CRT Pixels
@crtpixels.bsky.social
Celebrating and comparing retro games on the displays they were designed for! Have fun, be nice, play how you like. by @jackal27.bsky.social | FAQ: http://bit.ly/3wceznw
Help us fight Mitzi’s cancer: https://gofund.me/177ca33f
Help us fight Mitzi’s cancer: https://gofund.me/177ca33f
Pinned
CRT Pixels
@crtpixels.bsky.social
· May 27
Donate to Help Mitzi Fight Stage 4 Breast Cancer, organized by April Kontak
Hi, I’m April K, and I have had the privilege of being Mitzi’s best friend for nea… April Kontak needs your support for Help Mitzi Fight Stage 4 Breast Cancer
gofund.me
This month my incredible partner @mitzistarkweather.bsky.social was diagnosed with metastatic (stage 4) breast cancer.
We’re devastated, but hopeful that modern treatments can give her many more years.
It will be a long road and if you’re able, we could use your help.
gofund.me/4010f535
We’re devastated, but hopeful that modern treatments can give her many more years.
It will be a long road and if you’re able, we could use your help.
gofund.me/4010f535
If you know someone who repairs CRT TVs within a few hours of Kansas City, you can save a life
November 4, 2025 at 2:47 PM
If you know someone who repairs CRT TVs within a few hours of Kansas City, you can save a life
Lately I’ve been playing Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles on Nintendo Switch 2 for review.
My full review will be up on my podcast, but I’d like to unpack a few thoughts here as well.
tldr; This is an excellent remaster with its own strengths and weaknesses.
My full review will be up on my podcast, but I’d like to unpack a few thoughts here as well.
tldr; This is an excellent remaster with its own strengths and weaknesses.
September 24, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Lately I’ve been playing Final Fantasy Tactics: The Ivalice Chronicles on Nintendo Switch 2 for review.
My full review will be up on my podcast, but I’d like to unpack a few thoughts here as well.
tldr; This is an excellent remaster with its own strengths and weaknesses.
My full review will be up on my podcast, but I’d like to unpack a few thoughts here as well.
tldr; This is an excellent remaster with its own strengths and weaknesses.
I only post about my long-running podcast once a year or so, but I'm really proud of all the work I did at PAX West 2025 this year, so if you'd like to hear about some hands-on demos of a bunch of cool games, here's Part 2!!
✨Pocketoid 236 is HERE!✨
PAX West 2025 PART 2!! Hands of impressions of Kirby Air Riders! Pokemon Legends Z-A! Onimusha: Way of the Sword! Resident Evil Requiem! Pragmata! And MANY more!! Enjoy!
LISTEN: www.pocketoidpodcast.com/2025/09/pock...
SUBSCRIBE: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/p...
PAX West 2025 PART 2!! Hands of impressions of Kirby Air Riders! Pokemon Legends Z-A! Onimusha: Way of the Sword! Resident Evil Requiem! Pragmata! And MANY more!! Enjoy!
LISTEN: www.pocketoidpodcast.com/2025/09/pock...
SUBSCRIBE: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/p...
September 10, 2025 at 5:46 PM
I only post about my long-running podcast once a year or so, but I'm really proud of all the work I did at PAX West 2025 this year, so if you'd like to hear about some hands-on demos of a bunch of cool games, here's Part 2!!
I didn’t advertise my trip to PAX West 2025, but it was nice to see so many of you regardless! Thank you to those who said hi, chatted about CRTs, and offered encouraging words after a rough year.
Can’t wait to see you all again in 2026!
Can’t wait to see you all again in 2026!
September 4, 2025 at 9:19 PM
I didn’t advertise my trip to PAX West 2025, but it was nice to see so many of you regardless! Thank you to those who said hi, chatted about CRTs, and offered encouraging words after a rough year.
Can’t wait to see you all again in 2026!
Can’t wait to see you all again in 2026!
Even arcade sprites displayed via RGB can look soft and rounded in many cases. That shadow mask magic 😙👌
SKY SKIPPER
NINTENDO R&D1 1981
(Captured at Galloping Ghost Arcade, Brookfield, IL, USA)
NINTENDO R&D1 1981
(Captured at Galloping Ghost Arcade, Brookfield, IL, USA)
August 16, 2025 at 1:08 AM
Even arcade sprites displayed via RGB can look soft and rounded in many cases. That shadow mask magic 😙👌
Reposted by CRT Pixels
One final look at The Setup before the big move…
Thank you for all the memories.
Thank you for all the memories.
August 15, 2025 at 1:12 AM
One final look at The Setup before the big move…
Thank you for all the memories.
Thank you for all the memories.
Yet another nice example of a developer keeping a midrange, composite-only, consumer CRT nearby to check how the game’s visuals would look for the end user.
(image via @crtbot.bsky.social)
(image via @crtbot.bsky.social)
June 27, 2025 at 10:36 PM
Yet another nice example of a developer keeping a midrange, composite-only, consumer CRT nearby to check how the game’s visuals would look for the end user.
(image via @crtbot.bsky.social)
(image via @crtbot.bsky.social)
Final Fantasy Tactics (1997, Squaresoft) - PS1
Sharp Pixels vs. PS1 S-Video via Sony KV-27S43
One more FF Tactics post for the road! Something that struck me making this comparison last night is how many variables are at play, even for just this opening battle. Incredible game.
Sharp Pixels vs. PS1 S-Video via Sony KV-27S43
One more FF Tactics post for the road! Something that struck me making this comparison last night is how many variables are at play, even for just this opening battle. Incredible game.
June 5, 2025 at 2:57 AM
Final Fantasy Tactics (1997, Squaresoft) - PS1
Sharp Pixels vs. PS1 S-Video via Sony KV-27S43
One more FF Tactics post for the road! Something that struck me making this comparison last night is how many variables are at play, even for just this opening battle. Incredible game.
Sharp Pixels vs. PS1 S-Video via Sony KV-27S43
One more FF Tactics post for the road! Something that struck me making this comparison last night is how many variables are at play, even for just this opening battle. Incredible game.
Final Fantasy Tactics (1997, Squaresoft) - PS1
Sharp Pixels vs. PS1 Composite via Sony KV-27S43
FFT is actually THE game responsible for this blog. When I got an HDTV in 2012, I hooked up my PS2, but when I saw FFT’s dithering for the first time I thought my console was broken!
Sharp Pixels vs. PS1 Composite via Sony KV-27S43
FFT is actually THE game responsible for this blog. When I got an HDTV in 2012, I hooked up my PS2, but when I saw FFT’s dithering for the first time I thought my console was broken!
June 4, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Final Fantasy Tactics (1997, Squaresoft) - PS1
Sharp Pixels vs. PS1 Composite via Sony KV-27S43
FFT is actually THE game responsible for this blog. When I got an HDTV in 2012, I hooked up my PS2, but when I saw FFT’s dithering for the first time I thought my console was broken!
Sharp Pixels vs. PS1 Composite via Sony KV-27S43
FFT is actually THE game responsible for this blog. When I got an HDTV in 2012, I hooked up my PS2, but when I saw FFT’s dithering for the first time I thought my console was broken!
Final Fantasy Tactics (1997, Squaresoft) - PS1
Sharp Pixels vs. PS1 S-Video via Sony KV-27S43
:)
Sharp Pixels vs. PS1 S-Video via Sony KV-27S43
:)
June 4, 2025 at 6:00 AM
Final Fantasy Tactics (1997, Squaresoft) - PS1
Sharp Pixels vs. PS1 S-Video via Sony KV-27S43
:)
Sharp Pixels vs. PS1 S-Video via Sony KV-27S43
:)
Fantasy Zone II DX (2008, M2) - Sega System 16
Sharp Pixels vs. MiSTer FPGA S-Video via Sony PVM-8043MD
Happy Pride Month to my LGBT+ folks! Thank you for making the world a more colorful, vibrant, and honest place 🌈
Sharp Pixels vs. MiSTer FPGA S-Video via Sony PVM-8043MD
Happy Pride Month to my LGBT+ folks! Thank you for making the world a more colorful, vibrant, and honest place 🌈
June 2, 2025 at 6:03 PM
Fantasy Zone II DX (2008, M2) - Sega System 16
Sharp Pixels vs. MiSTer FPGA S-Video via Sony PVM-8043MD
Happy Pride Month to my LGBT+ folks! Thank you for making the world a more colorful, vibrant, and honest place 🌈
Sharp Pixels vs. MiSTer FPGA S-Video via Sony PVM-8043MD
Happy Pride Month to my LGBT+ folks! Thank you for making the world a more colorful, vibrant, and honest place 🌈
Ranger-X (1993, Nextech) - Mega Drive
Sharp Pixels vs. Sega 32X RGB via Sony PVM-20L2MD
So many cool, gorgeous little details in this game’s visuals, and it’s all animated beautifully as well. However you play it, just play it.
Sharp Pixels vs. Sega 32X RGB via Sony PVM-20L2MD
So many cool, gorgeous little details in this game’s visuals, and it’s all animated beautifully as well. However you play it, just play it.
May 31, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Ranger-X (1993, Nextech) - Mega Drive
Sharp Pixels vs. Sega 32X RGB via Sony PVM-20L2MD
So many cool, gorgeous little details in this game’s visuals, and it’s all animated beautifully as well. However you play it, just play it.
Sharp Pixels vs. Sega 32X RGB via Sony PVM-20L2MD
So many cool, gorgeous little details in this game’s visuals, and it’s all animated beautifully as well. However you play it, just play it.
Super Mario Kart (1992, Nintendo) - SNES
Sharp Pixels vs. MiSTer FPGA composite via Sony KV-14M10
Officially under a week before the Switch 2! I’m mixed on it, but mostly I’m just excited to be alive to see another new Nintendo console. What a privilege so many didn’t get.
Sharp Pixels vs. MiSTer FPGA composite via Sony KV-14M10
Officially under a week before the Switch 2! I’m mixed on it, but mostly I’m just excited to be alive to see another new Nintendo console. What a privilege so many didn’t get.
May 30, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Super Mario Kart (1992, Nintendo) - SNES
Sharp Pixels vs. MiSTer FPGA composite via Sony KV-14M10
Officially under a week before the Switch 2! I’m mixed on it, but mostly I’m just excited to be alive to see another new Nintendo console. What a privilege so many didn’t get.
Sharp Pixels vs. MiSTer FPGA composite via Sony KV-14M10
Officially under a week before the Switch 2! I’m mixed on it, but mostly I’m just excited to be alive to see another new Nintendo console. What a privilege so many didn’t get.
The Legend of the Mystical Ninja (1991, Konami) - SNES
Sharp Pixels vs. MiSTer FPGA composite via Sony KV-14M10
Love this game and I should really play the rest of the series. Tons of great art in these that’d make for cool comparisons. Need to bring the warmth on this set down a bit.
Sharp Pixels vs. MiSTer FPGA composite via Sony KV-14M10
Love this game and I should really play the rest of the series. Tons of great art in these that’d make for cool comparisons. Need to bring the warmth on this set down a bit.
May 30, 2025 at 12:58 AM
The Legend of the Mystical Ninja (1991, Konami) - SNES
Sharp Pixels vs. MiSTer FPGA composite via Sony KV-14M10
Love this game and I should really play the rest of the series. Tons of great art in these that’d make for cool comparisons. Need to bring the warmth on this set down a bit.
Sharp Pixels vs. MiSTer FPGA composite via Sony KV-14M10
Love this game and I should really play the rest of the series. Tons of great art in these that’d make for cool comparisons. Need to bring the warmth on this set down a bit.
Super Puyo Puyo (1993, Banpresto) - SNES
Sharp Pixels vs. SNES S-Video via Sony KV-27S43
Crushed the shadows on this one a bit, but I tend to struggle with getting this set’s brightness where I want it. Still love the way it handles S-Video though and I play on it all the time.
Sharp Pixels vs. SNES S-Video via Sony KV-27S43
Crushed the shadows on this one a bit, but I tend to struggle with getting this set’s brightness where I want it. Still love the way it handles S-Video though and I play on it all the time.
May 29, 2025 at 3:20 AM
Super Puyo Puyo (1993, Banpresto) - SNES
Sharp Pixels vs. SNES S-Video via Sony KV-27S43
Crushed the shadows on this one a bit, but I tend to struggle with getting this set’s brightness where I want it. Still love the way it handles S-Video though and I play on it all the time.
Sharp Pixels vs. SNES S-Video via Sony KV-27S43
Crushed the shadows on this one a bit, but I tend to struggle with getting this set’s brightness where I want it. Still love the way it handles S-Video though and I play on it all the time.
This month my incredible partner @mitzistarkweather.bsky.social was diagnosed with metastatic (stage 4) breast cancer.
We’re devastated, but hopeful that modern treatments can give her many more years.
It will be a long road and if you’re able, we could use your help.
gofund.me/4010f535
We’re devastated, but hopeful that modern treatments can give her many more years.
It will be a long road and if you’re able, we could use your help.
gofund.me/4010f535
Donate to Help Mitzi Fight Stage 4 Breast Cancer, organized by April Kontak
Hi, I’m April K, and I have had the privilege of being Mitzi’s best friend for nea… April Kontak needs your support for Help Mitzi Fight Stage 4 Breast Cancer
gofund.me
May 27, 2025 at 3:38 PM
This month my incredible partner @mitzistarkweather.bsky.social was diagnosed with metastatic (stage 4) breast cancer.
We’re devastated, but hopeful that modern treatments can give her many more years.
It will be a long road and if you’re able, we could use your help.
gofund.me/4010f535
We’re devastated, but hopeful that modern treatments can give her many more years.
It will be a long road and if you’re able, we could use your help.
gofund.me/4010f535
The blending on Balthier’s hair and face textures here, even at 480p… My god. This technology truly does work miracles at times.
May 26, 2025 at 10:53 PM
The blending on Balthier’s hair and face textures here, even at 480p… My god. This technology truly does work miracles at times.
Ranger-X (1993, Nextech) - Mega Drive
Sharp Pixels vs. Sega 32X Composite via Sony PVM-20L2MD
Thanks so much to friend of the blog Alyssa for this 32X. I’ve been blown away with just how much of an improvement in clarity it is over the Genesis’ standard composite signal.
Sharp Pixels vs. Sega 32X Composite via Sony PVM-20L2MD
Thanks so much to friend of the blog Alyssa for this 32X. I’ve been blown away with just how much of an improvement in clarity it is over the Genesis’ standard composite signal.
May 26, 2025 at 4:24 PM
Ranger-X (1993, Nextech) - Mega Drive
Sharp Pixels vs. Sega 32X Composite via Sony PVM-20L2MD
Thanks so much to friend of the blog Alyssa for this 32X. I’ve been blown away with just how much of an improvement in clarity it is over the Genesis’ standard composite signal.
Sharp Pixels vs. Sega 32X Composite via Sony PVM-20L2MD
Thanks so much to friend of the blog Alyssa for this 32X. I’ve been blown away with just how much of an improvement in clarity it is over the Genesis’ standard composite signal.
Power Blade (1990, Taito) - NES
Sharp Pixels vs. AV Famicom Composite via Sony PVM-20L2MD
Rolled credits on this one with my kiddo today and it made me miss the blog. Color differences are due to the NES’ inconsistent color palette on various displays.
Sharp Pixels vs. AV Famicom Composite via Sony PVM-20L2MD
Rolled credits on this one with my kiddo today and it made me miss the blog. Color differences are due to the NES’ inconsistent color palette on various displays.
May 25, 2025 at 10:25 PM
Power Blade (1990, Taito) - NES
Sharp Pixels vs. AV Famicom Composite via Sony PVM-20L2MD
Rolled credits on this one with my kiddo today and it made me miss the blog. Color differences are due to the NES’ inconsistent color palette on various displays.
Sharp Pixels vs. AV Famicom Composite via Sony PVM-20L2MD
Rolled credits on this one with my kiddo today and it made me miss the blog. Color differences are due to the NES’ inconsistent color palette on various displays.
Chrono Trigger (1995, Squaresoft) - SNES
PC Emulator vs. SNES Composite via Sony KV-14M10
Recycling this comparison I did last year for Toriyama’s passing in celebration of Chrono Trigger’s anniversary!
PC Emulator vs. SNES Composite via Sony KV-14M10
Recycling this comparison I did last year for Toriyama’s passing in celebration of Chrono Trigger’s anniversary!
March 11, 2025 at 4:33 PM
Chrono Trigger (1995, Squaresoft) - SNES
PC Emulator vs. SNES Composite via Sony KV-14M10
Recycling this comparison I did last year for Toriyama’s passing in celebration of Chrono Trigger’s anniversary!
PC Emulator vs. SNES Composite via Sony KV-14M10
Recycling this comparison I did last year for Toriyama’s passing in celebration of Chrono Trigger’s anniversary!
A lot of people have asked me over the years what kind of a difference a CRT can make for 6th gen consoles and I think this photo from Aidan is a great example.
Richer colors, deeper contrast, and more seamless blending of low res textures.
Richer colors, deeper contrast, and more seamless blending of low res textures.
📺 Skies of Arcadia Legends // GameCube via Wii // PVM-1354Q via component
January 27, 2025 at 3:08 PM
A lot of people have asked me over the years what kind of a difference a CRT can make for 6th gen consoles and I think this photo from Aidan is a great example.
Richer colors, deeper contrast, and more seamless blending of low res textures.
Richer colors, deeper contrast, and more seamless blending of low res textures.
NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE
December 21, 2024 at 6:20 PM
NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE NIGHTMARE
Post your most popular art from Twitter
I still don’t know if I consider my posts art, but it sure takes as much work as my art lol
I still don’t know if I consider my posts art, but it sure takes as much work as my art lol
November 17, 2024 at 7:47 PM
Post your most popular art from Twitter
I still don’t know if I consider my posts art, but it sure takes as much work as my art lol
I still don’t know if I consider my posts art, but it sure takes as much work as my art lol
Scanline Sunday!
I’ve been crazy busy with Halloween stuff and my kid’s birthday, but I brought the 20” D-Series to our new KC apartment so I can finally have a little phosphor action when I’m away from home.
Chocobo’s Mysterious Dungeon (1997, Squaresoft) - PS1
MiSTer S-Video via JVC AV-20D202
I’ve been crazy busy with Halloween stuff and my kid’s birthday, but I brought the 20” D-Series to our new KC apartment so I can finally have a little phosphor action when I’m away from home.
Chocobo’s Mysterious Dungeon (1997, Squaresoft) - PS1
MiSTer S-Video via JVC AV-20D202
November 3, 2024 at 8:48 PM
Scanline Sunday!
I’ve been crazy busy with Halloween stuff and my kid’s birthday, but I brought the 20” D-Series to our new KC apartment so I can finally have a little phosphor action when I’m away from home.
Chocobo’s Mysterious Dungeon (1997, Squaresoft) - PS1
MiSTer S-Video via JVC AV-20D202
I’ve been crazy busy with Halloween stuff and my kid’s birthday, but I brought the 20” D-Series to our new KC apartment so I can finally have a little phosphor action when I’m away from home.
Chocobo’s Mysterious Dungeon (1997, Squaresoft) - PS1
MiSTer S-Video via JVC AV-20D202