Best way to maximize GameCube graphics

[peep6543]

I run a projector via HDMI from a Pioneer Elite VSX receiver. I plugged in the A/V cables from the console and the graphics are quite fuzzy, moreso than should be.

I'm curious if the Pioneer is already trying to recreate the composite image or if the HDMI converter on Amazon will make the difference? I know more about the 4k upscaling of a 1080 source with the Pioneer than I do its 480 processing, if any.

There will be a 64 in the mix shortly as well so the best practice will be applied to that console well.

[captainsolo]

Go component for Gamecube and it makes a world of difference. Of course you'd need the insanely expensive nintendo component cable and a first gen console. The cheap way out is to get a first gen Wii for $20 and a $2 component cable. That is about 90% as good as the uber expensive first option.

N64 is much more difficult and the only thing you can do short of modding the console or emulating is to track down an s-video cable for slightly better picture than composite. The video out is notoriously poor and in gaming circles it's still a challenge to find the best method of improving the video out signal.

[peep6543]

Ok thanks for that information. Is there a reason there aren't any third party component cables for the GameCube/N64 instead of $300 old stock?

For $15 I might try the HDMI converter inline to the receiver and see if things help a bit. I'm not expecting to play PS4 here, I'd just like a fairly accurate picture. I also understand projecting to 100" ten ft away won't make the image look excellent.

[peep6543]

the HDMI interface showed up and I think it made a slight improvement. I also have a 10+ year old LG plasma with a/v jacks. After using that display I think it looks even better.

I'll try all options with 64 here shortly.

[jimidini]

Why not use a Wii U to play the games?
That will give you a direct HDMI signal.
You will have to rip the games on a Wii though to play them, because the disc drive of the Wii U can't handle Gamecube discs.
And you will of course also have to Homebrew channel the Wii compatibility mode of the Wii U.

But then you will even be able to play games using Wii U pro controllers wirelessly.

[peep6543]

Originally Posted by jimidini

Why not use a Wii U to play the games?
That will give you a direct HDMI signal.
You will have to rip the games on a Wii though to play them, because the disc drive of the Wii U can't handle Gamecube discs.
And you will of course also have to Homebrew channel the Wii compatibility mode of the Wii U.

But then you will even be able to play games using Wii U pro controllers wirelessly.

1) because I only have 1 game
2) the Wii U I'd about 4 times what I got the GameCube for from a garage sale
3) my real interest is playing 64 when it arrives.

Bc the GameCube and 64 share the same AV jack. I was hoping.to find a simple and inexpensive solution that would apply to both consoles.

But I do appreciate the recommendation, that would be the absolute best way to do it.

[albertbj]

If you're limiting yourself to using analog cables, then this is probably your best bet. The included S-Video cable will work with the N64 and GC (also SNES), and the device itself will work with any older systems (pre-HD).

https://www.retrotink.com/product-page/2x-mini

Second-best would be one of those Pound or Hyperkin HDMI adapters. They're cheaper ($30), but you'll likely get a blurrier and darker image, as well as some slight lag.

[hanshotfirst1138]

I cherish my GameCube component cable cable. Every day.

[peep6543]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I guess I should have mentioned the GameCube was $20 and the 64 is free from a family member. Therefore I don't want to spend $80 for an interface.

But for discussion I still have a few questions. Does the S-video connection for that retrolink make a substantial difference over the $15 HDMI converter I got on Amazon? I'm still curious why there isn't a third party component cable option? Seems enough people know there is a market for it, I don't know enough about how they are produced.

[albertbj]

Originally Posted by peep6543

Thanks for the replies everyone. I guess I should have mentioned the GameCube was $20 and the 64 is free from a family member. Therefore I don't want to spend $80 for an interface.

But for discussion I still have a few questions. Does the S-video connection for that retrolink make a substantial difference over the $15 HDMI converter I got on Amazon? I'm still curious why there isn't a third party component cable option? Seems enough people know there is a market for it, I don't know enough about how they are produced.

One of the main selling points of the Retrotink is that it doesn't add any lag, unlike most upscalers, and its near-universal compatibility. But if you're satisfied with the results you're getting now, the difference between composite-to-HDMI and the s-video/Retrotink combination probably wouldn't be enough to justify the additional cost.

As to why there were never any 3rd-party component cables for the GC, I don't remember if it was a proprietary issue, or if there simply wasn't enough demand back in the day. Nintendo even removed the digital a/v output about halfway or so through the system's life cycle, which could also have discouraged 3rd-parties from releasing a cable for it.