Best TVs for Retro Gaming in 2024

Retro gaming is all about reliving the classics, and choosing the right TV can make a significant difference. With so many advanced TVs available today, finding one that matches the appeal of classic video games can be challenging. This guide will help you choose TVs that revive and improve classic games, making sure your retro gaming sessions are as authentic and enjoyable as possible. By focusing on features like color accuracy and minimal input lag, we will help you create a setup that captures the feel of the past while delivering a smooth and immersive experience.

TCL QM8 QLED TV
Best Overall TV for Retro Gaming

$998 at Walmart
Hisense 70-inch A6 UHD TV
Best Entry-Level TV for Retro Gaming

$480 at Best Buy
Vizio 55-inch V555-J01 UHD 4K TV
Best Multi-Purpose TV for Retro Gaming

$298 at Walmart
LG C3 55 Inch OLED EVO TV
Best Mid-Range TV for Retro Gaming

$1397 at Walmart

Choosing Your Time Machine: Best TVs for Retro Gaming

When selecting a TV for retro gaming, consider:

Input Compatibility: Provide availability of traditional AV inputs or plan for quality upscaling adapters.
Screen Technology: Choose screens that improve rather than over-process the pixel art of retro games.
Refresh Rate and Response Time: Look for low latency to preserve the original responsiveness of classic games.

After selecting the ideal gaming TV, consider also acquiring a new controller. Upgrade your gaming sessions by exploring the best retro gaming controllers. These controllers are designed to bring back the authentic feel and comfort of classic gaming, making them the perfect companions to your retro gaming TV setup.

The Best Gaming TVs in 2024

Looking for a gaming TV that can handle long sessions without trouble? Check out Game ZXC’s picks for the best gaming TVs in 2024!

Game ZXC's Best TVs for Retro Gaming

Best Overall TV for Retro Gaming

TCL QM8 QLED TV

$1000 $1200 Save $200

The TCL QM8 is a remarkable TV worth pairing with the Xbox Series X/S for premium gameplay. It features 4K visuals complemented with the high brightness levels (up to 2,000 nits) of a QLED display. Buyers will also enjoy better contrast and vivid colors for enhanced gaming thanks to the TV's QLED technology and HDR Ultra. With Game Accelerator 240, this TV can get a refresh rate of up to 240 Hz which translates to smooth motion handling for gaming and streaming too.

Dimensions: 1.73"D x 56.93"W x 32.56"H
Display Technology: Mini-LED QLED
Connectivity Technology: Ethernet, Wi-Fi
What's Included: Remote Control, 2x Remote Control Batteries, Stand, Power Cable, Quick Start Guide
Brand: TCL
Refresh Rate: 120 Hz
Resolution: 4K
HDR?: HDR Ultra
Ports: USB, HDMI, Tuner
Weight: 54.7 lbs
FreeSync: Yes
G-SYNC: G-Sync Compatible
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate): Yes
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode): Yes

Pros

4K Mini-LED QLED display for vibrant visuals
120 Hz refresh rate provides smooth motion
Comprehensive connectivity with Ethernet, Wi-Fi, USB, and HDMI

Cons

Mixed opinions on color accuracy
Some users report less than ideal sound quality

See at Amazon $1000 at Best Buy $998 at Walmart

The TCL QM8 QLED TV is the best overall TV for retro gaming lovers, offering the charm of nostalgia with today's advanced technology. Its 4K Mini-LED display brings classic games to life. It offers vibrant colors and deep contrasts that breathe new life into pixelated adventures.

The TCL QM8 QLED TV impresses with its visual performance and gaming-friendly features like FreeSync and G-Sync Compatibility. However, there are some mixed reviews about color accuracy and sound performance. Nonetheless, the majority opinion praises its value and ease of installation, making it the best overall TV for retro gaming.

Best Entry-Level TV for Retro Gaming

Hisense 70-inch A6 UHD TV

$480 $520 Save $40

Despite shipping with a 60Hz panel, the 70-inch Hisense A6 UHD TV is a pocket-friendly gaming TV option. It comes with Game Mode Plus which features VRR and ALLM, specs that translate into low input lag and smoother gameplay. Hisense claims this TV can handle the rotors of next-gen consoles. It also features a voice remote, 4K UHD resolution, and Google TV OS.

Dimensions: 13.4"D x 62.1"W x 37.9"H
Display Technology: LED
What's Included: Stand, TV, Remote Control, Power Cable, Quick Start Guide
Brand: Hisense
Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
Resolution: 4K
Weight: 70.4 lbs

Pros

4K resolution with 60Hz LED panel
Game Mode Plus, VRR, and ALLM for smooth gameplay
Includes voice remote and Google TV OS

Cons

Size may be too large for some setups
Weight of 70.4 lbs may require sturdy mounting

$480 at Best Buy See at Amazon

The Hisense 70-inch A6 UHD TV is the best entry-level TV for retro gaming. It brings 4K gaming to those who love retro, with a vivid 60Hz LED panel that breathes new life into classic games. Game Mode Plus, VRR, and ALLM reduce input lag and provide smooth gameplay, making it a standout choice for retro gaming setups.

Its large size and weight might challenge smaller spaces. However, its overall visual impact and optimized performance make it a compelling option for gamers looking to upgrade their experience. Ultimately, it's the perfect device for beginners, securing it's position as the best entry-level TV for retro gaming.

Best Multi-Purpose TV for Retro Gaming

Vizio 55-inch V555-J01 UHD 4K TV

$298 $338 Save $40

Looking for an amazing budget gaming TV with high-quality 4K resolution? The Vizio V555-J01 is perfect for streaming and gaming. Using Vizio's V-Gaming Engine, this TV can upscale HD content to 4K standards. The V555-J01 also comes with decent gaming specs like AMD FreeSync, Auto Game Mode, and VRR. It's compatible with Google Home, Alexa, and Apple Home.

Dimensions: 10.24"D x 49.06"W x 30.87"H
Display Technology: LED
What's Included: Power Cable, Remote Control, Stand
Brand: Vizio
Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
Resolution: 4K

Pros

Stunning 4K resolution brings retro games to life
V-Gaming Engine and AMD FreeSync for smooth gameplay
Auto Game Mode and VRR improve the gaming experience

Cons

Volume inconsistency: too loud or too soft
Lacks advanced audio output options

See at Amazon $298 at Walmart

Combining nostalgia with modern tech, the Vizio 55-inch V555-J01 UHD 4K TV is the best multi-purpose TV for retro gaming. Its V-Gaming Engine and AMD FreeSync technology make sure that your classic games play smoothly without losing the vintage charm. The 4K resolution improves pixelated graphics into a visual spectacle, making every jump, bump, and power-up look better than you remember.

However, finding the ideal retro gaming setup might face a challenge with the TV's uneven sound. Some gamers may not like the audio because it's too unpredictable. Nonetheless, the Vizio V555-J01's compatibility with major smart home systems and its immersive gaming features like Auto Game Mode and VRR make it the best multi-purpose TV for retro gaming.

LG C3 Series 55-Inch Class OLED evo Smart TV

Best Mid-Range TV for Retro Gaming

LG C3 55 Inch OLED EVO TV

$1400 $1500 Save $100

The LG C3 55-inch OLED EVO TV comes with a complete assortment of gaming-related advances, such as VRR support, ALLM, a high refresh rate, and an excellent response time coupled with four HDMI 2.1 ports. It's hard to find a viable alternative to the C3 within its price range when considering the TV's gaming performance.

Dimensions: 48.1 X 29.8 X 9.1"
Display Technology: OLED EVO
Connectivity Technology: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.0, Ethernet
What's Included: 55'' OLED TV, Magic Remote, Stand, Power Cord, Quick Start Guide, Batteries, E-Manual
Brand: LG
Refresh Rate: 120Hz
Resolution: 4k (3840x2160)
HDR?: Yes, Dolby Vision Supported
Ports: 4 x HDMI 2.1 Ports
FreeSync: Yes, FreeSync Premium
G-SYNC: Yes, G-Sync Compatible
VRR (Variable Refresh Rate): Yes
ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode): Yes

Pros

120Hz refresh rate and 4K resolution for crisp, smooth gaming visuals
Includes VRR, ALLM, FreeSync Premium, and G-Sync compatibility for smooth gameplay
Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.0 for high-speed, reliable connectivity

Cons

Advanced features may be underutilized for strictly retro gaming
Requires additional equipment for authentic retro gaming connectivity

See at Amazon $1400 at Best Buy $1397 at Walmart

The LG C3 55-inch OLED EVO TV, the best mid-range TV for retro gaming, is an excellent choice for gamers looking for retro gaming charm. Its 120Hz refresh rate and 4K resolution offer vivid colors and sharp details that breathe new life into classic games. With support for advanced features like Dolby Vision HDR, VRR, and G-Sync compatibility, your favorite retro games look better than ever.

While the LG C3 shines in many areas, it's worth noting that adapters or converters may be necessary to connect classic consoles, adding to the overall setup cost. However, the smooth integration of high-end features like Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.0 provides exceptional picture quality. This makes the TV the best mid-range option for gamers who love retro gaming nostalgia but crave modern display performance.

Best Budget TV for Retro Gaming

Vizio 55-inch V555-J01 UHD 4K TV

$298 $338 Save $40

Dimensions: 10.24"D x 49.06"W x 30.87"H
Display Technology: LED
What's Included: Power Cable, Remote Control, Stand
Brand: Vizio
Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
Resolution: 4K

Pros

Exceptional 4K resolution improves vintage game graphics
Includes Vizio's V-Gaming Engine for smooth performance
Auto Game Mode and AMD FreeSync for smooth gameplay

Cons

Some reports of inconsistent sound quality
Remote functionality is basic

See at Amazon $298 at Walmart

The Vizio 55-inch V555-J01 is considered the best budget TV for retro gaming. Its 4K resolution and LED display bring new life into classic games, making those nostalgic pixels sharper than ever. With Vizio's V-Gaming Engine and AMD FreeSync, it makes sure that your favorite old-school games run smoother than a side-scrolling Mario level.

The V555-J01 shines in picture quality and gaming performance. Yet, some gamers have found its sound quality to be hit or miss, with varying volume levels causing some dissatisfaction. And although the remote might seem basic, the TV's value, ease of setup, and compatibility with smart home ecosystems like Google Home and Alexa more than compensate, earning its spot as the best budget TV for retro gaming lovers.

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Finding the Ultimate Retro Gaming TV

Choosing the best TV for your retro gaming setup means considering several key aspects that honor the energy and performance of classic games. It's about finding a display that respects the original aesthetics of these timeless games and improves them for modern viewing. This involves looking into factors like input compatibility, refresh rates, and screen technology, making sure that each pixel from the past shines through with nostalgia and clarity in your current gaming experience.

Input Compatibility

The charm of retro gaming often lies in the simplicity of its connections. Modern TVs with versatile input options or using high-quality upscaling adapters can bridge the gap between your cherished consoles and contemporary display technology, making sure you don't lose a pixel of nostalgia.

Screen Technology

Retro games were designed for the screens of their time, so finding a TV that can respect and replicate that original experience is crucial. Look for technologies that improve rather than recreate the iconic pixel art, bringing your favorite 8-bit and 16-bit worlds to life with authenticity.

Refresh Rate and Response Time

Retro gaming's fast-paced action and split-second timing demand a TV that can keep up. A low response time and appropriate refresh rate make sure the gameplay remains fluid and responsive, just as intended, without any modern-day lag to tarnish the experience.