How to Connect a PC Engine or CoreGrafx to a Modern TV

Quick Answer

To connect a PC Engine or CoreGrafx to a modern TV, you need to handle two things: video and audio. For the best picture, use an HDMI upscaler or a component transcoder. For wireless controllers, add the PCE BT adapter and pair a modern Bluetooth gamepad.

The PC Engine and its CoreGrafx variants are beloved 16-bit consoles, but their original RF and composite outputs look soft and muddy on modern flat screens. If you want to enjoy your library on a contemporary TV, you'll need to bridge the gap between old-school AV and new-school displays.

This guide walks through the essential steps: choosing a video output method, setting up your console, and adding wireless controller support with the PCE BT adapter. We'll cover the tradeoffs of each approach so you can pick the setup that fits your budget and setup.

Check Your TV's Inputs

Before buying anything, look at what inputs your TV offers. Many modern TVs still include a composite (yellow RCA) input, but quality is often poor. Component (red, green, blue) inputs are less common but offer better color and sharpness. HDMI is the most reliable option, but it requires an upscaler or transcoder.

If your TV only has HDMI, you'll need an external device to convert the PC Engine's native RGB or composite signal. The RetroTINK RGB2COMP is a handy option—it converts RGB to component video, but you'll still need a component-to-HDMI converter or a TV with component inputs. For a direct HDMI solution, consider an upscaler like the RetroTINK 2X or 5X.

• Check your TV's manual or labeling for available inputs before purchasing any converter.
• If you're unsure, start with composite—it's the easiest but worst-looking option.

Get the Right Video Cable

The PC Engine and CoreGrafx output native RGB via the AV port, but the bundled cable is usually composite. To get RGB, you'll need a dedicated RGB SCART cable or a component cable if your console is modded. The PC Engine's RGB output is excellent when paired with an upscaler, offering crisp 240p visuals.

If you prefer a simpler setup, composite is fine for casual play but expect soft edges and color bleed. The RetroTINK RGB2COMP transcoder on this site converts RGB to component video, preserving much of the clarity while allowing you to use component inputs on a TV or external converter.

• RGB cables are more expensive but produce the sharpest image.
• Composite is a budget-friendly starting point but limits picture quality.

Connect Video and Audio

Once you have your cable, plug it into the console's AV port. For composite, connect the yellow RCA to the video input and the white/red to audio. For component, match the Y, Pb, Pr cables to the corresponding inputs—the RetroTINK RGB2COMP also passes audio through its RCA jacks.

If your TV lacks these inputs, use an HDMI converter. Many converters accept composite or component and output HDMI, but be aware that cheap converters may add lag or poor scaling. For best results, use an upscaler designed for retro consoles, such as the RetroTINK 2X or 5X, which handle 240p correctly and reduce lag.

• Always match audio cables to the same color inputs to avoid losing sound.
• Test the connection with a simple game before adjusting settings.

Add Wireless Controllers with the PCE BT Adapter

The PCE BT adapter plugs into the PC Engine's controller port and lets you use Bluetooth controllers from PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S & X, Switch Joy-Cons, and 8BitDo. This is a game-changer for retro play—no more tangled cables or standing close to the console.

The adapter runs on the BlueRetro platform, which is known for its low latency and broad compatibility. Setup is straightforward: plug it in, put your controller into pairing mode, and follow the adapter's pairing instructions (usually a button press). Once paired, the adapter remembers the controller, so you can power on and play quickly.

• Make sure your controller is in pairing mode before pressing the adapter's button.
• If you have trouble, update the controller's firmware or try a different controller.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

No signal? Check that the cable is fully seated in both the console and the TV. If using an upscaler, confirm it's set to the correct input. Audio issues often stem from mismatched RCA channels or a TV that only supports stereo on one input.

If your controller won't pair, power cycle the adapter and controller, then try again. Ensure the controller is compatible—the PCE BT supports specific models, and not all Bluetooth controllers work. Also, keep the adapter within a reasonable range to avoid interference.

• Reseat all cables before troubleshooting further.
• Update your controller's firmware if pairing fails repeatedly.

Step-by-Step Setup Checklist

1. Identify Your TV Inputs: Check if your TV has composite, component, or HDMI inputs. This determines which converters you'll need. If HDMI only, you'll need an upscaler or composite-to-HDMI adapter.
2. Choose a Video Cable: Decide between composite for ease or RGB for quality. For RGB, you'll need a SCART cable or component cable if modded. RGB is best for sharpness, but composite is a quick start.
3. Connect Video and Audio: Plug the cable into the console and TV, matching colors. If using a transcoder, connect SCART in and component out. Test with a simple game to verify both video and audio work.
4. Set Up the PCE BT Adapter: Plug the PCE BT into the controller port, put your Bluetooth controller in pairing mode, and press the adapter's button to pair. Once paired, it should reconnect automatically on subsequent sessions.
5. Adjust Display Settings: On your TV or upscaler, enable 4:3 aspect ratio and turn off any processing features like noise reduction or game mode off if possible. Enjoy your games without unnecessary lag or visual artifacts.

Hardware You Might Need

• PCE BT (CoreGrafx Colour) - PC Engine Bluetooth Adapter: The PCE BT is a Bluetooth Adapter that allows you to connect various Bluetooth controllers to your PC Engine, including PS3, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S & X, Switch Joy-Cons, 8BitDo, and others. It runs on the BlueRetro platform. This is the easiest way to use modern wireless controllers on your PC Engine or CoreGrafx, eliminating cable clutter and giving you freedom to sit back while playing.
• RetroTINK RGB2COMP RGB to Component Transcoder: Analog transcoder to convert RGB video to component video. Supports 240p/480i/288p/576i/480p/720p/1080i and custom resolutions. 1x SCART input, 5x RCA output. If you want better-than-composite quality without HDMI, this transcoder lets you use component inputs, which many retro enthusiasts consider a good balance of fidelity and cost.
• 8Bitdo Pro 3 Bluetooth Controller - G Classic: The 8Bitdo Pro 3 is compatible with Switch 1 & 2, Windows PC, Apple, SteamOS, and Android. It features swappable magnetic ABXY buttons and an integrated charging dock. This controller pairs nicely with the PCE BT adapter, offering a versatile gamepad that also works across your other devices, so you only need one controller for multiple systems.

With the right cables and a bit of setup, your PC Engine or CoreGrafx can look and play great on a modern TV. Start with a simple composite connection, then upgrade to RGB and the PCE BT adapter as your budget allows—the jump in quality and convenience is worth it.