The classics are back…
Let’s start by discussing why it’s important to find the best N64 and GameCube to HDMI converter?
Today, old classic games like Zelda and Pac man are seeing the light of day again. People are dusting off their old N64, GameCube, and even their big old original Xbox. There are, however, a couple of issues that can surface when you decide to resurrect older tech. One of them being the older connection methods.
RCA was the standard…
The older consoles were all designed using the classic RCA connectors. Yes, you know the ones with the red, yellow, and white ends. Many televisions still have these connectors, but they are becoming more and more obsolete and irrelevant. And even if your TV happens to have the RCA connection, you won’t get the same video or audio quality that newer technology offers.
Newer technology is superior…
HDMI is a newer technology, even though it’s been with us for a couple of years. The difference between HDMI and RCA is that HDMI is a complete transmissions style, while RCA is a connection style. RCA sends analog video and audio, while HDMI sends digital video, audio, data transmission, and connector requirements at the same time.
There is also a huge difference in the transmission speed between HDMI and RCA.
So, what are the best converters from N64 and GameCube to HDMI currently on the market? That is what we are here to find out. So, let’s get straight to it, starting with the…
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Top 3 Best N64 And GameCube To HDMI Converter In 2023 Reviews
1 Oneme N64, Gamecube, SNES HDMI Adapter with 1080P/720P Support – Best Basic N64 and GameCube to HDMI Converter
First up in our review is the Oneme HDMI adapter. This supports 720p and 1080p resolution for both N64 and GameCube. And a switch on the side of the adapter makes it easy to switch between the two resolutions. Even though the default screen ratio is 16:9, it can easily be adjusted to 4:3, if needed.
Super NES support…
As an added bonus, it also supports Super NES, which will make some collectors very happy. The advanced integrated signal that comes with the Oneme, provided us with higher precision, improved color, and a vibrant display for all these classic systems and their games.
There are, however, a few downsides. It does not support 4K video. We were hoping to play some of the classic games in 4K resolution, but we will just have to wait.
A simple design and easy to use…
It was designed for easy use, just plug it in and start gaming. The design is simple and did exactly what we expected it to do. It doesn’t have any crazy sound effects or flashy lighting but is very reliable. Unfortunately, game designers didn’t always have vibrant colors in mind, so even though you will see an improvement, the difference is not that great on some games.
It is powered by a USB adapter, which is included in the package.
Our verdict…
Since the Oneme HDMI adapter is plug and play, it doesn’t need any drivers. The price is affordable, and you get exactly what you expect. It was designed to restore the original game screen without improving visual quality, which it does. All-in-all, a great adapter, which took our gaming experience to new levels.
(4.2 / 5)Pros
- Affordable.
- Plug and Play.
Cons
- Doesn’t support 4K.
- Doesn’t work on PAL.
2 Laboen Nintendo64 To HDMI Converter – Best Value for the Money N64 and GameCube to HDMI Converter
Next in our review is the Laboen HDMI converter. It is almost exactly the same as the Oneme, both in design and its capabilities. Even the switch on the side of the adapter looks identical and lets you switch between 720p and 1080p. Both adapters even have the HDMI slot on the front. This makes it easy to swap the cable to any length or quality you want.
And just, like the Oneme, it works on N64, GameCube and SNES.
All included…
The package comes with a short HDMI cable, USB cable, power adapter, and of course, the adapter. So, even if you don’t have an HDMI cable at home, you can start gaming right away. You also don’t need any software or drivers to get started. Just like the Oneme, just plug it in, and off you go. Another similarity is that it won’t actually improve the resolution; it will simply convert the resolution to improve the clarity.
However., we noticed, when playing on anything larger than a 50” TV that was set to 720p, that you are reminded that you are playing a classic game. The improvement in clarity was minimal. We recommend that you set it to 1080p at all times. And just like the Oneme, it doesn’t work on PAL.
Our verdict…
Being a fraction cheaper than the Oneme, not much separates the two. They are both delivered with everything you need to get started. The Laboen also doesn’t work on 4K, but still gave us enough clarity to enjoy our gaming. Not much separates the Oneme from the Laboen, to be honest, and they are both great adapters.
(4.3 / 5)Pros
- Easy usage.
- Great Price.
- Works on newer TVs.
Cons
- Doesn’t work on PAL.
- HDMI-cable is too short.
- Doesn’t support 4k.
3 Hyperkin 3-In-1 HDTV Cable for GameCube/ N64/ Super NES
Last in our test is the Hyperkin HDTV adapter. This adapter is a little different from the previous two. Hyperkin chose to design their adapter as a single unit that connects the console to the TV. This means is that you can’t unplug and replace the HDMI cable with a longer one, or shorter if needed. You are stuck with the 7 feet that is delivered. So, if you still want to change the length, you need to buy an HDMI extender.
Another difference is that the Hyperkin, for some reason, only supports 720p, which for us, was a letdown. Instead of the switch on the side, changing the resolution, it changes the screen ratio between 16:9 and 4:3.
USB powered…
All three of the adapters use USB power supplies. This is something most of us take for granted today, but this technology hasn’t always been around. Back in the day, all consoles were created with their own unique power and port standards.
If you happened to lose your power cable, you couldn’t just borrow one from another system. Nope, you would have to dig through old boxes hoping to find one that fitted or, in the worst case, go down to your local shop and buy a new one. Today, USB power is almost universal, and since all three of these adapters are using that standard, it is much easier to replace a lost power cord.
Our verdict…
There are too many limitations and downsides to the Hyperkin to really recommend it. The price is higher than on both the other adapters, and it only supports 720p. If you need more than 7 ft. of cable, you will have to add an adapter and another cable to the cost. But with that said, if you are satisfied with 720p and 7 ft of cable and want a single unit, this might be the right choice for you.
(4.2 / 5)Pros
- Very reliable.
- Switch for screen ratio.
Cons
- Higher price than the others.
- Only supports 720p.
- Limited to 7 ft.
Best N64 And GameCube To HDMI Converter Buyers Guide
As mentioned, there is a huge difference in the transfer rate between the HDMI and RCA. RCA has a max speed of around 10-20Mhz, while HDMI can achieve speeds well into the GHz range.
Therefore, you will get so much more out of your console if you decide to upgrade from RCA to HDMI. It just brings your classic games into a whole new light. You will experience higher frame rates, faster reaction times, and, most of all, a more enjoyable gaming and viewing experience.
Choosing Between Three Great Adapters
If your console is within 7ft of your television and you don’t have a TV capable of more than 720p, then the Hyperkin is both reliable and simple to use. The ratio switch is incredibly convenient, and the cable is thick and robust.
Should you want to use 1080p instead, then you need to have a look at the Laboen or the Oneme. Both have a switch for the resolution, and both support 16:3 and 4:3 ratio. The size of the two is almost identical as well. The Oneme being an inch longer. Even the cables seem to be of the same quality.
Incredibly similar…
Trying to find a difference between the two was quite interesting. And we found it to be neither technical, or the design, but in customer service. The Laboen is a lot easier to find than the Oneme. Is this because the Oneme is in higher demand, or is the Laboen simply stocked better? We have no idea?
But the Laboen also has a better response rate from its customer support. So, in our opinion, the Laboen has a slight advantage over the Oneme.
But nevertheless, no matter which one of these you choose, the adapter will do exactly what you expect and nothing more, so please don’t expect visual miracles.
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Best N64 And GameCube To HDMI Converter Conclusion
As with the majority of gamers, we prefer to use 1080p over 720p, which was a major factor in deciding on the winner. So, it was between the Laboen and the Oneme, and our winner is the…
Laboen Nintendo64 To HDMI ConverterSince the Laboen and the Oneme are almost identical in performance and design, it came down to a few key factors, with customer service and availability being the biggest ones. The price was another factor. Even though they are very similarly priced, the Laboen is a couple of dollars cheaper.
We’ll end by admitting that the best part of this review was to have an excuse to pull out the old N64 and play some classics. For research purposes, of course. So why not get yourself a quality adapter and re-visit some classic gaming!
Happy Nintendo-ing…
