Any recommendations on an s-video cable for SNES/N64/GC?

[j_factor]

My S-video hookup for these systems gives me an ugly mesh pattern over the picture. Same problem on SNES, N64, and Gamecube, with the same cable. I'm pretty sure it's the cable because the systems are fine in composite and my Saturn looks fine through s-video on the same TV. Also with some fiddling I noticed that black & white images aren't affected. So I guess it's a problem with the chroma wiring in the cable. This isn't my first Nintendo s-video cable, either.

So just get a first-party Gamecube s-video cable, right? Trouble is, such a thing is not on Nintendo's online store, or even listed (regardless of availability) on Amazon or Gamestop. Plenty of random third-party ones out there, of course. I know I'm only out a few bucks if I buy one and it doesn't work out, but I'd really like to just get one that I know works properly and be done with it.

Why am I having such a hard time with s-video on Nintendo systems? And can anybody point me to a surefire s-video hookup?

[Gentlegamer]

The solution is the first party GameCube cable, as you mention. I was able to order from Nintendo 3 years ago, thankfully. I guess your best bet now is ebay.

[RCM]

While I haven't tested every third-party SNES/N64/GC S-video cable out there, go with the first party cables if you can fine 'em. Last I looked they were harder to find than the GC component cables.

[joshnickerson]

j_factor, out of curiosity, which brands of s-video cable have you been trying? I've started thinking about an s-video hookup, and I'd like to know what to avoid.

[Aussie2B]

It's a shame that it's so hard to find now. I feel lucky that I bought one when they were still sold online by Nintendo. Now I wish I had bought a spare just in case. Good luck in your search for one.

[BlastProcessing402]

I've got a first party one I bought from Babbages during the SNES days, and I've never noticed a bit of difference between that and any of the various third party (multisystem) cables I've since acquired over the years.

[Sabz5150]

I picked up a used set of s-video Monster (yeah, I know) cables that I use with my SNES. Very sharp image, looks hoss on my 40". They're also like 10 feet long! Best thing is they were listed as generic third party cables, so they only ran me 1.99 plus tax at your local GeStapo. I also have a set for my PSOne, same place, same price.

[j_factor]

j_factor, out of curiosity, which brands of s-video cable have you been trying? I've started thinking about an s-video hookup, and I'd like to know what to avoid.

This current one, I don't know the brand of. It was sold to me as a generic cable, and doesn't say anything on it. Same thing with my previous one (though the two are not the same, as they look a little different). But my first one was a Mad Catz.

It's a shame that it's so hard to find now. I feel lucky that I bought one when they were still sold online by Nintendo. Now I wish I had bought a spare just in case. Good luck in your search for one.

Well, I also wish I'd bought a Gamecube component cable from them when I could have.

[theclaw]

Perhaps Nintendo only sold a SNES s-video cable in stores for Japan, like the Gamecube component cable? We know its Japanese box looks like this:



But I've never seen a US or Europe SNES box, or an N64 or Gamecube branded box from any region. (even Japan...)