Using a cheap PS2 to HDMI adapter ruined my experience

It might not feel like it, but your PS2 is very much a retro console nowadays, and it’s getting harder and harder to use one. Aside from tracking one down in working condition, you need to find adapters to get it working on your smart TV. You can’t simply plug your PS2 into a modern 4K TV because your PS2 doesn’t have an HDMI port. There are a few ways around this, and if you’re not looking for the best quality, it can be very cheap too.

You can find a bunch of options on Amazon ranging from around $10 to $30 if you type in PS2 to HDMI adapter, so you have your pick from dozens. I got mine so long ago that I can’t even remember where it came from, but it looks quite similar to the results on Amazon. These aren’t the best, but they’re far cheaper than going for a high-end RetroTINK device. Of course, this is a situation where you get what you pay for, and I wouldn’t recommend cheaping out if you don’t have to. It works, but the experience leaves a lot to be desired.

Cheap PS2 to HDMI adapters aren’t the greatest

Don’t do it if you can afford it

Using a cheap adapter lets you relive your childhood for an afternoon, but if you’re at all serious about getting the best experience, you should avoid it. Going with a no-brand adapter results in a poor input lag, a rough looking image, and a negative experience overall. I managed to beat the Star Wars Episode 3 game over the course of a day, but I haven’t gone back to my PS2 on my smart TV since.

Fortunately, I have a trio of CRT TVs I can use my PS2 with, so if I want the authentic experience, it’s sitting right there for me. Thankfully, the cost of admission wasn’t very high to begin with, so although the experience was largely a dud, I didn’t break the bank.

I get why you’d want to do it, however, and there are scenarios where using a cheap adapter makes sense. With games like Final Fantasy, fast inputs aren’t necessary, unless you’re dodging lightning bolts in FF10, which means you don’t need to worry about anything like this. There are plenty of games that fit that bill, but the likes of Tekken and Gran Turismo do not.

Upscalers have gotten much better, but also much more expensive

You get what you pay for

In a world where money isn’t an issue, a RetroTINK makes plenty of sense. The only problem is these devices cost hundreds of dollars, and it’s not worth it if you’re only using your PS2 once in a blue moon. In this scenario, a cheap device makes a lot of sense.

Retro gaming is picking up steam, and a lot of people are starting to realize a fully digital world isn’t the best for them. The only problem is CRT TVs are becoming increasingly difficult to find, and that means people have to hook up their old consoles to their modern TVs.

There are other alternatives as well, such as offerings from Analogue. This is a company that specializes in retro gaming, and if you want to get your hands on a Game Boy or N64 that can plug into your TV natively, this is a good option. Nintendo’s mini consoles aren’t a bad idea either, and there’s also the Raspberry Pi that can connect with an HDMI cable. You can also try your hand at emulation on your phone.

The point is, there are plenty of options available, but if you want to stick with the original hardware, you’ll either need to spend a lot of money on a good adapter or go with something of lesser quality. It comes down to personal preference, so weigh your options and find out what works best for you. For me, I’d go with a more expensive adapter.