Checkmate Display: The Definitive Retro Monitor — Now For Everyone

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The iconic, modular IPS display for vintage hardware. Redesigned for better value, integrated SCART, and refined performance.

Do you love the aesthetic of the 80s and 90s, but hate the struggle of finding a working monitor?

We’ve all been there. You spend weeks hunting for the perfect vintage machine, only to realize that finding a compatible, working CRT is a nightmare. They are heavy, they fail, and they don't always play nice with modern power grids. 

That’s why we created the Checkmate Display. We wanted to give retro enthusiasts the "look and feel" of a period-accurate setup, powered by the crystal-clear reliability of a modern IPS panel. 

Three years ago, we proved it could be done. Today, we’re making it better.

You talked. We listened.

When we launched our first version, the community’s response was overwhelming. But as we chatted with hundreds of you, we noticed something: 90% of you only really needed the SCART input as an extra option.

In the first version, SCART lived on a separate £200 expansion card. To get the most common connection, you had to pay for a board that included inputs you’d likely never use.

That didn’t feel right but we had no choice at the time.

So we decided to strip away the unnecessary complexity. By removing the 5 way HDMI switcher, (you still have 2 x HDMI inputs), and making room for the SCART input directly into the main board, we’ve removed the "entry barrier." You no longer have to pay for an upgrade just to get the standard experience.

 

Why the Price is Dropping (prices exclude local tax) 

The original standard model started at £379.00 and if you wanted SCART you added £199 for Appy’s retro scalar/SVideo/RF etc,  + £19 for the HDMI x 5 extra switcher.

We believe a great retro setup should be accessible to more than just a few collectors. We are reducing the standard price (TBC) for two reasons:

    1. Integrated Design: By moving SCART to the main board, we've eliminated the cost of an extra PCB for the majority of users.

    2. The Kickstarter Legacy: Our original backers were heroes. Because of them, the $100,000 investment in plastic tooling and molds is already paid for which reduces costs and offsets some of the industry price increases.

We aren't cutting corners; we're cutting costs. You get the same premium chassis and the same iconic look, but at a price that makes sense for every hobbyist.

Upgrade Pack as a kit still available

However, if you need the full setup, then there is the Pro pack upgrade that adds the full Appy’s retro scalar pack and the 5 way HDMI switcher back into the system. But please try the standard monitor first before deciding.