Problems With Connecting Multiple Video Game Consoles

As of 2010, televisions can accept multiple input devices, allowing game enthusiasts to have multiple video game consoles connected to one television. Problems with multiple consoles on one television center around issues with the input.

Too Few Inputs

Though a television may have multiple inputs, it may still have too few inputs to connect multiple consoles. For instance, you may have two HDMI output consoles but only one HDMI input on the television. A simple workaround is to use a compatible switch to artificially increase the amount of inputs to the television.

Wrong Input

A television may not have the correct input for a game console's output. For example, the television may only have a component video input while the console only has HDMI output. The solution in this situation is to use a video adapter, though not all types of outputs can be adapted to another form.

Older Television

If you have an older television with only one AV input, physically switching cables can cause a lot of wear and tear on the cables and input, eventually rendering them useless. In this case, use a switch that allows you to switch in between consoles without having to constantly change cables.

References

• Cheap Ass Gamer: Looking to Connect Multiple Systems to One TV
• Nintendo Wii Forum: Connecting Multiple Game Systems Through One Input