Review: mClassic RGB Range – Enhancement or Gimmick?

Each mClassic device comes equipped with a red power cable that can be easily connected to a standard USB slot on your TV, monitor, or nearby wall outlet. This simplifies the setup process, eliminating the need for additional cables. Moreover, if you’re using these devices specifically with the Nintendo Switch, Marseille has also provided a short HDMI adapter. This adapter is essential because plugging the mClassic directly into the back of the Switch dock is impractical due to limited space. Adding the adapter allows the mClassic to sit just outside the dock, which also makes it easier to toggle the three processing modes via a small switch on the side.

mClassic RGB – What’s the Difference?

Let’s delve into what each of these dongles actually do…

mClassic Original (Red)

mClassic Original Modes

Mode 1 (Unprocessed), Mode 2 (Switch), Mode 3 (Retro)

The red mClassic Original dongle is capable of upscaling the 720p / 60fps and 1080p / 60fps signals from the Switch up to a maximum of 1440p. The results are visibly noticeable, especially with the second of its three processing modes, which implements some subtle sharpening and anti-aliasing in addition to the basic upscaling. The last mode is designed primarily for retro gaming, enforcing a 4:3 aspect ratio.

To better illustrate the differences, imagine playing a game like Sid Meier’s Civilization VII. The left image represents mode 1 (unprocessed), the middle is mode 2 (Switch), and the right is mode 3 (Retro). Mode 2 does smooth out the rough edges somewhat with some anti-aliasing and depth-of-field processing in addition to upscaling at 1440p. However, this effect is incredibly subtle and is really only discernible when viewed side by side with mode 1. It also slightly boosts the overall saturation of the colors, which, while not particularly egregious in this instance, is nevertheless a slight downgrade from the unprocessed mode.

Mode 3, of course, implements the 4:3 aspect ratio for retro games, but also includes everything from mode 2, including the upscaling, smoothing, and depth-of-field processing. Regardless of which mode you select, gameplay lag is thankfully at an absolute minimum, and we didn’t notice anything worth highlighting.

Out of all three mClassic devices, the original is one that we could almost make a case for if you’re looking for something to boost visual clarity on your Switch or retro consoles. The improvements provided are minimal, to be sure, but they are definitely there. If you’re not keen on upgrading to the Switch 2 when it launches later this year, this might actually be a sound way to future-proof your current Switch for another couple of years or so.

mClassic Switch (Blue)

mClassic Switch Modes

Mode 1 (Switch OG), Mode 2 (Switch Enhance), Mode 3 (Switch Enhance+)

The new mClassic Switch essentially takes Mode 2 from the mClassic original and pushes things even further, with enhancements theoretically designed to improve your experience on the Switch specifically. Mode 1 on the blue dongle is the exact same as mode 2 on the red, implementing 1440p upscaling, anti-aliasing, and minor color saturation. Modes 2 and 3 add in color filters that are meant to boost the immersion of games depending on their color and lighting, with mode 2 designed primarily for lighter games, and mode 3 for darker.

However, the color saturation in both modes goes overboard. Mode 2, intending to replicate the look of the Switch OLED on the big screen, results in an image that looks completely overblown. Blacks are much deeper, and even white levels are muted, turning them into a more muddy, grey color. While the intention is to use this on brighter, more vibrant games, even those can have darker moments, and it’s here where you get unprecedented loss in detail thanks to the darker colors.

Mode 3 is slightly better but still not up to par. You’ve still got an increase in color saturation here, but the overall brightness has been dialed up and the actual hue of the colors looks completely different. It’s a bit closer to the output from Mode 1 and therefore not quite as offensive as Mode 2, but it still doesn’t look very good.

The filters provided by modes 2 and 3 are, frankly, just not very nice to look at. Given that mode 1 on the mClassic Switch is the same as mode 2 on the mClassic original, you’d be better off just going for the latter and ditching those dreadful filters for an upscaled image that’s more faithful to the native Switch display.

mClassic Retro (Green)

mClassic Retro Modes

Fashion 1 (Retro and), Mode 2 (Vintage Retro), Mode 3 (Vintage Retro+)

Finally, the mClassic Retro looks to give you a more authentic take on older classics by applying more color filters to the screen, just like its blue sibling. Here, mode 1 is the same as mode 3 on the red, offering up the same 1440p experience with the added 4:3 aspect ratio. The same can be said for modes 2 and 3; all of them apply the same processing capabilities.

When you switch over to mode 2, however, a filter is applied that heavily desaturates the colors on-screen, theoretically giving you a more ‘vintage’ look to your game. This might be somewhat valid for certain games, but for most, the resulting image looks incredibly washed out and far too bright.

Mode 3 isn’t quite so bad and darkens the overall image slightly when compared to mode 2. It’s still not as good as the original output, but it’s not terrible.

The important thing with the mClassic Retro, however, is that unless you have a modded retro console that supports HDMI right out the gate, you’re going to need some sort of generic SD to HDMI adapter in order to actually make this thing work at all. Marseille’s marketing for the RGB range focuses quite a lot on the ‘plug and play’ aspect, but for the green Retro device at least, this simply isn’t the case unless you’re already in a position in which you can play old consoles on a modern TV.

Technical specifications for the upcoming Switch 2 have yet to be officially confirmed, but it’s said to boast native 1080p resolution with added DLSS upscaling. Given the pending release, it’s tough to know exactly who these mClassic devices are for; especially at $99 for the red and $78 each for the blue and green. This raises the question: are these devices worth it, especially with the Switch 2 on the horizon?

We struggled to recommend the mClassic Original back in 2021, and that was with the assumption that Nintendo itself was about to coast another handful of years. But now, knowing that the Switch 2 is coming later this year, if you’re someone who’s eyeing one up on day one, the mClassic isn’t a sound purchase in 2024. Retro enthusiasts looking to get the best from their old consoles won’t be satisfied with the results, either.

mClassic RGB Range – The Verdict

If you’re determined to get one of these auxiliary mClassic devices, the red Original is probably your best bet. However, even that isn’t a strong recommendation given the steep asking price and the incredibly subtle differences between the three modes available. Nevertheless, 1440p output with minor image sharpening isn’t to be dismissed.

As for the ‘new’ Switch blue and Retro green, you’re best off avoiding these entirely. Mode 1 on both devices can be found on the mClassic original, offering up exactly the same processing capabilities. The only extras you’re getting are some genuinely awful color filters that do nothing but distort the original output. It doesn’t look good – quite the opposite.

The mClassic Original does improve visual quality, albeit minimally. It’s also relatively easy to set up and switch between modes.

However, the color filters on mClassic Switch and Retro are truly awful. Using the mClassic Retro with classic consoles requires another third-party adapter anyway. It’s a fairly pricey way to make your games look worse in most modes. Micro USB? Really?

Ultimately, the mClassic RGB range falls short of expectations, failing to deliver a compelling upgrade for modern gaming or retro enthusiasts. With the impending release of the Switch 2, these devices are likely to become obsolete quickly, making them a poor investment for most gamers.

The samples for this review were provided by Marseille.

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mClassic RGB Range: Enhancement or Gimmick?

Understanding the mClassic Devices

The mClassic range is a set of plug-and-play graphics enhancers designed to upscale console graphics. Let’s explore what these devices can offer and where they might fall short.

Q: What is the mClassic original, and what does it do?

The mClassic Original (Red) is a device that can upscale Nintendo Switch output from 720p/60fps and 1080p/60fps to 1440p. It offers three modes:

• Mode 1 (Unprocessed): Displays the Switch output without any processing.
• Mode 2 (Switch): Enhances graphics with subtle sharpening,anti-aliasing,and color saturation adjustments. It’s suitable for general use.
• Mode 3 (Retro): Designed for retro gaming with a 4:3 aspect ratio while maintaining the enhancements of Mode 2.

While improvements are visible, the differences are subtle, and the device offers minimal performance upgrades mainly suitable for those delaying an upgrade to the Switch 2.

Q: Why might the mClassic Switch (Blue) not be a good choice?

The mClassic Switch (Blue) employs similar enhancements to the Original but adds color filters that often distort the image:

• Mode 1 (Switch OG): Offers 1440p upscaling, similar to the Original’s Mode 2.
• Mode 2 (Switch Enhance): Intended for brighter games with intense color saturation and depth enhancement,often resulting in muddy visuals.
• Mode 3 (Switch Enhance+): Focuses on darker games with increased brightness and color changes, which still negatively impact image quality.

The ad hoc color filters implemented in Modes 2 and 3 are generally considered a downgrade from the original switch display.

Q: Is the mClassic Retro (Green) useful for retro gaming?

The mClassic Retro is specifically marketed for enhancing retro games,but it has limitations:

• Mode 1 (Retro and): Offers 4:3 aspect ratio and 1440p output,similar to Mode 3 of the Original.
• Mode 2 (Vintage Retro): Applies a heavy desaturation filter to mimic vintage visuals, which can be overly bright and washed out.
• Mode 3 (Vintage Retro+): Slightly improves upon Mode 2 by darkening the image but still falls short of original quality.

For most retro consoles, a third-party adapter is necesary, which is a drawback of this otherwise premium-priced device.

Q: Are the mClassic devices a good investment with the release of the Switch 2?

Considering the mClassic Original cost ($99) versus it’s benefits, it presents minor enhancements at best.With the Switch 2’s release imminent and expected improvements in visual fidelity, the cost-effectiveness of purchasing these enhancers becomes questionable, especially at the said prices.

For potential buyers, the Original might be the most viable option due to the added 1440p output. Though, even then, the steep price for minor visual improvements, combined with better future tech, makes it an unappealing purchase.

The blue and Green models are strongly advised against due to their unnecessarily complex color filters and redundant features that can be found in the Original at a lesser or equal cost.

Final Verdict

While the mClassic RGB range offers plug-and-play convenience, the impact on visual quality is minimal and largely subjective. The devices are touted for rapid setup and ease of switching modes but fall short when it comes to delivering a noticeable visual upgrade.

The impending release of the Switch 2 limits the long-term investment potential for these devices. In this very way, enthusiasts of modern gaming are advised to hold off on the mClassic RGB range in anticipation of native improvements in the new hardware. Retro fans are similarly cautioned against the mClassic Retro narrative, given the additional cost and subpar results of the color filters.

“While the mClassic Original does provide some visual improvements, the benefits are minimal, and the higher models’ offerings don’t justify their costs.”

Disclaimer: The mClassic RGB devices reviewed are produced by Marseille, and this review includes affiliate links.