Does The mClassic Improve Graphics on The Nintendo Switch?

In today's tech video, we're breaking down the mClassic! Is this small upscaler worth the budget? We dive in and see if the mClassic can in fact improve graphics on the Nintendo Switch. Regardless if you're gaming on the Switch or even plan to use the mClassic for retro gaming with the Dreamcast, Nintendo 64, Xbox 360, Gamecube, or just about any older console you have, the mClassic could be just what you're looking for if you're looking to improve how the games look like on larger displays.
With the mClassic, you're getting three toggleable modes of operation: Processing On, for upscaling gameplay with anti-aliasing for a sharper picture. Retro Mode, which optimizes older console games, including 4:3 aspect ratio. And Processing Off for those games that may not benefit from the mClassic's graphics processing, giving you a passthrough signal.
Is the mClassic worth it for just under $100? Let us know in the comments below!
mClassic Plug and Play: zdcs.link/2jYKL
#IGN

[@sigma682]

Nintendo should have included a graphics booster like the mClassic built into the dock.

[@Countcho]

Yeah

[@swayamkrishnan8273]

When the switch is docked it runs at double the gpu speed

[@jaylucien669]

Then the system would've been $399. No thanks.

[@RandiandRucita]

Mclassic and AMD FSR

[@keaton718]

For $100 extra they may as well just include better graphics processor in the first place.

[@jan_sicilia]

If you’re only buying to use with your Switch it might not be worth the $100 price tag. On the other hand, if you are using this with older consoles it starts making more sense. The improvement on switch is barely noticeable but it does make for a smoother image once you start pixel peeping.

[@theindie-vidual2188]

Some games though, for example the Xenoblade Chronicles saga, really benefit a lot since they are barely able to render at 720p sometimes

[@SocietyKongMedia]

the "improvement" does not at all warrant the price point

[@DanWMiller]

But did you see the mario flag? It was slightly more red!!

[@supershadows4]

Thought McDonald's was getting into the tech game 🤣🤣

[@assasinarcade]

Lol same

[@KazBaka]

Oh, you didn’t know? McDonald’s is huge into gaming. You clearly have never played the sonic the hedgehog toys they had. 😤

[@sharif47]

KFC sure is.

[@VincentJulianOng]

So this doesn't come with a happy meal?

[@MrTr3sL3wis]

Yeah this guy is a clown lmao

[@ddv333]

Got one, never noticed a difference (still use it always)... best switch accesory for me is the pro controller

[@julianx2rl]

What about the Hori Split-Pad?

[@adblockevery1243]

@@julianx2rl hori split pad is amazing

[@themagicalgamer6522]

If you play stuff like mario odyssey, botw, mk8, then hell no you're noticing any difference. On the other hand, if you're playing Doom, wolfenstein 2, witcher 3. Only then you should start noticing the upgrade

[@LRM12o8]

You noticed no difference, yet you didn't return it and refund the 100$? 🤨 Geezus...

[@MrSvante88]

Great video, love the delivery, much more relaxed than these types of videos typically are.

[@VictorHuang88]

I've owned this for the Switch and it's been fantastic cleaning up the jaggies. Highly recommended.

[@dude_1983]

The fact you have to zoom in to notice any differences doesn’t justify the $99 price tag. 1080p on my TV is perfectly fine with me.

[@Youraveragegamer_97]

if your referimg to the switch, most games in docled never touch 1080p

[@imdragon1326]

Idk understand why some of you broke people are so delusional it's being zoom in to show jaggies edges being smooth out ,on Pc msaa or any type of AA cost performance too fps this isn't and improved colors aswell

[@imdragon1326]

Another thing 1080p display? You are not what the product is being aim at all.

[@keeshh06]

@@imdragon1326 whoa little man calm down, going around calling ransoms broke is hypocritical

[@imdragon1326]

@@keeshh06 not true read his comment correctly then attack he said "justify" ,,,!? For him self or others

[@markmacdonald1805]

Beyond the Switch the mClassic works really awesome for retro games. Works great on my SNES/n64/Gamecube

[@ThomasCassonActor]

Have you modded your snes and n64

[@TheeCambion]

Imo the mclassic doesn't do enough to justify a 100 dollars but it's decent.

[@R.MaxumOff]

↖️Would you like some Paranormal Activity??? Come and see💪😈👍.

[@systematicallyshocked]

Not only that but from experience and sharing it in their forums seems like they have some real malfunctions going on overtime. If it wasn't for that I'd say it does its job best with older systems like the GameCube and ps2. It's absolutely not worth it for the Switch alone.

[@imdragon1326]

@@systematicallyshocked not true It works great and the company offers opportunities if something goes wrong with device

[@raydog422]

I'm not the only one who thought this had something to do with McDonald's right 😳🤨

[@shortperson20]

It was from McDonalds though

[@MrAdam802]

This isn't meant for the Switch really. Its made for older/early 3D consoles like the N64/Gamecube where it makes a HUGE difference. Of course for N64/Gamecube you also need HDMI adapters but its so worth it.

[@samuraigundam0079]

Aside from the Switch, would like to know how this would work for my old Nintendo, Saturn, Dreamcast, Wii and PS3.

[@emerickscott]

The thing it's best for is the Wii U which has progressive output over HDMI. That's best case use. Otherwise, it's minimal in other situations because you're always converting with something else first to get to HDMI, be it an adapter or an emulator.

[@TommyBoyHustle]

I’ve had it for about a year now and it’s definitely a game changer

[@joestaples8834]

For just under $100? I'd hardly say that's a bargain

[@curri189]

Well tbf he didn't say it was. It just is under $100

[@SimpleTakes0]

That’s a big bargain :(

[@papimew2672]

@@curri189 that’s the OPs point. That is under 100 but still not a bargain.

[@enel7754]

Ive had this for a year, running it on my 4k 43 inch monitor, def worth it you see a big differnce

[@ChrisVideoStreams]

Got one, have been using it for a couple of years now, used it with Switch, Wii U, PS3 .

[@samuraigundam0079]

Aside from the Switch, would like to know how this would work for my old Nintendo, Saturn, Dreamcast, Wii and PS3.

[@Bry.89]

There's a new device coming out soon called the "4k Gamer Pro" which does more processing and color enhancement and has more options.

[@rickvince]

Price?

[@jowhit5853]

It doesn't do 1440p though

[@Bry.89]

@@jowhit5853 apparently it does now.

[@jowhit5853]

@@Bry.89 nice

[@MegaLPlover]

FYI he states it can improve gameplay performance. It does in fact not improve gameplay performance it only affects image quality

[@RPGkanon]

braindead ign as usual

[@ducethe2nd246]

Have it and it’s hard to say it’s worth $100 for switch but if you have a computer monitor you can change your switch settings to Full RGB and the colors are deeper. Also playing breath of the wild at 720p upscaled to 1080 does eliminate a lot of frame drops at the cost of some textures

[@sofaking1180]

It doesn't eliminate frame drops in botw or any other game. frame rates/drops/dips/etc fall under the purview of performance... whereas the Mclassic takes care of image quality alone (i.e. not frame rates & performance). The only thing that affects performance with the Switch is the Switch itself.

[@JackTheMan56]

@@sofaking1180 botw drops frames significantly less in handheld mode because it outputs at native 720 rather than attempting to reach 900p like it does when docked. The person you replied to is saying you can have the switch output at 720p, and then have the mClassoc upscale to 1080p. This should improve performance as the switch is pushing less pixels

[@jameswalterthethird]

@@JackTheMan56you can’t pick what resolution a stock switch can run at…… so no your not going to get better performance from the m classic just a slightly better picture

[@IceBlueLugia]

@@jameswalterthethirdYou most certainly can, go to your settings

[@Gloamy17]

Hmm. Not exactly a massive improvement for Switch gaming but this could be a great addition for my PS3! Has anyone tried out any PS3/360 titles with this?

[@gondalasatvarsh5892]

This is not worth it, but it atleast proves that something like this works which is amazing.

[@ezg8448]

It helps a lot with motion which the video did not show.

[@jetfryl9831]

We just need a new switch

[@johnnycage6132]

It does work the problem is the way they advertise it they make seem like it will make a big difference but it doesn't they really need to lower the price to like $35

[@fenixa2z936]

Saw one at a buddy’s house on Mario Kart. Was blown away and noticed it right away. Sharper and better color.

[@Dreamyblue101]

Awesome man

[@alexanderquiles7876]

You guys should test the 4k gamer pro.

[@AtomTheReactive]

You can use them together, as the 4K gamer pro introduces a lot of sharpening, while the mclassic reduces the jagged edges.

[@fl6778]

want to see a review between this and Photofast 4k gamer+

[@bracelet4002]

The price for that thing is way to high.

[@DanPlayMore]

Nintendo should have had this at least with oled ....but profit is snd has been everything for nintendo

[@therottenapplepk8881]

Took me back to the N64 and it's red graphic expansion card

[@moomanchu608]

Ive had this for a year now, definitely worth the upgrade

[@ponderingForever]

Thought we was talking fast food

[@HWOD]

It's worth it especially for all the retro systems

[@lildel7698]

How about increasing the handheld graphics without getting the oled model

[@theparabolachampion6757]

The thumbnail made me think it was an accessory from Mcdonalds

[@MiKeFish2012]

Is this thing reallt worth it and can it be used on anything that has an hdmi plug?

[@ilive4retro]

Still use mine, it cleans the picture up a tad bit.

[@demonreturns4336]

My man here wants to let everyone know that he does in fact have a 4K tv…… feels like it’s 2015

[@TexasBestGamer]

Just make a switch 2 with better hardware

[@SuperMurray2009]

Best answer

[@HipnotikHylian]

It's coming

[@SilverDreamweaver]

@@HipnotikHylian It's never coming at this point.

[@rjcastillo2362]

Does it work on a TV that’s not 4k?

[@BOXING_LOUNGE]

The 4k benefit only applies to bluray or video @1080p24...

[@Darule514]

Hopefully the new Switch 2 will support native 4K

[@RydonJS]

$100 for practically identical gameplay!?? Nah

[@Jikkle]

YMMV as it depends on your TV, it's size, and honestly just how picky you are about picture quality. The sweet spot for this device is the 480 consoles and that's where you'll see the largest gains.

[@Parabellumjohn215]

Could do this for years with the Xbox TV-in port

[@AbsolutePwnage]

I'm hoping that Nintendo will just improve their hardware and upscale the existing games on a new gaming platform. Switch Pro, where you at?

[@CodingApothecary]

Pretty cool, seems like such a 1st world problem fixer lmao. Bit pricey at 100

[@Ridku13]

Wait metroid dread didn't originally run at 1080p docked?? Whay is the portable resolution?

[@David-nd4to]

upscale that 720p all you want, wont stop it being 30fps lmao

[@kgosiitsilemodisaesi7580]

🤣🤣🤣 don't be mean man

[@David-nd4to]

@@kgosiitsilemodisaesi7580 my bad. Lol

[@TimBartja]

To be clear, it will upscale games that already run at 60fps to 1080p; it's just the 4K bump that only works for 30fps

[@kana_emiya]

Why did yall not upload this video in 4k

[@marco.pereira]

I've seen multiple videos on KZbin and almost everyone states it's not worth it it's so minor of any at all. They say it's more of a gimmick than anything.

[@MrMark1]

Would sell a lot more if half the price

[@hashen_chamal]

$100 for a few pixels smoothed out. Kinda lame.

[@joewhitlow5799]

If you set your switch to output 720p the mClassic will do more for picture quality.

[@ii-cr1go]

So this should work well with a Steam Deck setup as a TV console.

[@haunter4764]

Steam deck doesn’t need it because it has FSR built-in, and for lighter switch level games you can bump up the resolution up to 4K or 1440p easily, Switch however really needs this

[@johnnyrenkiewicz2789]

I’m using the Mcable on my hdmi switcher with my switch and my wii and im completely happy with my purchase

[@cvanims]

Maybe if it was like $25 I'd get it, but not for right under $100, at least not specifically for the Switch.

[@stiffo1825]

Seriously ? How behind the times are ign 🤣🤣

[@MegaLPlover]

this works wonders if you have a ps3, big noticeable difference on a 4k TV with games like infamous

[@JacobOlli]

Wish they would make something for it to improve framerate

[@thegoat4461]

Never thought id say this being a Nintendo Fan but they never been the same since 64

[@dallase1]

The Slight improvement in picture quality is not worth the price.

[@ShamBell]

To get the most out of this device, set the Switch's resolution to 720p & let the upscaling go to work! Zelda looks amazing on my tv w/ this device. Heck, even just the main home screen looks better.

[@rickvince]

Yes! Can't believe they didn't mention this.

[@LoveTheGiant]

That actually makes it worse. Don't do that.

[@poopdeck18]

If it boosted Frame rate...now that would be a game changer.

[@codydatsright]

Depending on what youre playing, there may be settings to prioritized framerate over image quality. in which you could get a higher framerate with little to no reduction in image quality.

[@WololoWololo2]

Just set yout nintendo switch resolution to 720p, then Mclassic will do the work, there, some more fps for you

[@brandoncheney2815]

look if you have a decent 4k tv its already doing a decent enough job of upscaling

[@GloriousKev]

Weird recommendation for the Switch specifically. This would be a great accessory for say an early 3D console like the PS1/2, N64, Gamecube, OG Xbox, or Dreamcast. Anything besides those consoles imo won't really see much benefit from what I've seen.

[@Drying_Pan]

Not even the PS2. Most of its library outputs 480i. Interlaced formats recieve no boost on the mClassic.

[@ShaneMakesMovies]

1:51 "there's an increase in visual fidelity without question" *Transition wipes across screen to show difference, literally looks exactly the same*

[@knightreviews5603]

Nah you can definitely see a difference in picture quality, it’s just so minor to justify the price increase AND is it AS noticeable in motion

[@faisalhussain2270]

You're probably not watching on a great monitor

[@celeste3761]

Focus on the edges of the glowing visor as well as the reflective shadows on the shoulders.

[@305backup]

Very clear difference. One literally has no anti aliasing. If you dont see a difference you mustve never played a pc game before

[@wodensthrone5215]

If people are really wanting better visuals or anti aliasing, just emulate switch games on pc with Yuzu.

[@nickdibiase3152]

Too bad there wasn’t a “pro” dock with something like this and a fan built it

[@tiburonroano]

Switch is a great handheld console you can connect it to a TV but the plastic holder doesn't increase power. Graphics on a 4K tv look bad but its playable.

[@user-qd4dy4dn6n]

It's not just for the Switch. It is for any console.

[@Biggus_Dickus_69]

Use this on all my modified consoles: original Xbox with Chimeric HDMI, Wii/Gamecube, 60gb PS3 (PS2/PS1), PSTV, 360. For my consoles that have HDMI modifications like Dreamcast with DCdigital and N64 with N64Digital I've found it doesn't contribute anything when you have it perfectly scaled and the right settings on the built-in smoothing features of those devices. Anyone who says this device doesn't work is either blind or their TV is too small, looks amazing on both my 65" E6 and 77" G1 OLEDs. Hoping the developer makes a successor!

[@Neo_X90X]

Dang ya'll waited well too long to now do a video for it.

[@DrDZM]

Thought ads videos where meant to have a disclaimer

[@TheSmurray39]

My 4K tv has an internal upscale option that seems to do a pretty decent job

[@amirrezabiabani1382]

what's your tv ?

[@jameslewis3133]

Mine apparently does but there's literally zero difference

[@Thjesht_Teo]

A tiny HDMI upscaler for just “99.99$”.

[@TheCrazedEB]

sad we have to rely on this to fix poor antialiasing for current and new Nintendo games.

[@visionxx5724]

Picked this up for 5 bucks. Didn’t really a notice a difference tbh. But can’t complain for 5 bucks

[@warden3957]

Can someone please help me out? I'm trynna run my switch at 1080p on a 4k tv but it looks exactly the same as 720p. Does anyone know why this is?

[@chilllovetaflex]

This dude looks like a sims character 🤣🤣

[@luhhjeezy7153]

Omg🤣🤣🤣

[@boffifis1]

2022 and still 1080p?

[@Phantron]

video below 720p limited to 1080p upscale? uh not true, mine upscales to 1440p too. it says so in my info on the TV

[@BOXING_LOUNGE]

It upscales from 480p, but the sweet spot is 720p

[@_DST0NE_]

If you have a newer 4k TV is this even necessary? Won't the TV automatically upscale from 1080p to 4k?

[@christiantrent1030]

Switch doesn’t upscale from 1080p

[@WololoWololo2]

Yes it is necessary

[@WololoWololo2]

Yes the TV will upscale from 1080p to 4K, but Nintendo switch comes with the HDMI that only supports upto 1080p 60fps, so if you plug Mcable with Mclassic to the Switch you will give your TV way more infinite possibilities to upscale even better

[@crobinson2624]

Take that $100 and put it towards any outstanding purchases you wanna make at the 3DS or WiiU eshops before they close.

[@dutchvanderlinde658]

When do they close?

[@dmaster001]

@@dutchvanderlinde658 March 2023

[@Centurion0081]

we really don't care about the upscaling, cause we focus more on the gameplay.

[@CanalDojogames]

So we can use on ps3,ps4,psvita tv, PSVR, xbox 360, xbox one, xbox series S, all nintendo with hdmi output. PC and laptops not capable of 4k rendering or to save more performance. It is an big deal even for GTX 1650, 1050 and 1060 owners. Even gtx 960 or older

[@brummiepcgamer568]

it would have been better if they did a 4k switch in the first place and sell it for 99 dolars more

[@TheNaiv69]

never heard of this things, sounds like its been out for a while by what u said, maybe explain more?

[@lex_C_88]

One thing they don't tell you is you need a 1440p compatible tv

[@oliverparker425]

Do you expect the thing to display to not existent pixels?

[@kassperplus]

Or yuzu on pc for free including 60 fps patches Edit: native 4k/8knot upscale and the improvement is huge.

[@EyefyourGf]

You need pretty beefy PC for yuzu,and even then its not guarantied that you will run games flawless,some games work better then others,and while many you can play from start to finish,experience may be different from game to game,and how strong is your PC.

[@matthewjuarbe5826]

Yuzu isnt perfect many games don't render properly not every game has a 60fps patch many games uses a dynamic resolution scale which has to be disable by patch which some arent to get up to 4K resolution and even then the 2d texture assets are still low res so when you increase the resolution while the 3D polygons will look nice itll be paired with blurry or extremely pixelated backgrounds.

[@solomeoparedes8162]

*and a $1300 pc

[@matthewjuarbe5826]

@@solomeoparedes8162 running yuzu at native res doesn't require a 1300usd PC my PC from 4yrs ago run yuzu at 4k fine. the issue is the emulator isnt perfect its still a baby and needs lots of optimization. man games dont run right with performance and graphical issues. even on my friend s3000 PC breath of the wild on yuzu cant hold a 60fps he has to use cemu the wii u emulator cause its more optimize.

[@CheeseTooth]

You make this video NOW??

[@marleensrain]

GAMESACK ALREADY SPOKE OF THIS

[@popicalbubbles]

amazing! :D

[@adamwest3637]

I’m guessing it’s still goin to look bad on a 65” 4k tv?

[@tropicalgamer6106]

Love you guys!!!!

[@jaeflame9020]

Surely there’s a competitor that has released a similar product but cheaper..

[@criskiss500]

for just a better anti-aliasing...i dont think the price justifies it

[@saucyx4]

It does. For switch but mainly for older consoles

[@ChenzoCenteen]

Anyone notice any difference on Pokemon Legends Arceus?

[@ezg8448]

This product is practically mandatory for dock users. Especially for games that need to down scale resolution which is almost every game, it hides it extremely well.

[@doomnationalist]

This should have been priced around $30.