At the moment, I have a N64 modded with a PixelFx HDMI converter, a GameCube with a MKII EON which is just a composite to HDMI converter that plugs into the back, and a PS2 with a really shitty standard composite to HDMI converter that is powered by one of the PS2’s USB ports. All of those, and a couple of non-retro consoles, feed into a 7x1 HDMI switch and then into the TV. And the TV outputs all the audio to a sound bar. I just finished modding the N64, but I have another PixelFx for the PS2 because the lag of the converter is really starting to piss me off, and an untouched Wii sitting in the closet.

Modding the consoles is just what I prefer so that they work on modern TVs, and it gives me something to tinker around with. The problem with that route is that the mods can be expensive, paying someone to install them is really fucking expensive, and even if you have the know-how to install them yourself there is still a chance you can brick your console (there is also the rotting carcass of an Xbox in my closet, but we don’t mention it after 3 years of headaches). However, you said that you already have a TV with composite and component hookups, and it looks like there are composite and component switches like what I am using for my HDMIs. That would probably be the best way to go for you, and it looks like you could get one for about $30 USD. I dunno if a switch will degrade the signal quality at all, but I haven’t noticed any with my HDMI switch and I think I got mine for around $40 USD. When it comes to quality… Look, the consoles and their games are dated. No amount of lossless converting or upscaling is going to make them look like a game on the PS5 or Xbox Series SSX Tricky whatever the fuck it’s called. You’ve got some consoles and a TV that you can plug them directly into, that’s about as good as it’s going to get without diving through a trash heap to find a CRT. If you do end up getting a component/composite switch, maybe get 1 OSSC between the switch and the TV if you really want one. You don’t have to spend tons of money on something because some nerd on reddit insists it the “best and only way to experience retro games” just do whatever works best for you and remember to have fun

Dreamcast and PS2 could do more than just composite, but if you don’t have the necessary cable for it already it’s gonna be hard af to get now since I don’t think they still make them.

But they do make composite to HDMI hubs.

Something like the retroTINK?

https://www.retrotink.com/shop/retrotink-2x-pro

The 2x accepts component, composite and s-video and outputs HDMI.

I use an RCA switch. 4 input and 1 output. Also easier to change an input on this box than on the TV.

Has a very satisfying tactile click to the buttons.

I wanted an hdmi switch with the same dimensions, so it would stack nicely, but feels like chasing a unicorn.

If you want I can take a picture of the thing, but there’s plenty out there. Rectangular, 4 round buttons on the front.

You can get adapters for the PlayStation and GameCube that go right to HDMI, just plugs in to the port in the back.

I don’t have all my stuff plugged in right now, but when I did I used an AV switch or an AV receiver. For Dreamcast and Xbox, I recommend using VGA video if you can swing it, significantly improved video quality. But it’s getting difficult to find screens that take it as an input anymore.

I go component or svideo for everything, whatever is easiest. Get a svid or component switch box and hook everything up.

I used to have an a/b switch that I kept my n64 and ps2 plugged into. Just had to hit the button on the box to change inputs. Nowadays I just use my Steam Deck docked to my tv.

I go through different switchers to various inputs of the retrotink4k. I avoid composite to keep it simple and get a better picture.

• Dreamcast -> VGA
• PS2 -> Component Switcher
• N64 -> Component Switcher
• GC -> HDMI GcVideo adapter (forcing 480p through swiss) -> HDMI Switch
• Nintendo Switch -> HDMI Switch

Theres some interesting all in one machines on amazon. Take a look and see what applies.

My CRT doesn’t have a SCART input but it does have S-Video. I have a scart to S video adapter that I run to the CRT that looks great. I’d run it to a retrotink 5x/4k if you wanted to play on a widescreen flat panel. It looks great but it’s pricey

Personally, I emulate anything that I play on a modern display and run that straight through HDMI, or DisplayPort depending on what the display accepts.

If I am playing something older, I usually have a working console for it, but if I don’t I still emulate it. If I have a working console, I plug it into one of my CRTs via composite (RCA) as that is the input my CRTs accept and the most common output on consoles of the time (like HDMI is today). If the game I am playing is on a console that I have that no longer functions, I emulate it and output via HDMI to an RCA adapter and plug that into one of my CRTs. This has some delay but it is not noticeable to me.

Sometimes I have fun playing modern games on a CRT in 480p with the same setup. The graphics look really good since I can max everything out with a good framerate, but the text and UI is basically unreadable, even with max UI scaling in most games. They just don’t make them with low resolutions in mind.

If I am not using it, I unplug it from the TV and put it away.

For audio: CRT built-in speakers are the most authentic. But sometimes I use headphones.

Replying so I don’t lose this thread- I am genuinely interested in an answer.