Retro gaming is all about reliving the classics. Choosing the right TV can help improve the experience. With so many advanced TVs available today, finding one that matches the appeal of classic video games can be challenging.
This guide will help you choose TVs that revive and improve classic games, making sure yourretro gaming sessions are as authenticand enjoyable as possible. By focusing on features like color accuracy and minimal input lag, we will help you create a setup that captures the feel of the past while delivering a smooth and immersive experience.
After selecting the ideal gaming TV, consider also acquiring a new controller. Upgrade your gaming sessions by exploringthe best retro gaming controllers. These controllers are designed to bring back the authentic feel and comfort of classic gaming, making them the perfect companions to your retro gaming TV setup.
Game Rant’s Best TVs for Retro Gaming
TCL QM8 QLED TV
The TCL QM8 is a remarkable TV worth pairing with the Xbox Series X/S for premium gameplay. It features 4K visuals complemented with the high brightness levels (up to 2,000 nits) of a QLED display. Buyers will also enjoy better contrast and vivid colors for enhanced gaming thanks to the TV’s QLED technology and HDR Ultra. With Game Accelerator 240, this TV can get a refresh rate of up to 240 Hz which translates to smooth motion handling for gaming and streaming too.
The TCL QM8 QLED TV is the best overall TV for retro gaming lovers, offering the charm of nostalgia with today’s advanced technology. Its 4K Mini-LED display brings classic games to life. It offers vibrant colors and deep contrasts that breathe new life into pixelated adventures. Its 120Hz refresh rate might be overkill for retro gaming, but it makes for an excellent multi-purpose screen. Players can easily switch between their old Sega Genesis and their PS5 without skipping a beat, or missing out on smooth visuals throughout.
The TCL QM8 QLED TV impresses with its visual performance and gaming-friendly features like FreeSync and G-Sync Compatibility. However, there are some mixed reviews about color accuracy and sound performance. Nonetheless, the majority opinion praises its value and ease of installation, making it the best overall TV for retro gaming. There are multiple sizes to choose from too, meaning players can save quite a bit by choosing a smaller, yet no less capable, TCL QM8 TV.
Vizio 55-inch V555-J01 UHD 4K TV
Looking for an amazing budget gaming TV with high-quality 4K resolution? The Vizio V555-J01 is perfect for streaming and gaming. Using Vizio’s V-Gaming Engine, this TV can upscale HD content to 4K standards. The V555-J01 also comes with decent gaming specs like AMD FreeSync, Auto Game Mode, and VRR. It’s compatible with Google Home, Alexa, and Apple Home.
Combining nostalgia with modern tech, the Vizio 55-inch V555-J01 UHD 4K TV is the best multi-purpose TV for retro gaming. Its V-Gaming Engine and AMD FreeSync technology make sure that your classic games play smoothly without losing the vintage charm. The 4K resolution improves pixelated graphics into a visual spectacle, making every jump, bump, and power-up look better than you remember.
However, finding the ideal retro gaming setup might face a challenge with the TV’s uneven sound. Some gamers may not like the audio because it’s too unpredictable. Nonetheless, the Vizio V555-J01’s compatibility with major smart home systems and its immersive gaming features like Auto Game Mode and VRR make it the best multi-purpose TV for retro gaming.
LG C3 55 Inch OLED EVO TV
The LG C3 55-inch OLED EVO TV comes with a complete assortment of gaming-related advances, such as VRR support, ALLM, a high refresh rate, and an excellent response time coupled with four HDMI 2.1 ports. It’s hard to find a viable alternative to the C3 within its price range when considering the TV’s gaming performance.
The LG C3 55-inch OLED EVO TV, the best mid-range TV for retro gaming, is an excellent choice for gamers looking for retro gaming charm. Its 120Hz refresh rate and 4K resolution offer vivid colors and sharp details that breathe new life into classic games. With support for advanced features like Dolby Vision HDR, VRR, and G-Sync compatibility, your favorite retro games look better than ever.
While the LG C3 shines in many areas, it’s worth noting that adapters or converters may be necessary to connect classic consoles, adding to the overall setup cost. However, the smooth integration of high-end features like Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.0 provides exceptional picture quality. This makes the TV the best mid-range option for gamers who love retro gaming nostalgia but crave modern display performance.
Insignia 32-inch Class F20 Series TV
The Insignia 32-inch Class F20 Series TV offers a 1080p resolution, enabling you to view your favorite movies, shows, and games in high definition. With Alexa voice control, you can effortlessly control your entertainment, search across apps, switch inputs, and more using the Alexa Voice Remote. Simply press and hold the voice button to ask Alexa to find, launch, and control the content or even switch to cable.The built-in Fire TV experience provides access to over 1 million streaming movies and TV episodes, along with tens of thousands of channels, apps, and Alexa skills.
One of the most affordable TVs on the market is also one of the best options for retro gamers. The Insignia Class F20 series smart TV is available for under $100 while on sale, yet it comes equipped with a ton of features retro gamers want.
Sure, the picture quality is only 720p, but for older game systems, that’s more than acceptable. Plus, the 32-inch size is closer to the size of TVs at the time most retro titles were released, so there will be less adjusting necessary to enjoy the nostalgia. With a compact size and a plethora of streaming apps, this Insignia TV is easily justifiable as an addition to a dedicated gaming space. It can tackle most games well enough at a price that fully makes up for the 720p visuals.
Sony 55 Inch X90L Series 4K Ultra HD TV
The Sony 55-inch X90L Series 4K Ultra HD TV uses a Cognitive Processor XR, which provides a lifelike picture with natural colors and detailed blacks. The TV also has a Full Array LED backlight technology, controlling the contrast and colors on the display.The television runs on Google TV. It provides access to various streaming apps and supports voice commands through Google Assistant. Apple AirPlay is also supported.
Sony is the go-to brand for plenty of players, especially those on PlayStation. The X90L Series Bravia TV is another entry in the celebrated lineup. Listed at just over $1100, this 55-inch TV is actually the smallest option available, despite its massive screen, which displays full-array LED visuals at 4K with a 120Hz refresh rate.
Although it may be a bit overkill for retro gaming, those who dabble in older games but who ultimately want a powerful screen for other media will find little to complain about with Sony’s X90L. Not only does the TV come with an advanced processor that enhances small details and keeps visuals vibrant or inky dark depending on the scene, but there are other features built in just for PS5 players. Auto HDR and Auto Genre Picture Mode are two exclusive features available to enhance PS5 gameplay specifically. Gamers wanting a seriously premium retro gaming experience can’t go wrong with the Sony X90L Series Bravia 55-inch TV.
Westinghouse 32-Inch TV
This 32-inch flat screen from Westinghouse is one of only a handful of non-smart TVs available right now. The TV only offers 720p HD resolution, but comes equipped with progressive scan, which reduces flicker and enhances fast-motion action for a seamless viewing experience. The TV comes with USB and HDMI ports to connect smart devices and cable boxes separately, though it still offers parental controls that can automatically detect inappropriate content.
Everyone seems to love new tech and smart devices, but retro gamers may more often fall into the growing camp of users who just want a TV that works with their system and doesn’t operate slower over time due to apps. Enter the Westinghouse “dumb TV,” which delivers 720p quality on a compact 32-inch screen without any ads or a need for Wi-Fi connectivity.
Most ideal for camping and traveling, this TV is also a great option for retro gamers who just want to unplug from the world without unplugging from their games. Equipped with a wide variety of ports, the TV can be hooked up to any retro system or even a VGA PC monitor. It is completely compatible with cable boxes and smart devices separately, meaning you can still watch content on the fly, though you aren’t forced to participate in the streaming wars if you don’t want to!
It could be a little bigger or higher quality for the price, but as far as non-smart TVs go, this Westinghouse flat-screen TV is the best option.
Choosing Your Time Machine: Best TVs for Retro Gaming
When it comes to retro gaming, you don’t need a lot of the bells and whistles that other gamers need on their TV. When selecting a TV for retro gaming, you should consider the following factors:
Input Compatibility: Most TVs have HDMI slots, but every year there are fewer models with AV plugs available, which is the most common connection method for retro systems. Adapters may come in handy, but you’ll need to make sure they are compatible with your TV as well.
Screen Technology: Many pixelated retro games look worse on nice TVs, as they were designed for tiny tube TVs originally. Don’t worry about getting the highest quality visuals or the most advanced built-in software if you’ll only be using the TV for retro gaming. Likewise, if you’ll be using the TV for a variety of activities, try to pick a model that allows you to adjust the picture quality settings, not only for a better retro gaming experience but also for a slight reduction in energy costs.
Refresh Rate and Response Time: Depending on the retro system you’ll be using, the speed at which the game is displayed can make a huge difference. In particular, if you are using an adapter with your retro game system, you’ll want to mitigate lag wherever you can! Having a TV with a high refresh rate and response time will cut down on delayed visuals caused by adapters.
FAQ
Q: Can modern TVs work well with retro gaming consoles?
Absolutely! Modern TVs can be excellent for retro gaming with the right inputs or adapters, offering clear, vibrant displays for classic games.
Q: Do I need special cables to connect my retro console to a new TV?
Often, yes. You may need specific adapters or cables to connect retro consoles to modern TVs, providing compatibility and optimal display quality.
Q: How important is the refresh rate for retro gaming on modern TVs?
Quite important. A lower refresh rate can reduce lag and replicate the smooth gameplay experience of classic games on modern TVs.
