How to Pair and Connect Your Retro Player to a TV or Monitor

Quick answer

To connect a retro player to a TV or monitor, first check if your device supports HDMI output or wireless casting. For most My Arcade handhelds, use the included HDMI cable to plug into the TV's HDMI port, switch the TV to the correct input, and power on the device. If your model supports wireless, follow the pairing steps in the user guide to mirror the screen.

Whether you're reliving BurgerTime or challenging a friend to Street Fighter II, playing on a big screen makes the experience better. Many retro players from My Arcade are designed to connect to a TV or monitor, but the exact steps depend on your model. Some use a wired HDMI connection, while others offer wireless options.

This guide walks you through the most common ways to connect a retro player to a TV or monitor, with practical checkpoints to avoid the usual mistakes. We'll cover both HDMI and wireless setups, and point out what to check if the screen stays black.

Check Your Device's Output Options

Before you start, look at your retro player to see what output ports it has. Many My Arcade handhelds, like the Pixel Player or ATARI Pocket Player Pro, include a mini HDMI or micro HDMI port. Others might use a proprietary dock or require an adapter. Check the user guide that came with your device—it lists the exact output methods.

If your device has a wireless mode, you'll usually see a button or menu option labeled 'Wireless' or 'TV'. Not all models support this, so don't assume it does. If you're unsure, the product page or manual will confirm. Knowing your options saves time and prevents frustration.

• Common output ports: HDMI, mini HDMI, micro HDMI, or AV (rare).
• Wireless options may require a compatible dongle or built-in casting.
• If no output port is visible, your device may be designed for handheld-only play.

Connect via HDMI for a Wired Setup

For a reliable, lag-free connection, HDMI is the way to go. Most My Arcade players that support TV output come with an HDMI cable in the box, or you can use a standard HDMI cable if the port is full-size. Plug one end into the device and the other into an available HDMI port on your TV or monitor.

Once connected, turn on your TV and switch to the correct HDMI input using the remote. Then power on the retro player. The screen should appear automatically. If it doesn't, check that the cable is fully seated and that you're on the right input. A common mistake is plugging into the wrong HDMI port or forgetting to change the input source.

• Always use a high-speed HDMI cable for the best picture quality.
• If the screen is black, try a different HDMI port on the TV.
• Some devices require you to press a button on the device to enable TV output—check the manual.

Set Up a Wireless Connection

If your retro player supports wireless display, the process is a bit different. Usually, you'll need to put the device in 'Wireless' or 'TV' mode, then use your TV's screen mirroring or casting feature. For example, on many smart TVs, you can enable 'Screen Mirroring' and then select the device from the list.

Make sure both the retro player and the TV are on the same Wi-Fi network if required. Some devices use a direct connection that doesn't need Wi-Fi, but you'll still need to pair them. Follow the on-screen prompts or the user guide. A common mistake is not enabling the correct input or failing to allow the connection on the TV.

• Check if your TV supports Miracast, AirPlay, or Chromecast—this determines the pairing method.
• Keep the device close to the TV during pairing to avoid interference.
• If the wireless connection drops, try restarting both the TV and the retro player.

Troubleshooting Common Connection Issues

If you've connected everything but see no picture, start with the basics: check that the device is powered on and the TV is on the correct input. Then verify the cable is working by trying another HDMI cable if you have one. For wireless, ensure the device is in the right mode and that the TV is discoverable.

Another common issue is audio not playing. If you have sound but no picture, or vice versa, check the TV's audio settings and the device's volume. Some retro players output audio through the HDMI cable, so make sure the TV isn't muted. If the problem persists, consult the user guide for your specific model.

• Restart both devices if the connection fails on the first try.
• Check for firmware updates on the retro player if available.
• Use the shortest HDMI cable possible to minimize signal loss.

Step-by-Step Connection Checklist

1. Identify your output method: Look for an HDMI port or a wireless mode button on your retro player. Check the user guide if you're unsure. Checkpoint: If no output option exists, you may need a different model for TV play.
2. Connect the cable or initiate wireless pairing: For HDMI, plug the cable into both the device and the TV, then select the correct input. For wireless, enable the TV's screen mirroring and pair the device. Checkpoint: Make sure the cable is fully inserted and the TV input matches the port you used.
3. Power on and test: Turn on the retro player and check for the display. If nothing appears, restart both devices and try again. Checkpoint: If the screen is still black, try a different cable or input port.

My Arcade Players with TV Output

• Pixel Player: Portable handheld gaming device with 300 built-in video games, including 8 classic, beloved game titles from Data EastTM that you can’t find anywhere else. BurgerTimeTM, Karate ChampTM, Bad DudesTM and more! With 300 games, connecting this to a TV lets you enjoy the full library on a bigger screen, making it a great choice for parties or sharing with friends.
• ATARI Pocket Player Pro: Atari® is a pioneer in the video game industry, responsible for some of the most iconic games of all time, including PONG®, Breakout®, and Asteroids®. Playing these classic Atari titles on a modern TV via HDMI brings the nostalgia to life, and the Pro model likely supports TV output for a more immersive experience.
• Casino Pocket Player Max: Get ready for non-stop fun with our all-in-one handheld gaming device, packed with over 30 exciting casino and puzzle games! If you enjoy casino games, connecting this to a monitor can make it easier to see the details and play for longer sessions without eye strain.

Connecting your retro player to a TV or monitor is straightforward once you know the right steps. Whether you use a wired HDMI connection or go wireless, the key is to check your device's capabilities and follow the setup process carefully. With your favorite games on the big screen, you'll enjoy a whole new level of retro gaming.