To hook a Nintendo 64 to a smart TV, you need an AV-to-HDMI converter because modern smart TVs lack the analog RCA inputs the console uses, the same challenge you face when you hook up my DVD player to my smart TV or hook up a VCR to a smart TV. The process takes about five minutes: connect the N64's cables to the converter, plug the converter into the TV via HDMI, then adjust a few TV settings for the best picture.
What you need to hook a Nintendo 64 to a smart TV
Gather these items before starting. The N64 console itself, its original AV cable (the one with yellow, red, and white RCA plugs), an AV-to-HDMI converter, an HDMI cable, and the converter's USB power cable. You'll also need the N64's AC adapter and a controller. The converter is the key piece, it translates the console's analog signal into digital HDMI that your smart TV can display. Most converters include the USB power cable, but if yours didn't, any standard USB power adapter will work.
Connect the Nintendo 64 to the AV to HDMI converter
Start with the N64's AV cable. Plug the multi-out end into the console's back port labeled "MULTI OUT." Then take the other end, the three RCA plugs, and connect them to the converter's input side. Match the colors exactly: yellow into the yellow video port, red into the red audio port, and white into the white audio port.
Next, power the converter. Plug its USB cable into the converter's power port, then connect the other end to a USB power source. This can be a wall adapter, a USB port on your TV, or even a power strip with USB outlets. The converter needs this external power because it actively processes the analog signal, it won't draw enough from the HDMI connection alone. Once powered, a small LED on the converter should light up.
Connect the converter to your smart TV
Take the HDMI cable and plug one end into the converter's output port, labeled "HDMI OUT." Plug the other end into any available HDMI port on your smart TV. The port number doesn't matter, just remember which one you used, because you'll need to select it as the input source. Most smart TVs have multiple HDMI ports on the back or side, often labeled "HDMI 1," "HDMI 2," and so on. Choose the one that's easiest to reach, but avoid ports that are already in use by other devices like a cable box or streaming stick.
Configure your smart TV for the best picture
Turn on your smart TV and press the "Input" or "Source" button on your remote. Select the HDMI port where you plugged in the converter. You should see the N64's menu or a game screen appear, but it may not look right yet.
Next, look for a "Game Mode" setting in your TV's picture menu. This mode disables most of the TV's post-processing effects, like motion smoothing and noise reduction, which can add noticeable input lag. Input lag is the delay between pressing a button on the controller and seeing the action on screen, it can make fast-paced games like Super Mario 64 feel unresponsive. Game Mode reduces this delay significantly.
Why the picture looks bad and how to fix it
Even with the correct settings, you may notice the image looks soft, smeared, or has a shimmering pattern on edges. This is normal, the N64's composite video output (the yellow cable) is the lowest-quality analog signal available. The TV has to upscale that low-resolution signal to fill the screen, which amplifies these flaws.
The simplest upgrade is to switch from composite to S-Video. S-Video separates the brightness (luma) and color (chroma) signals, which eliminates dot crawl and produces a noticeably sharper image with cleaner colors. You'll need an S-Video cable for the N64 and a converter that accepts S-Video input, check the converter's ports before buying. Note that NTSC consoles (North American and Japanese models) support S-Video, but some PAL (European) consoles do not. If you use S-Video, you still plug the red and white audio cables into the converter's audio inputs, but the yellow video cable stays unplugged.
For the absolute best picture quality, you could consider a dedicated N64 HDMI adapter like the EON Super 64, which pulls the console's S-Video signal and scales it to 480p over HDMI with minimal lag. These are plug-and-play devices that require no console modification. Internal HDMI mods like the N64Digital or UltraHDMI require opening the console and soldering, so they're not for casual users. External upscalers like the RetroTINK or OSSC also significantly improve the image by line-doubling the analog signal, but they cost more than a basic converter.
Test your Nintendo 64 gameplay
With everything connected and the TV configured, power on the N64 console. Insert a game cartridge and press the power button. You should see the game's title screen on your TV within a few seconds. Listen for audio coming through your TV's speakers, if you hear nothing, check that the red and white audio cables are firmly seated in the converter and that the TV volume is turned up. Move the controller's joystick and press a few buttons to confirm the inputs register. If the controller doesn't respond, unplug it and plug it back in, or try a different controller port on the console. Play for a few minutes to verify there's no noticeable input lag or visual artifacts. Once everything feels responsive and looks acceptable, you're ready to enjoy your N64 games on the big screen.
For the wider topic, see watching live TV on a smart TV.
