NES

Nintendo Entertainment System

The Nintendo Entertainment System (or Famicom outside the US) requires a modification to get RGB or HDMI-output, but the results are excellent. Please see below for more information:

How to get RGB and HDMI from your NES

This page describes how to get RGB or HDMI from NES systems.

Blinking Light Win

There’s now a 72-pin connector replacement that’s a huge improvement over both the original and (mostly crappy) aftermarket connectors.

Hi-Def NES

This is a review of the HDMI mod that’s compatible with NES and Famicom consoles.  It’s an amazing mod that outputs up to 1080p!

NES Classic Review

The NES Classic is the most cost-efficient way to (officially) play NES games on an HDTV.  It’s a good solution, but not the best for everyone.

AVS

The AVS from RetroUSB.com is an FPGA-based NES that outputs 720p.  It’s an excellent choice for people who want to play NES and Famicom cartridges.

Analogue NT Mini

This is an amazing FPGA-based solution for playing NES roms on both analog and digital displays!  It plays games from other consoles as well!  You have to see it to believe it!

Picture Comparisons

This page compares NES RGB vs composite output. It also demonstrates the difference between the original and PC-10 color palettes.

Other NES Mods

This page lists other great mods you can perform on your NES, such as the stereo audio mod!

Hyperkin’s RetroN 1 HD

This is a 720p-outputting NES clone.  It’s absolutely terrible.  Please spend your money on something else.


NES Suggestions:

– There are so many amazing mods for NES & Famicom consoles available today, that it would be a shame to just use the composite video out.  I highly recommend an HDMI or RGB mod from trusted sellers (check each page for modder links).

– The Blinking Light Win is a must for any front-loading NES system that has cartridge connector issues.

– Also consider modding your NES for stereo, as the results are great.

– If your method of playing NES games allows you to choose color palette’s, here’s a link to most that the community have created:  https://www.retrorgb.com/assets/NES_Palettes_2022-01-19.zip
NES color palette differences could fill a full page / video, but down towards the middle of this post is a short explanation, with some comparison examples.

– If you like the NES, but not enough to spend a ton of money on it, you can consider using the NES Classic, or using a Wii / Wii U and play the Virtual Console versions of the games.  The experience is great for casual NES fans, but not as good as the other options available.

 

If you’d like info on mods for other systems, head to the Getting RGB From Each System page or check out the main page for more retro-awesomeness.