Old video games look bad on new tv. What can be done?

[scottieb]

Resolution of original Playstation games may have been great for the tellies of that time period but today's LCD's and LED's exacerbate the lack of clarity in the games. I find some games to be unplayable because they are too hard to see well. Is there a way to better this?

[ghilliesuit]

Are you playing via the original console? Also what games?

If you are using original hardware with a 4k ultra high definition TV, than no you wont really be able to improve anything. The hardware capabilities will be you limiting factor. Additionally, most of the games were never intended to be played on a screen sized that are common today.

If you are okay playing them via PC then you may find some ways to boost graphical performance.

Either way, good luck.

[scottieb]

Are you playing via the original console?

Yes, composite input and all.

[OpusX]

There have been a few hardware mods for N64 and Dreamcast to directly tap RGB output on the boards and then output, natively to hdmi.

The PS1 option is newer, but apparently available. You'll have to judge how hardcore you want to be here as they're pricey and require a bit of hardware moding.

https://www.black-dog.tech/ps1digital.html

[snoopay700]

I would recommend something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MYVF61Y...ing=UTF8&psc=1

[ghilliesuit]

Yes, composite input and all.

Unfortunately, there isn't a a great way to improve graphics with original hardware. Just play and enjoy.

You can try an emulator on PC (ePSXe , or something else) which you will find can improve the graphics to some extent. It wont look like a modern console, but it will be better. Emulators are not without an occasional headache, but they work pretty darn well. Some can allow you to use your disc drive with your original disc. Then you need a USB/bluetooth controller. Then enjoy, you will probably be able to stream it to your main TV in the house.

[ghilliesuit]

I would recommend something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MYVF61Y...ing=UTF8&psc=1

Nice. Yea that looks like a good place to start

[JonM]

The PS1 also did a lot of image softening to its games to make them look and play smoother on the CRT TVs of the day. Since modern displays don't work the same way anymore, these softening tricks become noticeable and result in a muddier looking image. It's really just something that modern PS1 gamers need to live with.

[Tarsun2]

can you adjust the screen res on the tv to downgrade it to the console level?

[Deus Machina]

The PS1 also did a lot of image softening to its games to make them look and play smoother on the CRT TVs of the day. Since modern displays don't work the same way anymore, these softening tricks become noticeable and result in a muddier looking image. It's really just something that modern PS1 gamers need to live with.

That's just it.
It's not that the games looked bad (they do, but not for the time) it's that new screens are too good. CRTs would soften the edges of things, and trying to recreate that through other methods usually just makes them look muddy.
If you decide to play through any emulators, some may have a filter to do that. I know NES/SNES/GBA emulators often do, don't know many others.
Some monitors and TVs have a way to downgrade their resolution, which may help.

It may be possible to fake it a little with the cheapest composite-to-whatever adapter you can find. Something that introduces some noise to the signal to fuzz it up a bit. Again, may depend on the screen.

[iamthelazerviking]

Upscaler is the way to go. I want to play the N64 again but also running into this problem. Looks like trash on the modern TV. Getting the console modded for a direct HDMI output is the most expensive, but also the highest quality.

[skinnyfatguy]

There's a lot of good options, but the best ones aren't cheap. If you want cheap and workable, built (or buy a pre-built) MiSTer or there's also a number of cables that tend to only marginally improve the video quality, but do offer HDMI connection.


Here's a list of what I consider the best available options for various consoles right now:

• NES: RetroUSB AVS or Analogue NT
• SNES: Analogue Super NT
• Sega Master / Genesis: Analogue Mega Sg
• N64: UltraHDMI
• PlayStation: Black Dog Technology PS1Digitial
• Dreamcast: Black Dog Technology DCDigital
• TurboGrafx / PC Engine: Analogue Duo

Keep in mind a number of these require pre-order / a waiting list, or paying second hand prices that will be higher than new. As with a lot of things, demand is outpacing supply right now, particularly with many people expecting to be stuck at home this winter.

[moonweasel]

Why not just get an old CRT? I acquired an old crt just for this purpose, they are cheap enough or even free. Added bonus you can play the light gun games again.

[skinnyfatguy]

If you've got a flash cart like an EverDrive, there are a number of rom hacks that allow you to play them on LED/LCD TVs. If you've got the space, picking up a cheap/free CRT is a great option though.

http://neslcdmod.com/

[snoopay700]

That's what I typically do. HDMI adapters are a good alternative especially if you want to record footage, but CRTs just complete the nostalgia.

[Meleager7]

I found a nearly new Sony trinitron 27” for the purpose of retro gaming a few years ago. The old games really do look best on old crt! If you can find one nearer the end of crt era, it could come with some decent ports, s-video, component, maybe even HDMI ! And they are dirt cheap!

[Cunha]

Best way is with a CRT which as mentioned, are free. I have a smaller one for all my good old games because I don't have a lot of space but I've had to pass on some beautiful high end CRT's in perfect shape for lack of space.

Otherwise you will need to dive into the upscaling tools and such mentioned before.

[CrowsFeast]

I just tossed a pair of fair sized CRT TV's. Didn't even think about them making my PS games look better...