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TV Screen Goes Dark After Starting a Game [Super NES Classic Edition]

Super NES Classic Edition

The information in this article can help you when:

  • After a few minutes of gameplay with one or more games, the television screen becomes dark.
  • There is still sound coming from the television, but the screen is too dark to play a game.

Note: If the Screen Burn-In Reduction is enabled, the screen brightness will dim after five minutes of inactivity.

What to do

  1. Power down the TV or monitor, and power down the system by ensuring that the Power switch is in the OFF position.
    The Power LED unlit and the power switch in its off position indicating the power is off on the Super NES Classic Edition
  2. Unplug the HDMI cable from the console and from the TV or monitor.
  3. Unplug the AC adapter from the wall outlet and the USB cable from the console.
  4. Check the serial number on the bottom of the console.
    • Systems sold in the Americas will have the serial number prefix "SU" followed by nine digits.
    • Any other serial number prefix indicates the system is from another region.
  1. What is the serial number prefix for your console?
    1. Reset the AC adapter.
      • While resetting the AC adapter, check for any signs of physical damage; i.e. nicks, kinks, frayed cables, etc.
        • If either the HDMI or USB cable is damaged, replacing them with new ones may resolve the problem.
    2. Plug the HDMI cable back into the console and into an HDMI port on the TV or monitor.
      • If you are using a different HDMI cable than the one included with the system, it should not exceed 10 ft in length.
    3. Plug the USB cable back into the AC adapter that came in the box, then plug the USB cable into the system, and the AC adapter into the wall outlet.
      • If you are powering up the Super NES Classic Edition using an after-market AC adapter, a TV, or other device, try using the original AC adapter that came with the console.
        • If it is no longer available, you can purchase one from Nintendo Store.
        The Super NES Classic Edition AC adapter
    4. Power on the TV or monitor, then power on the system by ensuring that the Power switch is in the ON position with the LED lit.
      The Power LED lit up red and the power switch in it's on position indicating the power is on on the Super NES Classic Edition
    5. Select the appropriate HDMI input on your TV or monitor and start a game.
    6. If the image on the TV screen becomes dark, try using a different HDMI port on the TV.
      • If the issue persists, try using a different HDMI cable.
        • If you haven't done so already, we strongly recommend testing the system on a different TV or monitor.
    Did this resolve your issue?
    Important
    • You have a console that was intended to be sold in another region.
    • Only consoles sold in the Americas will include an AC adapter.
    • If you have a console that was intended for another region, and it included an AC adapter, it is very likely an unlicensed accessory.
    • We have found that this issue can be caused by using an underpowered AC adapter or power source; the Power LED may be lit, but the screen may go dark or there may not be sound.
      • The problem can be resolved by using a licensed AC adapter. You can purchase one from Nintendo Store.
    • You can also try using a different AC adapter that is rated as 5V/1A.
    • If you haven't done so already, we strongly recommend testing the system on a different TV or monitor.
    Did this resolve your issue?

  3. If this information resolved your issue, then you’re all set! For information about Nintendo’s products, be sure to check out Nintendo's website for all the latest news.

    If the issue persists, there is likely an issue with the system.

    Please contact us for additional support.

    If this information resolved your issue, then you’re all set! For information about Nintendo’s products, be sure to check out Nintendo's website for all the latest news.

    Please contact us for additional support.

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