How to Connect a Retro Console to a Modern TV (AV, Component & HDMI Guide)

Posted by Console Mate on 30th Mar 2026

How to Connect a Retro Console to a Modern TV (AV, Component & HDMI Guide)

One of the most common questions we get at Console Mate is: "My old console has AV cables but my TV doesn't have those coloured ports anymore — how do I connect it?" Modern TVs have largely dropped composite and component video inputs in favour of HDMI-only panels. But that doesn't mean your retro consoles are finished. Here's a full breakdown of your options.

Understanding the Different Video Cable Types

Composite AV (Yellow/White/Red)

The classic three-plug cable — yellow for video, white and red for stereo audio. This is what came in the box with most consoles from the 1990s and 2000s, including PlayStation 1 & 2, Nintendo 64, GameCube, Wii, original Xbox, and Xbox 360. The image quality is acceptable but noticeably softer than the original signal.

Component Video (Red/Green/Blue + Audio)

Component video splits the video signal into three separate channels for a much sharper image. It was the best pre-HDMI option for consoles that supported it — including the PS2, PS3, Xbox 360, and Wii. If your TV still has component inputs (five coloured plugs — three for video, two for audio), this is worth using.

S-Video

S-Video sits between composite and component in terms of quality, separating the black-and-white and colour portions of the signal. Supported by many Nintendo and Sega consoles, as well as PS1 and PS2. Less common on modern TVs but can be used with a capture card or upscaler.

SCART (Europe/Australia)

SCART was the standard in Australia and Europe and carried an RGB signal — technically better quality than composite. Most PAL consoles (PlayStation, Mega Drive, SNES etc.) had SCART output. Rare on TVs sold after 2010 but adapters and upscalers are available.

HDMI

Modern TVs are HDMI-only. PS3, Xbox 360, and Wii U all have HDMI out natively. For older consoles you'll need a converter.

Which Consoles Use Which Cables?

  • PlayStation 1 & 2: Composite AV, S-Video, Component, SCART
  • PlayStation 3: HDMI (native), Component
  • Nintendo 64 / GameCube: Composite AV, S-Video (with adapter), Component (GC only with official cable)
  • Nintendo Wii: Composite AV, Component
  • Nintendo Wii U: HDMI (native), Component
  • Sega Mega Drive / Saturn / Dreamcast: Composite AV, SCART
  • Original Xbox: Composite AV, Component, S-Video
  • Xbox 360: Composite AV, Component, HDMI (Slim and E models)

My TV Doesn't Have AV Inputs — What Do I Do?

Most TVs made after 2018 have dropped composite and component inputs entirely. You have a few options:

Option 1: AV to HDMI Converter

A small plug-in converter box takes your composite AV signal and outputs HDMI. These are inexpensive and work with any console that uses composite cables. Image quality is still limited by the composite signal but it's the simplest solution.

Option 2: Use an Older TV or Monitor

If you have a CRT TV in storage or can find one cheaply, composite and component signals look their absolute best on the screens they were designed for. Many retro gaming enthusiasts actively seek out CRTs.

Option 3: An Upscaler (Best Quality)

Devices like the RetroTink series take older video signals and convert them to crisp HDMI output with minimal lag. These are popular with serious retro gamers and produce noticeably better results than a basic converter box.

Getting the Right Cable for Your Console

Whether you need a composite AV cable, component cable, or something more specific, Console Mate stocks AV accessories for all major retro gaming platforms — PlayStation, Nintendo, Xbox, and Sega — all shipped from Australia with same-day dispatch.

Browse our full AV accessories range

Shop Retro Console AV Cables at Console Mate

All Console Mate AV cables are 1.8m composite RCA leads, ready to plug straight into your TV's AV input. Free shipping on orders over $60, shipped from the Gold Coast.

Not sure which cable you need? Browse our full range of cables & leads or contact us and we'll help you find the right fit.