SNES Video Output Explained

The Super Nintendo (and Super Famicom) had many motherboard revisions, each outputting different video quality. This video aims to clear up many misconceptions about when that quality difference matters, as well as showcase some mods to make ALL revisions output perfect RGB video!

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00:00 Intro
00:59 Revisions
03:03 Examples
09:25 Alternatives
12:39 Conclusion

[RetroRGB]

I think this should clarify what to expect: A sharper output, but the noise gets highlighted even MORE ;/ That said, turning the feature all the way up and adding CRT emulation works really well! I'd still recommend the Voultar bypass, but if you already own a RT5x, the feature is already built in, so why not try?

[Voultar]

Bob, thanks so much for this coverage. I really appreciate the time you've taken to look this over.

[opatus]

It's funny to see my mod on Youtube. 😊
The glitches are outside the image area, so it is really easy to mask these out. Also it does not disable composite and S-video, it is just not activated here.
I still hope someone will make an HDMI mod out of it.

[moshawnla]

Popped open my SNES to discover it's a 1CHIP! Very excite

[isaacman]

I kind of want to get this installed for my old SNES even if I have a 1-Chip bypass installed. The video quality isn’t 100% equivalent to the modded 1-Chip, but the fact that some games have issues on a 1-Chip, this mod debatably makes for the best way to play SNES games on real hardware.

[rfmerrill]

One really important thing for people to know: The 1CHIP revisions (including the SNS-101) have compatibility problems with some games. Usually it's just some visual artifacts but notably Super Turrican is totally unplayable, as the sound will be completely messed up, and will get gradually worse until the game just outright crashes.

[rentoptional]

Voultar is going to be backed up for a year if he's the one that's installing all of them.

[rfmerrill]

2:35 while this is the _clearest_ way to see the board revision, you can also always tell from the marking above the cart slot, which is nice because you can see that without having to remove as many screws. I have a short on my channel about this, but in brief: If it's missing it's an SHVC-CPU-01 (but the presence of the SHVC-SOUND module or its connector is an easier tell). If it says "SNSxx" it's a GPM-xx, otherwise it will say basically the same as the main revision marking (RGB01, 1CHIP03 etc).

(I haven't seen _every_ board rev of the SNES so if I'm wrong and there are other exceptions here please let me know)

[RarefoilB]

That comparison between 1CHIP and non-1CHIP consoles over RF, Composite, and S-Video was exactly what I was looking for years ago, trying to figure out what the heck would be the deal for me using my old JVC CRT, making internet posts in frustrating futility. Thank you so so much for those shots.

[SvennyMcG]

I absolutely love these videos with simply outstanding deep dives into output quality.
That said, still S-Video on a CRT for me 😊

[HCKNEOBOOM]

Bob, as always I really enjoy your comprehensive videos. Really thank you for all you do! As for my gaming preference, I am keeping my SNES stock for now. I may be getting a Mister later. I feel lucky to have what many consider the holy grail of retro gaming set up on a budget, a Sony Trinitron KV-27FS100, a SNES 1 Chip rev .1 board via HD Retrovision Component cables. That is more than enough for me.

[whosonedphone]

I must have gotten a very bad SNES as a kid. I remember it was around the time I discovered what S-Video was. We had an SNES in daycare at school hooked up through RF. I couldn't believe how good the picture was.

Today I can't tolerate the picture quality of it on my Commodore 1702 or on the Oled via the Tink5X. The Analogue audio is a real treat though.

[TheRestartPoint]

Maybe i've just been lucky but I get perfectly good picture quality out of my two standard SFCs using a RetroTink 2X RGB or 5X with quality Scart cables, but the hardware revisions history here is still interesting, thanks.

[tigheklory]

Thanks for this wonderful overview Bob!

[RetrgamngRcks]

Thanks!! I will keep my 2 CHIP as is to play on my CRT with RGB SCART cable 👍🏼

[mikeyboombox]

Awesome and informative video, I never knew there was a 1 chip revision. The snes I have is actually my best friend’s from when we were kids 5years old or so(we’re still best friends today!). Because of that I’ll always keep it stock. If it’s a 1 chip though I may upgrade from s-video to component

[yemepujols]

Good information, as usual. PD.: Love your t-shirt.

[TheRetroChannel]

8:28 "most 2chip motherboard revisions will require you to disable composite and s-video"

This is the first time I've heard this mentioned. It feels like this point has been glossed over, or perhaps nobody cares. Which is understandable for those who use RGB exclusively as it does look amazing with this mod.

Do we know on which revisions composite and s-video need to be disabled?

[waynetemplar]

Great video Bob and an awesome T-Shirt

[MaidenHell]

Thsnks for this excellent video. SNES is my all time favourite system and I'm always looking for eays to improve it. I still game on my original 1991 SNES via S-Video on 2004 CRT and I'm very glad to hear this mod wouldnt be worth it for me. Cheers!