By Marseille’s mClassic graphics enhancers for classic and contemporary gaming systems are currently priced at $80 each for Amazon Gaming Week. This offer matches the lowest price ever for the original version and sets a new record low for the recently launched specialized editions. The mClassic Switch Edition is specifically designed to upscale graphics for the Switch and other widescreen devices like the Steam Deck. On the other hand, the mClassic Retro Edition caters to gamers seeking to enhance the visuals of older titles originally made for 4:3 aspect ratio screens on today’s HD and 4K televisions.
The original mClassic Graphics Enhancer is still in production and is also selling for $80 (previously $100) as it provides a versatile experience with upgraded visuals for both current and vintage games. The new versions maintain the same key enhancement features while introducing two additional visual modes each. Let’s dive deeper into the three options outlined below.
mClassic Graphics Enhancers — $80 ($100)
- Original Edition – Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and retro platforms
- Switch Edition – Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, other 16:9 platforms
- Retro Edition – Classic games with 4:3 aspect ratio (N64, PS2, GameCube, SNES, etc.)
mClassic Graphics Enhancer (Original Model)
$80 (was $100)
The original mClassic Graphics Enhancer provides a blend of the two newly released specialized editions. It features modes tailored for games that operate in 16:9 aspect ratio (widescreen) along with technology aimed at improving the picture excellence and efficiency of vintage games created for 4:3 aspect ratio televisions.
The mClassic demonstrates significant visual improvements—though the extent to which these differences are noticeable depends on your sensitivity to graphics quality. Switch games can be enhanced up to 1440p at 60fps. It includes built-in anti-aliasing technology that smooths rough edges and clarifies images. The precise boost in visual fidelity may vary based on the game, based on our observations.
For consoles equipped with HDMI, like Switch, PS3, and Xbox 360 (excluding first-gen 360 systems), simply connect it to your console, attach the provided power cable, and then reconnect your HDMI cable from your TV to the mClassic dongle.
The mClassic enhances the overall image quality and gameplay of consoles from the pre-HD era—Super Nintendo, N64, GameCube, etc.—when viewed on modern 4K and HD flat-screen TVs. While a CRT television remains the optimal choice for retro gaming, the mClassic presents an excellent alternative for individuals who prefer not to manage the bulkiness of a box TV or the challenges of sourcing one.
A switch located on the dongle allows users to alternate between modern and retro modes. The third “mode” on the original mClassic simply disables the device’s graphics processor.
- Enhancement On: Refines the visuals/performance of widescreen systems, including Nintendo Switch and Steam Deck.
- Retro Mode: Lets you enjoy retro games in a 4:3 aspect ratio on modern screens, significantly enhancing the image quality of titles designed for CRT televisions.
Note: Game consoles lacking…
An HDMI port—similar to the previously mentioned nostalgic Nintendo consoles—requires the mClassic to be connected to an adapter, such as this $30 option or this one priced at $24.
mClassic Graphics Upscaler (Nintendo Switch Edition)
$80 (was $100)
The mClassic Switch Edition is tailored specifically for contemporary gaming systems that utilize widescreen formats (16:9). Marseille has consistently directed this device toward the Switch, hence its inclusion in the model’s title. Nonetheless, the mClassic Switch Edition is also compatible with devices like Steam Deck, PS3, Xbox 360, and others that feature widescreen aspect ratios but don’t support 1440p or 4K resolutions.
While performance on Switch may differ from game to game, the mClassic Switch Edition can upscale to 1440p at 60fps.
Users can switch between three distinct visual modes on the mClassic Switch Edition:
- Enhancement On: This mode provides all the advantages of the “Enhancement On” feature found in the original mClassic.
- Switch Plus: Simulates Switch handheld mode while displayed on a television. If you believe Switch games appear better in handheld form—and many share that sentiment—this option may be favored over the original enhancement mode.
- Switch Enhance Mode: This mode aims to replicate key advantages of OLED television displays, particularly enhanced contrast and clarity in dark scenes.
mClassic Graphics Upscaler (Retro Edition)
$80 (was $100)
The latest mClassic Retro Edition features three different styles specifically aimed at consoles released before the high-definition period. If you’re obtaining the mClassic to enjoy games on SNES, GameCube, PlayStation 2, Sega Genesis, Nintendo 64, or any other system designed for a 4:3 aspect ratio, the Retro Edition is your best selection.
It includes three modes for you to switch between:
- Retro Mode: Showcases games in their native 4:3 aspect ratio with enhanced resolution.
- Vintage Mode: Mimics the appearance and sound of CRT TVs in a 4:3 ratio. This option preserves colors, lighting, and audio for a true-to-life experience.
- Vintage Enhance Mode: Combines aspects of both Retro and Vintage Modes, striking a balance between authenticity and visual upgrades.
Note: Game consoles lacking an HDMI port—such as the previously mentioned retro Nintendo consoles—must use the mClassic Original or mClassic Retro connected via an adapter, like this $30 option or this one priced at $24.
Marseille advises locking your Nintendo Switch to 720p while docked—this being the resolution for handheld mode—for optimal performance. Based on our assessments, we concur with this advice, but be sure to switch back to 1080p before playing without the mClassic Original or mClassic Switch.
If you’re concerned about potential latency due to your HDMI cable routing through the adapter, we’ve never detected any. Marseille asserts that the device adds an average of 0.2ms in latency, but you’d likely need to be superhuman to perceive that. The mClassic also supports lossless audio passthrough.
It’s important to ensure your display supports 1440p or 4K resolution to fully leverage the mClassic’s capabilities. However, if you are using a 1080p display, the mClassic still provides a noticeable enhancement in image quality.
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