The digital era has brought us high definition flat screen monitors with sleek designs and vibrant colors, but for some technology enthusiasts, the appeal of the bulky, boxy, and low resolution CRT monitor is still strong. In astill developing discussionon Resetera, gamers have been debating whether to keep their CRT monitors, many pointing out the merits of these practically ancient devices.
“Me, personally, I have two and I will keep them until they die,” the original poster, NoGoodNamesLeft, explained on the forum. “They just work so well for older games.” The sentiment was echoed by another user, MoxManiac. “I still have my JVC D-Series CRT that I bought new in 2001. Still the best type of display for retro games.”
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CRT monitors hold a certain appeal for many retro gamers on account of their ability to display lower resolutions without losing image quality, but as always, their size remains a significant problem, even today. While modern monitors are optimized for high definition rendering, they can struggle to display older games at their native resolutions, resulting in a blurry or pixelated image. CRT monitors were however designed to display lower resolutions and can often make retro games look better. “Bought a Sony Trinitron, can’t remember the model number, but it’s supposed to be one of the better ones, as the chassis is used in arcade monitors,” MysteryM remarked about the matter. “Love it, but the wife hates it! Great for Mister.”
While the majority of users on the forum admitted to owning at least one CRT monitor, some however questioned the appeal of this outdated technology. “I’ve had many in my life,” SteveWinwood began. “I never want another. Heavy, large, ugly pieces of junk. I want to know how much of this resurgence is nostalgia because they were bad. It’s like cassette tapes. Records I get. Tapes not so much.”
CRT monitors hold a special place in the hearts of a certain segment of gamers. Many remember the warm glow of the screen and the distinctive sound of the electron guns. Playing games on a CRT monitor is a reminder of simpler times, before the world became so digitized and connected. The technology is however becoming increasingly rare as manufacturers have moved on to newer and more efficient display technologies, meaning that finding a high quality CRT monitor can be a challenge, prices for some models having skyrocketed in recent years as demand has increased.
CRT monitors are, on the other hand, an essential piece of equipment for those who love retro gaming and the nostalgia that comes with it. While they may not be the most practical or efficient option, they offer a unique and authentic experience that can’t be replicated by modern displays. “I wish. They seem to have gone way up in price and no longer are people begging for you to take them,” Fulcrum noted on the forum. “I wish that I kept my old sets,” another user, JustinH, pointed out. “I had a good Panasonic one that took in component video and had a flat-ish screen that I remember taking out to the curb at a house I rented with three other friends.”
