Software to use an XBOX to power a cab

[joeblade]

This may be slightly OT, but I was wondering if anyone was using an XBOX to power their cab, and whether there was sufficient / any software (emus, front ends etc) to run on it.

I don't have an XBOX, but have been thinking of getting one to replace my no-longer-being-used PS1.

I ask the above question as I like the idea of being able to run a bunch of emu's on it,  (ideally it would be great to have an identical setup to my CAB, so some sort of FE, if possible), so that when we go away (which happens often - especially to NZ as my wife is a kiwi), I can use it as a portable CAB replacement (I know, I know .... nothing will ever replace the CAB, but when away from home, one needs some entertainment).

I had a quick scan on the net, and it looks like there are a few emus kicking about that have been compiled for the XBOX, but what about an FE ? Would an FE be possible ?

Cheers

 

[BobA]

There are various front ends available for xmame if you run it on your xbox under linux.   Overall performance is poor from what I gather as it it only a 866 celeron.   A small form factor itx pc would probably be alot better in the long run and no mods to worry about.

Xbox is cheap but you only get what you pay for.

BobA

[Howard_Casto]

Well, you do't run xmame, you run the mame stand-alone emu.  Then there isn't an overhead of linux running in the background and a fe is built in.  

Performance is exactly what you would expect from a p3 700 mhz computer with 64 megs of ram.  Slightly better in some cases.  


Btw this isn't first hand experience as I haven't hacked my xbox yet.  

[Frostillicus]

I spent an afternoon at work perusing the xbox hacking sites (what ones aren't blocked to us at least ), and have discovered that for me it's probably just not worth it.  I'm not afraid of damaging anything, but first you gotta get the right chip, hook it up, maybe download a 'new' bios via parallel port or something, get it on your home lan to backup existing HD(other end of the apartment for me), install new HD is almost a must, then you find the right dashboard and such, THEN you can start with the cool stuff...too much of a hassle for me.  

But maybe all that isn't necessary if you just want to play xMAME...