How to Hook Up a Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) - Composite AV Cables to CRT TV

Hello, A-Sven-gers! Thanks for checking out my video on how to connect a Nintendo Entertainment System NES to a CRT TV with the composite output using AV cables. All NES console system releases include a controller pad (at least one), an AC adapter and an RF Switch to connect to the TV, b7t the NES also has composite output on the side of the console as a second means to connect to your TV. Many will say this is the best way to play and display your NES on TV without modification.
New to the NES, or haven't hooked one up in a while? In this video I do a full connection walkthrough of hooking up a Nintendo Entertainment System to a cathode ray tube television.
Sears CRT TV Model No. 14150
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#nintendo #nes #nintendoentertainmentsystem
DISCLAIMER: This review is not sponsored in any way and opinions are my own

[@gambinogambino768]

I had no idea there was audio output on side. Thank you now I can connect to speakers

[@SvennyMcG]

Great idea! It will only provide mono sound but still awesome to have the option 😊👍

[@RetrofIex]

Honestly, RF is very underrated IF your TV doesn’t have any damage to the port, or your RF male connector isnt damaged. If its all working as it should be, I actually find the colors on RF to be nice and rich with minimal “blinkiness” on alot of the image. I did a side by side with composite and it really is comparable

[@SvennyMcG]

I agree, RF is definitely acceptable and enjoyable, especially on an NES 😊

[@EmmettXIV]

This helps. I need to get me an AV cable because I only have RF cable and my modern TV isn't compatible with it anymore, even on channel 3. AV is the way I'll be able to make it work.

[@SvennyMcG]

Awesome! The good news is any old AV cable will work so you should be gaming in no time 😀 Thanks for watching

[@kermitclassified]

Just got the family nes a couple months ago. Had some problems but this fixed it, THANKS!

[@SvennyMcG]

Fantastic! Very happy to hear it 😊 Thanks for watching, enjoy!

[@scriptguru8]

Somehow I completely missed the composite A/V output on NES. Thanks for your video!

[@SvennyMcG]

You're very welcome! I think with the NES including the RF cable with it at purchase many of us overlooked the A/V port altogether 😊 Thanks for watching!

[@JamesGarwood]

Thank you! I think I got my wores crossed and couldn't find a picture, I'll have another go :)

[@SvennyMcG]

Happy to help! 😊 It's easy to do as the cables colours on the console don't necessarily align with those on the TV

[@melissasvantesson3757]

Thanks for sharing this info....very helpful 🙂

[@SvennyMcG]

Thanks for watching! 😊

[@TJ-fc1zz]

Cool Sears TV! I've never seen one before.

[@SvennyMcG]

Thanks! I like it because of its simplicity, light weight and handles on top for carrying 😊

[@smasherjosh5000]

The fact that your CRT has only one audio port is why I recommend getting a CRT with **BOTH** audio ports, perhaps you might get one of them plug and play systems and you have this, however there are RGB mods for the NES which make it look better so you can use a SCART cable particularly if you're in Europe like me

[@SvennyMcG]

Absolutely, my friend! I am fortunate in that I do have multiple CRT sets, including a decent JVC, Toshiba & Trinitron, but mostly used this little set because of the location I filmed in and not wanting to carry a 100 lbs CRT 😅 I haven't yet gone down the rabbit hole of modding an NES but I'm definitely interested! Thanks for watching 😊👍

[@luzmariagonzalez4871]

How do you hook up a nintendo switch onto a mini b/w tv. I keep hesring something about a rf cable and needing a adapter. Kinda confusing to say the least but willing to do it as i have the tv

[@SvennyMcG]

I have an adapter so I'll look to do this video sometime soon! Stay tuned! 🎮

[@evelinahuizar1]

My tv is an 1994 RCA tv but I get a peach colored screen when I put tv at video 00 but doesn’t word

[@SvennyMcG]

Is there a mode button, AV input or some other option?

[@Imtired170]

Hello. I’m sorry but I tested out my tv with a friends nes. I am going to have to get a small flatscreen I guess. I’m pretty bummed out. I am still getting the refurbished nes but it looks like I’m going to have to find a small flatscreen with av ports. Do I need a adapter of some sort or can I plug it into a flatscreen without buying more parts? I hope I’m not being annoying i just want to play my games. If you have anymore advice I’d appreciate it a lot. You have already been super helpful. Thank you very much

[@SvennyMcG]

Don't ever feel you can't reach out 😊 I am always happy to answer questions (I just may not be able to answer right away). Your CRT isn't working at all? Whichever flat screen you buy try to look at the inputs and see what is available beyond HDMI (like composite input for the NES, coaxial etc). Most will allow input but some are starting to move on to HDMI only

[@Imtired170]

@@SvennyMcG ok I didn’t want to be a burden. Last night was rough. After testing a friends nes on my crt, we got it hooked up and working but my tv has all kinds of distorted lines and weird graphic glitches. We tried it on his and it worked fine. My crt is from 1998 and I’m bummed out about it. But I’m going to try to find a small flatscreen. If I do, I just need one with av ports and it should work? Thanks again you have been a big help!

[@Imtired170]

@@SvennyMcG the crt turns on but is really bad. I also have a cheap nes clone he leant me and same issues.

[@SvennyMcG]

I'm sorry to hear that! Unfortunately I can't see it and likely can't offer any technical advice on CRT repairs. Here's a video I did on connecting a Duper Nintendo / Nintendo 64 / Game Cube to a CRT / HDTV / 4KTV using composite cables (similar to your NES cables). It will show you the general idea what to expect 👍 kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJvKZWCBqbBrZ80

[@Imtired170]

@@SvennyMcG awesome!! My girlfriend wants to order me a 24 inch flatscreen. It was her idea I’m thinking about doing that and hooking nes up on payday. I really think the crt is toast unfortunately. I tried opening it up but I don’t know if that’s safe. I’m going to check that link out. Thank you again. You are the best!!

[@Mingura666]

Does every model of that NES come with composite? I want one for speedrunning purposes and I never had one so I don't know if I need this model or the "Top Loader" one.

[@SvennyMcG]

Yes! All of the original models have the composite out on the side - it is the Top Loader that has RF only unfortunately

[@Mingura666]

@Svenny McG holymoly that was a fast reply. Thanks for the answer now I know my quest for a NES is looking for this specific model.

[@SvennyMcG]

You bet! These models are likely easier to find than a top loader too. What game(s) are you looking to speed run?

[@smasherjosh5000]

The Japanese variant of the NES Top Loader has AV, but not our one unless you modify it, definitely suggest an RGB mod

[@evelynclover6366]

So I see that your Sears TV has Yellow and White, but no Red. My Sony Trinatron TV has all three. I'm having terrible color distortion on it. Is it because I am only pluging in two cables and getting interference from the third or something? I do have to mention that I used to have it hooked to a new flat screen TV and it worked perfectly. I only hooked it to an old CRT TV to play the zapper games. I was using the RF switch when it was hooked to the flat screen, but when I tried to use it on the Sony CRT it was only in black and white which led me to this video on how to use the AV color cables. Btw I know it's no the Sony TV because I hooked my SNES to it for a test and it works perfectly yet the SNES uses all three AV color cables.

[@SvennyMcG]

When you connect the NES to the CRT with RF you get black & white, but when you connect the NES to the CRT with the AV cables you get colour distortion; an SNES to the CRT doesn't do this and the NES to the flat TV via RF doesn't go black and white 🤔 No, the two inputs vs three inputs shouldn't be any issue as I have connected the NES to different CRTs including Sonys. How bad is the colour distortion? Do you get any picture at all?

[@evelynclover6366]

@@SvennyMcG Yes, I get a picture with the NES on the CRT TV, but it's almost rainbowed and hard to look at. It's the same thing with any game I put in. I own over 200 games as I have been collecting for 15 year's. This whole time I have been playing these games on this console on a flat screen. I haven't played a zapper game since 1994 so I went out and bought a CRT yesterday and here we are.

[@SvennyMcG]

Have you tested any other devices on the CRT? VCR etc? I wonder if the settings can be toggled, like the contrast or colour settings in the TV's menu

[@evelynclover6366]

@@SvennyMcG Yes, I did hook up my SNES to the Sony CRT using it's 3 AV color cables and it works perfectly. I was wondering if it is the capacitors in the RF module inside. I was really hoping it was something simple because I don't know how to change those out, but know that after 30+ years of use they may need to be. Yet, at the same time this NES console works perfectly using the RF switch on a brand new flat screen. Either way I am pretty sad it's not working to play good old Duck Hunt 💔

[@SvennyMcG]

Sorry, you did say the SNES worked (it was like 3am when I read that 😅). This is really weird because of the TV was failing the SNES shouldn't then work, and if the NES is failing why does it work on the flat screen 🤔. I have definitely hooked up my NES to multiple CRTs with multiple inputs (3 inputs) and haven't had issue. I'll have to keep digging. Sorry I don't yet have an answer 😪

[@MAXXOUT2K]

Can you do this same thing with the snes

[@SvennyMcG]

Yes, you should be able to as the SNES (original models) have both an RF output as well as the Multi Out port. Perhaps I'll have to try it out soon! 😊

[@Weluvz2ROCK]

I plugged mine into a flatscreen and it doesn’t have any sound and I can’t figure out why. Did yours have sound or was it also silent?

[@SvennyMcG]

You had video though? Just remember that the colour coding on the system likely doesn't match your TV inputs. Plug in the audio and directly into audio in on your TV; in many cases the white on the TV audio in is preferred

[@Roscoe-111]

I have a small Orion crt. It has RF in back and only yellow/ white in front. Every combination results in a blank blue screen. I havent tried an rf switch yet that is coming. The NES is next to new and was tested, is the tv incompatible? Do i bother use an hdtv for retro?

[@SvennyMcG]

Hi! Few things: When connected via AV were you on the correct channel / mode? Do you have anything else to test in the AV ports of the TV like a VCR, DVD player etc? RF Switch still works and outputs just fine, you'll just need to make sure the channel selected on the NES matches the channel selected on the TV. I have a video for RF here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3vShWl7ebCijacsi=sd9OVXxsFaqswSEt

[@Roscoe-111]

Hey thanks for the reply! Yeah hooked up right AV, the blue was flashing half images of pixels so I kept wiggling the cartdridge til it found the sweet spot. I never owned a Nintendo as a kid, I'm new to this!

[@SvennyMcG]

You bet, happy to help! Yeah, the cartridges can be finicky, especially with age. In the video you see how I go from the blue screen to blotchy video until finally loading Ninja Turtles as well 😅 Also, not to spam you with more videos but I did a video on cleaning cartridges, this YT Short may be helpful to you too: kzbin.infop4IBS6_BH_E?si=hl2AQ2tcTWWNoJZM

[@Imtired170]

Is it ok to use yellow and white only av cables ? I don’t have red/yellow/white cables

[@SvennyMcG]

Hi! Yes, the cables are made the same and will carry either signal so you're okay if you have a variation of yellow & white, yellow & red or white & red. Just make sure that whichever colour you plug in to video on the NES goes to video on the TV, and from audio on the NES to audio on the TV. If you have any issues don't hesitate to ask 😊 Thanks for watching!

[@Imtired170]

@@SvennyMcG thank you so much! I think I understand now. I ordered a refurbished nes, it hasn’t arrived yet. I noticed in the picture he is sending red and white cables. I already have just yellow and white. Do you suggest one over another? I’m sorry I’m kinda slow today a lot going on. I’m just super excited to get this nes and hook it up to my crt. It has yellow and white ports only. So the main thing is making sure the colors match up on nes and tv ports? I’m thinking I’ll use the yellow/white ones like you showed in the video. Thank you again I really appreciate your help!!!

[@SvennyMcG]

That is exciting! The NES is awesome 🙌 You can use your current cables or the ones the seller provides, it doesn't matter. Yellow on the system and likely your CRT is usually noted for video but using a red cable or white cable in those ports will still work as the cables can carry either audio or signal. So yes, as you said, the main thing is stay consistent, if you plug a cable into video on the NES make sure its the same plugging into the TV, and same for audio 😊

[@Imtired170]

@@SvennyMcG awesome!! Your video and replies have been extra helpful. Thank you for taking time to help me out. I feel comfortable now knowing exactly what to do. You are helping more than you know! Very very cool!!!! I subscribed to your channel it’s the biggest help. Thank you sincerely

[@SvennyMcG]

Thank you! I appreciate your support 😊 While I do enjoy all aspects of gaming it's the community that's the best 🙌 Enjoy the NES! If you run into any issues don't hesitate to reach out

[@BobiousCeasar]

My tv has a right and left audio input, what should I do?

[@SvennyMcG]

Use the left (white) input - usually this port is designated for monaural (single channel) sound 👍

[@Elin-Esteem84]

My tv has a blue screen n says no signal. Its an older rca tv , in the upper right corner it says cable 4. I dont know how to get it on the right screen to play my game, any advice

[@SvennyMcG]

Sounds like your TV is on channel 4 but you need to get to the AV input channel. Some TVs allow you to get to it by changing channels - try going below channel 2 and see if it brings you to AV. Otherwise try to locate a button that says Input or Source

[@Elin-Esteem84]

@@SvennyMcG thanks, I've tried for 2 hrs, im going to try to hook it up to my brand new TV n see if I can get somewhere,

[@SvennyMcG]

Do you have the RF cable with the coaxial pin? You can try that too

[@bellemiddleton85]

Does it work on new tv's?

[@SvennyMcG]

You bet! All TVs have their own conditions but it's usually doable. While it's not an NES, here's a video using similar cablr qne hooking up an N64 on a CRT, HDTV & UHD 4K TV: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qJvKZWCBqbBrZ80

[@cornishgamehen1983]

Has anyone else have trouble with the silver plated rca cables not working but the gold ones do? Its driveing me crazy

[@SvennyMcG]

I haven't experienced this myself; have you tried multiple sets of silver cables and found that issue?

[@cornishgamehen1983]

@Svenny McG yes i have bought 2 different brand sets and tried 2 other ones i have . But whe i plug in the gold plated 12in long ones it works great.

[@SebastianMarcialVideo]

What if you have all 3 for your TV

[@SvennyMcG]

Unfortunately the NES onlybhas monaural, single audio output. In that scenario usually the audio from the NES connects to the white input on the TV. Thanks for watching!

[@SebastianMarcialVideo]

@@SvennyMcG I got a converter and works fine!

[@SvennyMcG]

Awesome! What are you going to play first? 🎮

[@martinlutchens6468]

Y kabeladpta going on sterio jek acr you has 2x mono is beter in av reiver surond wandlung Gruß

[@SvennyMcG]

The dual mono outputting as stereo is definitely better than a single mono speaker 👍

[@ryliecarter3308]

I know a guy who can fix those pins!

[@SvennyMcG]

Hey chummy! They sure seem like they could use a cleaning 😅 Good to hear from you bud!