How to Hook Up an Atari to a Modern Television Set

Last Updated: October 18, 2024 Fact Checked

Lucky enough to still own a functioning Atari (and games!) but can't figure out how to make it work on your TV? Read on to learn how to solve this problem; it's easier than you think

How to Connect an Atari to a TV

Plug the Atari into an outlet, then hook up the original switchbox or use an F jack adapter and an RCA phono plug. Connect the phono plug to the Atari and push the adapter onto the cable input on your TV. Insert a game and turn on your Atari to see if it works.

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It's obviously not going to work unless it has some power. ^{[1]
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Unless your television is old enough to still have places to screw the two wires with the U-shaped things on the end, you will need an adapter.

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This adapter is designed to screw down the two U-shaped prongs and also connect the coax cable to your TV, allowing you to access both the Atari and your cable TV.
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The easiest way to connect your Atari to your TV is to avoid the old TV/Game switchbox altogether, and purchase an RCA phono plug to F jack adapter. This adapter allows you to play your Atari. ^{[2]
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You can keep it if you're sentimental or crafty, but you'll probably never use it again.
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Where can I get a VCR/DVD player/recorder that lasts more than one year? I have had a Funai, Magnavox, and Sony. All eat the tape.

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A Samsung DVD-V9800 DVD Player might be the best if you are ready to pay. Although Panasonic might be cheaper.

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My TV only has rca or HDMI connections, not the coax on the back. How do I connect to that?

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There are adapters formally called `coaxial cable converter´. Such allow to plug the old cable in on one end and attach the other, or an extension cable with proper plug, into HDMI. Larger shops have their own pages for such, like Walmart has `coax to hdmi´ as a shop page.

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How do l get Atari on to a TV?

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Plug it in properly. If you mean how the old cable fits into modern TV's: You may need a so called coaxial converter, which bridges the old cable round plug into HDMI. Such can be found in shops for 5 to 10 dollars.

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If you are in the UK and looking to get your Atari going again, go ahead and plug it straight in the back. You should be OK as long as your TV supports an old analogue signal.

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The second method, which connects your Atari to your TV, is much easier than the first method involving an adapter for the switchbox. Since the Atari itself is old, the switchbox probably is, too, and not the most reliable piece of hardware.

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Another method involves an RCA "Barrel Connector" and a NES RF Module that hooks to the back of a TV. Simply plug the three pieces together and enjoy.

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If your games don't work, clean them with rubbing alcohol and a q-tip, then use Vaseline on the game terminals and inside the cartridge.

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Things You'll Need

A TV
An Atari that you're certain still works
A power plug for the Atari
A TV/Game switchbox and cable connecting the switchbox to the Atari
An RCA phono to F jack adapter (Radioshack part 278-255)

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How to Hook Up an Atari to a Modern Television Set

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