How to Set Up a YPbPr Component Cable for SNES

By Stone Age Gamer | Published: 2026-10-27

Category: How-to Guides

Upgrade your Super Nintendo's video output with an HD Retrovision YPbPr component cable. This guide walks you through setup, compatibility checks, and common mistakes.

Quick Answer

To get the best picture from your Super NES on a modern TV, connect an HD Retrovision YPbPr component cable directly to a display that supports 240p over component. Follow the steps below for a clean, color-accurate setup.

Why Component Video Beats Composite

If you've been playing your Super NES with the stock composite cable, you've likely noticed color bleeding and dot crawl, especially on text and detailed sprites. Component video separates the signal into luminance and two color channels, which eliminates most of that interference and gives you a sharper, more stable image.

The HD Retrovision cable is designed specifically for the SNES's native RGB output, converting it to YPbPr without needing a separate converter box. That means you can enjoy a significant visual upgrade on an HDTV that supports 240p, without modding your console.

Step-by-Step Setup

Check Your TV's Inputs: Make sure your HDTV has a component video input (usually labeled YPbPr or Component) and supports 240p over that input. Most TVs made in the last decade do, but some budget models may not. If your TV lacks component inputs, you'll need a different solution. If your TV doesn't accept 240p over component, the cable won't display a picture—check the manual or test with another 240p source.
Connect the Cable to Your SNES: Plug the HD Retrovision cable into the multi-out port on the back of your Super NES. Make sure it's fully seated and the connector is oriented correctly—don't force it. A loose connection can cause a flickering or black image, so double-check the fit.
Connect to Your TV: Attach the red, green, and blue RCA plugs to the corresponding component inputs on your TV. The red and white audio plugs go into the matching audio jacks. Ensure the colors match exactly. Mismatching the green plug with the yellow composite input is a common mistake—component and composite are not interchangeable.
Power On and Select the Input: Turn on your SNES and switch your TV to the component input you used. If you see a picture, you're done. If not, check your TV's input labeling—some TVs label component inputs as 'AV2' or 'YPbPr'. If the screen is black or shows 'No Signal', cycle through your TV's inputs to find the correct one.
Adjust Picture Settings (Optional): Once you have a picture, tweak your TV's sharpness and color settings to your liking. Some TVs may apply extra processing to 240p signals, so look for a 'Game Mode' or 'PC' input label to reduce lag and artifacts. If the image looks soft or has artifacts, disable any 'Noise Reduction' or 'Edge Enhancement' features on your TV.

The Cable That Makes It Possible

YPbPr Component Cable for Super NES - HD Retrovision: The HD Retrovision SNES YPbPr Component Cable eliminates color striping and bleeding that you'd see with older cables. This gives you a much cleaner, more accurate picture on modern displays, making games like Mega Man X and Star Fox look noticeably better.
YPbPr Component Cable for Super NES - HD Retrovision