The world of retro gaming has seen a remarkable resurgence in popularity, captivating gamers of all generations with its enduring charm and nostalgic allure. However, to fully immerse oneself in the bygone era of gaming, selecting the perfect television is of paramount importance. We shall embark on a journey to uncover the most ideal televisions for the pursuit of retro gaming, taking into account vital factors such as display technology, compatibility, and the overall gaming experience.
As we venture into the realm of retro gaming, it becomes unmistakably clear that the choice of television can wield a profound influence on one’s gameplay. The venerable CRT tube televisions, once ubiquitous in households, earn praise for their remarkable ability to faithfully recreate the authentic ambiance and aesthetics of classic games. Some dedicated gamers even vouch for them as the quintessential choice for an unadulterated retro gaming experience. On the contrary, contemporary high-definition TVs offer unparalleled convenience and versatility, but they may necessitate additional fine-tuning to achieve the desired retro visual appeal.
We shall dissect the pros and cons of various television options tailored for retro gaming enthusiasts, encompassing QLED TVs, as well as contemporary OLED screens. Whether you happen to be a seasoned retro gaming aficionado or a neophyte embarking on a journey into the annals of gaming history, this comprehensive guide is poised to assist you in discovering the ultimate television companion to rekindle those cherished classic gaming moments in all their pixelated grandeur.
These are the best modern TVs for retro gaming.
Round Up of the Best Modern TVs for Retro Gaming
| 1 | LG C2 OLED (Best Option) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 2 | Samsung QN900B 8k QLED TV | Check Price on Amazon |
| 3 | LG C3 OLED | Check Price on Amazon |
| 4 | TCL 6 Series Roku TV (2022) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 5 | Sony A80K | Check Price on Amazon |
| 6 | Hisense U8H TV | Check Price on Amazon |
1. LG C2 OLED (Best Option)
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen Size: 55-inch | Smart TV: Yes | Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels) | Panel Type: OLED | Refresh Rate: 120 Hz | HDR Compatibility: Yes | Size: 48 x 27.7 x 1.9 inches | Weight: 28 pounds |Connections: 4x HDMI (1x eARC), 3x USB, optical digital audio output, LAN, RF (antenna) input, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | HDMI Audio Return Channel (ARC): Yes
REASONS TO BUY
+ Excellent picture quality
+ Incredibly low input lag
+ VRR, FreeSync Premium, AirPlay 2 support
+ Bright 120Hz screen
+ Impressive audio
+ Sleek, thin design
+ G-Sync compatible
REASONS TO AVOID
– Expensive
The LG C2 OLED, which tops our list of the best TVs for retro gaming, is now our favorite smart TV. The LG C1 OLED TV, which preceded the LG C2 model, had great potential and still does. The LG C2, however, is marginally superior to both it and the rest of the available smart TVs.
The LG C2 is the winner if you’re looking for a new 4K TV with a stunning OLED screen. The greatest TV for gamers and movie buffs.
This TV is a top performer with superb contrast, brightness, and video processing. It has impressive HDR color gamut to produce a wide range of colors and excellent color accuracy right out of the box. It has respectable viewing angles.
The LG C2 boasts a reasonable selection of ports for streaming and gaming, just like the LG C1. It features RF (antenna) input, analog audio 3.5mm headphone output, optical digital audio output, three USB connections, and four HDMI ports. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are also supported.
The four inputs on the C2 are all full bandwidth HDMI 2.1, which is wonderful news. Because the HDMI 2.1 offers 4K gaming at 120 fps, this should satisfy gamers.
With variable refresh rate (VRR) and AMD FreeSync Premium, which lessens tearing and stuttering, the LG C2 further solidifies its reputation as a gaming TV. It is compatible with G-Sync. The extraordinarily reduced input lag is another feature worth noticing.
A high-end flatscreen TV should perform admirably in terms of audio, and the LG C2 does so. The audio on the LG C2 is decent.
The LG C2 delivers when it comes to streaming services. The majority of the well-known brands, such as Apple TV, Disney+, HBO Max, Netflix, Twitch, YouTube, and Amazon Prime Video, are present.
If you’ve been a devoted Samsung, Hisense, or Vizio user for a while, it’s worthwhile to browse around to see what else is available.
All things considered, The LG C2 is a fantastic TV for retro gaming that anyone should be happy to own.
2. Samsung QN900B
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen Sizes: 65-inch, 75-inch, 85-inch | Smart TV: Yes (Tizen) | Resolution: 8K | Panel Type: Neo QLED / mini-LED | Refresh Rate: 120 Hz | HDR Compatibility: Yes (HDR10, HLG, HDR10+) | eARC: Yes
REASONS TO BUY
+ Excellent picture quality
+ Fantastic peak brightness
+ Low input lag
+ Good viewing angle
+ VRR compatible
REASONS TO AVOID
– Low native contrast ratio
The Samsung QN900B 8k QLED TV is an outstanding television that excels in various aspects, making it an excellent choice for a wide range of uses. Its remarkable features cater to different viewing preferences, ensuring a top-notch experience across various scenarios.
This TV is particularly impressive for movie enthusiasts and those who enjoy watching content in a dark room. Thanks to its decent local dimming feature, the QN900B offers excellent performance in dark environments, reducing light blooming and enhancing overall image quality. This attribute makes it a prime candidate for enjoying movies with captivating visuals and minimal distractions.
Moreover, the Samsung QN900B is designed to shine in bright rooms as well. With its high peak brightness and exceptional reflection handling, it provides an optimal viewing experience even in well-lit environments. This makes it an ideal choice for watching shows, sports, or any content that benefits from a bright display.
For gamers, the QN900B stands out as a superb gaming TV. It boasts an incredibly fast response time and low input lag, ensuring smooth and responsive gaming sessions. Furthermore, its support for HDMI 2.1 bandwidth on all HDMI inputs allows gamers to take full advantage of the latest gaming consoles and PCs. The TV’s compatibility with all three variable refresh rate (VRR) formats ensures a tear-free gaming experience, enhancing gameplay quality.
The TV’s excellence extends to HDR content as well. With its high HDR peak brightness and wide color gamut, the QN900B delivers stunning HDR visuals, bringing out the vibrant details and dynamic range in HDR-encoded content.
Notably, the QN900B also proves to be an excellent choice for use as a PC monitor. However, it’s worth mentioning that there are some uniformity issues that might be distracting. Despite this, the TV’s high resolution and other features make it a suitable option for productivity and entertainment purposes when connected to a computer.
3. LG C3 OLED TV
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen Sizes: 42-inch, 48-inch, 55-inch, 65-inch, 77-inch, 83-inch| Smart TV: Yes (webOS) | Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels) | Panel Type: OLED | Refresh Rate: 120 Hz | HDR Compatibility: Yes (HDR, HLG, Dolby Vision) | eARC: Yes
REASONS TO BUY
+ Outstanding pictures
+ Superior contrast and off-angle image
+ Excellent gaming features
+ Sleek
+ Impressive audio
REASONS TO AVOID
– Pricier than LG C2
The LG C3 is the latest addition to LG’s mid-range OLED lineup for the year 2023. While it succeeds the LG C2, it’s worth noting that, at present, the C2 is considered a better value due to its more affordable pricing and subtle differences in picture quality and features. Despite this, the C3 holds its own as an excellent TV in various aspects.
In terms of design, the LG C3 shares the same sleek and modern aesthetic as its predecessor, featuring a thin silver border with barely noticeable bezels. The stand, while small, may cause some initial wobbling but stabilizes quickly, allowing most soundbars to fit without obstructing the screen. The back of the TV has a textured, brushed metal finish with cable management options to keep things tidy. The TV is well-built, with a premium feel and minimal flex. It has a maximum thickness of 1.77 inches and borders measuring 0.22 inches. The TV is VESA mount compatible with a size of 300×200.
Picture quality is a standout feature of the LG C3. The OLED panel offers impressive contrast and vivid HDR images, along with superb detail on its 4K screen. The TV’s natural picture quality is already excellent, reducing the need for additional enhancements like the ‘HDR Expression Enhancer.’ While its peak HDR brightness of 820 nits is not the brightest in its class, it provides remarkable movie watching experiences with deep blacks. The TV is particularly suitable for movie lovers.
The smart TV software, webOS, has been updated for 2023, making it easier to navigate and access settings. A new ‘Quick Menu’ provides convenient access to favorite image-quality adjustments.
Gaming performance is another strong suit of the LG C3. It offers an impressively low input lag of 9.2ms and includes four HDMI 2.1 ports that support 4K at 120Hz, Dolby Vision gaming, and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR).
4. TCL 6-Series Roku TV (2022)
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen Sizes: 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch, 85-inch | Smart TV: Yes (Roku TV) | Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels) | Panel Type: QLED mini-LED | Refresh Rate: 144 Hz | HDR Compatibility: Yes (HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, HDR10+) | eARC: Yes
REASONS TO BUY
+ Great pictures
+ Good gaming tech
+ Affordable
+ Very low input lag
+ Fantastic contrast ratio
+ Very bright
+ Excellent selection of streaming apps
REASONS TO AVOID
– Speakers could be better
The TCL 6 Series Roku TV is an exceptional budget-friendly option that defies expectations by featuring a mini-LED screen. This innovative technology, typically found in high-end QLED TVs, employs a larger number of smaller LEDs to create the backlight behind the pixels. This results in heightened brightness compared to other TVs in its price range, as well as enhanced contrast and darker tones. Despite the prevalence of this tech in pricier models, the TCL 6 Series manages to offer it without the accompanying high cost.
What sets this TV apart is its commitment to quality across all aspects. In addition to the stunning picture quality, which exceeds what is usually expected at this price point, the TV boasts an array of features that contribute to its excellence. The performance is well above-average, especially considering its affordability. The TV lineup is packed with impressive features that cater to both movie enthusiasts and gamers.
The gaming support is particularly noteworthy, with HDMI 2.1 compatibility for 4K 120Hz and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), making it perfect for next-gen console gaming. This emphasis on gaming performance ensures smooth gameplay with minimal lag, providing an immersive experience for gamers.
While the audio quality might not be as robust as the visuals, a common issue with many modern TVs, this shortcoming doesn’t significantly detract from the TV’s overall appeal. To enhance the audio experience, it’s recommended to pair the TV with a soundbar for more powerful sound.
The TCL 6 Series Roku TV surprises with its mini-LED screen technology, offering outstanding brightness, contrast, and dark tones at an affordable price. Its array of features and strong performance, particularly in gaming, make it an attractive option for a wide range of viewers. While the audio might not be its strongest suit, the TV’s overall package presents impressive value, positioning it as one of the best affordable TVs on the market today for both movie enthusiasts and gamers.
5. Sony A80K
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen Sizes: 55-inch, 65-inch, 77-inch | Smart TV: Yes | Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels) | Panel Type: OLED | Refresh Rate: 120 Hz | HDR Compatibility: Yes (HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision) ) | eARC: Yes
REASONS TO BUY
+ Excellent picture quality
+ Accurate color representation
+ Bright 120Hz screen
+ Impressive audio
REASONS TO AVOID
– Only two HDMI 2.1 ports
The Sony A80K (XR-65A80K) is a mid-range OLED TV that excels in both audio and picture quality. Featuring Sony’s Acoustic Surface Audio+ technology, this TV utilizes five actuators strategically placed behind and at the sides of the screen to generate vibrations that produce a robust and expansive sound output, exceeding the expectations of slim TVs.
The TV’s built-in audio quality is impressive enough to eliminate the need for a separate audio system for many users. While the addition of a Dolby Atmos soundbar could further enhance the audio experience, it’s not necessary for satisfactory sound quality.
When it comes to picture quality, the Sony A80K stands out with its rich color reproduction, deep blacks, detailed shadows, and notable HDR brightness for an affordable OLED TV. It competes well against other models in its category, delivering a vibrant and immersive visual experience.
The TV also boasts advanced gaming features, including support for 4K/120Hz video input, variable refresh rate (VRR), and auto low latency mode (ALLM), making it suitable for next-generation gaming.
Furthermore, the Sony A80K features the Google TV platform, providing a smart interface with Google Assistant integration for convenient control. The TV’s design, characterized by the One Slate design with an all-glass facade, adds an attractive and sleek touch to its appearance.
6. Hisense U8H
SPECIFICATIONS
Screen Sizes: 55-inch, 65-inch, 75-inch | Smart TV: Yes (Google TV) | Resolution: 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels) | Panel Type: OLED | Refresh Rate: 120 Hz | HDR Compatibility: Yes (HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, HDR10+) | eARC: Yes
REASONS TO BUY
+ Very bright
+ Incredible reflection handling
+ Excellent gaming features
+ Low input lag
+ Decnt audio
+ Relatively affordable
+ Impressive motion handling
REASONS TO AVOID
– Upscaling could be better
– Some color banding
The Hisense U8H TV, part of the U8H series, stands out with its remarkable features and impressive performance. Similar to the TCL 6-Series Roku TV, the U8H series boasts a mini-LED backlight technology that enhances its display. This mini-LED backlight provides the U8H TV with a significant advantage in terms of high brightness, resulting in vivid and vibrant visuals. The U8H series is particularly well-equipped for high dynamic range (HDR) content, as it supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG formats, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of HDR content sources.
One of the standout features of the U8H is its Quantum Dot filter, which enhances color reproduction, contributing to a more vibrant and lifelike picture quality. The 65-inch model of the U8H includes 504 local dimming zones, allowing for deep and detailed black levels that provide a more immersive viewing experience. While some backlight blooming, a common artifact with LED-backlit TVs using local dimming, may be observed with challenging content, it’s not a predominant issue with this TV.
The U8H series also excels in catering to gamers, offering a 120 Hz display, Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and FreeSync Premium Pro. These features enhance the gaming experience by minimizing input lag and providing smooth and tear-free gameplay. Additionally, the TV comes with a Filmmaker mode that delivers mostly accurate color out of the box, ensuring a cinematic experience as intended by content creators.
Despite its impressive capabilities, the U8H is not without its minor shortcomings. Some backlight blooming can occur with certain content, and there might be a slight softness in upconverted HD images. The TV’s audio performance is considered average, and there may be some color banding and inconsistencies in upscaling. However, these drawbacks are outweighed by the TV’s strengths.
The Hisense U8H TV, with its mini-LED backlight technology, Quantum Dot filter, extensive gaming features, and support for various HDR formats, offers a strong combination of performance and value. While it may have some minor drawbacks, it remains an appealing choice for those seeking an affordable TV with advanced features and capabilities.
Round Up of the Best Modern TVs for Retro Gaming
| 1 | LG C2 OLED (Best Option) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 2 | Samsung QN900B 8k QLED TV | Check Price on Amazon |
| 3 | LG C3 OLED | Check Price on Amazon |
| 4 | TCL 6 Series Roku TV (2022) | Check Price on Amazon |
| 5 | Sony A80K | Check Price on Amazon |
| 6 | Hisense U8H TV | Check Price on Amazon |