Modern TVs are convenient, but lag, scaling, and soft filters can muddy the look of older systems. A decent CRT is still the most authentic way to play much of the catalog — if you have the space.
What to look for#
For 8- and 16-bit consoles, a 14" consumer CRT with composite or S-Video inputs is a solid start. Avoid hauling home broken sets; good ones still show up for free locally.
Safety first#
CRTs store high voltage even when unplugged. Do not open the chassis unless you know what you are doing. Cleaning the shell and checking inputs is usually enough for beginners.
Cables matter#
RGB is ideal where supported (especially for SNES and Genesis), but S-Video is a huge upgrade over composite. Match the cable to your console and region.
When to stop tweaking#
One good display, sensible cables, and a power strip is enough to enjoy the library. You can chase PVMs and switchers later — play games first.