The best CRT filters for authentic retro gaming.

# The Best CRT Filters for Authentic Retro Gaming

Retro gaming is more popular than ever, but playing classic games on modern displays often lacks the nostalgic charm of the original experience. CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) monitors and TVs had unique visual characteristics—scanlines, phosphor glow, and color blending—that modern LCD and OLED screens can’t replicate naturally.

Fortunately, CRT filters and shaders can simulate these effects, bringing back the authentic look and feel of retro gaming. Whether you’re using emulators, FPGA-based consoles like the MiSTer, or modern re-releases, the right CRT filter can make all the difference.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best CRT filters available today, how they work, and which ones suit different retro gaming setups.

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## **Why Use CRT Filters?**

Before diving into the best filters, let’s understand why CRT effects matter:

– **Scanlines:** The dark horizontal lines that separated pixels on CRT displays, giving games a distinct look.
– **Phosphor Glow:** The soft, slightly blurred glow of CRT phosphors, which blended colors naturally.
– **Aperture Grille & Shadow Mask:** Different CRT technologies had unique pixel arrangements (e.g., Sony Trinitron vs. standard shadow mask).
– **Curvature & Bloom:** Some CRTs had slight screen curvature and brightness blooming effects.

Modern displays are razor-sharp, which can make pixel art look jagged. CRT filters restore the intended aesthetic of classic games.

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## **Best CRT Filters for Different Platforms**

### **1. CRT-Royale (Reshade & RetroArch)**
**Best for:** The most accurate CRT simulation
**Platforms:** RetroArch, Reshade (PC)

CRT-Royale is widely regarded as the gold standard for CRT emulation. It replicates the look of a high-quality consumer-grade CRT with:
– Accurate phosphor glow
– Dynamic bloom effects
– Adjustable scanline intensity
– Shadow mask/aperture grille options

**How to Use:**
– Available in RetroArch’s shader presets.
– Can be used with Reshade for modern emulators and games.

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### **2. CRT-Geom (RetroArch & MAME)**
**Best for:** Arcade-style CRT effects
**Platforms:** RetroArch, MAME

If you want an arcade monitor look, CRT-Geom is a fantastic choice. It includes:
– Curved screen emulation
– Vignette effects (darkened corners)
– Adjustable curvature and bezel options

**Ideal for:**
– Arcade emulation (MAME, FinalBurn Neo)
– 80s and 90s arcade classics

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### **3. Mega Bezel (RetroArch)**
**Best for:** A complete retro TV experience
**Platforms:** RetroArch

Mega Bezel goes beyond just scanlines—it simulates an entire vintage TV setup, including:
– Realistic bezels and reflections
– Adjustable screen curvature
– Multiple CRT presets (Trinitron, PVM, consumer-grade)

**Perfect for:**
– Creating a nostalgic living room feel
– MiSTer FPGA users via RetroArch

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### **4. CRT-Easymode (RetroArch & Standalone Emulators)**
**Best for:** Lightweight, performance-friendly filtering
**Platforms:** RetroArch, standalone emulators

If you want a simple yet effective CRT look without heavy GPU usage, CRT-Easymode is a great pick. Features include:
– Basic scanlines
– Mild phosphor glow
– Minimal performance impact

**Best for:**
– Low-end PCs
– Handheld emulation (like the Miyoo Mini or Anbernic devices)

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### **5. BFI (Black Frame Insertion) + CRT Filters**
**Best for:** Eliminating motion blur (OLED/LCD screens)

Since modern displays lack CRT’s instant pixel response, motion blur can be an issue. Some solutions combine CRT filters with **Black Frame Insertion (BFI)** to mimic CRT motion clarity.

**Where to use it:**
– RetroArch’s “BFI + CRT” shader presets
– OLED TVs with BFI modes (LG CX/C1, Sony A90J)

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## **Bonus: CRT Filters for Modern Games**

Some modern indie games (like *Shovel Knight* and *The Messenger*) intentionally mimic retro aesthetics. You can enhance them with CRT filters via:
– **Reshade (PC)** – Use CRT-Royale or CRT-Lottes
– **SpecialK (PC)** – Advanced CRT emulation for DirectX/OpenGL games

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## **How to Apply CRT Filters**

### **RetroArch Setup**
1. Open RetroArch and load a game.
2. Press **F1** (or menu button) → **Quick Menu → Shaders**.
3. Load a CRT shader (e.g., `crt/crt-royale.slangp`).
4. Adjust settings for brightness, scanlines, and curvature.

### **Reshade (PC Games & Emulators)**
1. Install Reshade (https://reshade.me).
2. Download CRT shaders (like CRT-Royale).
3. Enable them in-game via Reshade’s overlay.

### **MiSTer FPGA**
1. Use **shadow masks** or **scanline filters** in the video settings.
2. Some cores support custom CRT presets.

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## **Final Thoughts: Which CRT Filter Should You Use?**

For the most authentic experience, **CRT-Royale** is the best overall choice. If you want something lightweight, **CRT-Easymode** works well. For arcade fans, **CRT-Geom** is ideal.

Experiment with different filters to find the one that best matches your nostalgia—whether it’s the warm glow of a 90s living room TV or the sharp scanlines of an arcade cabinet.

**What’s your favorite CRT filter? Let us know in the comments!** 🎮