Using RGB Scart on the SNES, N64 and Gamecube

If you are trying to get the best picture possible from your SNES, N64 or Gamecube, using an RGB Scart cable is the best quality solution. The resolution and clarity that you get with the RGB Scart cable is much better than S-Video or standard AV, however there are some compatibility issues.

Nintendo has engineered some of their systems so that RGB output is restricted. Here are the basics on which systems restrict RGB Scart output, and of those which ones can be upgraded or modified to use RGB Scart.

The SNES, N64 and Gamecube all come in two versions: the USA / JAP version which is designed to work with NTSC style television signals, and the PAL version which is used throughout Europe and other locations where the PAL standard is followed. If you have a SNES which is USA / JAP, or a Gamecube which is PAL, you will be able to get RGB Scart output simply by getting an inexpensive RGB Scart cable to plug in.

If, on the other hand, you have a SNES from the PAL region, the cables will need to be modified before it will work. It’s a fairly simple modification that just requires soldering out some resistors.

With a USA / JAP N64, you will need the console itself modified to work with the RGB Scart cable. This is a lot trickier and we advise only the experienced to go down this route. A PAL N64 cannot be modified to work with the RGB Scart cable.

Surprisingly, Nintendo of Europe gave us UK gamers a break, as PAL ‘cubes require no modifications to work with RGB Scarts straight out the box. However, if you own a Gamecube from the USA / JAP region, there’s a cable mod that can be performed to enable RGB.

Which Wii AV Cable Should I Buy?

When it comes to connecting the Wii to your TV, you've got a lot more options than simply using the composite cable that comes in the box. Though the composite cable is great for small Televisions, if you really want to get the most out of TV, it's worth upgrading.

It's important to realise: you can't use RGB Scart cables on a US/Japanese Wii and you can't use S-video on a UK Wii. This is true of all Wii cables and is due to limitations built into the consoles by Nintendo - there's no way around it. So here goes...

Wii Component Cable (£7.49)

If you have a HDTV with a component input (like the picture below), this is without doubt the best cable to have. The video signal is split over three separate cables to give a pin sharp image, and you can run your Wii in progressive scan at 480p.

Wii S-Video Cable (£6.99)

If you have a US or Japanese Wii and don't have a HDTV, the Wii S-Video Cable gives the best picture, superior to the default composite cable that comes with the console. This won't work on a UK/European console.

Wii RGB Scart Cable (£7.99 / £5.99)

If you have a UK Wii and no HDTV, the Wii RGB Scart Cable give a picture that's better than both the original composite cable and S-video. We offer two types of Wii RGB Scart cable, the Talismoon one includes separate red/white audio phonos so you can connect to speakers and a slightly cheaper version without the audio phonos: