Get the Best Picture Quality From Your Nintendo GameCube

In this episode, we discuss how you can get the best video quality out of your Nintendo GameCube, without requiring any hardware modifications.
Our good friend @Russ Lyman, was recently streaming with his GameCube when the discussion turned to how to get the best picture quality out of his system. He was using something that did not provide the best visuals he had available to him. The more we started discussing things, the more it seemed to make sense to do a video to talk about the subject.
Different GameCube Models:
Nintendo actually released two different hardware variations of the GameCube, the launch version & one about halfway through its life cycle. As Nintendo likes to do, they removed features from the revision to reduce manufacturing costs. One of the things that got the ax? The digital output port. Why is this important? Through the digital output port, you can access a digital versus analog signal & an RGB video output for much cleaner, crisper video quality. If your system does not have a digital output, you are somewhat limited. If you do have a digital output, the sky is pretty much the limit.
Composite Video:
Composite video cables are what the system came with & plug into the analog output on the GameCube & connects to your television via red, white, & yellow RCA jacks. While this is an improvement over RF, it is not a very good signal overall. Composite tends to have a lower resolution, & color reproduction issues, & the picture is overall less crisp.
AV2HDMI:
This is one of those items that are better in philosophy than in practice. The promise is that it will convert your composite video output to HDMI. Some even promise to upscale to 720p or 1080p. The truth is these things are terrible, they essentially just convert the connector from RCA to HDMI & do little if any upscaling. They also introduce lag, latency, RF noise due to bad grounding, & other issues. I do not recommend these.
GameCube to HDMI adapters
There are a number of these cables out on the market that plugs into the analog output on your system & are essentially one HDMI cable. It sounds great in theory, but it leaves a little something to be desired. First & foremost, you're still dealing with an analog signal. Secondly, most of these are simply AV2HDMI adapters in a different hardwired package. Some of these are okay but not great as they tap into the S-video output, but most of these just utilize the composite video output.
S-video cables
The best signal you're going to get out of the analog port is going to be S-video. This is a vastly superior signal to composite, but not nearly as good as component. The problem with S-video is not all TVs have an S-video input any longer. Without requiring any other external devices, however, S-video will definitely improve the video quality of your GameCube.
Digital to HDMI adapters
Now we are getting into items that utilize the digital output, & most of these are pretty good. The Retro-bit Prism, Insurrection Industries Carby, & Eon Gaming GCHD MkII are dongles that will plug into the digital output on your GameCube & provide a direct HDMI connection. They are all based on the same GC video architecture. The Carby & the Prism are virtually identical in function, with some differences in the included remote control & how you update the dongle. The Eon Gaming GCHD ups the ante by also plugging into the analog output of your system & allowing you to connect much less expensive Wii component video cables. These dongles will provide a 480p digital video output That looks fantastic for the money.
Component video cables
The tales of the expense of the Nintendo GameCube component video cables are legendary, but thankfully other manufacturers have started to roll out their own take on these. Retro-bit has their Prism cables, while Insurrection Industries released their Carby cables several years ago. These break the digital video signal into three different video cables, green, blue, red, or YPbPr. These provide incredibly clean, & beautiful video signals. While also capping out at 480p, using component video cables allows you to unlock even more features with upscalers.
RetroTink Upscalers
Unlike those garbage AV2HDMI adapters, the RetroTink actually does improve the video quality that you input into it, providing you with an HDMI output, All while not introducing any lag or latency. The RetroTink Mini can take your composite or S video input & line-double it, producing an excellent video option. The ultimate, however, is the RetroTink 5x which can provide upscaling up to 1440p. My TV cannot recognize those signals, so I output 1080p. Paired with a set of component video cables, in my opinion, this gives you the best, cleanest, most desirable video quality from a GameCube. And this is how I have my system hooked up.
Do you have a Nintendo GameCube? How do you connect it to your television? Have you heard of all these solutions? Did this help you? Let us know in the comments.

[@rottenasstuna]

dude pulled up a pic of my exact upscaler and goes on to talk about how it is the absolute worst piece of junk available 😭😭😭 from firsthand experience he’s absolutely correct that’s why i’m here

[@RoXolid]

It's not an upscaler, it's a port converter.

[@AAKIYANWAWAQTABLEEpabilla2]

Snsnss

[@RoXolid]

@@AAKIYANWAWAQTABLEEpabilla2 Yeah no.

[@Keirvan]

Not lying lmaoo 😂 I haven’t finished the video yet but I’m stuck between getting a crt tv or spending 325 on the 5x pro 🫠🤧😩

[@lewisgrant7622]

From what I’ve understood the mini av2hdmi adapters aren’t meant for video game consoles they’re meant more for vcr’s and vhs players

[@RoXolid]

Correct

[@andysmith5940]

I have a Prism HDMI adapter with the brace support hooked up to an 86" LG and it looks beautiful to me. I do have a Retrotink, and maybe I will have to try hooking it up, but the Prism solution is simple and straightforward with very little cable mess

[@trevormoody5963]

if your gamecube doesn’t have the digital port, I found another quality option is the EON super 64….that device was specifically made for the nintendo 64, however it works great on the gamecube as well…..highly recommend it w/something like the m-classic

[@dbresse]

I still have the original Nintendo component cable for my US GC consoles and the original Nintendo RGB Scart cable for the European GC ones. Purchased them back in the time so they had a very reasonable price. Some day I might have to look at the HDMI solutions since newer TVs do not support analog input anymore and the older ones getting more and more expensive.

[@RoXolid]

If you have the component cables then just go with a RetroTink 5X and call it a day, it'll handle both the Component and SCART Cables. Also...not going to lie.... I'm jealous :)

[@kipper2k]

I just got back into the old consoles and currently am in the process of designing video adapters for the consoles.. I have made adapters for the SNES, PS1/PS2 and Dreamcast already... These are all going to be scart input to the Retrotink 5x Pro. Basically there will be a small video out adapter from console to a HDMI cable and then the other end of the HDMI cable will plug into a small HDMI>Scart plug attached to the 5x Pro. This will allow people to make high grade video cables without splashing the cash for all these custom cables. Cost of the adapter set per console would be about $10 - $15 and you provide your own HDMI cable. I am just waiting for a few parts to arrive. I am looking at the Gamecube now and based on what i see and hear i may have to go with svideo out to the 5x pro. will need to investigate further as it appears the digital output from the gamecube is proprietary encoded and expensive to copy edit... i just checked, it seems that pin 7 and 8 of the gamecube is Svideo outputs so looking hopeful for decent upscaling

[@gabrielanthonio5325]

I can confirm that OEM Component + RetroTink 5x is gorgeous on my 65" 4k Screen. I also have it coupled with Swiss, GBI, SD2SP2, GC-Loader HW1 (HW2 incoming 😇) and GameBoyPlayer. But that is another story :) Good video! (and no.. I did not purchase the cables for 500 dollars.. I bought them for approx 100 - 120 dollars, couple years ago). If I am not mistaken the retail was around 100 dollars when they sold them at retail. The reason they are pretty expensive is that they convert a digital signal to a analog component signal with a chip that is located inside of the cable. No one has succeeded in recreating that 100%. But they are getting closer and closer and therefore getting better. Considering the cost of a GCHD MK2, I think I got a pretty good deal. I believe the cash is better spent on the RetroTink 5x than GCHD MK2. If I would not have found the OEM cable at that price point I would have purchased the retro-bit alternative and coupled it with a RetroTink 5x as you did, well played 👌

[@RoXolid]

Order the Retro-bit Prisim Video Cables at amzn.to/3nnrc0a Order the Retro-bit Prism HDMI Adapter at amzn.to/3nnJSg7 Order the Eon Gaming GCHD MkII at amzn.to/40IYkxL Order Retro Frog Gamecube Updates at retrofrog.net/collections/gamecube Check out all of our 3D Printed items by visiting roxolid-productions.weeblysite.com/ Join this channel to get access to perks: kzbin.info/door/znAOWQLsiCAMNRq9fzQJpwjoin Follow Us on Social Media! Instagram - @RoXolidProductionsGK Twitter - @RoXolidStudios Facebook - facebook.com/RoXolidProductions/ Get early access to our videos and support RoXolid Productions for as low as a dollar a month through our Patreon page, www.patreon.com/RoXolid Looking for some RoXolid Merch? Check out our T-Spring store for shirts and swag at teespring.com/roxolid-productions-official-s Would you like to have your products featured on RoXolid Productions? Do you have Questions? Comments? Email us at [e-mail]!!

[@izzysmash3238]

When he says to stay away from companies like kaico he means it, I sadly fell into their trap with some ps2/xbox adapters that were reviewed very well but when i got my hands on them they left a lot to be desired. Seriously just steer clear

[@RoXolid]

I don't make those statements lightly. I realize the effect, not being arrogant, but a moderate size KZbin channel can have on a company's business. People rely on those businesses to feed their families. I choose my words very carefully but I will say without a doubt they are a very disreputable company that does little innovation and more reverse engineering and copy paste than anything.

[@Digduglee]

Thanks for all the info. I haven't had time to play my GameCube for quite awhile but I have been trying to catch up with all the new tech for adapting old systems to new HDMI and new tv's so I can get to upgrading all my different consoles as I'm getting back to collecting games while they are cheap.

[@captainthunderbolt7541]

I think a fairly cost effective way to get high end video for cheap prices for PAL users* is a GameCube scart cable going into a GBS Control upscaler - which isn't quite as good as your Retrotink, but is much cheaper, and has the same motion adaptive deinterlacing and will output an upscaled 1080p via HDMI. * I specify for PAL users, because I don't think scart can handle progressive scan, and no PAL games support progressive scan, so scart + GBS-C is about as good as PAL games can make use of. NTSC users would want to use component cables instead, which will add to the cost of the set up.

[@Zelielz1]

I have a PAL GC, which has digital output. It is modded so it can run NTSC games, or you can use the freeloader. The Prism HD should work normally.

[@ChuchoGonzo26]

THIS IS THE GREATEST BREAKDOWN IVE SEEN, I LOVE YOU

[@RoXolid]

Thank you for the kind words!

[@dustinkinard7431]

I use the Carby, paired with a Seiki U-Vision cable. The U-Vision is an upconverting cable that performs identically to the original mCable, as it uses the same chipset from marsaille. The only tangible difference between the U-Vision and the mCable is that the former is around $30 new, while the latter costs $100+. I know that some folks don’t like the mCable / U-Vision, but I needed it with my 4K TV. My tv will display 480p over hdmi from the Carby, but it would randomly lose signal for 10 or more seconds each time. Pairing it with the U-Vision cable eliminated that issue.

[@RoXolid]

I have an mClassic, on my Television I don't see a huge difference. I have an mCable and mClassic and don't use them.

[@dustinkinard7431]

@@RoXolid I didn’t purchase the cable to enhance the graphics or whatever Marsaille claims, but I needed its upscaling feature to get the Carby and Retrotink 2x mini to function correctly with my specific tv. For whatever reason unbeknownst to me, my tv does not like receiving a 480p signal over hdmi. It will display an image when the carby or Retrotink is connected directly, but the tv will lose the signal randomly for 10 to 15 seconds then regain it. I’ll estimate that for a 2 hour play session with those 2 devices connected directly, the tv would lose signal and regain it around 3 to 5 times. Now with the U-Vision cable upscaling the image from 480p to 1080p, that issue thankfully goes away. Essentially I’m saying that I found a good use case with the mCable / mClassic / U-Vision cables for a television that doesn’t work well with a 480p signal over hdmi.

[@shennlongwill6056]

We need a video like this for the ps2 and xbox

[@RoXolid]

In the works, SNES will be next though

[@maxlepord]

search up xedusa for the xbox

[@RoXolid]

@@maxlepord I have reviewed the Xedusa on the channel, it's great!

[@Dudester100]

Thank you for this video it really clears up the confusion I had with choosing either an hdmi adapter or component cables.

[@jakewilson1070]

I wish you did comparisons for the best options for playing on a CRT. I assume it's component cable but a comparison of different component options would be nice.

[@RoXolid]

I do not own a CRT and there's no way to capture CRT footage

[@Jerome-C]

Digital to HDMI + Marseille m classic upscaller ! You totaly forget to speak about this masterpiece ! Marseille m classic deliver a fabulous 1080p output with zero lag !!

[@RoXolid]

I didn't forget to talk about it, that's not device specific. The main focus here was getting from composite to S-Video to component to direct HDMI output. And honestly, I have an m Classic, I see some difference but not huge. I've actually gone with the component video cables to my retro tink 5X, I think this is a much better look

[@Jerome-C]

@@RoXolid you're of course right, but the price of the retro tink 5x is unafordable for most people... like me :)

[@marruke6035]

@@RoXolid So how does the marseille classic upscaler compare to the rest of the methods? I do need to know quite badly, as I’m using a S video to 2x mini right now but what that slightly sharper image without spending 400 ish on the 5x pro😩

[@PaisanSenseisRETROGrade]

Very informative vid, love my RetroTink 5X! Helped answer my questions for sure. Cheers!

[@CLINTSTER77COX]

The prism hdmi can line double helpful with Gameboy interface . I had trouble using prism component cables with Gameboy interface through the retrotink 2x . Oh also the port not used when using prism still outputs video if you want to compare flat screens vs crt if I remember correctly

[@tena2013]

So i have an LG OLED tv. Been trying to figure out what the best adapter would be for my GCs. I have american and japanese. Whats the best overall option for quality? The eonmk2, prism/carby, or retrotink? Price aside in just interested in quality without button delay

[@RussLyman]

Thanks for all the tips Gary. Guess I got some things to order ha. Much appreciate all the options

[@RoXolid]

Thanks for the idea for the video

[@darkangel9685]

I have an Indigo GCHD plugged into the back of my GameCube with the Wii component cables running into a video switch, and finally into my Retrotink5x. Also modded my Gamecube with a GCLoader. Can't recommend any of these more highly!

[@RoXolid]

That's a greay way to do it!

[@majorgear1021]

Don’t forget to add an mClassic to that ! I went with picoboot instead of gc loader, so that I could keep the original mini disc player.

[@RoXolid]

@@majorgear1021 for me I have always found that the m Classic impact has more to do with your TV than anything else. On my TV, I can notice a slight difference but it's not major.

[@RoXolid]

@@majorgear1021 And in this example where he's coming out of a retro tank 5X, no need. The 5X doesn't amazing job as it is

[@michaeldemers2716]

I have many options but I believe my favorite to be the Mayflash VGA adapter. I think I may try out S-Video too eventually. I have heard good things about it. I have the Rad2X but that gets used the least. Go figure.

[@RoXolid]

Never heard of it

[@michaeldemers2716]

​@@RoXolid It's the Mayflash VGA Box. I use it on a 4:3 monitor. It's for Famicom Toploader, SNES,N64 and Gamecube. I use it for all of the above except SNES. I switched to the Retroad 5 Plus 7" HDMI Handheld so I didn't need my SNES anymore. Least favorite system anyways. I enjoy it more as a Gameboy Color with the GB/GBC Extension Converter but anyways great cable.

[@h0laPlaneta]

If your Carby has firmware 3.0 or later you can update it with a .dol file if you can run homebrew. You do not need the Jtag.

[@majorgear1021]

Is Homebrew the same thing as the Swiss loader? or is it something else?

[@RoXolid]

@majorgear1021 similar but not quite. Homebrew is the type of software that you run, Swiss is like an operating system is the best way to kind of think about it. You utilize Swiss to run homebrew

[@MT-yo3mg]

Not too sure about the comparison between scart and dvi, but yes, scart (1978) does indeed predate dvi (1999) ;)

[@goob8945]

Informative and helpful, especially the companies to avoid !!! Thanks EDIT: awesome music selection too

[@neezerzz]

Excellent video. Very informative. I have a 2x pro and am not really looking to jump to the 5x quite yet. For picture quality, would you recommend a prism/carby or retrobit component cables into the 2x pro? Trying to decide which to buy, a prism vs component cables.

[@emprex122]

I'm glad, I stumbled into this video. Very informative

[@MikeHaslerVideos]

Thank you so much for this video. A friend gave me his Wii and Gamecube. $15 CAD for an HDMi adapter and the Wii was up and running nicely but Gamecube is a different story. What is with these cable prices? The Prism is $120 Canadian dollars and the Carby doesn’t ship here as far as I know.

[@RoXolid]

Check CastlemaniaGames.com, I am 99% sure Ryan still carries them and he does ship to Canada

[@MikeHaslerVideos]

@@RoXolid thanks so much!

[@harunbungur2074]

would a GC running the prism component cables look better on a CRT than a GC running the prism HDMI output adapter on a modern monitor?

[@MrSolidtiger]

Carby gets my GameCube done for me. Orange Spice flavor of course.

[@RoXolid]

For the money it's actually a really good solution

[@kolbyhardy9648]

Wow thank you this is exactly the video I was looking for! Just got a GameCube and Twilight Princess to replay and it looks rough on my monitor. I’m going to order the Retro-Bit Prism and try it out! Question: would there be any value in adding one of those mClassic upscalers to this in addition to the Prism? Would it add any improvement on top of what the Prism does to picture quality?

[@AlBeQuirky]

I use the Level Hike HDMI for my SNES, N64, and Gamecube if I'm on HDTV. Otherwise, I will use original cords on Gary's favorite and envious TV, the CRT. I may work on doing a converter of some type to connect to the CRT as it supports component output. Pretty sure this one does not have HDMI support like some of the later CRTs got.

[@Yagami1Sama]

Pulling the best image, or let all consoles hooked up in modern TVs is quite the quest. I live in Brazil and there are a few Nintendo consoles that was manufactured here, and one Game Cube and a N64 that I have, are in the infamous PAL-M format , which does not work with the retro tink and most of similar tools. I bought the 2X in the past, and after I discovered that it is not compatible. The image is black and white on that format. I also have a Japanse Game Cube, in which I am not able to make it work with the 2X, because when I enable the progressive scan mode, the image got duplicated. My TV to a great job upscaling things, so for I use all consoles hooked via the original Nintendo Component Cable that I bought eons ago, prior to it starting costing a kidney. But this TV will soon die and a new one that I bought does not have AV / component anymore , only HDMI and when I hooked multiple old system in the same HDMI port via a splitter the result was weird , because the TV tries to identify the what is connected and sometime does not work. So my quest to keep all my beloved old consoled hooked in a modern TV continues. And I am really afraid of putting 300 USD in the 5X and have of my consoles not work. As the time pass it is more and more expensive to play old consoles.

[@RoXolid]

Reach out to Mike Chi on Twitter, he's super active and is more than willing to help answer your questions. Just let him know what your concerns are and he'll be able to address them for you

[@GhibliNova]

I use a Carby with an Mclassic dongle, which is basically an external anti-aliaser, and it's phenomenal Running the Mclassic through your setup would probably look better than a Switch!! 😄

[@RoXolid]

I have an mClassic, on my Television I don't see a huge difference. I have an mCable and mClassic and don't use them.

[@GhibliNova]

@@RoXolid cool! For everybody else that doesn't want to spend 300 dollars on an upscaler. It gets rid of 99% of jaggies without making the image blurry, it's awesome.

[@RoXolid]

@@GhibliNova I thought my Carby looked just fine without the mClassic. Like I say I didn't see much of a difference myself.

[@GhibliNova]

@@RoXolid did you flick the switch on the side to flick between on and off (pass through) so you could look at the results back to back? It may be one of those things that once you see what it does, you'll never be able to unsee it

[@RoXolid]

I reviewed it, I've tested it, I just don't see a huge difference. Is it sharper, a little bit, but I don't get the same reaction I've seen others get. I know my friend Adam Korlick loves it. I just don't see a significant difference on my TV. And that's the whole thing, depending on the way your TV handles signals makes a huge difference. On my 2015 Samsung, meh

[@danootto6382]

Great video. Very easily understood. I wa wondering though, my GameCube only has the analog. What I get for waiting to buy one. So, can I use the Retrotink 5x with my single output GC? What will my downside be? And I do have the real well known component cable. If that will make any difference, Keeping in mind, it's still only the analog single out? Thank you! The Retrotink 6 is a bit too expensive, but if you think it will work better than other Retrotink models then I'll go with any suggestion you offer. My 4k is 2019 Samsung UN55RU7300 and does have a questionable supposed RGB on it. But for the life of me, I've never used that with any prior success.

[@RoXolid]

So for your setup the best option would be either A) buy a Gamecube with the Digital output or B) use S-Video with your existing setup. Svideo looks pretty good thru the 5X to be honest.

[@sunflash2]

I know with the firmware version the Carby ships with you can update it though the digital port as long as you have a way to launch Swiss. I have done it myself.

[@KenSch2020]

You got Station Square from Sonic Adventure and Sonic Adventure DX on this video. Probably using music from games from the GameCube for this video since you are talking about GameCube video output.

[@RoXolid]

Correct

[@KenSch2020]

@@RoXolid I thought so. You usually try to use video game music from the system you maybe talking about which does make good sense and makes the video more engaging.

[@majorgear1021]

I just ordered a picoboot gamecube and prism adapter. I’m starting with that. Probably by the end of the year I’ll have this setup Prism HDMI adapter to HD Retrovison Wii component cable to Retrotink 5x to mClassic to the TV. It’s a long chain of components, but supposedly that gives you the best possible picture. At least until the Retrotink 4k comes out. :)

[@RoXolid]

You are way overcomplicating your setup my friend. If your goal is to go into an upscaler like a 5X I would simply get the retro bit prism component video cables and go into the 5X from there. Every time you're changing connector or signal type you're adding lag and latency. Also, if you're coming out of a 5X there's really no need to add a carby to the Daisy chain

[@majorgear1021]

@@RoXolid The Prism component cables have bad reviews on Amazon, so I passed on those. I've seen people use Carby to get HDMI, and then Wii to Component cables to connect to the Retrotink. Adding an mClassic adapter between the Retrotink and the TV might be overkill. The forum posts and yt videos I've seen about that setup are mixed. some say mClassic upscales better than Rtink , some say they don' t see a difference when using the 2 devices together.

[@RoXolid]

@@majorgear1021 I dig the Prism cables myself. If you want to get to component cables then I'd say go from an Eon Gaming GCHD MkII to the Wii Component cables, then into the RetroTink. I wouldn't waste money on the mClassic with that setup if I were you.

[@Calistenics_Life]

Thanks for the information.

[@RoXolid]

Any time!

[@infineon222]

I think I'm gonna try one of the aftermarket component cable solutions straight into my PVM-14L5. Having trouble finding the Insurrection Industries solution. Seems that might be a better way to go since the other cables might have audio channels switched.

[@clearelement1051]

The Mk II is what I would get because you can use both the pvm and the hdmi connectors at the same time. The component portion using wii cables from Retrovision would allow 480p quality on the pvm.

[@Vela_Isai]

I am still somewhat confused since I am new to this but I want to thank you for this video. My GameCube only has Analog Output but no Digital. (I wish I would have watched your video sooner) I bought an rca to hdmi from Best Buy like the one you mentioned in your video and it’s total garbage. The video quality sucks. How would I go about getting the best video quality from GameCube through analog output only? Would the retro tink 5x pro still be the best option? I appreciate your response @RoXolid Productions

[@MikeHaslerVideos]

How does the Retrobit Prism adapter compare to the Retrobit cables-into-the-Retrotink5X method? Is the visual difference noticeable, or slight?

[@RoXolid]

The component cables to the RetroTink looks much better

[@MikeHaslerVideos]

@@RoXolid I was afraid of that but thank you so much for your help.

[@RoXolid]

@@MikeHaslerVideos no worries

[@GatchamanG4]

I use a Retro Bit Prism. Does an excellent job!!!👍♥️

[@fredocrespo6970]

Very informative!

[@RoXolid]

Glad it was helpful!

[@DeoxysChao]

I'm only rocking the Carby for my old Gamecube before moving it over to a Picoboot Gamecube I've bought a month ago. The Carby works good for me so far. Should I expand to an upscaler from there, or get a GCHD Mk-II instead and go from there?

[@NewGabeOrder]

My recommended option is just to pick up the eBay GCPlug. That uses mini HDMI connections and outputs raw NTSC and 480p signals. Bang for your buck, right? If you can't afford it, there's always the RF Modulator, so you will have to run an auto program for your TV with the GameCube on, and end up with Channel 3 (or 4) as the GameCube input.

[@RoXolid]

BUt what does it plug into and what sort of signal does it use?

[@NewGabeOrder]

@@RoXolid GC Plug? It uses Digital AV Out, contains a mini-HDMI port, includes a mini-HDMI to normal size HDMI cable and outputs raw NTSC and/or 480p signals depending on the console. RF Modulators use Analog AV Out, plug into the TV's VHF/UHF port and can only output NTSC on VHF Channel 3 or 4 depending on the dipswitch setting.

[@VinceNysse]

hi, thanks for the video. Any chance you can provide detail on the break out boxes you use for the rest of your consoles that feed into your retro tink 5x. I have a 5x, but i hate having to constantly swap cables from one console to another... TIA

[@bjeezy831]

I use the GCHD MK-II, but I still need to update it. I don’t like how the screen blanks for a second when it changes video. Does updating it fix that issue?

[@RoXolid]

No that's inherent to these devices, all 3 off mine do it.

[@FacelessShepherd]

Question. Is there a difference in audio quality between the two video outs on a gamecube DOL-001? I’m trying to find out if what I’ve heard is false. I’ve forgotten where I’ve heard this from, but I’ve heard that the analog out has better audio quality than the digital out. I also heard that the GCHD uses the analog for audio and the digital for video and that’s why it plugs into both ports. I’m in the market for a GC HDMI adapter and I’m currently considering the prism and the GCHD. If there is no difference in audio, I’ll go with the prism since it’s half the price and has basically the same video quality. I just want to make sure I am getting the best product for the money.

[@daylinb6142]

wow dude great video. i'd truly love to have the graphics you have. i'm willing to buy what i have to to get those graphics. i am an EXTREME beginner though, like half these words are chinese for me.. is it possible you can upload and explain how you have your gamecube set up and where to inset what and how? i'd love a little tutorial, or a link to one if possible please and TY !!!!!

[@jaysilvestercgiartist]

Good video do you have one for the Wii for a Sony Oled tv? I can only use HDMI ports. Would appreciate some help on this one

[@RoXolid]

No but it's on the to do list, just not with that specific TV

[@jaysilvestercgiartist]

@@RoXolid I look forward to the video I'm sure you'll be able to find some options for oled TVs :)

[@smasherjosh5000]

@@jaysilvestercgiartist there's a new mod for the Wii that adds an HDMI port might be better than the WII2HDMI converter

[@spaztekwarrior]

I’m thinking of putting aside my Carby, and getting a Prism component cable and a RetroTink 5x. :)

[@majorgear1021]

I’ve seen people go from Carby to HD Retrovison Wii component cable to Retrotink 5x to mClassic to their TV. It’s a long chain of components, but supposedly that gives you the best possible picture. At least until the Retrotink 4k comes. :)

[@spaztekwarrior]

@@majorgear1021 What does the mClassic do for this chain after all the effects of the 5x? Yeah… the 4k would be nice. I imagine it will be plenty of cash to purchase.

[@RoXolid]

I would say there's little to no reason if someone has a retro tink 5x to add an m Classic to it. Maybe if you're coming out of a 2x but even then the improvement is going to be minimal in my opinion. It also depends a lot on your television. Some TVs see minimal changes with stuff like this. My 60-in Samsung 4K looks okay with a m Classic on it but it's not Earth shattering. So I'd say at best your mileage may vary

[@captainthunderbolt7541]

I'd say keep the Carby, and get a Retrotink 4K when it comes out, since that will accept HDMI inputs and upscale them to 4K!

[@spaztekwarrior]

@@captainthunderbolt7541 Was thinking about that. But the 4k will be super expensive compared to the 5x. I think the GameCube in 1080p might be good enough … for now :)

[@michaeldemers2716]

I forgot I have the GCHD MK-II E.O.N and I still prefer the Mayflash VGA Box.

[@RoXolid]

OK

[@Soulintent95]

I gave my early model gc to my cousins back in the day so i cant do progressive scan on my brothers gc, but svideo looks great with my retro tink 5x so im ok with it. Compared to my n64 its night and day, gc doesnt even need me to pair it with an mclassic.

[@RoXolid]

Very nice!

[@achillebracciantini4438]

What about a pluto mod with a m classic adapter? Should be good?

[@RoXolid]

I discuss mods in here. The focus of this was plug and play solutions

[@dpacyau]

The pluto and MClassic work really great together. That's probably the only case I recommend the MClassic to anyone haha. I would consider the pluto an advanced mod only because its really, really easy to mess up your board when removing the digital port. There are a lot of solder points, but they're not microscopic, and you need to try and keep your wires short. I like the pluto mod better than the plug and plays for one huge reason, you can get to the OSD with just a controller combination. You don't need an RF remote to get in and change the settings.

[@achillebracciantini4438]

Voultar Considers the pluto a bad mod, it beings thrown in the console for over 15 years and the helder flex cable is very fragile but if there isn’t any better solution i’ll go with the pluto

[@majorgear1021]

I’d use picoboot , or there is an even newer card , called the KunaiGC that can be soldered in as an ipl loader. I ca’r

[@proscuitt]

so would a retrotink 5x and those prism cables be interchangable between ps2, gamecube & the wii?

[@RoXolid]

No because each system has their own connector

[@proscuitt]

@@RoXolid so the retrotink5x isn't universal between the 3 consoles? sorry for being clueless😭 if you would be so kind to drop the info on high quality cables for the wii/gamecube and for the ps2 i would appreciate it

[@RoXolid]

@@proscuitt the RetroTink can be used between the systems, that's not the issue. The PS2, Wii & GameCube use different cables, only the GameCube uses the Prism cables

[@proscuitt]

@@RoXolid wow thank you! which wires would you recommend for PS2 and Wii? Money is not an issue so no need for a budget pick:)

[@proscuitt]

@@RoXolid what would you say are the best cables for the ps2 and wii?

[@GatchamanG4]

I have a modded Gamecube Pluto2 HDMI. 480p looks good, just want to bump up resolution even more. What would you guys suggest? I already have an Mclassic, works great on my switch 1440p, but can't get a signal on the Gamecube. Not sure if it's because of the mod or not. Any help would be greatly appreciated! Thanks ❤👍

[@DavinderSingh-ot7ue]

My GameCube is not displaying color everything is in black and white would any of these fix that

[@marycerra5194]

@@DavinderSingh-ot7ue it’s your tv it’s might have the red white and yellow but it’s too new still. Had the same problem. System will have color on older tv

[@jerdman]

So I was thinking of getting the Retrobit Prism HD cable, but I already have a retrotink 2x mini. I'm able to play gamecube through the 2x mini and it has no lag, although I'm not sure if it is outputting 480i or 480p? Would there be a difference in video quality by getting the prism HDMI or is it pretty similar to the 2x mini? I have a 4k tv. Appreciate the video!

[@RoXolid]

Are you going composite video into the retro tink 2x mini then? If so the HDMI dongle will definitely look better as it is tapping into the digital output on the back of the system. That is important that you do need to have that output. If you're using component video cables into a 2X I think that would look better than the dongle, but to get the best you would want to be using a 2x multi-format or a 5X

[@jerdman]

I have the s-video cable that came with the 2x mini that I use, which looks better than composite and not terrible. Okay thanks, I'm contemplating getting the prism HDMI and see how it looks and then furthermore if I would decide to get the mclassic to combo with the prism. @@RoXolid

[@C.2.1]

Do these work when using elgato to stream?

[@DemonRage90]

You might’ve mentioned it already but, the question I have is; what would be the best adapter for a GameCube that only has the AV output analog? Or is it a lost cause?

[@grupoelizma623]

I argue you can use a s video on the GameCube to a s video to hdmi converter. Other same S video cable from the game cube to a retrotink.

[@RoXolid]

@grupoelizma623 those s video to HDMI adapters are about the same quality as the AV to HDMI adapters. They introduce a ton of lag, they're not accurate and they're color reproduction, and can introduce a lot of RF noise

[@grupoelizma623]

language lets respect language here according to guidelines and you didnt read tells me you just jump in ill make it simple s video(gamecube) to retrotink(adapter hdmi output) or s video from the gamecube to s video upscaler. @@RoXolid

[@RoXolid]

@@grupoelizma623 Sorry about that, I used voice to text and it thought I said Ass instead of S!

[@robinson32993]

What do you think about using the hyperkin hd cable for the wii to play GC games? Maybe even with the mclassic? I saw a video where a guy was saying that the hyperkin hd cable on the wii to play GC games is almost as good as the Mk 2 hd adapter

[@RoXolid]

The Wii isn't as good of a GC Player as the GC Itself is. I've tested the Wii HDMI Cable, you can check it out here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXTWn6Jsq69mptE

[@robinson32993]

@@RoXolid well on the video I watched the guy wasn’t recommending the cable for the wii itself but rather for the gamecube games. His point was that the hyperkin cable was $25 and the purple hd adapter for the actual gamecube was $130 more and the hyperkin cable delivered pretty close results to the hd adapter. Have you ever tested that yourself?

[@RoXolid]

@@robinson32993 I have and timestamped my Gamecube testing in the video listed above.

[@shawnmatthews5118]

The one you recommended is 30 times more expensive. Is there a more economical version?

[@RoXolid]

There isn't, and it's going to get even better but more expensive when the RetroTink 4k is released

[@OskeeWowWowIllinois23]

So I have one of the game cubes that doesn’t have that extra adapter on the back, are you saying my only option is basically either getting a new game cube or getting an older TV for a better picture quality?

[@RoXolid]

That is exactly what I'm saying unfortunately. Now there are mod kits out there to add HDMI, but you have to open up the system and solder it into place.

[@OskeeWowWowIllinois23]

@@RoXolid Would the mod option be economically viable compared to just selling mine and getting a new gc? If so, where do I learn about this mod and get the supplies from? Thanks!

[@RoXolid]

The mod kit is about $110, plus soldering equipment. Check out Voultar on KZbin, he shows how to do it. I think you'd be cheaper just getting a different GameCube

[@sisco0304]

Hi I just bought a GameCube at a yard sale jet black and it’s the d-001 and it doesn’t have the component female port it’s just the analog version can I buy component cables for it and use the thrift the analog N 64 GameCube port?

[@Emeraldakafunnygamerguy]

Hello! Are you sure it's the DOL-001 and not the DOL-101? See if it has 'Serial Port 2' on the bottom - if it doesn't, it's a DOL-101. Because the ports are different shapes, digital component cables designed for that port aren't compatible with the analog output port; if I remember right, the analog port only outputs up to 240p.

[@AAKIYANWAWAQTABLEEpabilla2]

Skskss

[@based_will]

So if I don’t want to spend the money on a retrotink, which of the retrobit products will produce a better picture, the component cables or the hdmi adapter? My Sony 4k has both inputs.TIA!

[@RoXolid]

I would say the component cables could look better depending on your TV.

[@dakotahcranford3262]

So you would recommend the retrotink 5x for handling playing on HDTV

[@RoXolid]

100%, cannot recommend it highly enough, I love the 5X

[@dakotahcranford3262]

I mainly want it for my gamecube but also n64. I only have composite to run though unless there are work arounds for a 2nd model gamecube to run component cables. Do you think GC will still be playable running composite to retrotink 5x

[@dakotahcranford3262]

Thank you so much for the reply

[@RoXolid]

@@dakotahcranford3262 There are mods to get you to an HDMI output or add the digital output to your system, but honestly you're cheaper off just getting a different Gamecube that has the Digital Output.

[@RoXolid]

@@dakotahcranford3262 Of course!!

[@boyghcst]

i recently bought a gamecube player, but after seeing some videos apparently gba games lag on a flatscreen ? do you know if the carby will fix this ? ive heard abt gbi but it seems like a hassle to set up

[@sunflash2]

That's more to do with the screen itself having lag. Especially if you are using analog video in of any kind. Most of the analog circuits in modern tvs are about as bad as the AV box he talked about in the beginning of the video.

[@RoXolid]

Make sure your TV is set to game mode, that's huge

[@carlbugler636]

Any suggestions for an upscaler using pluto 2 hdmi mod. Current old tv starting to play up and I can't find a new tv that will display 480p, thanks

[@RoXolid]

Nothing at this time, but the RetroTink 4K will do it when it comes out

[@carlbugler636]

@@RoXolid Appreciate the reply, I'll have to wait for RT4K, but in the mean time I'll keep an eye out for a decent used tv that will display 480p, wish me luck! Hopefully more manufacturers will release something similar in the near future.

[@GatchamanG4]

​@@carlbugler636 Hi, I also have the Pluto2 HDMI mod. I have an Mclassic, but i can't get a signal. Have you had any problems with any upscale rs?

[@officialnofriendo]

Do you know why my copy of FZero GX wont read? But all of my other games will. It says refer to the instruction manual when I put in disk. So weird, cause all my other games run just fine!

[@RoXolid]

Sounds like either a dirty/scratched disk or a lens that's starting to go

[@officialnofriendo]

@@RoXolid disk is perfect. But maybe its the lens. Idk.

[@RoXolid]

@@officialnofriendo The good news is replacing the Lens is fairly easy

[@officialnofriendo]

@@RoXolid Awesome! Thank you!

[@RoXolid]

@@officialnofriendo you're welcome

[@zama4378]

Not even 5 seconds into the video I got a product plug

[@RoXolid]

You're welcome

[@seyeryej]

I have a Sony XBR970 CRT television. So it has the benefits of a CRT, but it can also accept an HDMI connection, in addition to also having Component. So, would something like the GCHD-MKII be better than any of these component cables? I supposed I could see how it would look directly connected through HDMI and also through the Wii's Component Cable and see if I notice any difference. The XBR970 is also an HD CRT television, I am told that it does not do a good job showing 240p signal. I am not really interested in trying to upscale the Gamecube's 480p signal to 720p or 1080i (this television doesn't really do 1080p). I just want the cleanest possible 480p signal, and hope that the CRT display helps compensate for the lower resolution and whatever aliasing and pixelation that these GC games naturally have.

[@dpacyau]

In your case, I would use a component cable like the prism. The GCHD is good, but it is really for flat panel LCD displays. The only advantage you'd get is the ability to add scanlines to the output and stuff like that. Your HD CRT already has the "CRT look" and you would not benefit from those features. You'll save $100 going that route and I think you'd be really happy.

[@seyeryej]

@@dpacyau thankyouthankyou!

[@Ghostup00]

Question what would be a good option for ps2 for connector or something that converts it to a better quality visa through HDMI?

[@rosevillereaper9230]

If you are a 30's something and want to replicate what you experienced when you had a cube use a crt with composite. No one i know were using component cables for any console below a xbox 360 ..If you want gamecube to look tis absolute best use dolphin emulator with 4x resolution it will blow a retro tink away .

[@HollowRick]

I agree especially with current prices

[@PhyChris]

What about PAL RGB?

[@RoXolid]

I couldn't tell you as I don't have a system to test, I'm sorry

[@Zelielz1]

Only difference is the refresh rate I think, but most TVs can handle 50/60.

[@born_to_play]

this is too expensive if you live outside the US, I can recommend the ones sold on aliexpress.

[@RoXolid]

The ones on AliExpress are often unlicensed counterfeits where they are benefiting and profiting from other people's hard work

[@born_to_play]

@@RoXolid I know, but retrotink does not sell their product in my country and it is too expensive to import it.

[@RoXolid]

@@born_to_play check with Stone age gamer, they ship internationally

[@williamgregory2017]

s video was pretty good

[@RoXolid]

It was ok, but composite was trash

[@HalozillaEX]

In defense of the he AV-HDMI converters; they are bad, yes, but they work well enough with my VHS player. It feeds into my mClassic which then lets me switch it into a proper 4:3 aspect ratio. If you know a better way to play VHS tapes on an HDTV thru HDMI, I'm all ears lol. Levelhike's cable for ps2 worked well enough for me. The aspect ratio switch is a big plus, but if you have an mClassic like I do, that feature is a bit redundant. I've loved the retrotink mini so far for my gamecube, but lately it's started having issues with screen burn/image retention and its seriously annoying. I've read that its because of the bob-deinterlacing and I'm not sure what to do about it. I really dont want to drop $300 on a 5X.

[@VendettaAS]

So, aside from the extra port on the EON MkII, is there a notable quality difference from the prism? I heard the added analog plugin makes a difference?