Retro gaming enthusiasts and Nintendo Switch users can get a nice Cyber Monday deal on the mClassic Graphics Upscaler at Amazon. The mClassic is very rarely discounted outside of these massive annual sales events, so it could be awhile until another deal rolls around.
$85 (was $100)
For many, the mClassic’s main draw is its Nintendo Switch features. It offers noticeable visual upgrades–though the degree to which you notice the differences depends on how discerning you are when it comes to graphics. Switch games can be upscaled up to 1440p at 60fps or 4K at 30fps. It has built-in anti-aliasing tech that smooths jagged edges and sharpens the picture. The exact boost in visual fidelity varies based on the game, in our experience–and you aren’t getting true 4K like the PS5 and Xbox Series X.
On consoles with HDMI such as Switch, PS3, and Xbox 360 (besides first-gen 360 consoles), all you need to do is plug it into your console, connect the included power cable, and then reconnect your HDMI cable from your TV into the mClassic dongle.
The mClassic substantially improves the overall picture quality and playability of game consoles from the pre-HD era–Super Nintendo, N64, GameCube, etc.–on modern flat-screen 4K and HD TVs. We tested the mClassic a couple years back and were extremely impressed by its performance with retro consoles. A CRT TV is still clearly the best option for retro gaming, but the mClassic is a great option for those who don’t want to deal with the bulk of a box TV or the hassle of finding one in general.
Note: Game consoles without an HDMI port–like the aforementioned retro Nintendo consoles–require the mClassic to be connected to an adapter, such as this $30 model or this one for $15.
On the side of the dongle, you’ll find a switch that lets you toggle the enhancements on and off. There’s also a mode designed for retro consoles built to display in a 4:3 aspect ratio (like “square” CRT TVs). Depending on the retro game you’re playing, you’ll probably want to turn this mode on instead of using the default widescreen setting that stretches the image. The mClassic still upscales the picture, even when using the retro mode’s 4:3 aspect ratio.
The mClassic’s manufacturer Marseille recommends locking your Nintendo Switch to 720p while docked–the resolution for handheld mode–for the best results. Based on our testing, we agree with that recommendation, but don’t forget to turn 1080p back on before you play without the mClassic.
If you’re worried about an increase in latency due to your HDMI cable passing through the dongle, we’ve never noticed any. Marseille claims the device adds an average of 0.2ms on this front, but you’d probably need to be a cyborg to notice. The mClassic also has lossless audio passthrough.
Keep in mind you also need to be playing on a TV or monitor with support for 1440p or 4K resolution to take full advantage of the mClassic’s features. However, if you are playing on a 1080p panel, the mClassic still offers an improvement in picture quality.
For more discounts on gaming and tech products as well as Blu-rays, Lego sets, books, and more, check out GameSpot’s Black Friday and Cyber Monday hub.
