Emulation
Ongoing coverage on Emulation.
Latest coverage
Game History and Preservation
The article discusses the history and preservation of video games, highlighting Zork's 1980 code and the development of "Super SNES," a modern emulator created by the original developers. It touches on the importance of preserving classic titles and the technology behind them.
After 20 years, ZSNES is back as original devs return to give a 3D, widescreen treatment to Nintendo's best 16-bit…
Original developers zsKnight and _Demo_ have revived the iconic Super Nintendo emulator ZSNES with a new version called Super ZSNES. This updated emulator utilizes GPU-powered emulation for advanced visual features like 3D perspective and widescreen support for select Super Nintendo titles. The project is now seeking community involvement and financial support through Patreon for future development.
Business and Finance
Atari has acquired the emulation studio Implicit Conversions, which specializes in bringing classic games to new platforms. This acquisition aims to expand Atari's reach and preserve its legacy titles.
Atari acquires emulation studio Implicit Conversions
Atari has acquired emulation studio Implicit Conversions, which specializes in porting classic games to modern platforms using proprietary technology. Implicit Conversions has previously worked with Atari on titles like Mortal Kombat: Legacy Collection and Rayman. This acquisition, following previous purchases of Digital Eclipse and Nightdive Studios, strengthens Atari's capabilities in retro game preservation and emulation.
Atari acquires emulation studio Implicit Conversions
Atari has acquired emulation specialist Implicit Conversions and its proprietary Syrup engine, which is capable of bringing 8-bit, 16-bit, and 32-bit games to modern consoles like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. This acquisition aims to strengthen Atari's position in the retro market and enhance its game preservation capabilities.
The Dev Behind Many Classic Games on PS5 and PS Plus Just Got Bought By Atari
Atari has acquired Implicit Conversions, a studio known for bringing classic retro games to modern platforms like the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 for PS Plus Premium. This move strengthens Atari's position in the emulation and retro gaming market, adding to its portfolio which already includes Digital Eclipse and Nightdive Studios.
PS Plus Retro Games Studio Snapped Up by Atari
Atari has acquired Implicit Conversions, a studio known for bringing classic games to modern platforms like PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 for PS Plus Premium. This move strengthens Atari's position in retro gaming and emulation, joining other studios like Digital Eclipse and Nightdive Studios under its umbrella.
Steam Deck and PCs Get Access to Retro Games on CD and Cartridge With Polymega Remix
Polymega Remix is a new system allowing players to digitize and play original CD- and cartridge-based retro games on PCs and handhelds like the Steam Deck. The system includes a base unit for reading discs and a Windows app for digitization and playback, with optional cartridge adapters sold separately. It aims to preserve physical game collections for modern hardware without relying on ROMs.
PlayStation Vita: Our Love for a Dead Console
The PlayStation Vita, released in 2011, aimed to bring a home console experience to a handheld device with features like dual analog sticks and an OLED screen. Despite a strong library of JRPGs, fighting games, and indie titles, it struggled against mobile gaming and the Nintendo 3DS due to its high price and proprietary memory cards. However, the console gained a dedicated following through modding, enabling emulation, custom themes, and the use of standard Micro SD cards, preserving its legacy as a beloved handheld.
Game Leak Highlights Ongoing Emulation Security Battles
Recent game leaks running on emulators highlight the ongoing security battles within the gaming industry. These incidents demonstrate the increasing sophistication of emulation tools and the challenges publishers face in protecting their intellectual property through DRM and encryption. The article discusses the technical arms race between pirates and publishers, the impact of leaks on marketing and sales, and the industry's exploration of cloud gaming as a potential solution to piracy concerns.
Neo Geo+ AES: $250 Hardware Replica Ditches Emulation for Pure Gaming
A new $250 console, the Neo Geo+ AES, aims to be a 1:1 hardware replica of SNK's classic Neo Geo AES system, promising authentic 1990s arcade gaming without emulation. This approach targets serious collectors and fighting game enthusiasts concerned with input lag and accuracy. The article discusses the technical challenges, cost implications, and the growing demand for authentic retro gaming hardware solutions.
PlayStation 3 emulator RPCS3 can now auto-configure games for you
The open-source PlayStation 3 emulator RPCS3 has introduced an auto-configuration feature that uses its wiki data to automatically set up games, reducing the need for manual adjustments. Additionally, the emulator has seen performance improvements due to new SPU usage patterns discovered for the PS3's Cell CPU, benefiting all games, including a 5-7% average FPS increase in Twisted Metal. RPCS3 can now also load encrypted ISO games.
Gamesir's excellent Pocket Taco Game Boy controller is finally at Amazon, but the price is weird
The GameSir Pocket Taco controller, designed to turn smartphones into retro Game Boy-style handhelds, is now available on Amazon for $34.99, down from its listed $44.99 price. While praised for its functionality and compatibility with devices like the Nintendo Switch and PC, the article questions the value at its full price point, especially compared to potential competitors.
20-Year-Old Sony JRPG Makes Surprise Return to PS5, PS4 Next Week, Free on PS Plus Premium
The 2005 PlayStation 2 JRPG Wild Arms 4 is returning to PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 next week, available for free to PlayStation Plus Premium subscribers. Developed by Media.Vision and originally published by Sony, the game will feature modern conveniences like save states and rewind functionality.
This mobile controller has fixed a 24 year gripe in one simple solution
The EasySMX M20 controller addresses a long-standing issue with rotating face buttons, which have caused accidental inputs for 24 years across Xbox and Nintendo platforms. This new controller features swappable face buttons to reduce mental gymnastics when switching between different control schemes or emulating systems. Other companies like GameSir and Hyperkin are also exploring modular controller designs.
I assumed the Atari Pocket Player Pro would be a modern version of my first ever crusty clone console, but it's…
The Atari Pocket Player Pro is a budget-friendly retro handheld that offers 100 licensed Atari classics, along with some 8 and 16-bit titles. Despite initial skepticism due to its resemblance to older clone consoles, the device features respectable buttons, a decent screen, and flexible power options via AA batteries or USB-C. While not a definitive way to experience Atari's back catalog, it serves as a fun and collectible casual option for under $40.
PlayStation 3 emulator RPCS3 showcases an improved handheld gaming PC experience
The open-source PlayStation 3 emulator RPCS3 has received significant improvements for handheld gaming PCs, including a redesigned in-game overlay optimized for smaller screens. These updates, already available, also feature faster settings changes and a new Steam shortcuts feature for direct game launching.
A maverick hacker got Mac OS X running on a Wii
Developer Bryan Keller has successfully ported Mac OS X 10.0 (Cheetah) to run on a Nintendo Wii console. Motivated by skepticism, Keller developed a custom boot loader and drivers to overcome the technical challenges, demonstrating the Wii's hackability and its PowerPC architecture's similarity to older Macs.
Everything Evercade: All the latest cartridge releases and consoles for Blaze's modern retro platform
Blaze's Evercade platform has expanded significantly since its 2020 debut, offering a range of retro consoles from handhelds to arcade machines that utilize physical cartridges. Recent releases include Taito Arcade 3 and The Turrican Collection, with upcoming compilations like Mega Cat Studios Collection 3 and Activision Collection 2 on the horizon. The Evercade Nexus handheld is set to offer enhanced features for early 3D games, while the platform's unique emulation approach prioritizes convenience and accuracy over user customization.
This PS3 emulator just got official PC requirements, and they’re easy to meet
The RPCS3 PlayStation 3 emulator has released official PC system requirements, indicating that most modern computers can handle emulation with ease. The requirements are broken down into four tiers, from minimum to maximum performance, with even entry-level hardware capable of running a portion of the PS3 library. This increased accessibility is due to years of optimization within the emulator, making it a practical way to play many titles that lack modern ports.
