How To Connect MORE Video Game Systems to Your TV or Upscaler!

In this episode, we look to Add More Inputs to our RetroTink 5x Upscaler with the 6x2 SCART & Component Video Switch.

0:00 - Intro
1:45 - Device Overview
3:47 - Case Issues
5:40 - Testing Super Famicom (Super Mario Collection)
8:10 - Testing Sharp Famicom Twin (Legend of Zelda)
9:57 - Testing Sega Genesis (Earthworm Jim)
12:44 - Final Thoughts

It never fails, just when I get everything hooked up in my gaming system I have to connect another device I hadn't accounted for. Or sometimes I get an awesome way to connect a device and I want to put more devices through there. This has happened to me more times than I'd like to count, and most recently I ran into this issue after upgrading to the RetroTink 5x. See, prior to the 5x, I ran my retro gaming consoles through a RetroTink 2x Pro, a RetroTink Multiformat, a RetroTink SCART, and, oh yeah, through my OSSC. Now, I have been able to consolidate all of that into one device, but the problem is how am I going to connect all these systems into it? The answer is the RGB SCART 6x2 Manual Switch that you see here.

There are a number of similar devices to this, some which only do SCART In/SCART Out. Some do SCART and Component & Composite as well. That is the version I opted for, as I had planned on connecting my Super Famicom Jr, TurboGrafx 16, JVC X'EYE and Sega Master System via Insurrection Industries RGB SCART cables into this device. I had also intended on connecting my Sega Saturn via HD Retrovision Component Video Cables and my Sharp Famicom Twin via a Composite to SCART Adapter. From all these inputs, I intended on connecting to the SCART input on my RetroTink 5x, using the manual switch box to move from one to the next to the next. With this in mind, I placed my order and waited. After about 2 weeks, I was happy with what I received. Mostly.

The build quality is very good on this switch box. The push buttons are very clicky and precise, the SCART & RCA Jacks all seemed like they were quality constructed and securely mounted inside the switch, and the optional plexiglass case was really nice. I did run into an issue with the case however, as both the SCART cable I bought to connect to my RetroTink 5x and the SCART to Composite adapter had issues with the outer casing. They just couldn't reach the ports on the board, the openings were too small and the case slightly too tall. I ended up removing the top of the case, and once done I didn't have any further issues, however this does reduce the need to buy the case in the first place.

As I said, my intention was to use a combination of Component and SCART cables with this switch, however I discovered early on that this just wasn't possible. The way the switch is wired, you have to use the same output connection as the input for SCART or Component. The reason why this isn't an issue with Composite is that there's in integrated Composite to SCART converter built into the switch itself, and that handles and eliminates any signal issues. There just isn't the Component to SCART or vice versa built into this. If I didn't have my Psyclone 4-port component video switcher I may just use this for everything, but then again it doesn't have quite enough inputs for all that.

Once I had all my Insurrection Industries cables connected, I was blown away at the quality of the video and the responsiveness while playing. There was no noticeable lag or delay introduced by this setup, regardless of the original system connected. Even playing my Sharp Famicom Twin via either the SCART to Composite adapter or going into input #6 via RCA jacks, it just worked wonderfully. In the end, this was almost precisely what I wanted, I just needed to replace the Component cables for the Master System and Saturn with SCART cables and I was ready to play.

Why it RoX:
- Adds 6 inputs to your gaming setup
- RGB is truly beautiful
- Good construction
- Selector switches are very positive feeling
- Can input or output via Component or SCART
- Power supply not required
- Under $125 with priority shipping

What could be improved?
- Enclosure openings aren't large enough for all SCART connectors
- Cannot output Component via SCART or vice versa

Should you buy one?
If you need to add more devices to a SCART or Component video input, this is a great device to do just that. I was disappointed that my SCART Cables and adapter didn't fit thru the case, and also bummed that I couldn't output component video via RGB SCART, but these are minor gripes of an otherwise terrific device. This is something that will be a permanent fixture in my gaming setup and I am thankful that it simply works so very well.

#SCARTSwitch #RetroTink5x #RGB #RetroGames #VideoSwitchBox

Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCznAOWQLsiCAMNRq9fzQJpw/join

The footage used in this review are used under the Fair Use laws, referenced below:

https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/17/107