51

Howdy.

I set up all of my old game consoles for fun, and feel like there must be a better way. I have an NES on the antenna connector (RG6?), about eight consoles on composite (Y/R/W), and four or five on HDMI. I still have my old school Composite switch, but I need more inputs, and it would be nice to be able to use the TV remote instead of getting my old bones up. My TV has two or three HDMI ports but I need a few more.

Do I just need an RF adapter, a bigger Composite switch, and some kind of HDMI switch, or is there another option I'm not thinking of?

Thanks!

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[-] RightHandOfIkaros@lemmy.world 3 points 1 day ago* (last edited 1 day ago)

Something I just thought of that I didn't before is powering the consoles on and off. You might be able to get a power strip with a wireless connection to remotely turn off individual outlets. Then you set each console to the on position and turn them off by turning off the outlet.

Not sure what the consequences on the hardware level would be, but essentially unplugging it from the wall while it is powered on doesn't usually harm a game console any different than just powering it off with the switch would. Maybe on the newer stuff, or the original Xbox maybe, since theyre more similar to PCs. But older stuff I can't see that being a problem.

If you wanted a truly remote setup, that is.

Wireless controllers hanging on the wall with receivers already plugged into the consoles, app controlled power outlets, remote for TV, and remote for input matrices. Might be able to consolidate with a control system or IR based solution to reduce to 1 remote for TV and input matrices. Flaschcart or modded consoles loaded with all the games already. Etc.

[-] worhui@lemmy.world 1 points 1 day ago

Sweet idea. Even more there are smart switches that can be controlled from a phone. Likey acnything that has composite but not hdmi can just be unplugged

Everything just plugs into one octopus adapter at the same time

this post was submitted on 21 May 2026
51 points (98.1% liked)

RetroGaming

28781 readers
93 users here now

Vintage gaming community.

Rules:

  1. Be kind.
  2. No spam, AI slop, or soliciting for money.
  3. No racism or other bigotry allowed.
  4. Obviously nothing illegal.

If you see these please report them.

founded 3 years ago
MODERATORS