### Is That a CRT Filter in Your Pocket or Are You Just Happy to See Me?
Ah, Nintendo, the company that has mastered the art of making us pay for the same games over and over again. Just when you thought your membership to the Nintendo Switch Online service couldn’t possibly get more exciting (or sarcastic pause, “essential”), they go and upgrade the CRT filter for SNES games. Oh yes, your pixelated nostalgia trip is about to get a facelift—or rather, a retrograde one. Because we all know what the Switch Online service was desperately missing was a slightly better simulation of a 1980s TV screen. *Chef’s kiss.*
But hey, let’s give credit where credit is due. Nintendo has apparently taken this update to heart, making the CRT filter on its SNES library look more authentic than ever. Yes, your 4K OLED TV will now come with an optional feature to make it look like your dad’s dusty basement TV from 1989. Truly, we are living in the future.
### What’s New With the CRT Filter?
Nintendo’s latest update to the SNES library on Switch Online is all about refinement. The CRT filter, which was already available, has been upgraded to make those horizontal scanlines look even more realistic. Because, obviously, the authentic experience of playing “Super Metroid” or “The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past” involves squinting through fuzzy lines and pretending your HDMI cable is a rabbit-ear antenna.
In case you’re wondering how this works, the filter essentially mimics the appearance of an old CRT TV, complete with scanlines and a slight blur. The new update reportedly makes these effects sharper, more defined, and closer to the real deal. And let’s be honest—there’s nothing quite like upgrading your $350 Switch setup to play 30-year-old games in gloriously blurry detail.
For those of you who are genuinely excited about this (we know you’re out there), here’s a quick guide on how to enable the CRT filter:
1. Open the Nintendo Switch Online app.
2. Navigate to the SNES library.
3. Select a game of your choice (preferably something iconic, because why not?).
4. Go to the settings menu and enable the CRT filter.
And voilà! Instant time travel to 1991.
### Why This Matters (Or Does It?)
Let’s face it: Nintendo has a knack for making us care about things we didn’t even know we wanted. And by “care,” we mean begrudgingly accept that this is the only way we’re going to play SNES classics unless we feel like dusting off an actual SNES—or, heaven forbid, downloading an emulator.
There’s also the fact that Nintendo Switch Online subscribers have been clamoring for meaningful updates to the service for a while now. Sure, we got the Expansion Pack with N64 and Genesis games, but many fans still feel the service is lacking compared to other platforms like Xbox Game Pass. So, while this CRT filter update isn’t exactly the groundbreaking innovation we were hoping for, it’s at least a sign that Nintendo is still paying attention to its retro library.
And hey, if nothing else, it’s a reminder that Nintendo’s commitment to nostalgia is as strong as ever. Because why look forward when you can charge people $19.99 a year to relive the past?
### Pros & Cons of the New CRT Filter
#### Pros:
– **Authenticity:** The upgraded CRT filter does an excellent job of mimicking the look and feel of old-school CRT TVs. If you’re a purist, this is a big win.
– **Nostalgia Overload:** Playing SNES games with this filter feels like stepping into a time machine. It’s a great way to relive your childhood—or pretend you lived through the ’90s if you didn’t.
– **No Extra Cost:** The update is free for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, so at least you’re not being charged extra for this feature. (Small miracles, right?)
#### Cons:
– **Limited Appeal:** Let’s be honest—not everyone is going to care about a CRT filter. For casual players, this upgrade is more of a “meh” than a must-have.
– **Still Waiting on Other Features:** While the CRT filter is nice, many fans would prefer updates like improved online functionality, more games, or—dare we dream—a better voice chat system.
– **It’s 2025:** Do we really need to make our modern gaming systems look worse on purpose? Just a thought.
### The Bigger Picture: Nintendo’s Love Affair with Nostalgia
Nintendo has always been a company that thrives on nostalgia. Whether it’s re-releasing classic games on every new console or creating hardware that reminds us of our childhood (hello, Super NES Classic Edition), the Big N knows how to pull at our heartstrings—and our wallets.
This CRT filter update is just the latest example of Nintendo leaning into its retro roots. And while it’s easy to poke fun at the idea of simulating 30-year-old technology on a modern gaming system, there’s also something undeniably charming about it. It’s a reminder that gaming isn’t just about cutting-edge graphics and photorealistic landscapes—it’s also about the memories we make along the way.
For those of you who are still on the fence about subscribing to Nintendo Switch Online, this update probably isn’t going to change your mind. But if you’re already a member, it’s a fun little addition that adds a new layer of authenticity to your retro gaming experience. And let’s be real—sometimes, it’s the little things that make all the difference.
### Final Thoughts
So, is the upgraded CRT filter on Nintendo Switch Online a game-changer? Not really. But it is a nice touch that shows Nintendo is still committed to improving its retro gaming offerings, even if those improvements are more niche than groundbreaking.
If you’re a die-hard SNES fan or just someone who loves a good dose of nostalgia, this update is definitely worth checking out. And if not, well, at least you can take comfort in knowing that your $19.99 a year is going toward something other than just server maintenance.
#### What’s your take on the new CRT filter? Are you excited to try it out, or do you think it’s just another gimmick? Let us know in the comments below! And don’t forget to check out our [guide to the best SNES games available on Switch Online](https://www.nintendolife.com/guides/best-snes-games-on-switch-online) for some inspiration.
### Call to Action
Think the CRT filter is the best thing since sliced bread—or just another way for Nintendo to milk our nostalgia? Either way, we want to hear from you! Share your thoughts in the comments, and don’t forget to check out our other articles on all things Nintendo. And if you haven’t already, consider subscribing to Nintendo Switch Online to see what all the fuss is about. Because let’s face it, where else are you going to play “Donkey Kong Country” while pretending your 4K TV is a CRT?
### External Links
– Learn more about CRT technology from this fascinating [BBC article on retro displays](https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20210910-why-crt-monitors-are-making-a-comeback).
– Check out Nintendo’s official announcement about the CRT filter update on their [news page](https://www.nintendo.com/whatsnew/crt-filter-update-snes/).
