console emulators and IPAC

[mytymaus007]

I would like to set up as many of the old and new console emulators to my pc and eventually put it a cab. Is the best encoder an ipac 2 or 4 that will work with every console emulator.  Also whats the best joysticks that will work as a gamepad i was thinking of a ultimarc ultrastick 360. I used a gpwiz that does not work with Daphne. Anybody have a set up that runs many console emulators Pics and videos would be awesome

[WhereEaglesDare]

Any keyboard encoder will work for consoles.  You just have to remap the options on the emulator.

[Howard_Casto]

Also whats the best joysticks that will work as a gamepad

For consoles?  A gamepad...the original gamepad for the system that the game ran on.... sitting on the couch..... as far away from a mame cab as possible. 

Seriously, consoles aren't well suited for arcade machines due to the difference in length and style of gameplay, especially the more classic consoles.  That's not to say that it can't be done, of course it can, but lots of things that are possible still shouldn't be done. 

I could post a full page on why it isn't the best of ideas to run (most) console games on a mamecab, but I've done that several times over the years, you can always just look it up. 

[shateredsoul]

I ordered a couple of original snes controllers and a usb connection thing, going to use it for a console type setup on my laptop. These should work fine for most games the 16 bit era (and mame).

you can also buy nes and snes controllers that have been "upgraded" to have usb connectors. It just feels wrong to do that though =(. And buying the usb ports + snes controllers came out cheaper for me.

[ark_ader]

Also whats the best joysticks that will work as a gamepad

For consoles?  A gamepad...the original gamepad for the system that the game ran on.... sitting on the couch..... as far away from a mame cab as possible. 

Seriously, consoles aren't well suited for arcade machines due to the difference in length and style of gameplay, especially the more classic consoles.  That's not to say that it can't be done, of course it can, but lots of things that are possible still shouldn't be done. 

I could post a full page on why it isn't the best of ideas to run (most) console games on a mamecab, but I've done that several times over the years, you can always just look it up. 

I disagree Howard.

I use the X Arcade system that has DC,GC,PS2,Xbox,and the PC all working with additional emulators that are key mapped.  The Ipac should not be any different, except for dealing with Analog and Digital controls which the X Arcade handles very well.  I agree that it is also nice to have the original controller for intensive games, but platformers and arcade genre is perfect for arcade controls.  I'm contemplating modding the Xarcade with one of those Datel Pro to add PS3 and Xbox 360 capability.

There are many arguments for and against the use of console in an arcade cabinet environment, but if you play enhanced classics on a old type controller, you just get hand strains, why not use a dedicated facility like a arcade stick and buttons?  Isn't comfort 9/10s of the enjoyment factor?

I have Daphne working on my arcade setup just fine, you just have to use an earlier version. 1.0 has issues.

Recently it has been a real problem getting all the consoles together, the wall warts, cables and AV cables sorted out.  I bought a wireless remote to control the power to the consoles, so there will not be any thermal build up from the power bricks.  If you are in the UK you can get these from Asda for £5 for three sockets.  I recommend them.

Putting the consoles in an enclosure like an arcade cab is a huge benefit.  The problem is the video intereface.

I have two AV converters - MagicVga for Composite and KWorld 1440 for component, and it has been a real nightmare solving the noise interference that is displayed on the screen.

If I had to do that all over again I would pick up a cheap 17" LCD TV.

Arcade controls + Consoles = Sheer enjoyment!

[mytymaus007]

I ordered a couple of original snes controllers and a usb connection thing, going to use it for a console type setup on my laptop. These should work fine for most games the 16 bit era (and mame).

you can also buy nes and snes controllers that have been "upgraded" to have usb connectors. It just feels wrong to do that though =(. And buying the usb ports + snes controllers came out cheaper for me.

Where did you buy your snes controllers (usb). Does anyone know of a store that has all the classic controllers and adaptors for PC ex. Atari 5200, 7800, intelivision, colecovision and oddesey 2

[shateredsoul]

they only have snes and nes that have been hacked to be usb, the rest are ports that you hook up to usb that you then can connect a normal control to
http://www.retrousb.com/index.php?cPath=21&osCsid=c844e30defbf343ae41b85fb2db6c1ad

they also have a usb connectors thing for vectrex, n64, sega genesis, and atari. It looks lie they use the same one for genesis, atari, and vectrex.

[SavannahLion]

Also whats the best joysticks that will work as a gamepad

For consoles?  A gamepad...the original gamepad for the system that the game ran on.... sitting on the couch..... as far away from a mame cab as possible. 

Seriously, consoles aren't well suited for arcade machines due to the difference in length and style of gameplay, especially the more classic consoles.  That's not to say that it can't be done, of course it can, but lots of things that are possible still shouldn't be done. 

I could post a full page on why it isn't the best of ideas to run (most) console games on a mamecab, but I've done that several times over the years, you can always just look it up. 

+1

Admittedly, there are a few console games that work well in an arcade setting but each console is a hit or miss on that.

I equally enjoy lounging on my couch in the laziest manner possible while playing my consoles (save the damn Wii) as much as I love standing in front of an arcade cab. But I have always considered them different beasts altogether despite what some companies may say (SNK).

[Howard_Casto]

There are many arguments for and against the use of console in an arcade cabinet environment, but if you play enhanced classics on a old type controller, you just get hand strains, why not use a dedicated facility like a arcade stick and buttons?  Isn't comfort 9/10s of the enjoyment factor?

No... authenticity is!  Would you play marble madness with a keyboard?  Then why in the world would you play a game designed for a specific gamepad on a arcade stick, which btw is NOT superior.  Arcade sticks Vs gamepads is like apples vs oranges.  Arcade sticks will wear you out on extended play sessions due to the exaggerated movement, gamepads simply won't. 

To be frank, if gamepads hurt your hands then you are holding them wrong or it's a really crappy gamepad.  Been playing consoles constantly since I was 6 (31 now) and with the exception of possibly the Jaguar, I've never found a gamepad to be uncomfortable.

Btw... I never said anything about having to play the games on the original console... I'm not that much of a purist.  Notice I said the original gamepad.  Although it's preferred, most console games are still enjoyable via emulation. Gamepads have usb adaptors and computers have tv-out you know. 

But sadly my words will be lost on you because you:

A.  Bought a arcade cp instead of building it.  (Blasphemy!)
B.  Are trying to play analog-centric systems like the xbox and gamecube on digital controls.

[Malenko]

No... authenticity is!  Would you play marble madness with a keyboard? 

I'd rather play the SNES version of Street Fighter II on a SNES gamepad then arcade controls.