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How to Play Classic SNES Games on a Modern TV

The Super NES Classic Edition connects directly to a TV’s HDMI input. An original SNES may need a converter chosen for its video output and your TV’s inputs.
Length2 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
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You can connect a Super NES Classic Edition to a modern TV with the included HDMI cable. An original Super Nintendo Entertainment System is different: its connection depends on the console’s video output and the inputs available on your TV, and may require a compatible converter. First check which system you have.

Identify which SNES you have

“SNES” may mean the original Super Nintendo Entertainment System or Nintendo’s later Super NES Classic Edition. The hookup below is documented for the Classic Edition; its HDMI cable is not an adapter for an original SNES.

Connect a Super NES Classic Edition

  1. Connect a Super NES Classic Controller to controller port 1 if you are using the included controller.
  2. Connect the included USB Type-A cable to the AC adapter, then connect its micro-USB end to the console’s DC IN jack. Plug the adapter into a wall outlet.
  3. Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the console’s HDMI OUT port and the other to an available HDMI input on your TV or monitor. Nintendo documents the Classic Edition for standard HDMI inputs: Nintendo’s setup instructions.
  4. Turn on the console and TV, then use the TV remote to select the HDMI input you connected. The console uses USB power as well as HDMI.

Connect an original SNES

Check the exact console’s video output and the TV’s available inputs before choosing cables or equipment. If the TV has no input that matches the console’s output, you may need a converter or upscaler that explicitly supports that combination. Verify the converter’s documentation for compatibility and for the output format your display accepts; also check its aspect-ratio and scaling controls and any independently documented latency or image-quality information. The official setup information cited here does not establish a particular converter model, compatibility list, picture quality, or latency, so no specific product recommendation or guaranteed result is warranted.

Fix common Classic Edition display problems

Blank screen

  • Check that the console is switched on, the HDMI plugs are fully seated, and the TV is set to the correct input.
  • Try another HDMI port, cable, or TV/monitor to isolate the problem.
  • Use the original AC adapter if possible. Nintendo warns that an underpowered power source can cause a blank screen or no sound. If replacing a verified working HDMI cable, Nintendo says it should be no longer than 10 feet: Nintendo’s blank-screen troubleshooting.

Picture but no sound

  • Check the TV’s volume and try another HDMI port or cable.
  • Connect the Classic Edition directly to the TV temporarily, bypassing a sound bar or DVI adapter. Nintendo specifies HDMI inputs for the Classic Edition: Nintendo’s audio troubleshooting.

Choose the Classic Edition’s display look

The Classic Edition includes a CRT Filter display mode. Nintendo describes it as looking like an old TV, scan lines included: Nintendo’s display-mode information. It is a built-in visual effect, not a different connection method, and does not require a CRT television.

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Replacing the Classic Edition HDMI cable

If you need a replacement, check that it is explicitly listed as compatible with the Super NES Classic Edition. Nintendo lists a dedicated replacement HDMI cable for that console: Nintendo’s replacement cable listing. That listing does not make the cable an adapter for original SNES hardware.

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