Classic light guns were designed around the way a CRT draws an image. Point one at a modern LCD and, in most cases, nothing useful happens. The good news is that modern systems now recreate the experience with cameras, screen borders or infrared reference points.
Why an old light gun needs a CRT
Traditional designs such as photodiode guns detect the precise flash or scanning behaviour of a cathode-ray tube. The game knows when and where bright targets were drawn, then correlates that timing with what the gun sees. Flat panels buffer and assemble the image differently, breaking the timing relationship.
This is not something a simple HDMI adaptor can fix. For a genuinely original setup, use the correct regional console, game, gun and compatible CRT. Remember that some 100Hz CRTs and unusual processing modes can also cause trouble.
Sinden: the screen border becomes the reference
A Sinden Lightgun contains a camera. Its software adds a thin border around the game image, allowing the gun to determine the screen’s position and calculate where it is pointing. It does not need external sensor bars, which makes the physical setup tidy.
The border is part of the bargain. Good lighting, sensible exposure settings and enough distance for the camera to see the whole rectangle are important. Once configured well, it is a compelling option for a living-room television or cabinet where mounting emitters is inconvenient.
GUN4IR: fixed infrared reference points
GUN4IR uses infrared LEDs positioned around the display and a camera inside the gun. The official system describes a one-time calibration and on-device tracking that does not require background software for normal use. The result can feel extremely direct, particularly in a permanent cabinet.
The trade-off is installation. Emitters need power and careful placement, and a larger display demands enough distance for the camera to see the reference points. The platform also has a strong DIY heritage, so quality varies if you buy unofficial hardware. Confirm exactly what is included and where support comes from.
Which should you choose?
| Setup | Best for | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Original gun + CRT | Authenticity and original console software | Space, region compatibility and ageing displays |
| Sinden | Flexible modern-TV setups without mounted emitters | Visible border, lighting and software configuration |
| GUN4IR | Permanent cabinets and a highly direct feel | Emitter installation, cost and seller/support quality |
The software matters as much as the gun
Before calibrating hardware, make the game work correctly with a mouse. Confirm aspect ratio, resolution, player order and reload behaviour. Front ends such as Batocera can centralise compatible emulators, but every game family has its quirks. Keep per-game notes and change one setting at a time.
Also think about the room: reflections, bright windows, display size, standing distance, recoil noise and cable routing all affect the experience. A technically perfect gun that is awkward to connect will be used less than a slightly less exotic setup that is always ready.
Official resources: how Sinden tracking works, GUN4IR system overview, and our Batocera 2026 guide.