The gaming industry has seen many improvements and the latest technological advancements over the last two decades. Even in 2023, despite all the latest modern games, gamers still become addicted to retro games.
Finding the right TV for retro gaming is quite a hectic task and it becomes more challenging when the TVs don’t have the correct input ports. Nowadays, smart TVs don’t come with RCT or SCART connections which makes it even more difficult to get the most out of retro gaming but thanks to the RCA to HDMI connectors, it is easy to connect the retro game consoles as most of them connect via RCA connection. Compared to CRT TVs, modern TVs are way better in every way and offer crystal-clear visuals and excellent resolution.
Investing in a CRT TV just to play classic games sounds nasty and takes up a lot of space in the house, so ditching the modern TV just for retro games doesn’t make any sense. However, modern TVs now also support retro gaming through connectors and provide an authentic classic game experience with a high-quality viewing experience.
Another advantage of choosing a modern TV is that you can use it to play modern games and watch TV shows and movies without compromising on pixels. Here are our top picks for the best gaming TVs with low input lag, high picture quality, and compatibility with classic game consoles.
Best TVs for retro gaming
- LG OLED65C - a well-rounded choice for most people
- Samsung QN65QN90B - an alternative non-OLED option
- Sony A80L - a premium option to consider
- Hisense Class U6 - best budget pick
1. LG OLED65C2
Best TV for retro gaming overall
Refresh Rate: 120Hz
Resolution: 4K
LG’s OLED65C2 series TV is the best overall gaming TV for retro as well as modern games. The stunning 65-inch panel paired with A9 Gen 5 AI processor 4k automatically adjusts the screen settings for you to improve overall picture quality and sound qualities while gaming. The TV comes with a dedicated game mode which LG called the LG Game Optimizer that optimizes the settings for games.
The 4K UHD panel with 120Hz high refresh rate and low input lag delivers a smooth, responsive, and crisper gaming experience for retro and AAA titles. Furthermore, It boots on WebOS out of the box which means you can access most streaming apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, HBO, and other third-party apps in one place.
At over $1,000, the LG OLED65C2 is a premium choice for retro and modern gaming that you can look up to.
Reasons to buy:
- Nice and large to play old-school games like never before
- Insanely quick for a TV
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2. Samsung QN65QN90B
Best non-OLED gaming TV
Refresh Rate: 120Hz
Resolution: 4K
The Samsung QN65QN90B is another premium option you can consider for retro gaming. It has a smorgasbord of features including a QLED 120Hz panel, HDR, Object Tracking Sound+ with built-in Dolby atmos, and gaming modes. The TV is powered by Samsung’s Intelligent AI-based quantum processor optimizes the content with 4K upscaling.
You are getting a stunning bezel-less QLED panel here that produces brilliant colors and offers an immersive viewing experience and a built-in object-tracking sound+ with Dolby Atmos delivers an unparalleled cinematic sound experience.
Reasons to buy:
- QLED over OLED if you'd prefer to go that way
- Bezel-less for an immersive viewing experience
3. Sony A80L
Best high-end OLED gaming TV
Refresh Rate: 120Hz
Resolution: 4K
When it comes to gaming, Sony offers one of the best panels but that comes with a hefty price tag. If you are searching for an expansive panel that can smoothly run your retro games while maintaining the same feel of classic games and authentic look then this Sony’s 65-inch panel is a great pick.
It has Sony’s built-in intelligent cognitive processor XR that blends all on-screen elements perfectly and reproduces mesmerizing billions of real-world vibrant colors the addition of XR OLED contrast pro which analyzes and optimizes the image quality for immersive depth and realism and you get stunning visual quality with ultra-detailed shadows, crisp, and clean peak highlights.
You are getting HDMI 2.1 support here that delivers a thrilling gaming experience while providing high-quality viewing up to 4K/120fps on suitable titles. Sony TVs' exclusive feature Auto HDR Tone mapping automatically adjusts the best HDR settings for detailed and high contrast scenes. Additionally, the TV has XR OLED motion combats that make the action gaming more responsive and smooth.
Furthermore, it has a built-in Google TV which means you can control the TV via your voice and access all your favorite streaming services in one place including Netflix, HBO, Prime, and many more. Right now, If you want a high-end TV that has better picture quality grab a Sony A80L.
Reasons to buy:
- It has a beautiful OLED screen
- It has all major streaming services built-in for when you're not gaming
4. Hisense Class U6
Best budget TV for retro gaming
Refresh Rate: 60Hz
Resolution: 4K
We are rounding off with a decent budget-friendly option- the Hisense Class U6 Series ULED TV coming in at a low price. This 65-inch ULED 4K quantum dot display delivers pure, richer, and more vibrant colors than a regular LED TV.
This TV is equipped with advanced gaming tech which Hisense called Game Mode Plus. This feature handles all gaming-sided things smoothly with lower input lag, frame tearing, and better speed while maintaining a high-quality viewing experience. However, you are getting only a 60Hz standard refresh rate here.
It uses mini-LED with a full array of local dimming backlight technology which creates a brighter image with greater contrast compared to standard ones. So considering its price tag, you are getting a 4k resolution panel, dedicated game modes to enhance the gaming experience, mini-LED tech, and a full array of local dimming that ensures excellent image. Therefore, make sure to check it out if you are opting for a budget-friendly option.
Reasons to buy:
- It's cheaper than some of its rivals
- You still get a lovely 4K picture, despite the price
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Don't worry if you've got some questions. We've got you covered below...
Why should I choose modern TVs over traditional ones?
Considering classic TVs just for retro gaming doesn’t make sense as they are most likely limited to retro games. On the other hand, choosing modern TVs sounds more future-proof option. You can play retro as well as modern games with superior image quality and even you can stream content in high resolution.
On that note, even in 2023 gamers still love to play retro games, and choosing the right TV for the immersive gaming experience is crucial. The LG OLED65C2 in high-end and Hisense Class U6 series TV in the budget range are both excellent options for those who looking for the best TVs for retro gaming.
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