(Part 2) Best products from r/emulation

Just to clear a few things up.

> Im glad you cleared that up for me about the other SBCs. I was wondering if the other brands would be better at handling the systems the pi doesn't handle well.

Interestingly enough - ETA Prime (YouTuber) just posted a video about the MiQi SBC. It seems to be running N64 pretty nicely and he says he's going to be putting up a video soon about the MiQi and systems the Pi doesn't do very well. So while the support may not be there, it might be worth looking into, just understand that you're going to have less support for the systems you're interested in.

It might also be worth waiting for the Raspberry Pi 4, which my guess will be out within the next 3-6 months (nobody really knows when it will be out). It should have better specs and be able to handle something like N64 a little better due to better a stronger CPU. N64 development is something that is actively worked on for the Raspberry Pi where something like Dreamcast Emulation appears to be dead in the water (for example, the bug with date/time needing to be entered when loading every ROM was identified a while ago, but remains unfixed even though the fix has been identified; I'd do it myself if I knew how to code).

> So now I'm totally sold on the Pi3 and I'm chomping at the bit to place an order, but I'm still hung up on what to order with it.

The Cananakit is the most popular option. I ended up going for the basic and ordering a separate 128 GB card (but you can also get 256 GB if you're feeling like you could fill it up). The kit comes with a case, power supply, heat sinks. There are better cases you can buy, but this is a good all-in-one type price.

> I can't seem to find a clear small form factor case that has space in it for HDD AND has a cooling fan.

You're not going to want to put a HDD in it. They can add heat and the last thing you want is to add heat to this. They can already get a little hot. If you want a HDD attached, your best bet is to do it via USB. I know you don't like the idea of an external, but it's honestly the best way to go if you really want a hard drive attached. Here's an option I did find with a hard drive though, but I think you're risking overheating with this type of application:

Here are a few cases with fans attached:
Zebra Virtue, JBtek Transparent Acrylic Raspberry Pi B+ / Raspberry Pi 2 Case with External Fan (I might actually buy this one for myself), Eleduino 2015 New Version Raspberry Pi 2 mode B Transparent Acrylic Case With Fan Black.

> I have a decent gaming laptop. Could I use that to host the steam program?

You can't say you have a decent gaming laptop and not know what Steam is.

Steam supports streaming to just about any PC. There's two caveats to this though. First, you need to be hard wired. A laptop is normally wireless just because of the platform type. Second, you can't use the PC while it's streaming. You can go to the PC being streamed from and actually watch what's being played and even interfere with the game being played/streamed.

> Would having a separate account solve the problem of having an over crowded steam library?

Sort of. Again, the NES, SNES, and Genesis complete sets will run over 2k games easily (I have something like 1100 in my NES folder for Japanese only games that I included; the full US NES set is like ~700 or so.). That gets crowded, fast. Even viewing a single system with over 100 games gets crowded. Now Steam uses a flat view, so unless you split up everything manually, it's still going to get crowded.

I started to set this up and I don't recommend it unless it's for your favorite games and I'd limit it to about 10-20 per system. I'd use the Pi for a catch all for everything else.

> Another reason I want to shy away from just having a regular Pc for emulation is I want my kids to be able to play the games but I don't want them on my computer... this hosting thing seems like a great solution.

Again, Steam Link won't really help with that since they'll be able to access the computer. What don't you want them to be able to access? You should be able to block most of that with user account access. For about $500 or so, you can build a PC that should run everything up to the Wii. Hook it up to the TV and they won't be able to really do much else.

Assuming you are talking about R-Pi, v3b.

All 32 bit and lower works flawlessly. This includes but is not limited to Genisis, GB, GBC, GBA, NES, SNES, PSX.

N64 is the most commonly discussed as it has a large library of great games that are also often 4x multiplayer. Most games work very well (e.g. Mario Kart), while some do not (in particular 007 Goldeneye).

Hardware:

• Raspberry Pi 3 - $36
  
• Samsung EVO 32GB Class 10 Micro SDHC - $11
  
• CanaKit 5V 2.5A Raspberry Pi 3 Power Supply - $10
  
• Addicore Raspberry Pi Heatsink Set - $5
  
• AmazonBasics High-Speed HDMI Cable - 3 Feet - $5
  
• Official Raspberry Pi 3 Case - $8
  
  
  Total cost so far, $75. You can get a less expensive case that also comes with the heat sinks bringing your cost down to ~$65.
  
  Cheap right? Well, the one thing that is going to cost you the most in any of these builds is the controllers.
  
  I like:
  
  
• 8BITDO NES30 Pro Wireless Bluetooth Controller - $49 (x4).
  
  When I first bought them, they were $36 each, and I love them. They work really well via the Pi's built in Bluetooth.
  
  Another great option that works really well are the XBOX-360 controllers. Wired ones run you $27 each brand new, and wireless are $34/each, plus one adapter for the set.
  
  
  In other words, four good controllers are going to run you $100-$200. Which is the bulk of most builds. In a childs-only build, I am considering either wired XBOX-360 controllers because of their awesome cord break-away feature, or going even less expensive with the $12 SNES clones, though that eliminates the ability to play N64 and PSX.

This is what I use. It's fantastic honestly:

http://www.monoprice.com/Product?c_id=114&cp_id=11404&cs_id=1140406&p_id=5669&seq=1&format=2

Amazon listing:

http://www.amazon.com/Monoprice-Wireless-Sensor-Bar-Wii/dp/B004C4XNI6

It has a very pronounced on/off switch and a bright red LED, so you absolutely know when it's on - helps save on batteries. It does take AAA batteries though instead of AA.

Oh me too man. Btw, would you mind taking a look at the micro sd/adapter combo i'll soon be purchasing? Id'e like to have your opinion on it. Like whether it will be capable of providing the same level of excellence that yours does. Id'e totally appreciate that opinion.

(SD Card)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001L1H0SC/ref=gno_cart_title_1
(Adapter)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00176F2RC/ref=gno_cart_title_1

Sweet, this is awesome! I've been waiting and hoping for Jakks TV Game stuff to be emulated someday. I hope the game I worked on all those years ago (https://www.amazon.com/Jakks-Go-Diego-TV-Game/dp/B000IE6IRM) will eventually be emulated. Not a great game, but hey it would be nice to emulate someday :) The other thing is, I have no idea how to dump the rom for it (if I donated or purchased a device and had it sent to someone would that help?). I assume there's a way to do it if you have the right tools though. I think I'll try to donate some $$ to the project when I get paid next, great work on this!

Okay, so in case you or anyone else was wondering, I got it to work.

I ended up purchasing https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B00VDVCQ84/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

In case the link dies it's an Anker 10 Port 60W USB 3.0 Hub with 7 Data Transfer Ports and 3 PowerIQ Charging Ports. Basically you plug that into an outlet, so make sure you have an available outlet near the USB Hub.

I plugged that into my usb extension cable (which is a BlueRigger 32 feet USB 2.0 Type A Male to A Female Active Extension / Repeater Cable seen here https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B005LJKEXS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1)

Then I plugged the DolphinBar into the first port. Works like a charm. Basically, the extension cable just needed more juice because it couldn't transmit the signal through 32 feet of cable without an external source.

And, for the record, if anyone comes across an issue like this, my next step was to do USB over a Cat5 or Cat6 (or whichever cable you prefer to use) which I was fairly certain would have worked.

Learned a lot about USB cables.

Looks nice, but damn, I could get a new Logitech Gamepad for like $10 less! Trying to spend as little as possible :/

I was thinking of trying some cheap janky-looking thing like this or this. Is there a catch with these cheapo models? Reviews seem pretty inconsistent! Thanks for the reply.

Search ebay for "Saturn controller" check: for parts/not working. Like this: http://www.ebay.com/itm/Sega-Saturn-JUNK-GREY-Controller-Pad-HSS-0101-Not-Working-JAPAN-Video-Game/311760458659?_trksid=p2047675.c100005.m1851&_trkparms=aid%3D222007%26algo%3DSIC.MBE%26ao%3D2%26asc%3D40130%26meid%3Dfbfb91b55b394d9cb3864912efa421c2%26pid%3D100005%26rk%3D2%26rkt%3D6%26mehot%3Dag%26sd%3D122448111952

Then buy this https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B002BFVAV0/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Swap out the boards and you're good to go. For best authenticity, desolder the shoulder buttons off the original controller and remount them on the USB board. But it will work either way.

So for those bummed out about this and are looking for alternatives here are a few options

1. build one yourself with a raspberry pi
   I would recommend using a RPi2 or RPI3 rather than the zero.
   check out these subreddits for more info
   
   r/retropie
   
   r/recalbox (my personal favorite os for emulation)
   
   r/lakka
   
   
2. use an android box for emulation
   
   amazon fire tv
   
   Nvidia shield tv
   
   Emtec gembox
   
   
3. use an old laptop or desktop
   look on craigslist for old computers you can usually find one under $50 that will work just fine
   both lakka os and recalbox os have x86 ports that run fine on desktop
   i also recommend a bluetooth adapter and a 8bitdo controller
   
   
4. if your looking for something more portable putting homebrew launcher on a 3ds or 2ds works really well
   check out r/3dshacks for that
   
   edit: formatting

I'm thinking one of those clips that telescopes out and holds your phone horizontally and looks like a psp would be ideal
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077L8656T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_.mbMDb1QECABQ

Something like this would allow you to hold the phone one handed while using a stylus with the right hand. The real trick is finding a controller that isn't total garbàge

Well there's your problem. The Dualshock controllers aren't natively supported because Sony used a custom bluetooth stack. So you need the Sixaxis app and root access to properly pair them. Even over USB they can be wonky. On top of this, they aren't supported on versions above Android 6, and the last version I know the app fully supported was Android 5. It's more a matter of the developers not continuing to maintain the app, as far as I know.

A decent Bluetooth controller will go a long way. I'm partial to Ipega brand ones, though I currently use this one because I dig the Sony style d-pad and game on a tablet. I'm really looking forward to getting my hands on the new PG-9083 one, which seeming would make a tablet into a "Switch-a-like" kind of setup.

8BitDo is another great brand, and they make modern bluetooth replicas of SNES controllers (but with sticks and L2/R2 buttons). Very good quality stuff from what I've read.

Check the wiki at /r/EmulationOnAndroid for a big list of reviews for Android compatible controllers. Most run between $20 - $35 so they're not exactly bank breaking.

Just bought this laptop and was wondering if I would be able to hook it up with an HDMI to a TV and play some NES / SEGA / SNES roms smoothly with it? And if it can handle that what 2 controllers would you recommend to use so me and my friend can play co-op

I'm currently trying to get my emulation experience a bit more accurate by using appropriate controllers. For now I'm focusing on the Nintendo side and I'll tackle Sega+Atari/Intellivision/Coleco in a month or so when the budget allows. I have however lost a link for a pricey adapter set or bundle that covered the latter of those retro consoles so if anyone has a clue what I'm referring to could you post a link?

Naturally 8bitdo has filled my needs perfectly. I absolutely love the n64 controller and also use the SNES30. My Gamecube experience is somewhat lacking, especially since I've yet to successfully pair a Wiimote but that's a different topic for a later time.

I'm thinking about going in one of two directions:

• 1. Gamecube Wavebird + a gamecube USB adapter.
     
     
• 2. Since I have 2 Wii-U Smash Bros. Fight Pads(Mario & Luigi) I was thinking about grabbing a Mayflash Wireless Wii Classic Adapter. This would be a nice aesthetic addition once I finally conquer pairing my Wiimotes to my PC as both of those are Mario and Luigi as well.
     
     The second option would be much cheaper but will the Fight Pads be recognized by Dolphin as a GC controller? Thanks for any assitance/advice.

I have this device and it works perfectly for ps2 and gamecube controllers. http://www.amazon.com/Magic-Joy-Box-PS2-XBOX-Adapter/dp/B000RLWF7I. The analog triggers work perfectly under windows, on linux, it doesn't recognize them as analog.

I don't know much about how to get Bluetooth information from an adapter that doesn't give you that information, but if you like there are USB adapters for GameCube controllers like the Mayflash adapter (https://www.amazon.com/Mayflash-GameCube-Controller-Adapter-Port/dp/B00RSXRLUE?th=1) or Nintendo's official one (http://www.gamestop.com/wii-u/accessories/wii-u-gamecube-adapter/115426). Though I don't know about the compatibility with your controller if it doesn't function exactly like a real one.

He's most likely talking about this laptop. Although it says it says it comes with an i5 6200U mine acctually came with an i5 7200U. The same seems to hold true among the newer amazon reviews as well.

This wiki page has some info about controllers. I use a controller I found on ebay called the NUON+. It has rumble support, but it might be hard to find. The Logitech F710 has rumble too, and it's wireless and cheaper than the NUON+ was. Both should be very easy to set up if you use Windows.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VBNSO8U

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006YG8X9Y

This should do the trick. You have to buy the RAM and HDD, but it should still be below 200, and can go as far as running Gamecube games poorly, so N64 shouldn't give you any problems. If you're going to do PSX, you'll probably wanna stick with like Mednafen so the games run smoothly. I don't use Retroarch, but I imagine there are tutorials for booting directly to that if you wanted to use this as a plug-n-play kind of device, and I know Kodi supports Launchbox and there are definitely ways to boot to Kodi.

If that one runs out of stock and you're impatient, you could also get this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00KR0QHXW

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006YG8X9Y

Same story as the other one.

Just got this, worked well for a sidescroller and I assume it would work well with 3d games as well http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003VAHYQY/ref=olp_product_details?ie=UTF8&me=

Wireless Version : http://www.amazon.com/Logitech-940-000117-Gamepad-F710/dp/B0041RR0TW/ref=sr_1_2?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1413920937&sr=1-2&keywords=Logitech+Gamepad

This should do it for you. The script comes with an option for overclocking (option 7 here).
Just be aware of heat issues; an overclocked Pi will run hotter. If your Pi is in a room that never gets very hot, you should be fine. Otherwise, I'd recommend that you put a heat sink on it...they're $5 on Amazon.

No problem. I'm glad I could help. You only need to worry about storing more games. I can recommend a cheaper method than buying a regular pro duo memory stick.

Memory Stick Adapter $3.71

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00176F2RC/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00

Micro SD 16 GB $9.09

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001L1H0SC/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00

If your PSP doesn't detect the memory stick, you will need to format it on your computer to a FAT format. Then, format it on your PSP and you will be ready to go.

XBMC is a Win/Mac/*nix compatible HTPC frontend that has a decent ROM viewer that allows you view, manage, and launch your roms of any console on your HTPC-connected television.

Check these out: XBMC and Rom Collection Browser

As for using a wireless controller, I recommend checking out the Logitech Wireless Gamepad F710.

I highly recommend the Daqi M100 for phone gaming. It's far more weight balanced due to the center positioning, fits almost everything, and the buttons and sticks are about on par with the PS Vita:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077L8656T/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_VNyNBbHZCYK73

i swear when i play pacman world on console, there's subtle rumble when you stand on certain surfaces, but on emulator the rumble on my ps2 controller just seems to be constant and generic, resulting in way too much rumble when only stepping lightly... is there a fix for this? i am using epsxe INPUT cote 2.0.0 (lilypad i couldnt even get rumble to work...) and this adapter https://www.amazon.co.uk/Mayflash-Magic-Joy-Xbox-Adapter/dp/B000RLWF7I

What lol. https://www.amazon.com/NVIDIA-SHIELD-Gaming-Streaming-GeForce/dp/B01N1NT9Y6/ref=asc_df_B01N1NT9Y6/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312354356855&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5782579496490990310&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032533&hvtargid=pla-404894099894&psc=1&tag=&ref=&adgrpid=61646162385&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=312354356855&hvpos=1o2&hvnetw=g&hvrand=5782579496490990310&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9032533&hvtargid=pla-404894099894

It's only $190 on Amazon. The hell you mean Rare lol. That more than a Pi sure, but it offers more than a PI and is cheaper than a Switch.

A Switch is basically a downgraded Nvidia Shield.

Aside from it's fairly lackluster build quality, [this] (http://www.amazon.com/Retrolink-Saturn-Classic-Controller-Black/dp/B002BFVAV0) controller has done well by me for quite a while. YMMV

You described an Nvidia shield. Which is the exact same SoC. Or any of dozens of alternative options that meet your requirements. There have been for years.

The cell phone in your pocket literally does this. There are controller mounting accessories. You can literally use any controller you want via Bluetooth or USB. There's an $8 controller mount on Amazon. There are side mounted wireless controllers of every style and variation; https://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Controller-Retractable-Telescopic-Joystick/dp/B077L8656T

https://www.ebay.com/i/372653044435

There are dozens of those. All without broken controller drift issues. And of you really wanted to, you can use the switch controllers on any Android device already.

Nearly every modern phone has HDMI out. In fact I don't know a single androis phone released in the last 3 years that doesn't have one.

And a longer battery. And high end phones absolutely decimate the switch hardware. And higher resolution screens.

I have no idea how someone can pretend to sound so technically savvy, but know next to nothing about anything they're saying.

It is not a life changer for the emulation scene. Android is already a targeted platform and has been for years.

Absolute fucking nutter. Look at the effort you put into being completely uninformed. Mind boggling.

Even a quick Google reveals mainstream articles showcasing the same concept; https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.gizmodo.com.au/2017/05/how-to-turn-your-smartphone-into-an-almost-nintendo-switch/amp

You can already do everything you want to do. And all it would have taken was five minutes of effort.

This one also works natively in Dolphin. When switched to Wii U mode, it's functionally identical to the official adapter, as far as I can tell.

One of these, Xbox360 CE is a must if you're going to use a DS2 on PC.