When retro gaming enthusiasts in Hong Kong look to connect classic consoles like the PlayStation 2, Nintendo Wii, or even the Nintendo Switch to modern 4K TVs, they quickly encounter a dilemma: invest in the HK$1,099 mClassic upscaler or opt for a budget alternative costing as little as HK$150. The market is flooded with cheap HDMI upscalers from brands like Portta, Tendak, and J-Tech, all promising to convert 480p or 720p signals into crisp 1080p or 4K. But do these budget devices actually deliver? In this article, we examine the differences in image quality, latency, build quality, and overall value to help you decide whether the mClassic is worth the premium.
What Is an Upscaler and Why Do You Need One?
An upscaler is a device that takes a lower-resolution video signal and scales it to a higher resolution, filling in the missing pixels through interpolation. For retro consoles that output 480i, 480p, or 720p, a good upscaler can dramatically improve the image on a 1080p or 4K display by reducing blur, aliasing, and shimmering. Without one, modern TVs often stretch the image poorly, resulting in a soft, jagged mess.
In Hong Kong, many gamers use the mClassic with a PS2 setup or a Nintendo Switch setup to get cleaner graphics. But budget upscalers are also common, especially among those who want to test the waters without a large investment.
mClassic: The Premium Contender
The mClassic, developed by Marseille Inc., is a small dongle that plugs into an HDMI port. It uses a proprietary FPGA-based chip to perform real-time scaling and anti-aliasing. Unlike simple bilinear scaling, the mClassic applies advanced algorithms to smooth edges and reduce noise. It supports 480p to 4K output (up to 4K 30Hz or 1440p 60Hz) and includes a toggle button to switch between three modes: passthrough, upscale, and upscale+.
In Hong Kong, the mClassic is available from retailers like Jumbo, Comdex, and online via Where to Buy mClassic Hong Kong. The official price is HK$1,099, though occasional sales can bring it to around HK$999. For a detailed look at its performance, see our mClassic Review Hong Kong.
Cheap Upscalers: The Budget Alternatives
Budget upscalers typically cost between HK$100 and HK$300. Popular models include:
- Portta HDMI to HDMI Scaler – Around HK$180 on Taobao or HK$250 at Golden Computer Centre.
- Tendak 1080p Scaler – Approximately HK$150 on Shopee.
- J-Tech 4K Scaler – About HK$280 at local electronic markets.
These devices use simpler chips from manufacturers like Analog Devices or iChips. They often support scaling from 480p to 1080p or 4K, but the algorithms are basic. Many users report that cheap scalers introduce noticeable input lag, colour shifting, or artefacts. They also lack the anti-aliasing and detail enhancement that the mClassic provides.
Image Quality Comparison
Sharpness and Detail
In side-by-side tests with a PlayStation 2 running 480p games, the mClassic produces a noticeably sharper image with reduced jaggies. Text becomes more readable, and textures look cleaner. The cheap Portta scaler, on the other hand, often over-sharpens, creating harsh halos around edges. Fine details like grass or hair appear blocky. The mClassic's adaptive algorithm preserves more natural detail.
Colour Accuracy
Colour reproduction is another area where the mClassic excels. It maintains the original colour space without clipping or shifting. Budget scalers frequently alter colours: reds become oversaturated, or whites take on a blue tint. In a test with Nintendo Switch games like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, the mClassic delivered vibrant, accurate colours, while the Tendak scaler made the sky look cyan and grass too yellow.
Anti-Aliasing
The mClassic's built-in anti-aliasing smooths jagged edges effectively. On a 720p source like the Switch, it reduces shimmering on fine lines. Cheap upscalers do not apply any anti-aliasing; they simply stretch the image, so every jagged pixel remains visible. This is especially noticeable in 2D games with pixel art, where the mClassic preserves the intended look without harsh staircasing.
Latency and Gaming Performance
Input lag is critical for gaming. The mClassic adds approximately 1–2 frames (16–32 ms) of latency in upscale mode, which is imperceptible to most players. In passthrough mode, it adds virtually zero latency. Budget upscalers, however, can add 3–5 frames (50–80 ms) due to less efficient processing. In fast-paced games like Super Mario Odyssey or Gran Turismo 4, this delay can make controls feel sluggish.
We tested the Portta scaler with a PS2 running TimeSplitters 2. The mClassic felt responsive, while the Portta introduced a noticeable lag that made aiming difficult. For competitive or precision gaming, the mClassic's lower latency is a clear advantage.
Build Quality and Features
The mClassic is housed in a compact aluminium shell, measuring 5.8 cm x 2.2 cm x 1.2 cm. It runs cool and draws power from the HDMI port. It includes a button to cycle modes, and a small LED indicates the current mode. In contrast, cheap upscalers are often made of flimsy plastic, with loose HDMI connectors that can cause signal drops. Many budget models lack any user controls, forcing you to rely on auto-detection, which sometimes misidentifies the input resolution.
The mClassic also supports 1440p output at 60Hz, a feature rarely found in cheap scalers, which typically max out at 1080p or 4K 30Hz. For gamers with 1440p monitors, this is a significant benefit.
Price Comparison in Hong Kong
| Device | Price (HK$) | Retailer |
|---|---|---|
| mClassic | 1,099 | Jumbo, Comdex, Online |
| Portta Scaler | 180–250 | Golden Computer Centre, Taobao |
| Tendak Scaler | 150 | Shopee |
| J-Tech 4K Scaler | 280 | Wan Chai Computer Centre |
At over 5 times the cost of a budget scaler, the mClassic is a significant investment. However, for serious retro gamers who value image quality and low latency, the premium may be justified. For casual use, a cheap scaler might suffice, but be prepared for compromises.
Which One Should You Buy?
Your choice depends on your priorities:
- If you play retro consoles (PS2, Wii, Dreamcast) on a 4K TV and want the best possible image, the mClassic is worth the cost. Pair it with a PS2 setup for optimal results.
- If you use a Nintendo Switch and want to reduce jaggies in handheld mode on a TV, the mClassic's anti-aliasing makes a noticeable difference. See our Switch setup guide.
- If you are on a tight budget or only occasionally play retro games, a cheap scaler like the Portta may be acceptable, but expect blurrier images and higher latency.
- For competitive gaming, the mClassic's lower latency is crucial; avoid cheap scalers.
- If you need 1440p 60Hz output, the mClassic is your only option among these.
For a deeper comparison with other high-end upscalers, read mClassic vs OSSC vs RetroTINK. And for a complete overview, check The Complete Guide to mClassic in Hong Kong.
Related Articles
- The Complete Guide to mClassic in Hong Kong
- mClassic vs OSSC vs RetroTINK: Which Upscaler Is Best?
- mClassic Review: Is It Worth the Money in Hong Kong?
- Where to Buy mClassic in Hong Kong
- mClassic Price in Hong Kong: Best Deals in 2025