Get The Best GameCube Video Quality On A CRT or PVM

Over the years, I have focused on how to get the best picture out of a retro video game system. More often than not my end goal is connecting to a flat panel television, but there are those out there who still want to use a CRT or PVM monitor to play games on. While I myself do not like using CRTs or PVMs, I don't like the look of these at all, I know I am an outlier in the retro community. With the GameCube coming to the Nintendo Switch Online service with the Switch 2, a lot of people are turning back to the GameCube and seeking the best experience on original hardware and on CRTs. Let's take a look at some of the options that are out there and how you can improve your visual experience.

Retro-Bit S-Video Cable for GameCube N64 and SNES
If your GameCube only has an analog output, this is about the best option you'll find without modding your system. These cables plug right into your GameCube and give you S-Video and stereo audio output. They're not very expensive and the DO look better than the composite cables out there.

If you have a digital output on your GameCube, next to buying OEM GameCube component cables, this is one of the best options you can get. They provide exceptional video quality, along with Stereo audio. I actually use these myself from my GameCube to my RetroTink 5X, and the results are fantastic.

Not cheap but a very versatile option, the GCHD MkII provides not only an HDMI output, but there's an additional port that works with less-expensive Wii component video cables. You can connect both HDMI and Component cables at the same time so you can play on a CRT or PVM and stream via HDMI capture device at the same time!

Nintendo Wii & Component Video Cables
The first generation of the Nintendo Wii is famously backward compatible with GameCube Games and controllers, and as I mentioned, there are fairly inexpensive Wii component video cables. This solution doesn't quite work as well as a GameCube with component cables, but it works very well.

Wii U + Nintendon't Homebrew & Component Cables
The Wii U doesn't play GameCube games from the box, but you can easily install the HomeBrew channel and Nintendon't to make this happen and restore this functionality. You can then connect the Wii U to a CRT or PVM using Component video cables, the same ones the Wii uses! Plus with this you can play using Wireless controllers!

Are you looking forward to the Switch 2 getting Gamecube compatibility? What's your favorite Gamecube title? Share your thoughts in the comments!

#GameCube #CRT #RetroBit #Wii #Nintendo #WiiIU #GameCubeComponentCables #BestVideoQuality

[spawnkano]

I bought a gamecube for my son about 10 years ago for $50 which came with the original component cable. The fact that those cables are still going for $200-300 on ebay right now is crazy

[krillen]

I still have my launch GameCube. I still love the console and eventually want to get a EON GCHD MK-II HD or Retro-Bit Prism HD for it.

[SKvldlf]

I got a new GameCube after getting rid of mine in like 2004. I always regretted that. I'm using the HDMI converter from retrobit through a retrotink 4k. I just got 5 games I ordered on eBay. Re1, re4, Metroid prime 2, wind waker and Twilight princess. So stoked to collect for GameCube. I think it's like the best console ever. GameCube and ps1

[Vegan_Lifting]

I use the Wii with component cable for playing GameCube. I think it's the best way / picture quality to play Gamecube on original hardware....and with customfirmware. 😊

[smasherjosh]

PAL GameCubes don’t have S-Video however instead RGB SCART, all games over here in PAL territories will do 576i 50Hz or 480i 60Hz, it’s also a viable way to play the Game Boy Player even in the NTSC territories plus it’s dual voltage

[michaeldemers]

I use the EON MK-II and Wii Component Cables for the best picture on Gamecube.

[lty]

Get a Wii backwards compatible and use with Wii Component cables. On the other hand the Wii has the GCN chipset inside and the Wii U has the Wii chipset inside that's why the Wii U can play GCN natively although Nintendo blocked it (just blocked not removed) it can be easily unlock with homebrew. GCN console is nice but besides component cables are more expensive mine GCN aged laser died suddently.

[TravirusTheKing]

I'd like to know what the difference between the NGC and Wii? I do own both and unfortunately I own the revised NGC.

I still love using it for the GBplayer I would like to use the third party software but that requires modding my NGC and I'm not that good to do that type of mod. I can swap the batteries from the GB Carts and USB controller port items (I have done some mods for the Original Xbox that didn't require taking the whole thing apart). My Soldering Irons don't have Temp controls.