You can use a computer monitor to play the console if you don't have a TV. Computer monitors are usually cheaper than TVs, and many people have old, unused monitors that can still be used to play old games. To follow this guide, you'll be doing a little extra work and needing a few converter boxes, but as a result you'll be able to connect almost any console to a computer monitor.
Step
Part 1 of 3: Before Connecting Your Device
Step 1. Know which monitor will give the best results
If you have multiple monitors, you may need to think for a moment to decide which monitor will give you the best experience playing your console. Each console requires a different screen. If you want to get the full gaming experience, you need to use the best monitor for your console.
- Older consoles that do not produce a High Definition (HD) display will look better when connected to a tube monitor (CRT). A CRT monitor will display a more accurate image for a game system like the NES or Sega Genesis. In addition to its better picture quality, using a CRT monitor will increase your control over your gameplay in games, due to the monitor's higher refresh rate. Refresh rate is the speed at which the monitor refreshes the image on the screen. Connecting an older console to an HD monitor can result in poor game control due to a low refresh rate and also stretch the image.
- You'll get the best picture for the latest consoles like PS4 or Xbox One if you connect it to a full HD 1080p monitor. On the other hand, connecting an HD console to a CRT monitor will cause the displayed image to become blurry.
Step 2. Determine what connections are available on your monitor
This is the most important step that you should know before you start connecting the console. Most modern monitors have HDMI and DVI ports, and some have VGA ports. Older monitors may only have VGA and DVI ports, or VGA only. Few monitors have the composite port (RCA) used by many older consoles. Most modern consoles can be connected via HDMI ports and most modern monitor ports are on the back. Many cheap monitors only have one port. Older monitors may not have a detachable cable.
- HDMI – This cable looks like a long USB head with notches at both ends. This cable is the most commonly used connector for modern monitors and consoles.
- DVI – This 24-pin connector cable is another connector that is often used in monitors, although it can't be used on any gaming system. Fortunately, the cable can be used using a converter.
- VGA – This cable is the standard cable for monitors, and the 15-pin connector on the cable is usually blue. Most new monitors don't have this connector and not a single console does, but you can use a converter to use it.
Step 3. Verify what connections are available on your console
Each console has a different way of connecting its console to the screen. HDMI is the newest display connecting port, while RCA and RF ports are the oldest.
- PS4, Xbox One, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii U – All of these consoles have an HDMI port, except for the original Xbox 360. These consoles provide component cable ports, although few monitors have one.
- Wii, PS2, XBOX, Gamecube, Nintendo 64, PS1, Super Nintendo, Genesis – All these consoles have composite cable ports. The Wii, PS2, and Xbox also provide component and S-Video cable ports, although it's really hard to find a monitor that does. Older consoles also had an RF (coaxial) port which was not found on any monitor.
Step 4. Get the right cable (if needed)
Most consoles only come with one video cable. Your PS3 may come with a composite cable, but the console provides an HDMI port. Get the cables needed to connect the console to the monitor.
An HDMI cable can be used for all devices that provide an HDMI port. Older cables require a cable that your console can connect to. For example, you can use the same HDMI cable for your Xbox 360 and PS3, but if you're connecting your console using a component cable, you'll need the appropriate cable for the console
Step 5. Get a converter box (if needed)
You may need a device that can convert an HDMI or DVI cable to fit older console ports in order to connect the console to a new monitor. Many converters available. You can get a converter box that supports multiple ports on older consoles that can be connected to a monitor using an HDMI or DVI cable.
If your console only provides an HDMI port, and your monitor only provides a DVI port, you can get an HDMI-to-DVI converter or a dedicated cable
Step 6. Get an audio converter (if needed)
You will need a converter to connect the console audio cable to PC speakers or speakers. If you are connecting via the HDMI port, you will need a separate audio cable when connecting the console to the monitor, as HDMI cables cannot connect to the speaker port.
Some converter boxes may provide an audio connection as well
Part 2 of 3: Connecting the Console
Step 1. Connect the HDMI cable to the console and monitor
If you use an HDMI cable, you will save a lot of time when connecting the console. Connect one end of the HDMI cable to the console and the other end to the monitor. After connecting your console, follow the next guide to turn on the audio.
Step 2. Connect your console's video cable to the converter box
You will need to use a converter box to connect the monitor to most older consoles. Put the plug into the converter box according to their respective colors. Make sure the console plugs are in the same group.
Many converter boxes have an analog pass-through feature that can be connected to your computer. This feature allows you to use your computer and console interchangeably. If your converter box provides this feature, be sure to connect the box to your computer monitor port
Step 3. Connect the converter box to your monitor
Use an HDMI, DVI, or VGA cable (depending on the box) to connect the output of the converter box to the input of your monitor. Make sure the monitor is not turned on when you attach the VGA cable.
Step 4. Choose the right input
Select the correct input to bring up your console screen. If you only have one input, you can see what your console screen looks like as long as the monitor and console are on.
Part 3 of 3: Turning on the Audio
Step 1. Connect a separate audio cable for HDMI connection
This audio cable should be adjusted to the type of console. You can use a composite cable or component cable to deliver the audio signal when connecting the device via HDMI.
Step 2. Connect the audio cable to the converter
Most converter boxes have an input port and an output port. Connect the two audio cables (red and white) to the same colored plug in the input port on the box.
Step 3. Connect speakers or headphones to the box's output port
Match the speaker plug to the color when you connect the computer speakers. Use the green plug on the converter to connect headphones. Some converters only deliver to one plug, so you can connect speakers or headphones to that plug.
Step 4. Set your console's audio output (for HDMI connection)
You will need to adjust your console settings so that your console delivers its sound not via the HDMI cable, but via the audio cable.
