Homebrew [WIP] r3Ddragon - Virtual Boy emulator

[danielps]

A Virtual Boy emulator for the 3DS, based on Reality Boy / Red Dragon.

Spoiler

Usage
You can place place ROMs in /vb/.
If it doesn't exist, rd_config.ini will be created. Some relevant options you can change are:

• maxcycles: A lower value will improve compatibility, but it will run slower.
• frmskip: Number of frames to skip before drawing.
• debug: If set to 1, prints debug info.
• sound: Enables sound.
• dynarec: If set to 0, tries to load the dynarec cache from a file instead of recompiling.

The 3dsx will only work on exploitable system versions (<=11.2) after running fasthax.

FAQs
Why would you make a Virtual Boy emulator? Nobody asked for it.

The 3DS is the perfect system to faithfully emulate the Virtual Boy. They have similar screen resolutions, the 3D effect is better and it's actually portable.​

OK, but wasn't the Virtual Boy, like, the worst console ever?

There were many reasons why it was commercial failure. That doesn't mean the console is bad, or the games aren't worth playing. It's definitely received way more hate than it deserved.
Plus, it has a nice homebrew scene with gems such as Hyper Fighting, Snatcher, and many more.​

Do I need a new 3DS to run this?

Unfortunately, yes. The old 3DS is too slow to run it at a playable speed. That might change in the future, but it's unlikely.​

Where can I download it?

You can find the latest release here.​

Download
Release
Source code

 

[hippy dave]

I've noticed the code updates, and I'm taking it as a good sign that your'e posting this thread Exciting times, keep it up!

 

[ShadowOne333]

Awesome!
Can't wait to play my beloved Mario Tennis and Mario Clash in this once again like it was intended two decades ago...
In a proper portable/3D console. XD

 

[DogParty]

Hey, I'm running into an issue while trying to compile.

linking r3Ddragon.elf
drc_core.o: In function `drc_init':
drc_core.c.text+0x538c): undefined reference to `cache_dump_bin'
collect2: error: ld returned 1 exit status
​

Any ideas? Can't wait to get this up and running!

 

[rufuszombot]

I'm looking forward to this.

 

[danielps]

Hey, I'm running into an issue while trying to compile.

linking r3Ddragon.elf
drc_core.o: In function `drc_init':
drc_core.c.text+0x538c): undefined reference to `cache_dump_bin'
collect2: error: ld returned 1 exit status
​

Any ideas? Can't wait to get this up and running!

If you're running ninjhax 1.1b, just comment line 941 in drc_core.c. I'll fix the build in another moment.

 

[Deathbot64]

When will this be ready for release

 

[danielps]

When will this be ready for release

I wanted to fix a few bugs before release, but hopefully it won't be long.

 

[Danieldodi]

Ok so the scene is moving to N3DS and leaving de O3DS.

 

[Smoker1]

Exactly. Look at RetroArch. Almost all the Cores work beautifully on the N3DS, but cant run for **** on the O3DS due to the lesser Hardware

 

[WeedZ]

I guess it's time to finally get a n3ds.

 

[chango]

A Virtual Boy emulator for the 3DS, based on Reality Boy / Red Dragon.

Why would you make a Virtual Boy emulator? Nobody asked for it.

I DID! I've been waiting for a Virtual Boy emulator in 3D since the 3DS was first announced. Glad I have a N3DS - will this be installable in .CIA format or will it be limited to ninjhax 2.0 in .3dsx?

 

[DogParty]

If you're running ninjhax 1.1b, just comment line 941 in drc_core.c. I'll fix the build in another moment.

I'm running 2.1 atm. I was hoping I could either use 2.1 or make a cia/3ds if need be. Is 1.1b the only way to see decent speeds on a N3DS?

Ok so the scene is moving to N3DS and leaving de O3DS.

It really shouldn't be a surprise to people that the newer, faster system is seeing more support in terms of emulators. As it stands, the N3DS allows developers to port emulators without immense speed optimizations/hacks. So expect the N3DS to initially get emulators and the o3DS to eventually get them once developers devote more time to optimizing the code.

 

[Smoker1]

I guess this and the VB RetroArch Core are in a race to see which will be completed first. RetroArch is currently running at 16shFPS via .3dsx and a slow 8FPS via .cia . You can select the 3D Color Scheme if you have old 3D Glasses that are Red/Cyan or Red/Blue.

 

[danielps]

Ok so the scene is moving to N3DS and leaving de O3DS.

Not really, it's more like some stuff was not possible on the O3DS. I'd actually love to get it to work at a decent speed, but it won't be any time soon.

I'm running 2.1 atm. I was hoping I could either use 2.1 or make a cia/3ds if need be. Is 1.1b the only way to see decent speeds on a N3DS?

Actually, 1.1b is as slow as the O3DS. If you are on 2.1 you'll have to manually bundle the recompiled code for the moment (hence the undefined reference to 'cache_dump_bin').
It's possible to build a CIA by removing the dependency on the hb service, I'll give it a try when I have time.

I guess this and the VB RetroArch Core are in a race to see which will be completed first.

Nah, it's not a race. In fact, porting the dynarec to mednafen once I clean up the code might be a smart idea.

 

[DogParty]

If you are on 2.1 you'll have to manually bundle the recompiled code for the moment (hence the undefined reference to 'cache_dump_bin').

Oof is there a quick three line guide on how to do that? If not, I don't want to waste too much of your time. Thanks again!

 

[Smoker1]

Which of the FWs are you going on? I am on 9.2FW same with EmuNAND and it seems Dynarec is slowing it down. Does it like no other on GPSP. The RetroArch Team saw that and saw to it to have it Disabled. Seems once you get to or past a certain FW, it seems to act up on you.

 

[Deleted User]

I guess it's time to finally get a n3ds.

It was time when it was launched in the USA! Now it's late! XD

 

[Smoker1]

I ended up having to get a Eur (AUS) Region because they wanted to wait for a long time for the NA Region. Wanted to make sure I had a good Region before anything. Not to mention no one knew exactly what FW the NA would have. Also the NA had a few that were above 9.3 in some cases

 

[WeedZ]

It was time when it was launched in the USA! Now it's late! XD

Game stop will let you test refurbs all day to check fw. Also there is a serial number chart with packaged fw.