How to connect a Super Nintendo to a modern TV
On the original SNES, use an S-Video cable into an S-Video to HDMI converter for the cleanest picture. The yellow AV cable works on every model but looks softer. The SNES sends 240p, so choose a converter that supports it.
Yes. You need a converter.
What you need
- S-Video cable + RCA audio cable Look for: S-Video male to male, plus red/white RCA
- S-Video to HDMI converter Look for: S-Video to HDMI (with RCA audio inputs)
- HDMI cable Look for: High Speed HDMI (Ultra High Speed for 4K 120Hz)
Connect it like this
- Super Nintendo (original model)S-Video out
- S-Video cable + RCA audio cable
- S-Video to HDMI converterS-Video in, HDMI out. Needs power.
- HDMI cable
- TV (flat screen)HDMI in
What to know
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Cost
- About $41–$80 if you buy everything new
- Picture
- Standard definition, sharp
- Lag
- Minimal
- Extra power
- Yes, the converter needs USB or wall power
Why this works
S-Video is analog and HDMI is digital. A plain cable can’t bridge that. A powered S-Video to HDMI converter translates the signal.
Good to know
- Most retro consoles send 240p. Many cheap AV to HDMI converters and some modern TVs handle 240p poorly (flicker or dropouts).
- Many "HDMI only" TVs still have a small AV input hidden on the side. Press Input/Source on the remote and look for AV or Composite.
Other ways to do it
Cheapest You need a converter. Composite AV cable (yellow/white/red) + AV to HDMI converter + HDMI cable
What you need
- Composite AV cable (yellow/white/red) Look for: 3 RCA male to 3 RCA male
- AV to HDMI converter Look for: AV to HDMI / RCA to HDMI / AV2HDMI
- HDMI cable Look for: High Speed HDMI (Ultra High Speed for 4K 120Hz)
Connect it like this
- Super Nintendo (original model)Composite AV (RCA) out
- Composite AV cable (yellow/white/red)
- AV to HDMI converterComposite AV (RCA) in, HDMI out. Needs power.
- HDMI cable
- TV (flat screen)HDMI in
What to know
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Cost
- About $28–$55 if you buy everything new
- Picture
- Standard definition
- Lag
- Minimal
- Extra power
- Yes, the converter needs USB or wall power
Why this works
Composite AV (RCA) is analog and HDMI is digital. A plain cable can’t bridge that. A powered AV to HDMI converter translates the signal.
Before you buy
- Direction matters. You need Composite AV (RCA) in and HDMI out. The HDMI to AV converter looks almost identical but works the other way. Check that the box says “AV to HDMI”.
- It makes the connection work. It does not make old video HD. Some converters show a black screen with copy-protected video such as streaming apps; if that happens, pick one whose listing says it supports HDCP.
Your gear a little different? Answer a couple of questions about your own ports.
Check my exact setup