You Don't Need the Original Hardware
One of the biggest misconceptions about retro gaming is that you need original cartridges, expensive vintage consoles and a CRT television to enjoy classic games the way they were meant to be played. The truth? Modern plug-and-play consoles have made retro gaming more accessible — and more enjoyable — than ever before.
In this guide we'll walk you through exactly how to play classic games on any modern TV, without any technical knowledge, complicated setup or expensive equipment.
What You'll Need
The simplest setup requires just three things:
- A plug-and-play retro console — preloaded with games, no cartridges needed
- An HDMI cable — usually included with modern retro consoles
- Any TV with an HDMI port — virtually every TV made in the last 15 years qualifies
That's genuinely it. No internet connection required. No account to create. No downloads. No subscriptions. Just plug in and play.
Step-by-Step Setup Guide
Step 1: Choose Your Retro Console
The most important decision. Modern plug-and-play retro consoles come in several varieties:
- Mini consoles — small replicas of original hardware with a curated selection of preloaded games
- All-in-one retro consoles — larger libraries covering multiple gaming eras in one device
- Retro game sticks — compact HDMI sticks with preloaded games, great for travel
For the best experience, an all-in-one console with a large preloaded library gives you the most variety. Look for something with games from the 8-bit era all the way through to 6th and 7th generation titles.
Step 2: Connect to Your TV
Nearly every modern TV has multiple HDMI ports — usually on the side or back of the screen. Simply:
- Plug the HDMI cable into your retro console
- Plug the other end into any HDMI port on your TV
- Switch your TV input to the correct HDMI channel (usually HDMI 1, 2 or 3)
- Power on your console
You should see the game menu appear on your TV within seconds. Total setup time: under 60 seconds.
Step 3: Connect Your Controllers
Most modern retro consoles include wireless controllers. Simply:
- Power on the controllers (usually a button on the front)
- They'll connect automatically to the console
- If they don't connect instantly, hold the sync button until the light is solid
Most consoles include two controllers — meaning you're ready for multiplayer straight out of the box.
Step 4: Choose Your Game and Play
Modern retro consoles organize games by system, genre or era. Browse the menu, pick a game and press start. Your save states are usually stored automatically — meaning you can quit and pick up exactly where you left off.
Getting the Best Picture Quality
Retro games were designed for older, lower-resolution screens. Playing them on a modern 4K TV can sometimes look different to how you remember. Here are some tips for the best picture:
- Look for consoles with HD upscaling — good retro consoles process the image to look cleaner on modern screens
- Try the scanline filter — many retro consoles include an optional scanline overlay that replicates the look of old CRT screens
- Use a high-speed HDMI cable — a quality cable eliminates lag and ensures the best signal quality
- Sit closer than you would for modern games — retro games were designed to be viewed up close
Multiplayer Setup
One of the greatest joys of retro gaming is playing with someone else. Side-scrolling beat-em-ups, racing games, fighting games and sports titles were designed for two players on the same couch.
Most plug-and-play retro consoles include two wireless controllers, so you're ready for multiplayer immediately. No extra purchases needed.
Games that shine in multiplayer:
- Classic fighting games
- Side-scrolling beat-em-ups (up to 4 players on some systems)
- Kart racing games
- Classic sports games (football, basketball, tennis)
- Cooperative platformers
Saving Your Progress
Original retro games used password systems or cartridge saves. Modern retro consoles add save states — meaning you can save your progress at any point, mid-level, mid-boss, mid-cutscene. This makes retro gaming far more accessible than it was originally, especially for longer games like RPGs.
Common Questions
Will it work on my smart TV?
Yes. Any TV with an HDMI port works perfectly. Smart TV features (Netflix, apps etc.) are completely separate from the HDMI input — plugging in a retro console doesn't affect them at all.
Do I need the internet?
No. All games are preloaded on the console. No wifi, no downloads, no account creation. The console works completely offline.
Can I add more games later?
This depends on the console. Some all-in-one retro consoles allow you to add games via USB. Check the specifications of whichever console you choose.
What if the controllers lose charge?
Wireless controllers charge via USB. Most come with a cable included. Charge time is typically 1-2 hours and battery life is usually 6-8 hours of gameplay.
The Easiest Way to Start
If you want the simplest possible setup with the largest game library, the RetrotvPixel™ is exactly what you need. Up to 60,000 classic games preloaded across every major gaming era — just plug into your TV via HDMI and start playing in under 60 seconds.
No technical knowledge needed. No internet required. No complicated setup.