Nintendo64-Compatible Smart TVs (5 Popular Models)

Finding a smart TV that works with retro consoles such as the Nintendo 64 is a bit of a challenge.

The Nintendo 64 uses the old RCA Video or S-Video connector to connect with a TV. These connections are outdated, and unless you buy an HDMI converter, you may have problems connecting your smart TV to your Nintendo 64.

Here are some recommended smart TVs that you can use with your Nintendo 64.

1. Our Top Pick: LG CX

When it comes to video games, the LG CX is a winner. 

• It produces excellent images, although you should manage your expectations, considering that this smart TV uses the analog video input to connect to a Nintendo 64. You will have to calibrate your resolution to get the best display.
• Motion handling is good, and it has a 120 Hz refresh rate that makes movement more fluid.
• There’s an Automatic Low Latency Mode that detects if the connected device is a video game console. The Automatic Low Latency Mode works with your Nintendo 64, but only when you can plug the console into the HDMI port.
• Response time is quite fast, and you won’t see much motion blur.
• There’s also an option for a Black Frame Insertion to improve image clarity.
• The CX is also a good option for some late-night gaming. It can turn off pixels individually as needed to generate deep blacks.
• The CX also has no issues with daytime gaming. It can handle a certain amount of glare and can manage reflections well.
• Viewing angles are good, so you can have four players on board without much problem.

Now, this smart TV has some weaknesses as well.

• First is the OLED panel. While it can produce sharp images consistently, the CX is also prone to burn-in. But if you shuffle content and make sure you don’t leave one still image, like a video game interface, onscreen for too long, it won’t be much of a problem.
• Secondly, the CX does not have an RCA video nor S-Video connector. Instead, it has a TRRS jack for both audio and video inputs. You will need a break-out cable that will connect to the RCA ports of your Nintendo 64. You can also try converting to S-Video for a better resolution, but that might cause some issues. Remember, the fewer connectors in your chain, the better.

The LG CX comes in 48, 55, 65, and 77-inch models.

2. The Budget Pick: Vizio M7 Series

If you want a budget smart TV that can do gaming quite well, the Vizio M7 Series is an excellent pick.

• The response time of the M7 is quite impressive.
• You get fluid motion onscreen and the option for Black Frame Insertion for better clarity.
• The M7 also has Auto Low Latency Mode, which will work with your Nintendo 64 when you convert its video output to HDMI from RCA or S-Video.
• When it comes to night-time gaming, the M7 performs well, thanks to its native contrast.
• In a well-lit environment, the M7 has issues when it comes to reducing glare on the screen.
• Viewing angles are narrow, unfortunately.
• Other issues you might encounter with the M7 are dirty screen effect and clouding in dark scenes.

The M7 Series is available in 50, 55, and 65-inch models.

3. Samsung Q80T

If you don’t like OLED’s risk of burn-in, you should consider the Samsung Q80T, which has an LED screen.

There are many good things about this smart TV, which makes it almost on par with the CX by LG. The LG won by a narrow margin by having picture quality that’s slightly better than the Q80T.

• The Q80T handles motion without any problems. Games with lower frame rates can also be interpolated for slicker movement, but at the expense of a little input lag.
• For image quality, the Q80T has a high contrast ratio and is enhanced by full-array local dimming.
• The Q80T also works well in both day and night situations. Glare is not an issue, and you get quite sharp blacks when gaming with the lights out.

The major drawback to the Q80T is the lack of RCA or S-Video inputs. But you can get a converter for less than $20!

The Q80T comes in 49, 50, 55, 65, 75, and 85-inch models.

4. Sony A8H

The Sony A8H is a powerful smart TV that you can use for classic Nintendo gaming.

Input lag is low, and the response time is fast. But it does not have Auto Low Latency Mode, which might affect gameplay when connected via HDMI and a converter.

• It also has infinite contrast ratio, which makes the A8H ideal for late-night gaming. It also works well in well-lit environments by combatting glare and reflections.
• Viewing angles are wide, which is perfect for those who want to do four-player games on the Nintendo 64.
• The A8H also has a composite video input, which lets you directly connect your Nintendo 64. That means no need to buy converters to connect your console to the smart TV.

When it comes to its weak points, aside from not having the Auto Low Latency Mode, the A8H also has that risk for burn-in due to its having an OLED display. The burn-in risk can be fixed by not having the same image for a prolonged time.

The A8H comes in 55 and 65-inch models.

5. Hisense H8G

The Hisense H8G is another budget option to consider for using with your Nintendo 64.

• It has an RCA composite video input, which lets you connect your console.
• Response time is good, and this TV comes with an optional Black Frame Insertion feature.
• Input lag is low, which helps in precision gaming, such as shooters or simulators.
• The H8G also handles glare and reflections well, which makes it good for well-lit rooms.

The downside is its narrow viewing angles, which may cause problems for those who want to use all four controllers of the Nintendo 64.

The H8G comes in 50, 55, 65, and 75-inch models.

How Much Should You Spend on a Smart TV That is Compatible with the Nintendo 64?

Considering that the Nintendo 64 is an old gaming console, you need not spend too much on a TV that is compatible with it. You might even want to stay away from 4k resolution TVs and stick to 1080p, which is closer to the 240p or 480p resolution of the Nintendo 64.

The most important feature is having the RCA composite video input jack since that is what the Nintendo 64 uses.

Our top budget option, the Vizio M7 Series, generally costs around $500 for a 50-inch screen.

But if you want to go all out, our Top Pick, the LG CX, is about $2,000 for the 65-inch model.

Final Thoughts

As long as your smart TV has the RCA composite video or S-Video port, you’re good to go.

But if you want to use other features, it would be good to have an inexpensive HDMI converter, or you can try the Eon Super 64 adapter, which was designed with the Nintendo 64 in mind.

 

Sources

Rtings.com

This expensive adapter makes the Nintendo 64 look good on modern TVs