# The Best CRT Filters for Authentic Retro Gaming
Retro gaming has seen a massive resurgence in recent years, with players craving the nostalgic look and feel of classic games. While modern displays offer crisp, high-resolution graphics, they lack the distinctive charm of old-school **CRT (Cathode Ray Tube)** monitors. Fortunately, **CRT filters** can replicate that vintage aesthetic on modern screens, enhancing pixel art and smoothing out jagged edges just like the original hardware.
In this guide, we’ll explore the **best CRT filters** available today, covering shaders, emulator settings, and post-processing effects to help you achieve the perfect retro look.
—
## **Why Use CRT Filters?**
Before diving into the best filters, let’s understand why CRT effects matter:
– **Authentic Scanlines** – CRTs displayed images using interlaced scanlines, which gave games a softer, blended appearance.
– **Pixel Blending** – Colors and pixels naturally blended together, reducing harsh edges.
– **Color Bleed & Bloom** – Old TVs had slight color bleeding, creating a warm, glowing effect.
– **Curvature & Masking** – Some filters simulate the slight curve and shadow mask of CRT screens.
Modern emulators and shaders can replicate these effects, making games look as they did in the ’80s and ’90s.
—
## **Best CRT Filters for Retro Gaming**
### **1. CRT-Royale (Reshade & RetroArch)**
**Best for:** Ultra-realistic CRT emulation
CRT-Royale is one of the most advanced CRT shaders, offering:
– **Accurate phosphor glow**
– **Dynamic scanlines**
– **Shadow mask simulation** (for that authentic arcade monitor look)
– **Adjustable curvature and bloom**
**How to Use:** Available in **RetroArch** (via the **Slang shader** pack) or as a **ReShade preset** for PC games.
—
### **2. CRT-Geom (RetroArch & Standalone Emulators)**
**Best for:** Arcade-style curvature and scanlines
CRT-Geom adds a subtle **screen curvature** and **aperture grille effect**, mimicking arcade monitors and high-end Sony Trinitron TVs. Features include:
– **Adjustable curvature** (for a rounded CRT look)
– **Vignette effect** (darkened edges)
– **Customizable scanline intensity**
**Ideal for:** SNES, Genesis, and arcade emulation.
—
### **3. CRT-Easymode (Lightweight Option)**
**Best for:** Performance-friendly CRT emulation
If your system struggles with heavy shaders, **CRT-Easymode** provides a clean, lightweight alternative with:
– **Basic scanlines**
– **Subtle color blending**
– **Minimal performance impact**
**Works best with:** Raspberry Pi setups and low-end PCs.
—
### **4. Mega Bezel (Hyper Realistic CRT Simulation)**
**Best for:** Immersive retro TV emulation
Mega Bezel goes beyond standard CRT filters by simulating:
– **Full TV bezels** (woodgrain, VHS static, etc.)
– **Reflections & ambient lighting**
– **Multiple CRT presets** (Trinitron, PVM, consumer TVs)
**Available in:** RetroArch’s **Slang shaders**.
—
### **5. NTSC & Composite Filters (For Console-Accurate Colors)**
**Best for:** NES, SNES, and PS1 games
Many classic consoles used **composite or RF connections**, which introduced color bleeding and blurring. Filters like:
– **NTSC-RGB** (simulates composite video artifacts)
– **S-Video Shaders** (cleaner than RF but still retro)
**Perfect for:** Replicating how games looked on old tube TVs.
—
## **How to Apply CRT Filters**
### **RetroArch (Best for Multi-System Emulation)**
1. Open RetroArch and load a game.
2. Press **F1** (or **Menu button** on controller).
3. Go to **Quick Menu > Shaders > Load**.
4. Select **CRT folder** and choose your preferred shader (e.g., CRT-Royale).
### **ReShade (For PC Games & Emulators)**
1. Download **ReShade** from [reshade.me](https://reshade.me/).
2. Install it on your emulator or game.
3. Load a **CRT preset** (many available on GitHub).
### **Standalone Emulators (e.g., Nestopia, Fusion, PCSX2)**
Most emulators have built-in CRT filters:
– **Nestopia (NES):** Options > Video > CRT Filter
– **Fusion (Genesis):** Video > CRT Scanlines
– **PCSX2 (PS2):** Config > Video > Enable Shaders
—
## **Bonus: CRT vs. Modern Upscaling**
While **HD upscaling** (like **xBRZ or HQX**) makes retro games sharper, CRT filters preserve the original artistic intent. For the best of both worlds, some shaders combine **sharp pixels with scanlines** (e.g., **Hybrid Shaders** in RetroArch).
—
## **Final Thoughts**
Whether you’re playing **Super Mario Bros., Sonic, or Street Fighter II**, the right CRT filter can make all the difference in recapturing that nostalgic magic. **CRT-Royale** and **Mega Bezel** offer the most realism, while **CRT-Easymode** is great for weaker systems.
**What’s your favorite CRT filter?** Let us know in the comments!
—
### **FAQ**
**Q: Do CRT filters affect performance?**
A: Some advanced shaders (like CRT-Royale) require GPU power, but lightweight options (CRT-Easymode) work on low-end devices.
**Q: Can I use CRT filters on original hardware?**
A: Yes! Devices like the **RetroTINK 5X** or **OSSC** support scanline generators for real CRTs.
**Q: Are there mobile CRT filters?**
A: Yes! **RetroArch Android** supports CRT shaders, and some emulators (like **Lemuroid**) include scanline options.
—
By using the right CRT filter, you can enjoy retro games the way they were meant to be seen—**warm, glowing, and beautifully imperfect**. Happy gaming! 🎮