I discovered an effective way to re-use outdated HDMI cables

When you’re something like me, then you might have a whole lot of HDMI cables from through the years that don’t have any dwelling. As a substitute of tossing them into the trash can, I simply tucked them away in a field in a closet. It wasn’t till I began getting extra into retro gaming that I spotted how a lot outdated HDMI cables come in useful.

You could be caught off guard by me mentioning HDMI cables and retro gaming in the identical breath, however the Xbox 360 is 20 years outdated at this level, so I am counting it. The factor with these outdated consoles is that they did not use any fancy HDMI cables such as you do right this moment. There is not any want to fret about something like HDMI 2.0 or 2.1 with a console just like the Xbox 360 or PS3, so my outdated cables will do with out having to examine what they’re. I am very blissful that I held on to those in any case these years as a result of I’d hate to need to unplug different issues or buy new cables. As a substitute, I picked up a 32-inch 720p TV, set it up, and plugged in my outdated consoles utilizing cables from their time.

Your outdated units aren’t choosy with HDMI

Any cable will get the job performed

The PS3 and Xbox 360 did not have 4K resolutions to fret about, so whereas your new HDMI cables will work with these consoles, you do not have to make use of them since you will not see any efficiency features. One of many benefits of the HDMI format is its compatibility with all generations. My outdated cable works with my new TV and vice versa. The one factor lacking is the options provided with quicker cables, so I might actually solely advocate utilizing new cables with outdated issues, simply so you do not miss out on something.

As an early adopter of the Xbox 360 and plenty of different HDMI units of the time, it is no shock that I’ve amassed a big assortment of cables over time. You may additionally discover that many units you purchase include a cable bundle, so it is very straightforward to finish up with extra cables than what to do with. I all the time felt bizarre about tossing out electronics, so I simply saved all my outdated cables.

On the time, I did not suppose I might ever return to outdated consoles, however that was clearly silly. If I did not have these cables, I might be coping with the mess of getting to take away HDMI cables from my present units, like my Apple TV 4K, and plug them into my Xbox 360. Thankfully, I used to be in a position to keep away from that, and I am grateful for it.

Generally, it is price maintaining that outdated junk

What’s outdated is new once more

Tech is such an odd factor as a result of whereas it is always advancing, there are nonetheless many causes to maintain outdated units round. I have been getting extra into Sport Boy as of late, and in 2025, I purchased two Sport Boy Colours and one Sport Boy Advance. Most of the video games I’ve performed — Dragon Quest 3, Donkey Kong Nation, and Tremendous Mario Land — are all accessible on trendy {hardware}. There’s one thing charming about going again to one thing older and enjoying it there. All three of those video games had been the primary time I ever performed them, and I used to be glad I may do it this fashion.

What I am making an attempt to say is that there is not any cause to do away with outdated issues if in case you have the area for them. All of those outdated HDMI cables certain got here in helpful, even when a few of them are many years outdated at this level. I someway discovered a use for them, and I am certain many individuals will discover themselves in the identical boat when the time comes. Your HDMI cables may appear ineffective now, however after we’re on a very completely different format, if that day ever comes, you may be glad you might have these cables.