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Author Topic: Building a "console emulator" computer!  (Read 23220 times)

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eds1275

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Building a "console emulator" computer!
« on: September 25, 2014, 12:22:30 pm »
I am 0% purist. I just want to play my games, and have decided to just build a computer to run everything, and have 4 wired controllers attached. I plan on fixing them to the case so they can't be unplugged and lose their ID's so that once the initial setups are done there should in theory be minimal hassle. I haven't decided on the controllers yet, but am in no rush. Just been acquiring roms and emulators so far.

I was always a few years behind on consoles, and often had older consoles that were rare and didn't really know any better. Plus I had games nobody else did, and that was cool  ;D I had the atari Jaguar, 3d0, 32x... but I plan on putting the sega cd, genesis, snes, n64, nes, and there's a few others I can't think of right now.

I read in another thread that n64 emulation isn't up to snuff yet, but in my experience there hasn't been many issues I haven't resolved. Same with 3d0, but Jaguar emulation is still buggy. Still, the games I am most interested in on the jag seem to work. I really hoped for c64 but it looks like it'd be way too much work. It'll be on there, but not in the main menu. Every once in a while I get an itching for some paradroid....

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #1 on: September 25, 2014, 12:39:19 pm »
I am 0% purist. I just want to play my games, and have decided to just build a computer to run everything, and have 4 wired controllers attached. I plan on fixing them to the case so they can't be unplugged and lose their ID's so that once the initial setups are done there should in theory be minimal hassle. I haven't decided on the controllers yet, but am in no rush. Just been acquiring roms and emulators so far.

I was always a few years behind on consoles, and often had older consoles that were rare and didn't really know any better. Plus I had games nobody else did, and that was cool  ;D I had the atari Jaguar, 3d0, 32x... but I plan on putting the sega cd, genesis, snes, n64, nes, and there's a few others I can't think of right now.

I read in another thread that n64 emulation isn't up to snuff yet, but in my experience there hasn't been many issues I haven't resolved. Same with 3d0, but Jaguar emulation is still buggy. Still, the games I am most interested in on the jag seem to work. I really hoped for c64 but it looks like it'd be way too much work. It'll be on there, but not in the main menu. Every once in a while I get an itching for some paradroid....

Check this out: http://imgur.com/gallery/ufcvW  Its a list of consoles and handhelds with the posters favorite emu.  check the comments for updates and counterpoints.


If you start with a list of consoles, you can research the emu for the minimum and recommended specs.  Then you can choose a PC based around that.  In the end, maybe you can write up a nice white paper around the best emulators and what ever work-arounds you are suggesting.

What controller are you going to use? 

Other than Tetrisphere, I don't know what else you need on N64.

eds1275

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #2 on: September 25, 2014, 12:45:09 pm »
wcw vs nwo of course! I never had an n64, but since having the emulator I have set up controller profiles for 007 goldeneye to work like a modern shooter (left stick moves, right stick looks around) and it is great.

Of course everything runs fine on my recording studio computer but it's a beast. I have been looking at this thing for a PC http://www.newegg.ca/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16883266573 mainly because it will fit in the hole where my wife's vcr was before I gave it away. She didn't notice for 5 months.

Slippyblade

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #3 on: September 25, 2014, 04:42:48 pm »
She didn't notice for 5 months.

You, sir, are a genius.

Vigo

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #4 on: September 25, 2014, 05:02:22 pm »
I really hoped for c64 but it looks like it'd be way too much work. It'll be on there, but not in the main menu. Every once in a while I get an itching for some paradroid....

Pick 15-20 C64 games you absolutely love. Spend time making joy2key batch files to put the controls exactly how you want them and making save states to avoid the loading screens. Add more games as needed later. Totally worth it.

eds1275

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #5 on: September 25, 2014, 05:54:51 pm »
She didn't notice for 5 months.

You, sir, are a genius.

Meanwhile, she hadn't noticed that she had filled up the excess closet space with new clothes that was previously occupied with boxes of video tapes  :angry:

I ran into some issues with Fourdo not loading some games. Looked up online and found many others were experiencing the same issues, and eventually figured out how to fix it myself. I had to go to the .iso, click properties, uncheck read-only and select "unblock" from the menu.

thomas_surles

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #6 on: September 25, 2014, 11:37:54 pm »
Go with 360 wired controller. This gives you the option of playing more pc games that only support 360 controllers.

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #7 on: September 26, 2014, 12:32:01 am »
Go with 360 wired controller. This gives you the option of playing more pc games that only support 360 controllers.

I agree with my homie Surles on this.
***Build what you dig, bro. Build what you dig.***

ark_ader

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #8 on: September 26, 2014, 04:01:13 am »
Get a Xbox and call it a day.
If I had only one wish, it would be for three more wishes.

Alistair Keith

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #9 on: September 26, 2014, 08:56:45 am »
An Ouya works with quite a lot of emulators (pretty much anything Android can play)... So you could try that and it works with a lot of different wireless controllers, which is pretty cool.
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eds1275

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #10 on: September 26, 2014, 09:15:52 am »
Get a Xbox and call it a day.

Why would I hack an xbox when a PC is so simple to set up? I haven't seen a decent front end on a hacked xbox ever.

ChadTower

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #11 on: September 26, 2014, 11:33:53 am »

And frankly the Xbox is a seriously overrated machine for emulators.  It's convenient if you happen to have one already sitting around.  It was cool if you had one running XBMC 5 years ago and also wanted emulators.  Today it's a bad choice considering all of the things that have come out in the last few years.

knave

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #12 on: September 26, 2014, 11:58:28 am »
An Ouya works with quite a lot of emulators (pretty much anything Android can play)... So you could try that and it works with a lot of different wireless controllers, which is pretty cool.

I concur.  ;)

And as an added note: The OUYA is superior in every way to an old modded xbox for emulation. Not to mention XBMC and all the media features...plus you don't have to mod it rather can customize if you wish. A PC is still more versatile/powerful but requires more set up not to mention costs a lot more than the $60 you would spend on an OUYA if you shop around...

I wish the old Xboxes were good for something...I have four in a box in my garage. and while my modded xbox was awesome back in the day it has been replaced.

thomas_surles

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #13 on: September 26, 2014, 12:02:52 pm »
I am building a console pc for my brother. Just maybe a rectangular wood box with a power button and usb ports on the front. So he can hook it up to his tv for a true console feel. That being said I would love to see you make a console case for it.

Vigo

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #14 on: September 26, 2014, 12:21:16 pm »
I am building a console pc for my brother. Just maybe a rectangular wood box with a power button and usb ports on the front. So he can hook it up to his tv for a true console feel. That being said I would love to see you make a console case for it.

You can consider doing something like I did:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,107220.0.html


pbj

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #15 on: September 26, 2014, 12:44:11 pm »
Original Xbox is alright but I probably won't be messing with them in the future.  The Kades have really made them a viable option again - you don't have to hack up controllers and you can reuse the Kades on another device down the road.  Really your only additional cost is the USB->Xbox cables.  I've got it all rigged to come up with the power strip and I'm from powered off to booting a game in 20 seconds.  If you want to play absolutely nothing besides old arcade games, they're fine.  Lots of neat stuff has come out since, though.




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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #16 on: September 26, 2014, 12:51:58 pm »
I am building a console pc for my brother. Just maybe a rectangular wood box with a power button and usb ports on the front. So he can hook it up to his tv for a true console feel. That being said I would love to see you make a console case for it.

You can consider doing something like I did:

http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,107220.0.html


love it

Vigo

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #17 on: September 26, 2014, 01:15:00 pm »
Thanks, friend.  8) I agree with you, the fact of having an actual "Console" makes a difference. Old broken NES's are abundant and roomy machines to use as a console case. I always thought a dreamcast would be an incredible console to dump a PC in for classic gaming. 4 players, analog stick, but still better for classic gaming than the n64 controller. I kinda would be unsure of what to do with the VMU slot on the controllers, but I think there would be some possibilities.

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #18 on: September 26, 2014, 03:47:31 pm »
I kinda would be unsure of what to do with the VMU slot on the controllers, but I think there would be some possibilities.

Retrofit them to accept SD cards.
Configure your emulator options (scripting?) to ensure your emulator save states are saved to the respective players SD card (or both, whatever).
Now Johnny can keep his saves separate from Sarah's and neither will stomp all over the others save when they play.

Just a thought.  :dunno I really didn't consider all the particulars of that idea.

My kids bicker all the time on the Wii whenever they overwrite anyone else's saved games. The 360 isn't so bad as the saved games appear to be tied into a particular account.

eds1275

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #19 on: September 28, 2014, 07:03:28 pm »
I think it'll be around xmas before I can get a dedicated computer for this, but in the meantime for anyone who does emulators even on their arcade machine alongside mame - most of the emulators I see don't have a dedicated, configurable exit command. Do you just set up an AHK script for this? How else can you go about doing that?

thomas_surles

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #20 on: September 28, 2014, 11:39:51 pm »
I think it'll be around xmas before I can get a dedicated computer for this, but in the meantime for anyone who does emulators even on their arcade machine alongside mame - most of the emulators I see don't have a dedicated, configurable exit command. Do you just set up an AHK script for this? How else can you go about doing that?
I assumed you will be using a frontend to do the exiting.

eds1275

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #21 on: September 29, 2014, 02:38:56 pm »
I will be using mala most likely, but I dont know if it can handle exiting programs.

Slippyblade

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #22 on: September 29, 2014, 05:35:18 pm »
I will be using mala most likely, but I dont know if it can handle exiting programs.
Pretty sure it can.  I believe it added exit hook procedures a few versions ago.  Haven't tested that yet though.

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #23 on: September 29, 2014, 05:51:05 pm »
I will be using mala most likely, but I dont know if it can handle exiting programs.
Pretty sure it can.  I believe it added exit hook procedures a few versions ago.  Haven't tested that yet though.
if all fails maximus arcade works like a dream. You could lose the arcade style skin and make a New
Console theme for it.

mgb

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #24 on: October 04, 2014, 12:01:33 am »
I built a pc last year for the same thing.
Besides Netflix, YouTube and general browsing, I'm using it for games.
It's an asus motherboard with an AMD A8 3870k, Windows 7, 8G ram, a 128G SSD for the
OS and a 1TB for files. It's cased in a Lanbox lite case and hooked up to my LCD TV.
Not exactly what's considered a gaming power house but it handles everything well and it's quiet.
I have all my classic console emus on it.
For me, C64 is a must but really just for Jumpman.
I also use it regularly for games on Steam.

As far as controllers, I typically just use the xbox360 wired controllers, they're excellent.
I have a pair of the snes USB controllers but the Xbox ones just work great.

Are you looking to play some more modern games on this PC too?

eds1275

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #25 on: October 04, 2014, 01:36:56 pm »
Nah, I'm torn on whether I want to go PS1 or gamecube or neither. As it is right now, I have these running:

sega genesis/cd/master/I think some 32x
nintendo nes/snes/n64
3d0
atari jaguar
maniac mansion deluxe :)

And I think that's plenty. PS1 really didn't age well. The once mind blowing graphics of syphon filter now leave me wondering if that thing is a tree or a building or possibly my character... and gamecube, well I never had one so I dunno if it'd be worth it.

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #26 on: October 04, 2014, 10:10:58 pm »
I agree about PS1.
I really can care less about that generation of consoles myself.

How about more current games though.

I love playing games from Steam.

During a windy rainy day today,
My son and I went from playing Super Nintendo to some
Portal 2 on this PC.

thomas_surles

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #27 on: October 05, 2014, 04:18:01 pm »
Nah, I'm torn on whether I want to go PS1 or gamecube or neither. As it is right now, I have these running:

sega genesis/cd/master/I think some 32x
nintendo nes/snes/n64
3d0
atari jaguar
maniac mansion deluxe :)

And I think that's plenty. PS1 really didn't age well. The once mind blowing graphics of syphon filter now leave me wondering if that thing is a tree or a building or possibly my character... and gamecube, well I never had one so I dunno if it'd be worth it.
What no game boy? Psi would be good if you have the space. Gamecube on pc pretty much sucks. As does ps2. Some games run full speed while others are unplayable on even the best of pc's.

mgb

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #28 on: October 05, 2014, 06:01:35 pm »
I will never see what so many people love about Gameboy. Its gotta just be a nostalgia thing  :dunno

I've been messing around with PCSX2 on the pc in order to play my ps2 discs. Everything goes but then the disc just reboots right before the game starts.

eds1275

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #29 on: October 05, 2014, 07:31:18 pm »
I think I'll just stick with my list and see if I feel the need in the future.

I also never got the appeal of gameboy - I mean, I get the idea of hauling games around with you. I guess the only experience I had was with the old pea-green machine. Maybe it got better as GBC and other mutant gameboy spawn appeared.

Vigo

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #30 on: October 06, 2014, 01:27:33 am »
There were good gameboy games, but 90% of them were on the NES as well. a few exceptions that stand out would be Zelda: Link's awakening or Mario Land 2: 6 golden coins.

Gameboy advance on the other hand had a lot of excellent games. On my SNES console emulator, I use GBA quite a bit actually. I did one of those algorithm filters and it made things a bit easier on the eyes.

ChadTower

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #31 on: October 06, 2014, 10:21:29 am »

Killing Time is a great 3DO game that didn't appear on other systems.  Love that game.

eds1275

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #32 on: October 06, 2014, 12:30:32 pm »
3d0 games -

The Need For Speed. I LOOOOOVE this first one where you only race against that choch and he either makes excuses for losing or makes fun of you for learning how to drive from the elderly.

Road Rash - I've been playing the hell out of it lately.

Cannon Fodder - excellent version of the game.

Space Hulk

The Horde - Best version of this game! And it's sooooo gooood!

Alone in the Dark 2

D

Shockwave Assault

Syndicate

Flashback

Incredible Machine

Another World/Out of this World

Return Fire

Lots I haven't played as well.

horizon

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #33 on: October 06, 2014, 01:28:06 pm »
I loved Gex on 3DO.  Its the one game aside from Road Rash that I wanted to emulate the 3DO for.

eds1275

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #34 on: October 06, 2014, 01:35:22 pm »
Road Rash - well... keep your bike away from the edge!!!! I think adding that in gives that level an additional obstacle. I don't hate it, I like the extra challenge.

Vigo

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #35 on: October 06, 2014, 01:38:08 pm »
Does Syndicate for the 3DO play OK? Can't Imagine it on something other than a PC. I tried the SNES version and wanted to throw my controller against the wall in 30 seconds flat.

eds1275

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #36 on: October 06, 2014, 01:49:18 pm »
Just played a bit, seems fine to me!

Vigo

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #37 on: October 06, 2014, 01:54:30 pm »
I'll have to give it a try. It was one of my favs, I would like to make it a couch game as well.

eds1275

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #38 on: October 06, 2014, 03:49:24 pm »
I use fourDo. If you have problems getting a rom to work, make sure the properties are not set to read only. I head freedo was good as wel but couldn't get the buttons on my xbox 360 gamepad to work with it.

ChadTower

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #39 on: October 06, 2014, 03:50:18 pm »

Killing Time is a great 3DO game that didn't appear on other systems.  Love that game.

It was ported to the PC.


True but it's a ---smurfette--- to get running on a modern OS for some reason.  And that version wasn't nearly as good as the 3DO version.  I had them both back in the day and didn't even own a 3DO.  A kid down the hall in my dorm did and used to let me use it if I bought the beer.

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #40 on: October 06, 2014, 09:20:49 pm »
I had done this years ago using meedio as a front end with my htpc and it was a lot of fun,  then the dog ate the cords and years went by.  This was about 7 years ago.  I recently completely rebuilt my htpc with win7, xbmc, advanced launcher, and retroarch.  The combo is amazing and using a Celeron dual core 1.8 gig processor/8gigs of ram/zotec 630 video card I am able to run all systems up to n64 without issue and haven't tried better systems as of yet.

The bonus is a great layout to launch your games from and oh yeah all of your music/tv/movies in a very visually appealing setup.

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #41 on: October 06, 2014, 09:37:38 pm »
I had done this years ago using meedio as a front end with my htpc and it was a lot of fun,  then the dog ate the cords and years went by.  This was about 7 years ago.  I recently completely rebuilt my htpc with win7, xbmc, advanced launcher, and retroarch.  The combo is amazing and using a Celeron dual core 1.8 gig processor/8gigs of ram/zotec 630 video card I am able to run all systems up to n64 without issue and haven't tried better systems as of yet.

The bonus is a great layout to launch your games from and oh yeah all of your music/tv/movies in a very visually appealing setup.

First off, welcome
I'm interested in this setup you have. Not the hardware, as I already have a htpc with classic console emu but I'm interested in your xbmc, advanced launcher, retroarch setup.
I currently just kinda have all my stuff on the pc without one clean interface.
I've tried some stuff but nothing that really thrilled me.

Wired203

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #42 on: October 06, 2014, 10:59:01 pm »
XBMC is the media front end with multiple skin support,  Retroarch is a emulation project which bundles several different emu's in the same package with shader support (yes my lcd looks like a crt) and advanced launcher is a addon for xbmc that scrapes info/images for your rom library to make it look professional.

I first re-did it a few weeks ago via openelec the Linux xbmc software but had some bugs and hardware support issues so I went to win7.  Here is the link I used for setting it up via Linux and it's similar but a lot easier for windows.

http://openelec.tv/forum/128-addons/71535-guides-retroarch-friends#109977

eds1275

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #43 on: October 08, 2014, 05:38:52 am »
Somehow I blanked out Turbo Grafx 16 from memory. Downloaded it yesterday afternoon and sometime right before dinner I realized I was addicted to Bonk's Adventure.

Bonk is the only game I ever played on the TG16 because they had it at the entrance to radio shack (back when it was a cool store... 1988? 1990?) My brothers would look at remote controlled cars and I would bonk it up for 15 minutes.

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #44 on: October 08, 2014, 10:01:12 am »
Tg16 has some decent games.
I've played around with the emu of it.

When I was a kid, I only ever saw one.
I remember we were skipping school one day and we hung out at this guys house.
He was playing Bonk.
I remember thinking wow, this system is gonna be the next big system.
I don't think I ever knew anyone else with one after that.

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #45 on: October 08, 2014, 10:13:17 am »
I owned one got it as a trade when I was younger,  came with 2 games bonks adventure and keith courage both of which were a lot of fun to play.
TG16 always makes it on my emulators list.

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #46 on: October 08, 2014, 10:17:22 am »
When I was a kid, I only ever saw one.
I remember we were skipping school one day and we hung out at this guys house.
He was playing Bonk.
I remember thinking wow, this system is gonna be the next big system.
I don't think I ever knew anyone else with one after that.

Dude, where we like, neighbors or something? That EXACT same scenario happened to me. The Kid that lived upstairs from me had a spankin' new TG16 and I also skipped school (along with a few friends) to check it out. I was blown away by it. Shame it never really caught on. I think the price point was a killer for it considering the NES was cheap as all hell. Everybody I knew had a NES.

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #47 on: October 08, 2014, 10:25:25 am »
When I was a kid, I only ever saw one.
I remember we were skipping school one day and we hung out at this guys house.
He was playing Bonk.
I remember thinking wow, this system is gonna be the next big system.
I don't think I ever knew anyone else with one after that.

Dude, where we like, neighbors or something? That EXACT same scenario happened to me. The Kid that lived upstairs from me had a spankin' new TG16 and I also skipped school (along with a few friends) to check it out. I was blown away by it. Shame it never really caught on. I think the price point was a killer for it considering the NES was cheap as all hell. Everybody I knew had a NES.

Did you end down the beach, drunk also? ;D

lilshawn

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #48 on: October 08, 2014, 10:38:11 am »
When I was a kid, I only ever saw one.
I remember we were skipping school one day and we hung out at this guys house.
He was playing Bonk.
I remember thinking wow, this system is gonna be the next big system.
I don't think I ever knew anyone else with one after that.

Dude, where we like, neighbors or something? That EXACT same scenario happened to me. The Kid that lived upstairs from me had a spankin' new TG16 and I also skipped school (along with a few friends) to check it out. I was blown away by it. Shame it never really caught on. I think the price point was a killer for it considering the NES was cheap as all hell. Everybody I knew had a NES.

Did you end down the beach, drunk also? ;D

no, but did go into the ravine behind our house and smoke a bunch of pot though... Finished off the day playing my friends bootleg 100-in-1 NES cart. Horay for graphis glitches!  :lol

I remember the "Rambo" game was the laziest rip off EVER. super mario with the mario sprite changed to look like a "generic army guy". Funny thing was it was only the first frame of him standing still. All the rest of the sprite animations frames for everything else was mario.  :laugh2:

thomas_surles

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #49 on: October 11, 2014, 10:02:34 am »
I think you should build the case from wood. Just Google "wooden pc case"
It would make a nice edition to your entertainment center.

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #50 on: October 11, 2014, 02:17:50 pm »
I love some of the retro/futuristic case designs those guys make out of wood.  My favorite was an old refurbished tube radio case.  Looked amazing.

eds1275

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #51 on: October 11, 2014, 03:35:52 pm »
If I do make a case, it'll be black so it hides nicely with my xbox one, blu ray player, and home theatre amp/receiver. But the PC I have in mind comes in a black case so I may just leave it as is.

Wired203

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #52 on: October 11, 2014, 09:04:41 pm »
This is the case I have it's the black one.  Big bonuses are built in infrared and power on via remote so I can be lazy and sit on my duff and power it on when needed.

http://www.silverstonetek.com/product.php?pid=81&area=en

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #53 on: October 14, 2014, 04:56:57 pm »
If I do make a case, it'll be black so it hides nicely with my xbox one, blu ray player, and home theatre amp/receiver. But the PC I have in mind comes in a black case so I may just leave it as is.

Why not just put it in an original Xbox case then?  Should be big enough.

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #54 on: October 14, 2014, 05:40:52 pm »
If I do make a case, it'll be black so it hides nicely with my xbox one, blu ray player, and home theatre amp/receiver. But the PC I have in mind comes in a black case so I may just leave it as is.

Why not just put it in an original Xbox case then?  Should be big enough.

I'm happy leaving it in a black PC case. Easiest option, built in cooling, it will already match the black stuff in my home theatre. I've decided if I do anything, it will be a custom front plate to hide the computery-ness of it. I was thinking of the name Nintari 16x cdo... combining nintendo, atari, sega cd and 32x, 3do, and turbo grafx 16's names in there as well as a nod to willie beamish.

mike boss

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #55 on: October 20, 2014, 07:44:47 pm »
A friend of mine has a PC set up with HyperSpin (one of the hard drive images you see sold in various places), MAME, and console emulation.

He uses USB versions of the various console controllers. An idea I think is rather neat.
USB version of the NES and SNES controller, an adapter for N64. Not sure what he does for Sega consoles, or Turbo GRFX 16, none the less I like the idea.

I hear a ton of good things about the wired XBOX 360 controllers.

I have several modified XBOX consoles with Coin-Ops installed. Some of which just have the XBMC skin and various emulator with complete US ROM sets. I never actually thought on it, but as noted in this thread the OUYA is a modern replacement.
Simply put all your ROM files on a flash drive and download the emulators from the store.
Most (if not all) are free. The OUYA controller is not the best, but I have used it with a wireless USB PS3 controller I picked up for $10.

The only issue I have had (and this is my fault for not making the time to solve this) is using all 3 of the PS3 USB controllers along with the original OUYA controller. I'd like to able to have 4 player gaming working.

The idea of a PC is a good idea, I've always liked that idea. As I said I also like the idea of controllers true to the consoles themselves (if doable). The XBOX is a little outdated , and the OUYA a great modern replacement. For simplicity you might want to look into it.

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #56 on: November 15, 2014, 08:48:03 am »
 :bump I want an update yo!

eds1275

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #57 on: November 15, 2014, 01:52:08 pm »
I have all the emulators and roms downloaded, but as I said earlier probably won't actually have the computer until xmas. I did however gather a few pieces of art for my NinTari logo, I'll probably put that together today.

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #58 on: November 18, 2014, 12:02:59 am »
I have all the emulators and roms downloaded, but as I said earlier probably won't actually have the computer until xmas. I did however gather a few pieces of art for my NinTari logo, I'll probably put that together today.
cool I like the name. I'm working on one as well right now I call it "RetroMax"

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #59 on: November 18, 2014, 07:39:29 am »
... as I said earlier probably won't actually have the computer until xmas....


eds1275

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #60 on: December 15, 2014, 02:55:05 pm »
I'm going to cut a piece of black acrylic to cover the face ofthe PC and have this logo on the front. The acrylic will be velcro'd on so I can access the dvd drive if need be. The white in the circle will remain, but the black text will be changed to a grey to stand out against the black. The white behind will be clear.


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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #61 on: December 19, 2014, 09:35:15 pm »
Looks good. I'm working on mine but I ran into a problem. The hdmi on the laptop I'm using isn't working. Still trying to figure it out before I build the box.

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #62 on: December 26, 2014, 08:51:37 am »
Oddly enough I have just made a similar post! I have looked into OUYA and I have been told PSX and is hit and miss... The guys on an ouya forum told me you have to mess around with settings... that sucks.    I think I am going to build a PC.. however I have been out of the hardware game for so long, not sure what to get.
Life is like a video game, a good one never dies..

eds1275

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #63 on: December 26, 2014, 10:34:21 am »
I figured that a PC is the most versatile, upgradeable, and has the most online help available, as well as the largest selection of emulators. Ordered mine on the 24th, but likely won't get it for 2 weeks.

**just got my confirmation email. Total cost $224 Canadian, shipped. I'm pretty excited. I started wrking on a widescreen mala layout which I will share when complete.... Fairly basic but highlights the consoles nicely. I suppose today ill rip a bunch of blu rays of emulators and roms.

eds1275

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #64 on: December 29, 2014, 03:57:19 pm »
As the excitement builds (already planned a super spike v'ball tournament!) I have been working on my mala layout. I figured I'd post my art files in case anyone else wants them. Super basic, but does what I need it to. I have also included a blank page in the .zip just in case. If you dont like the nintari logo it's easy to erase and fill in. If you do, it's also included as a separate file. Here are a few samples and the zip with all the emu pages can be found in the first post of this thread. I tried my best to match each manufacturer's text font.

I also googled for a compilation of video game music that did not disappoint. That will be the menu music.

I am on the lookout for usb gamepads with 2 rows of 3 buttons, and at least 2 shoulder buttons if not 4. So if anyone spots any let me know! I ordered 4 USB SNES pads for $4 each from china for the meantime, but of course sometimes you need an analogue stick.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Super-Controller-USB-Gamepad-Joypad-for-Nintendo-Windows-Mac-SF-SNES-PC-NEW-M2-/151446864029?ssPageName=ADME:L:OU:CA:3160

Update for January 3 - should arrive on the fifth. It's in town, but Purolator is closed on the weekend.

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #65 on: January 05, 2015, 12:40:14 pm »
It arrived! I'm really glad to have gotten everything prepared beforehand. Now all I have to do is wait for the blu-rays to dump their data to the harddrive, and then configure the front end and emulators.

After using this computer for a few minutes I am impressed with the quality and speed for $184. The only downsides being the absolute garbage keyboard. It just has blank keys where the windows logo should be, and is the loudest keyboard this side of manual typewriters. The mouse is comfortable, even more so than the HP mouse I am currently using, but feels super cheap and is also loud. The cables on both are extra thin and hold the shape of any bend, so I assume they are solid core wires inside. I didn't even expect a keyboard/mouse to come with it, but they are so bad I don't know why they bothered!

Upon actually setting it up, the computer is a lot deeper than the photos made it look and just barely fits on the shelf. The emulators took a while to configure but almost everything is running 100% perfectly. I had a maddening issue with joy2key because I had accidentally set a folder to read only and would reset every time the computer went off.

Ialso attached a 32x/genesis page up because I had them separate but decided I will just have them on one page.


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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #66 on: January 07, 2015, 06:37:01 pm »
Here's a video I slapped together of it in the meantime. Ignore my rambling, I didn't really know what to say.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=WXlrJbUgH74

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #67 on: January 08, 2015, 08:40:01 pm »
In your video you mention 360 controllers not being ideal for certain things.  I'm gonna try these guys.  The price is low enough it's not a major deal if they suck.

Six face buttons and 4 shoulders.  D-pad and two analog sticks.  Should cover just about everything.

http://www.amazon.com/Sabrent-Twelve-Button-Game-Controller-USB-GAMEPAD/dp/B00AEWTSWU/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1420767180&sr=1-1&keywords=6+button+gamepad

« Last Edit: January 08, 2015, 08:42:01 pm by Slippyblade »

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #68 on: January 09, 2015, 07:38:24 am »
I use 360 wired controllers on my console emulation and love 'em.

Slippyblade

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #69 on: January 10, 2015, 09:09:35 pm »
Quick question, eds1275.  I noticed in your FE pics show an Intellivision, you also say that you are using 360 controllers.  What do you do for games that actually use the keypad?

eds1275

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #70 on: January 11, 2015, 01:04:11 pm »
What do you do for games that actually use the keypad?

To be honest the intellivision and ataris (except for jaguar) still need some tweakin'. I can't map controls because they do not recognize a dead zone on the analog joysticks and when I go to map controls they get auto mapped to whatever way they are sensing the joystick jiggling.

However on the atari jaguar which also has a keypad I use one of the analogue joysticks, mapped to all directions plus thumbstick in for 1-9 and then second joystick direction for #0*. Takes a second to get used to but most games don't use every button on the number pad.


Random thing: Sega CD's Wheel of Fortune is my current fav. game.

Also I added the Dreamcast to the list of consoles on my machine and put the .zip in the first post of this thread. I will keep updating it as I go.

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #71 on: January 25, 2015, 08:50:17 am »
I demand more updates! :hissy:

eds1275

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #72 on: January 25, 2015, 06:42:00 pm »
Well, it gets a lot of use. Since I got the n64 emu working therehas been non stop Mario parties and aro kart. When my iwfe goes to bed I play resident evil on the dreamcast. My friend crystal comes over to play Mario 3 for nes, and my buddy mark and I play Wimbledon on Sega master system and super spike v ball on Nes.

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #73 on: January 26, 2015, 10:48:27 pm »
Sounds fun. I wish I had friends that play games.

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #74 on: January 28, 2015, 07:40:11 pm »
I wish I had friends

eds1275

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #75 on: February 06, 2015, 03:01:00 am »
You guys are welcome to come play games with me. Just byob, and some to share!

Lately I have been on a disgusting Resident Evil kick. Resident Evil Code Veronica, Resident Evil 3, and now playing the first, PC version which was a pain due to it being for Windows 95. So of course I had to make up a select page for PC gaming. It's got RE and Maniac Mansion Deluxe on it, but I plan on adding the first few fallouts and maybe some others. I will add the PC page to the folder tomorrow and reupload it.

I was wondering, is Sega Saturn worth emulating? My harddrive has like >1gb remaining and I dunno if I'm going to throw in another one or just be done with it. It's pretty spectacular as it is but I find that the more I play it, the more my xbox one collects dust. I really enjoy having games I can play for a bit and turn off without having a million things to remember or 60 hours of fetch quests.

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #76 on: February 06, 2015, 03:18:49 pm »
I was wondering, is Sega Saturn worth emulating? My harddrive has like >1gb remaining and I dunno if I'm going to throw in another one or just be done with it.

Thats a yes and no question. Its worth emulating, but only for the games that arent arcade ports that can be used with arcade controls. Its got some good platformers like ShinoniX and to a lesser extent Astal , Legend of Oasis is a nice zelda ish, top down RPG; then theres the fighting games like Last Bronx and my fave "Fighters Megamix"; come on you can fight as the AM2 palm tree and the Hornet Car!

other games Id suggest checking out include Dragon Force, Guardian Heroes, Shining the Holy Arc, Symphony of the Night (everyone including me loves the PSX version, but this one has a bigger map, extra area, and emulating the ISO cuts out most of the load time issues) , Clockwork Knight 1 & 2, Die Hard Arcade, and Galactic Attack. If you dont have 3DO emulated, the saturn version of Road Rash is almost as good as the 3DO version.
If you're replying to a troll you are part of the problem.
I also need to follow this advice. Ignore or report, don't reply.

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #77 on: February 06, 2015, 03:35:09 pm »
.
« Last Edit: February 12, 2015, 07:31:13 pm by Louis Tully »

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #78 on: February 06, 2015, 05:24:37 pm »
Loved Clockwork Knight - had totally forgotten about it till your post though.
Oh, man... I know what I'm doing this weekend.  ;D

Thanks, man.  :cheers:

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #79 on: February 06, 2015, 07:15:02 pm »
Quote
I was wondering, is Sega Saturn worth emulating?
It's worth it for Panzer Dragoon Saga alone.

mike boss

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #80 on: February 16, 2015, 09:57:50 am »
I love the idea of this kind of project.
Like mentioned early in the thread, I am also not a purist.
I like the idea of everything in ONE place.
I've tried to do this on various projects and do indeed have console emulation, but MAME dominates.
However I've purchased a Hypserspin EXT HDD with EVERYTHING.
I'm now in the process of looking for wired USB versions of the various controllers.
Nothing found for the original Sega Master System or Turbo Grafx.

Either way....awesome project........it inspires me !

PS -- thanks for posting the Amazon link.

Did you ever consider wireless 360 controllers ? You can easily find the receiver on Ebay for under $10.

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #81 on: February 16, 2015, 12:18:36 pm »
I thought of wireless controllers, but the way my living room is laid out made it easy to run a USB extensio under the couch to the coffee table and there's a 4 port usb hub there. I keep everything plugged in there so I don't have issues with the headache of reassigned USB gamepads every time I play.

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #82 on: February 16, 2015, 12:41:35 pm »
Super cool!
You've motivated me to dig thru the boxes downstairs and start gathering my goodies.
I was looking online, a retro USB Atari style joystick is kinda kinda costly in comparison to other models.
You've got me trying to think which route I should go for general gaming, wireless 360 type, or USB PS3 type.

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #83 on: February 16, 2015, 01:30:17 pm »
My personal opinion is that modern controllers are just a better way to do it. I mean if I had 4 players for every console that supported it I'd have like 32 controllers. Unplug one, and it could cause a nightmare of usb device ids effing up your config!

The only one that is a little weird but still totally playable is N64. I've got the right joystick mapped to the C-buttons. Just takesw a little while to get used to.

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #84 on: February 16, 2015, 08:35:36 pm »
I blame my buddy Lucas for getting me on this "authentic" controller for the emulator kick!
Well..........not authentic......but retro knock off I guess.
All be it I haven't really tried the PC (retro) gaming with a modern controller.
I know playing some NES emulation on my arcade cabinet was really fun to say the least.
And I've warned that N64 emulation is really lacking when not using an authentic controller.
I guess for myself the reality is the cabinets don't get much use, so 4 players on any emulator would be rare.
IE - the need for 4 controllers per console would be minimal.
One controller per console would more so fit my needs.
But I like the point you made, perhaps the newer controllers do offer an overall better way of doing things.
4 x 360 or PS3 type controllers might just be the best option.
I also like what you said about mapping the N64 controller. I know that was another criticism.

If I can ask a question, without using a keyboard encoder (as one would do in an arcade cabinet) I guess mapping keys isn't really a big deal. I mean you can map the keys, but you don't need to worry about any function keys, etc ?
 

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #85 on: February 16, 2015, 08:41:37 pm »
Actually I set up the front end to run off of player one controls, and that took care of that. And then I used Joy2Key to map Alt to one of the thumbstick buttons, and F4 to the other so when you push in both thumbsticks it exits. Apparently Mala can also set exit commands, but I found this the easiest way to go about it. None of the emulators I have use the thumbstick buttons.

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #86 on: February 16, 2015, 08:47:52 pm »
What emulators did you go with ?
I'd be (as I'm sure others would) interested to know what emulators you went with.
And perhaps anything special you did in the configuration, controls, etc.


PS - you running this on a TV or a PC monitor ?

eds1275

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #87 on: February 16, 2015, 09:01:28 pm »
In the living room off the television. I mainly use it for couch coop games so it has to be near the big couch!

I will create a list and post if of the emus used later tonight before my mario party!

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #88 on: February 16, 2015, 10:36:59 pm »
Nintendo 64 - Project 64
Nintendo NES - Nestopia
SNES - SNES9X
3d0 - FourD0
Sega Master, Genesis, 32x, CD  - Fusion
Sega Dream Cast - NullDC
Turbo GrafX 16 - Turbo Engine
Atari Jaguar - Virtual Jaguar
I also have the various Ataris and Intellivision but the controls have been finicky as the emulators don't really behave well. I will get around to it but until then it is undecided. I also have a few PC games on there, such as Resident Evil 1 & 2, Metal Gear Sold and VR Missions, Maniac Mansion Deluxe, and Fallout 1. I use the latest version of each emulator and that works pretty good.

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #89 on: February 17, 2015, 08:32:46 pm »
Hey ed,
Not sure if you've ever played it but if not, I'd highly reccomend you get vice or ccs64 on there and try some Jumpman and jumpman jr.
Jumpman is one of my favorites from my youth and I still fully enjoy playing it.
You will need to use a keyboard though for selecting levels and what not.
To me, it plays equally well with arcade controls or sitting back on the couch

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #90 on: February 17, 2015, 09:22:19 pm »
I've got Vice on there when I have a hankering for Jumpman, Paradroid, Impossible Mission, etc. It's just not hooked up to the frontend as each game would require a save stte loading procedure, and I'd have to set them all up individually. They are there though!

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #91 on: February 18, 2015, 12:47:12 am »
Yep, That part is very tedious, but rewarding. To do it right, you need to use joy2key batch files to get custom controls on each game. Worth the effort for those C64 games that use keyboard controls or default to port 2.

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #92 on: April 17, 2015, 02:49:57 am »
So I've had this thing running for a while now. It's dead simple to operate. It gets a lot of play; worked my way through RE1, RE: Nemesis, and RE Code Veronica, now working on Dino Crisis for Sega Saturn. We have Mario Parties and Kart tournaments. And I get in some alone time with the Genesis and SNES often enough, along with Road Rash for 3d0.

The annoying downside is that sometimes people will just want to try everything. I personally like to pick a game and play it and really give it a chance.

Not out of any sort of "I'm the boss of gaming" but just through I grab the controller first, I almost always end up being the one to start, select, exit, and shutdown the system. I was working and my wife had a bunch of ladies over. They had a wine-fuelled 5 hour Mario Kart tournament, and no issues getting anything to work. There are no instructions or anything. It made me happy that it was intuitive enough to just turn on and start gaming.

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Re: Building a "console emulator" computer!
« Reply #93 on: January 16, 2020, 07:10:40 pm »
This is an old thread. Things are different in my life, but I still have the Nintari and it still gets love.

My girlfriend wants gamecube,