TV. What this device does is convert the output signal from the N64 into a more modern format that is compatible with a lot of modern smart TVs. So, even if you are unable to get yourself a decent CRT or old-school TV to enjoy your games, this Retrotink box is your perfect add-on to almost any old/retro gaming console out there. You can take a look at the various Retrotink boxes on their official website.
Closing Thoughts
This concludes the different ways you can connect and use your N64 game console with your modern TV. Of course, you will have to tinder around to get the best out of the N64’s output on your modern TV. But, if you don’t want to bother with buying additional stuff, just look around on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or even your local city pages or groups and see if someone is selling/getting rid of their classic CRT TV. With the CRT TV, you will be able to relive the old days of how games were meant to be played and enjoyed.
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