Biggest Battle: Nintendo Vs. Cab Monitor Size Wars

When it comes to choosing a screen for gaming, there are several factors to consider, including size, resolution, input lag, and personal preference. The Nintendo Switch's maximum output is 1080p, so a larger screen may result in a pixelated look. For this reason, some gamers prefer a smaller screen or monitor for handheld or close-up play. On the other hand, a larger TV screen is better suited for multiplayer games where players need to view the screen from a distance.

CRT vs. LCD/LED monitors

CRT stands for Cathode Ray Tube, while LCD stands for Liquid Crystal Display. CRT is an old technology, while LCD is more modern. The main difference between the two is in the technology used for image formation. CRT displays produce an image by using an electron beam, while LCD displays use liquid crystals to produce images on the screen. CRTs are also larger in size and consume more power. On the other hand, LCDs are smaller, more energy-efficient, and used in various small-sized devices like mobiles, laptops, and TVs.

CRT displays were commonly used in older TVs and computer monitors. However, they produce poor-quality images and consume large amounts of electricity. CRTs also have a short lifespan, which is why they are being replaced by other display technologies such as LCDs. LCDs are thinner and more energy-efficient, making them suitable for use in laptops, mobile phones, TVs, desktop computer monitors, and calculators.

While LCDs have largely replaced CRTs, there are still some advantages to using CRT displays. CRTs offer better color clarity and depth, and they are also faster in terms of response time. Additionally, CRTs can easily scale to various resolutions, making them useful for graphic designers. However, CRTs are larger and heavier, and they consume more energy.

LCDs, on the other hand, offer a compact size and lightweight design. They also tend to produce less eye fatigue due to their constant screen display of pixels being on or off. However, one notable disadvantage of LCDs is their fixed resolution, which can lead to blurry or fuzzy pictures when displaying lower resolutions.

Nintendo Switch screen size

The Nintendo Switch OLED model has a 7-inch screen, while the original Nintendo Switch has a 6.2-inch screen. Both models have a screen resolution of 1280 x 720.

The 7-inch screen size of the Nintendo Switch OLED model is considered "absolutely huge for a portable console" and "perfect" by some users. The larger screen size, coupled with a reduction in bezel size, gives the OLED model a more modern look when compared to the original Switch.

The screen size and resolution of the Nintendo Switch and Switch OLED are well-suited for handheld gaming, with some users arguing that a higher resolution would be an "unnecessary battery hog" and that "your viewing distance is so small that I don't think it's worth the trade-off." However, others have noted that the 720p resolution could be improved to 1080p or even 1440p in future iterations of the console.

In addition to the larger screen size, the Nintendo Switch OLED model also offers improved audiovisual features, including a redesigned speaker system and an improved kickstand for greater stability.

Nintendo arcade cabinet sizes

The size of a Nintendo arcade cabinet can vary depending on the type of cabinet and the specific game it is designed for. Here is some information about the different sizes and styles of Nintendo arcade cabinets:

Nintendo Classic Arcade Cabinet

The Nintendo classic arcade cabinet is designed for games like Donkey Kong, Donkey Kong Jr., and Donkey Kong 3. This cabinet features a 19" vertical or horizontal monitor and has a control panel size of 23.5" wide x 33.5" deep. The height of the cabinet is 67" without casters, and the weight is approximately 180 lbs with an LCD/LED monitor. The shipping pallet dimensions are 28" x 36" x 5", and the palleted shipping weight is around 225 lbs.

Nintendo Widebody Cabinet

The Nintendo widebody cabinet is designed for the game Mario Bros. Widebody. While exact dimensions are not provided, the cabinet plans include detailed drawings and measurements for construction.

Nintendo Cabaret-Style Cabinet

Nintendo also released arcade games in a cabaret-style cabinet, which is a smaller version of the standard upright cabinet. While specific dimensions for this style are not provided, it is designed to be more compact and suitable for home use.

Considerations for Cabinet Size

When choosing an arcade cabinet, it is important to consider the available space, including doorway and stairway clearance. Additionally, the type of monitor can impact the size and weight of the cabinet, with CRT monitors being larger and heavier than LCD/LED monitors.

Monitor Considerations

The choice between a CRT, LCD, or LED monitor involves several factors. CRT monitors offer compatibility with classic gaming systems, ideal response times, refresh rates, and aspect ratios. However, they are bulkier, prone to screen burn, and may require special connectors for newer consoles. LCD and LED monitors, on the other hand, are thinner, more energy-efficient, and compatible with emulators, but may require converters for older consoles.

Pros and cons of CRT monitors

CRT monitors, or Cathode Ray Tube Monitors, are no longer in production. However, they are configured to work well with classic video game consoles and are therefore popular among purists. They are also ideal for those who want to use light guns with their games.

Pros of CRT monitors

• CRT monitors have a great response time and refresh rate.
• They have an average refresh rate of 100Hz and a response time of 3-5ms.
• They have a 4:3 aspect ratio, allowing games to be displayed without black space at the top and bottom of the screen.
• They can operate at any resolution, geometry, and aspect ratio without the need for rescaling the image.
• They run at the highest pixel resolutions generally available.
• They produce a very dark black and high contrast levels, making them suitable for use in dimly lit or dark environments.
• They produce the very best colour and grey-scale accuracy and are the reference standard for all professional calibrations.
• They are less expensive than comparable displays using other display technologies.
• They have fast response times and no motion artifacts, making them ideal for rapidly moving or changing images.
• They do not suffer from the burn-in issue that affects LCD and Plasma displays.
• They do not have dead or stuck pixels.
• They can be used at any resolution up to the maximum supported.
• They have a wide viewing angle.
• They are very durable and robust.

Cons of CRT monitors

• CRT monitors are large, heavy, and bulky, making them less than ideal for modern living.
• They consume a lot of electricity and produce a lot of heat.
• They are prone to screen burn, where images get burned into the screen.
• They are a fire hazard, as old cords wear out and leave wires exposed.
• They are susceptible to rodent problems, as the warmth they generate attracts pests.
• They are difficult to clean due to dust.
• They emit electromagnetic radiation, which some regard as hazardous.
• They have a rounded spherical or cylindrical screen, although newer CRTs are flat.
• They are affected by magnetic fields from other equipment, which can cause geometric distortion and screen regulation problems.
• They are relatively bright but not as bright as LCDs, making them unsuitable for very brightly lit environments.

HDMI, USB, S-video, composite, and coax connections

HDMI

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a digital connection capable of transmitting both audio and video in high quality. It is commonly used to connect computers to monitors or other display devices, such as LCD, Plasma, and Projection displays. HDMI connections typically have 19 pins.

USB

USB (Universal Serial Bus) is a common type of connection used for transmitting data and power. It is often used for connecting peripherals such as keyboards, mice, and external storage devices to computers. USB connections can also be found on other devices such as game consoles and media players.

S-Video

S-Video (Separate Video) is an analog video connection that uses 4 to 7 pins. It is commonly found on computer video cards, digital video cameras, and similar devices. S-Video does not provide high-bandwidth connections and is therefore not suitable for high-definition video.

Composite

Composite connections are analog video connections that typically use an RCA connector, usually colour-coded yellow. They are often paired with two additional RCA connectors (red and white) for left and right audio channels. Composite connections are commonly used to connect older devices such as VCRs, game consoles, and DVD players to televisions. However, they are being phased out in favour of component video connections.

Coax

A coaxial connection, or coax, is an analog connection that transmits both audio and video. It is similar in quality to composite and S-video connections and was traditionally used to connect older televisions to devices such as game consoles and cable boxes. Coax connections are still commonly used for connecting cable boxes and other TV equipment.

Frequently asked questions