Why Do Old Games Look Worse on New TVs?

Have you ever experienced the phenomenon where your favorite old game looks considerably worse when played on a modern TV? It's a common complaint among retro gamers, but what's the technical explanation behind it?

Technological Advancements in Graphics

One of the primary reasons modern TVs make old games look worse is the significant advancements in computer graphics technology. Games today are designed with 4K displays in mind, meaning these games are created with incredibly detailed graphics that can be displayed on high-resolution screens. This is in stark contrast to the simpler graphics of yesteryear, which were limited by hardware constraints.

Old games were often designed to run on lower-resolution screens, using techniques like limited polygon counts and rudimentary coloring to create visual assets. In the early days, there were also limitations in terms of texturing. For instance, hardware like the Amiga had medium and high resolution modes, but these still don't come close to the capabilities of today's gaming hardware.

Resolution and Display Capabilities

The other factor at play is the difference in display capabilities. In the past, games were designed for smaller screens, often 32240 or 32256 resolution outputs. These were commonly displayed on old CRT TVs, which could easily handle the low-resolution output due to their pixel-forgiving nature. Newer TVs, however, have much larger screens with much higher resolution (often 4K and above), leading to a magnification of the pixel structure.

When older games are played on these large modern screens, the TV has to upscale the image. This process can result in blocky and less detailed visuals, especially if the game wasn't designed to handle upscaling. This becomes particularly noticeable on larger screens that are not designed to accommodate the original resolution of the game.

Upscaling Issues and Benefits

While upscaling can make the image larger and potentially fill the screen more efficiently, it also has its downsides. The process of converting the original low-resolution image to high-resolution can lead to what is known as 'aliasing' or 'jaggies,' causing visual artifacts that weren't present in the original game. This often results in a less visually appealing experience for players nostalgic for the original game's graphics.

For those who wish to preserve the original look of the game, there are settings on modern TVs that can be adjusted to emulate the look of older screens. By making the picture more grainy and washed out, you can achieve a similar visual effect to what you would have experienced on an old CRT TV. This can be a great way to maintain the nostalgic experience while playing on a modern display.

Finally, it's important to recognize that not all modern displays will make old games look worse. Some gamers report that modern TVs, especially those with better picture quality settings, can actually enhance the visual experience of older games, especially when played in lower resolutions or original formats.

Understanding these factors can help us appreciate both the strides in technology and the enduring appeal of classic games, even when played on advanced display equipment. Whether you're a fan of the retro look or enjoy the modern detail, there is something for everyone in the vibrant world of video games.