Retro Friday: Selecting the Perfect Screen for your Nintendo Entertainment System
Retro Friday: Selecting the Perfect Screen for your Nintendo Entertainment System
Hey there! Today, I want to talk to you about an exciting topic – finding the ideal screen for your treasured Nintendo Entertainment System. Now, I know how important it is to have the best gaming experience possible, so I’ve done some research and put together this guide to help you make an informed decision.
Understanding Your Options
When it comes to selecting a screen for your Nintendo Entertainment System, you have several choices. Let’s explore the pros and cons of each option to find the perfect fit for you.
The Classic CRT TV
The most obvious choice, of course, is the good ol’ CRT TV. These retro televisions are the ones we grew up with and offer an authentic gaming experience. The image quality may not be as sharp as modern displays, but the nostalgic feel of playing on a CRT screen is hard to beat. Plus, you can often find them at affordable prices.
Modern LCD/LED TVs
If you prefer a more modern gaming setup, an LCD or LED TV might be the way to go. These screens offer crisp, clear images and come in various sizes to suit your preferences. Additionally, they often have features like HDMI ports for easy connectivity and improved color accuracy.
Portable Gaming Monitors
If you’re always on the go or enjoy playing your NES outside of your living room, a portable gaming monitor could be the perfect solution. These compact screens are designed with portability in mind and often come with built-in speakers. Just imagine taking your NES with you on road trips or to a friend’s house – the possibilities are endless!
Considerations for a Quality Gaming Experience
Now that we’ve explored the different types of screens, let’s discuss a few factors to keep in mind for an optimal gaming experience.
Screen Size
Choosing the right screen size is crucial. A smaller screen might be more portable, but you could sacrifice some visibility. On the other hand, a larger screen offers a more immersive experience. Consider where and how you’ll primarily use your NES and factor in your personal preferences.
Image Quality
While the NES games have a nostalgic charm, it’s important to ensure that the screen you choose can display the games with clarity. Look for screens with a good resolution and color reproduction to bring out the best in your gaming sessions.
Connectivity Options
Make sure the screen you choose has the necessary connections to work with your NES. Whether it’s the classic AV cables or HDMI ports, compatibility is key to ensure a seamless gaming experience.
The Choice is Yours!
Now that you know the different screen options and factors to consider, it’s time to make a decision. Think about your preferences, your gaming setup, and what will truly enhance your NES gaming experience. Remember, the goal is to have fun and relive those nostalgic moments. So, go ahead and start your search for the perfect screen, and get ready to embark on countless gaming adventures!
Hey there! Let’s talk about the Nintendo Entertainment System, or NES for short. This console was a game-changer in the 1980s and is still loved by people of all ages today – both parents and kids included. It’s an awesome console to own, with a ton of great games. And if you’re not into dealing with old hardware from the 80s, there are alternatives like this NES console clone.
Now, here’s the thing – playing NES games on a modern TV is not the best idea. Why? Well, these games weren’t designed for modern screens. You see, modern screens are just “too good” for those old 8-bit games.
So, what should you do if you want to play NES games? There are essentially two rules to follow when it comes to the screen:
- Use an old-school tube-type screen.
- Go for a smaller screen size.
If you hook up your NES to a small CRT TV, you’ll have the best gameplay experience possible.
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Now, there are two types of screens that work perfectly with an NES. One is a bit harder to find, while the other is super easy to get your hands on.
Choice 1: Commodore 1702 Video Monitor
I’ve found the perfect monitor for your NES – this 13-inch beauty is a match made in heaven! What’s even better is that the video and audio ports are conveniently located right in front. You can easily plug in your NES with its monophonic audio and video, and even use regular RCA-jack audio cables – the signal will still work just fine!
But that’s not all – the picture on the 1702 monitor is incredibly crisp compared to a regular TV. And let me tell you, these monitors are practically indestructible. Not to mention, the built-in speaker is responsive, clear, and loud.
You won’t believe how amazing NES games look on the 1702 monitor. The colors are vibrant, the details are sharp, it’s absolutely perfect for your gaming experience.
Choice 2: Any 13-inch tube-type TV
If you want the perfect TV for your NES console, a 13-inch TV is just the right size. It may not have the sharpest picture like the 1702, but it gets the job done.
I recommend getting a combo TV that includes a VCR or a DVD player. These TVs usually have the video/audio ports conveniently located in the front, and the speakers are better than average because of the extra space inside.
The only downside is that if the VCR or DVD player breaks, there’s not much you can do because they are incredibly difficult to fix due to the tube sitting on top of it. However, the TV itself will still work perfectly fine.
The greatest advantage of a 13-inch TV is that you can find one for a very low price, and they are usually in excellent condition. You can easily find these TVs for $20 or less on craigslist, or you may even have a friend who’ll give one to you for free!
Why choose a 13-inch TV? Why not get a larger one?
There are a few good reasons for this.
- The default resolution of an NES using NTSC is 256×224. For PAL, it’s 256×240. You don’t need a bigger screen than 13 inches to see NES games clearly. The fonts are readable and won’t be a problem to view.
- A 13-inch TV is easy to pick up and move around. You could even set it up on the floor for kids to play with without any issues (except maybe for the cables, which you should secure properly).
- It’s small enough that you can store it in most cabinets when you’re not using it. If you’re really lucky, some 13-inch TVs even come with soft carry cases for easy storage.
Final thoughts
This kind of setup is only meant for 8-bit game systems from the 1980s specifically. Consoles like the NES, Sega Master System, and Turbo Grafx 16 will work perfectly fine on a 13-inch tube TV using the standard RCA-style cables that you can find in any department store.
For older consoles that came before the NES, like the Atari 2600, Intellivision, Odyssey, and others from the late 1970s, you’ll need additional hardware. Specifically, one of these:
In the old days, game consoles were connected to TVs using a single VHF signal that carried both audio and video. To connect an older console, you would plug it into the “GAME” RCA-style jack on top. Then, you would connect the coaxial cable to the TV or use VHF fork-connectors if your TV has the screws for it. However, I wouldn’t recommend using the forks because the signal quality is worse compared to coaxial.
In most setups, you need to manually set the TV channel to 3 or 4 in order to receive the game signal. Once that’s done, you’re ready to start playing.
If you’re looking for a video game signal switch, you can find them at thrift stores or on eBay by specifically searching for that term.
For consoles newer than the NES (16-bit and above)
Consoles like the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Sega Genesis, and Sony PlayStation One don’t look good on a small 13-inch TV. The resolution is higher, which means the fonts will be smaller and the graphics may appear blurry.
The minimum screen size recommended for playing 16-bit consoles is 15 inches. Anything smaller than that is just too small.
