Retro gaming has seen a huge comeback in recent years, with many gamers looking to play classic titles from the 80s and 90s. While modern TVs offer amazing picture quality for new games, they often don’t display older console games correctly.
This is because retro consoles were designed for CRT (cathode ray tube) TVs, which handle video signals differently than today’s flat screens.
Finding the right TV for retro gaming involves understanding some technical details. Things like input lag, resolution scaling, and connection types matter a lot.
CRT TVs provide the most authentic experience with perfect pixel rendering and zero input lag, while some modern displays offer features to mimic these older displays.
When choosing a TV for retro gaming, pay attention to input options (component, S-video, or RGB SCART), display type, and how it handles 240p signals.
The right choice depends on which consoles you play most and how important authentic visuals are to you.
After testing dozens of TVs with various retro systems, we’ve identified the best options that balance authenticity, convenience, and price for playing your favorite classic games.
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Best TVs for Retro Gaming
We’ve tested dozens of TVs to find the perfect displays for your classic gaming systems.
The right TV can make a huge difference in how your retro games look and play, with some models offering features that enhance those blocky pixels and slow refresh rates. Our top picks balance modern technology with the ability to properly display older consoles like the NES, SNES, PlayStation, and Sega systems.
XISKT Retro Game Stick
This affordable plug-and-play gaming console offers an impressive library of retro games but suffers from some performance issues that might frustrate serious gamers.
Pros
- Huge library of 20,000+ games across 23 emulators
- Easy setup with no downloads required
- Includes two wireless controllers for multiplayer fun
Cons
- Some games have performance issues or don’t work properly
- Controllers have noticeable input lag
- Interface can be confusing to navigate
We recently got our hands on the XISKT Retro Game Stick, and it’s quite the blast from the past.
Just plugging this little device into our TV’s HDMI port instantly transported us back to our childhood gaming days. The setup couldn’t be easier – we simply connected it, powered it on, and were choosing games within minutes.
The 64GB storage comes pre-loaded with thousands of classic titles spanning different gaming eras. We spent hours rediscovering favorites from various classic systems. The wireless controllers feel decent in hand and freed us from being tethered to the TV. Having two controllers included is great for competitive play with friends.
However, we noticed some frustrating issues during our gaming sessions.
There’s a slight but noticeable delay with the wireless controllers that can affect gameplay, especially in fast-paced games. Not all games run perfectly – some have sound problems or glitches. The interface also takes some getting used to, as navigation isn’t always intuitive.
The 4K output capability is nice, but don’t expect modern graphics – these are still retro games just displayed at a higher resolution.
For casual gamers looking to relive nostalgia without investing in expensive vintage equipment, this game stick offers good value despite its flaws.
We found this makes a fun gift for both older gamers wanting a nostalgia hit and younger players curious about gaming history. At this price point, it’s an accessible entry into retro gaming that doesn’t require hunting down original hardware or cartridges.
WDYQJE Retro Game Stick
This plug-and-play console packs an impressive 20,000+ retro games with dual wireless controllers making it an excellent choice for nostalgic gamers who want hassle-free classic gaming on modern TVs.
Pros
- Huge library of 20,000+ games with 23 emulators
- 4K HDMI output with 1080p quality
- Simple plug-and-play setup with no internet needed
Cons
- Requires AAA batteries (not included) for controllers
- Quality of games varies across the huge library
- May overwhelm casual gamers with too many options
We recently got our hands on this WDYQJE retro gaming console, and it’s genuinely impressive for its size.
The tiny stick houses thousands of classic games that instantly transported us back to our childhood gaming sessions. Setting it up couldn’t be easier – we just plugged it into our TV’s HDMI port, connected the power, and were browsing games within seconds.
The wireless controllers feel surprisingly good in hand and respond well during gameplay. We noticed virtually no lag or connection issues while playing, which is crucial for those precision platformers and fighting games. The 2.4GHz wireless technology works as advertised, letting us sit back comfortably on the couch without tangled cords.
Game selection is where this little device really shines. We found everything from arcade classics to console favorites spanning multiple generations. The emulation quality is solid for most titles, though some run better than others. We especially appreciated the save feature, which lets you pick up exactly where you left off – something many original retro consoles didn’t offer!
The 4K HDMI output makes these classic games look great on modern displays. While the games themselves are obviously not 4K, the upscaling is handled well, and we didn’t notice the ugly stretching that can happen with some retro consoles. Just remember to grab AAA batteries for the controllers before your gaming session.
For retro gaming fans looking to relive the glory days without hunting down original hardware, this console stick delivers tremendous value. It’s been a hit during our game nights, sparking friendly competition and plenty of nostalgia-filled conversations.
Lurmgm Wireless Retro Game Console
This retro gaming system offers an impressive collection of over 20,000 classic games with easy setup and wireless controllers, making it an excellent choice for anyone wanting to relive their gaming childhood.
Pros
- Simple plug-and-play setup with HDMI connection
- Huge library of 20,000+ pre-loaded games
- Wireless controllers for comfortable gaming
Cons
- Requires AAA batteries for controllers
- Some games may have performance issues
- Quality control seems inconsistent
We were amazed at how quick the setup process was for this console.
Just plug it into your TV’s HDMI port, connect the power, and you’re ready to game. No downloads or installations needed – everything comes pre-loaded on the included 64GB memory card.
The wireless controllers are a huge improvement over the wired options found in many retro consoles. We could sit back on the couch without worrying about cord length. The 2.4GHz connection felt responsive with minimal lag during our gaming sessions.
Picture quality impressed us when we connected it to our 4K TV. The HDMI output provides crisp visuals that look much better than we expected from classic games. It’s a nice balance of nostalgic gameplay with modern display technology.
Navigation through the game library is straightforward. With nine different emulators included, we found games spanning multiple classic systems. From arcade favorites to console classics, the variety kept us entertained for hours.
We did notice some games ran better than others. While most played smoothly, a few had minor performance hiccups or control issues. This seems common with these types of multi-game systems.
For the price point, this console delivers tremendous value. It’s perfect for casual gaming nights with friends or introducing younger family members to the classics that shaped gaming history.
BADGOAL Retro Game Console Stick
This plug-and-play game stick offers a huge library of retro games, but inconsistent performance makes it a mixed bag for serious retro gaming enthusiasts.
Pros
- Massive library with 20,000+ games and 23 emulators
- Simple plug-and-play setup with 4K HDMI support
- Includes two wireless controllers for multiplayer gaming
Cons
- Inconsistent performance with occasional freezing
- Controller connectivity issues reported by some users
- Requires separate AA batteries (not included)
We recently tested the BADGOAL Retro Game Console Stick, and it brought back waves of gaming nostalgia.
The compact white device is impressively small, making it super portable for gaming sessions at friends’ houses. Setup couldn’t be easier – we just plugged it into our TV’s HDMI port, connected the power, and were browsing thousands of classic games within minutes.
The game library is truly massive with over 20,000 titles across 23 different emulators. We found classics from Nintendo, Sega, and even arcade favorites like The Simpsons. The 64GB memory card comes pre-loaded with everything, so there’s no need to download games or connect to the internet. This makes it great for quick gaming sessions when you just want to jump into some retro action.
The dual wireless controllers work pretty well within their 40-foot range, though we noticed occasional input lag during faster-paced games. The save feature is handy for longer games where you can’t finish in one sitting. We did experience a few system freezes during extended play sessions, which forced us to restart the device.
For TVs used with retro gaming, this console outputs at 1080p, which looks crisp on modern displays. The wireless controllers feel comfortable enough, but they require 4 AA batteries (two per controller) which aren’t included.
At this price point, we think it’s a decent option for casual retro gaming, but serious enthusiasts might find the occasional performance issues frustrating.
ScriMemo Retro Game Stick
This plug-and-play retro game console offers incredible value with its massive library of 21,000+ preloaded games and user-friendly setup that will satisfy any nostalgic gamer.
Pros
- Huge library of 21,000+ preloaded games
- Super simple plug-and-play setup with HDMI
- Includes two wireless controllers for multiplayer gaming
Cons
- Game organization could be better
- Some classic titles may be missing
- Plastic build feels somewhat lightweight
We recently got our hands on the ScriMemo Retro Game Stick and were blown away by how much gaming nostalgia fits into such a small package.
Setting it up couldn’t be easier – we just plugged it into our TV’s HDMI port, and within seconds, we were browsing through thousands of classic games. No downloads, no complicated configuration, just instant retro gaming goodness.
The wireless controllers that come with the system work surprisingly well. We tested them from about 25 feet away, and they still responded perfectly with no noticeable lag. The buttons have a nice, responsive feel to them, and the ergonomic design makes them comfortable for long gaming sessions.
Game selection is where this little device really shines. We spent hours rediscovering classics from our childhoods across 12 different emulated systems. The games run smoothly with very few performance issues. We particularly enjoyed the arcade classics and 16-bit era games, which look great even on modern TVs.
The compact size makes the ScriMemo incredibly portable. We’ve taken it to family gatherings and friends’ houses with zero hassle. It takes up barely any space and weighs less than a pound, so it’s perfect for bringing retro gaming fun wherever you go.
Perfect for retro gaming parties! The wireless controllers have a 10-meter range, so everyone can sit comfortably while playing.
One thing to note – while navigating through 21,000+ games sounds amazing in theory, it can be a bit overwhelming at first. The menu system works fine but could use better organization or search features. We eventually figured out our favorites and how to find them quickly.
Buying Guide
Finding the perfect TV for retro gaming doesn’t have to be complicated. We’ve put together this simple guide to help you make the right choice.
Input Connections
The right connections make all the difference when hooking up old consoles.
| Connection Type | Best For | Quality |
| RF | Very old consoles | Basic |
| Composite | 90s consoles | Good |
| S-Video | N64, PlayStation | Better |
| Component | PS2, Xbox, GameCube | Excellent |
Display Technology
CRT TVs offer the most authentic experience, but modern options can work too. Look for TVs with good upscaling to make those pixelated games look their best.
Response Time
Fast response times reduce input lag. We recommend looking for displays with 5ms or lower response times for the best gaming experience.
Pro Tip: Test your controller’s responsiveness before buying. Even a slight delay can ruin gameplay in fast-paced retro games.
Screen Size
Bigger isn’t always better for retro games. 24-32 inch screens often provide the ideal viewing experience without stretching low-resolution graphics too much.
Audio Quality
Many retro games have iconic sound effects and music.
Look for TVs with decent built-in speakers or audio output options for external sound systems.