Review: mClassic RGB Range – Exploring Nintendo Switch Upscalers

In today’s gaming landscape, enhancing the visual experience of your Nintendo Switch games can make a significant difference. The mClassic RGB range of upscales claims to improve the clarity and detail of your gaming sessions. In this review, we dive into each device, comparing their features and effectiveness to help you decide if these devices are worth the investment.

Setup and Connectivity

Each mClassic device comes with a red power cable, compatible with standard USB slots in TV, monitors, or nearby walls. This means easy setup without the need for additional cables. For specific use with the Nintendo Switch, Marseille provides a short HDMI adapter. This allocation facilitates placing the mClassic just outside the Switch dock and toggling the processing modes via a switch on the side.

mClassic RGB – What’s Inside?

Let’s look at the functionalities of each dongle in the mClassic RGB range:

mClassic Original (Red)

Available Modes

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

The mClassic Original enhances the 720p / 60fps and 1080p / 60fps signals from your Switch to a maximum of 1440p. Mode 2 introduces subtle sharpening and anti-aliasing, while Mode 3 is designed for retro gaming, forcing a 4:3 aspect ratio.

We provide examples using Sid Meier’s Civilization VII. Below are images from the game, showcasing the differences between each mode:

Mode 2 provides a slight boost in color saturation and reduces some visual artifacts, making the game feel smoother. However, these enhancements are subtle and not always noticeable in standard gaming.

While Mode 3 adjusts the aspect ratio for retro games, it retains the visual improvements from Mode 2. This mode does not introduce any additional visible lag during gameplay, ensuring a smooth experience.

The mClassic Original offers minimal but noticeable improvements to visual clarity on the Switch or retro consoles. For those unwilling to upgrade to the Switch 2, it can be a viable short-term solution.

mClassic Switch (Blue)

Available Modes

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

The mClassic Switch builds upon the enhancements found in Mode 2 of the original, pushing visual quality further. Mode 1 matches Mode 2 of the red version, focusing on 1440p upscaling with anti-aliasing and color saturation. Modes 2 and 3 apply additional color filters, ostensibly for lighter and darker games respectively.

However, the color adjustments in modes 2 and 3 often create a muddy, overdesaturated appearance. For darker games, Mode 2 introduces an almost unwatchable level of detail loss. Mode 3 is slightly better but still distorts the original visual output.

Given the poor quality of Modes 2 and 3, you’re often better off choosing Mode 1 (the same as Mode 2 from the red version) for a more faithful rendering of the Switch’s native display.

mClassic Retro (Green)

Available Modes

Mode 1 (Retro OG), Mode 2 (Vintage Retro), Mode 3 (Vintage Retro+)

The mClassic Retro offers a ‘vintage’ look to classic games through additional color filters. Mode 1 mirrors Mode 3 of the red model, providing 1440p upscaling with a 4:3 ratio. Modes 2 and 3 deliver the same processing, with Mode 2 applying a heavily desaturating filter aimed at retro aesthetics.

Unfortunately, Mode 2 results in a washed-out, overly bright image which doesn’t complement most games. Mode 3 slightly darkens the image but still fails to match the original quality.

An important caveat: unless you have a modified retro console with HDMI capability, you’ll need a generic SD to HDMI adapter to use the mClassic Retro.

Switch 2 Release Considerations

With the upcoming Switch 2 boasting native 1080p resolution and DLSS upscaling, the timing of mClassic releases seems somewhat questionable. At £99 for the red Original, and £78 each for the blue and green models, these devices carry a premium price.

The Verdict: mClassic RGB Range

If you’re determined to enhance your Switch experience without upgrading to the Switch 2, the mClassic Original might be your best bet. However, the improvements are minimal, and the price may not justify the investment.

The modes offered by the mClassic Switch and Retro are less appealing, featuring genuinely awful color filters that distort the original output. These enhancements are not recommended.

Note: The samples for this review were provided by Marseille.

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What’s Next for Nintendo Switch Upscalers?

As more advancements are made in graphics and upscaling technology, the market for these devices will likely evolve. For now, consider whether upgrading to the Switch 2 or opting for a tried-and-true upscaler like the mClassic Original aligns better with your gaming needs.

Join the Discussion

What are your thoughts on the mClassic RGB range? Is it worth the investment, or do you have a different favorite upscaler for your Switch? Share your comments below and join the conversation!

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