Homebrew RETROARCH WII - Setting it up Mini Tutorial.

In order to improve this tutorial: Is it helpful?


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JuanMena

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Oh, I didn’t know that. Thanks, I’ll look around!
In RetroArch, go to Apparence, then to User Interface (or was it backwards?) and on Theme, choose CUSTOM. Then press A and you'll be able to choose a Custom Theme. If you look closely to the top of the screen, you'll notice the actual route of the Custom Theme Files. You can go there in your pc, copy the files and modify it with your own background png file and modify the cfg (open as txt file) and change the font (not sure how) and colors of fonts using hexadecimal values.
 

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I think overlays are not working on most cores for th wii, i only have one core that it works. Anyone with th same experience?
Yes, I clearly said in "Important Posts" that Overlays aren't working with newer versions of RetroArch cores.

The past week, RetroArch got updated to 1.10.3

You could try that version and see if the overlays have been fixed or you could go back to a previous version of RetroArch where Overlays did worked (1.9.1 and below)
 
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sindrik

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Killer Instinct Gold even when it has some graphical issues IS actually playable on Not64.
Check this video from my friend @Zorg1996:

(PD: I'm NOT linking to warez, just to a preview video)
Those videos tend to point to a google site from the same user filled with wad warez and roms behind adfly revenue links, i think you're going to be warned if you let it sit there
 
UPDATE: RetroArch 1.10.3

JuanMena

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RetroArch 1.10.3

Update: It works.

Notes:
  • Genesis_Plus_GX doesn't work, and it seems it'll be broken forever since it isn't been working since 1.9.2 onwards.
  • Use Genesis_Plus_GX_Wide instead, or keep using 1.9.1 version.
  • Overlays still doesn't work.
  • Most cores doesn't has new options. So if you're using 1.10.2 or 1.10.1, stick with them as you're not missing much...
Except that Gambatte and mGBA has more color palettes in 1.10.2 and 1.10.3 (the same in both) but they're missing in 1.10.1.

Download using the link in the first post, or click here: HERE

Please, do not ask me how to update in WiiFlow or RA-Hexaeco.
I do not use those, and I don't know how they works.
 

Maeson

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RetroArch 1.10.3

Update: It works.

Notes:
  • Genesis_Plus_GX doesn't work, and it seems it'll be broken forever

Absolutely brilliant execution; haven't laughed like this in some time.

I'll have to check if the Picodrive or whichever version of SNES with MSU-1 support has any improvements whenever I can. Thanks for sharing it!

RA-HexaECO has also been updated recently, which took me by surprise.

It seems it has a new option to use a 3DS as a controller. The one thing I found interesting though, is that it also updated SNES 2005 Plus, and it was quite handy because it can play the recently fan-translated TokiMeki Memorial with the High Resolution font without stuttering or frame rate issues like with other SNES cores. Probably other games that use High Res. modes also got better performance, but I haven't tested.

The usual link is this:
http://www.mediafire.com/file/qxaagqu9f3q2tdy/RA-HEXAECO.7z/file

Seeing that it still is updated made me happy. If you read this: thanks for your work, SuperrSonic.
 
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UPDATE: RetroArch 1.11.0

JuanMena

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RetroArch 1.11.0

Just finished testing the newest update (1.11.0) and I've already found problems with popular/most used Cores for specific games.

Arcade Cores:
  • FBALPHA Core: Loads the game, but crashes no matter what. Using roms from the romset: v0.2.97.29 as specified in the info file.
  • MAME2000, CPS1, CPS2 and NEOGEO cores works perfectly.
Super Nintendo Cores:
  • SNES9X is perfect.
  • SNES9X 2005 is perfect.
  • SNES9X 2005 PLUS has sound problems/crackling.
  • SNES9X 2010 has sound problems/crackling.
Gameboy Cores:
  • Gambatte has slowdowns with some games and crashes sometimes when loading a rom.
  • FIXGB works perfectly, but it lacks options... like... literally the core doesn't has any options.
  • Gearboy crashes no matter what.
  • mGBA works perfectly.
  • gpSP still crashes with some roms.
SEGA Cores:
  • Genesis PLUS GX doesn't work like always.
  • Genesis PLUS GX WIDE doesn't work, which is surprising because it works in 1.10.3
NES Cores:
  • QuickNes doesn't work, which is strange because previous versions works.
  • FCEUM works.
  • Nestopia works.
Others:
  • NeoGeo Pocket works perfectly.
  • WonderSwan works better than previous versions.
Everything else has yet to be tested.

In my opinion, with the amount of popular cores that aren't working, I wouldn't recommend to update if you're still using 1.10.3.
Nothing has improved, in fact, has gotten worse.

Hopefully these issues will be fixed in future 1.11.X versions.
 
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Pipeline79

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Hi,

I downloaded the latest RetroArch-Wii a few days ago and copied the MAME2003 plus cores into the directory for better compatibility - some stuff like OutRun was distorted with the regular MAME2000 core. The cores show up in the 'Load a Core' options, but that doesn't help when you try to 'Load Content' - it just gives you a list of suggested cores to load with the ROM instead which don't include the 2003 plus cores.

My question is: is there some options I need to change in retroarch to enable me to use these cores? Or is it that the latest versions of retroarch somehow break the integration with cores from the link you gave?

I think I have the 0.4 versions on my SD card atm. I've also got the HexaEco version of RA on my SD for now, because I didn't have a problem starting the 2003 cores with that.

Thanks.
 

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Hi,

I downloaded the latest RetroArch-Wii a few days ago and copied the MAME2003 plus cores into the directory for better compatibility - some stuff like OutRun was distorted with the regular MAME2000 core. The cores show up in the 'Load a Core' options, but that doesn't help when you try to 'Load Content' - it just gives you a list of suggested cores to load with the ROM instead which don't include the 2003 plus cores.

My question is: is there some options I need to change in retroarch to enable me to use these cores? Or is it that the latest versions of retroarch somehow break the integration with cores from the link you gave?

I think I have the 0.4 versions on my SD card atm. I've also got the HexaEco version of RA on my SD for now, because I didn't have a problem starting the 2003 cores with that.

Thanks.
I've had that exact same problem before.
It's a conflict between Core Filenames and INFO file names.

If you go to the following folder:
apps-> retroarch-wii-> info
you'll find bunch of files named like each core.

What you have to do, is to find an INFO file called MAME2003_libretro_wii.info (or something along those lines, just make sure it's not the MANE2003_libretro_midway_wii.info) and make copies of it for each Mame2003 core you'll use.

So for instance, have:
-Mame2003_libretro_wii(copy).info
-Mame2003_libretro_wii(1).info
-Mame2003_libretro_wii(2).info
-Mame2003_libretro_wii(3).info
etc...
Copy the Mame2003 core's filenames and rename each copy of the INFO files exactly like each Mame2003 core's name.

That should fix your problem.

You might have the following problem after this:

- RetroArch loads just 2 or 3 Mame2003 cores.
In order to fix this problem, open the renamed info files with any text editor, and copy the core name and paste it where it says:
display_name = "Arcade (Mame2003 Plus)"
So, you'll basically need the INFO file and inside the INFO file named exactly like each Mame2003 cores.
Here's a picture showing you what I mean:
captura-de-pantalla-18-png.289911



Alternatively, you can renane each core to each set of games they emulate. Or use whatever filename you want. JUST MAKE SURE THAT CORE AND INFO FILE ARE NAMED EXACTLY THE SAME.

CoreA loads Namco, Nintendo and Other's games.
CoreB loads TAITO games.
CoreC loads Midway/Bally Williams games
etc...
img_20211215_172910_709-jpg.289912


Lastly, here's compatibility lists I made recently.
This should give you an idea of what games loads each core.
Necrobumping because I just made "compatibility lists" with my own tests.
Using the following:

  • FBALPHA - Retroarch 1.10.3
  • MAME2000 - Retroarch 1.10.3
  • MAME2003 - Cores from OP in this thread, version 0.4
  • NEOGEO - FBA-VM_TEST1M_OLDRETRO with 3.7 Unibios

Download the .txt files which has the files names that are compatible with those cores.
Trying a bunch of different roms from different sets, but MAME2003 roms comes from MAME2003 Full Non-Merged Rom Set
Roms for FBA and MAME2000 comes from Romset 0.11b and 0.139u1


Sidenote: I don't know why my command prompt isn't copying the file's names alphabetically, so they're kinda messy. But these roms are confirmed compatible from me using the above mentioned Cores.
(click on the arrow next to my Username)

EDIT: NEWER VERSIONS OF RETROARCH BREAKS COMPATIBILITY WITH OLD MAME2003 PLUS CORES

Recommended latest version to use: 1.10.3
(it's what I am using at the moment... no issues with Mame2003)

I didn't tested Mame2003 Plus cores with 1.11.0
but feel free to test.
 
Last edited by JuanMena,
UPDATE: RetroArch 1.11.1

JuanMena

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RetroArch 1.11.1 UPDATE

- Gambatte finally works correctly!
Includes 200 Color Palettes additionally to the classic GameBoy Color and Super GameBoy color Palettes.

- mGBA has couple hiccups here and there. Depends on game/rom.
Nothing has changed. Suggested version 1.10.3 or prior.

BOTH GAMBATTE AND MGBA HAS MINOR SOUND GLITCHES (crackling sound)
If this doesn't bothers you, by all means update the cores.

If this does bothers you, like it bothers me... stay in 1.10.3 and prior.

EVERYTHING ELSE HAS BEEN UNTESTED
 
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Pipeline79

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JuanBaNa,

I had a feeling it might be something to do with info files based on previous RA experience on other platforms. But being a noob to the wii I chose to defer to greater wisdom.

Thanks for your help, I’ll get onto that soon.

Kevin
 

JuanMena

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JuanBaNa,

I had a feeling it might be something to do with info files based on previous RA experience on other platforms. But being a noob to the wii I chose to defer to greater wisdom.

Thanks for your help, I’ll get onto that soon.

Kevin
Do let me know if you're still having problems with it.
I'll try to help you.
 
Last edited by JuanMena,
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UPDATE: RetroArch 1.12.0 - (DON'T UPDATE)

JuanMena

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RetroArch 1.12.0 UPDATE (NOT WORTH IT)

A new version has been released two days ago. I'm just noticing now, and so far here's my findings. But first a reminder that I do not test all cores. I'm just testing the ones I think are the most popular (Arcade / NES / SNES / GB / GBA) and looking if newer updates breaks compatibility with MAME2003, CPS3 and NEOGEO roms.

It's slow when setting up directories. Navigating through folders is painfully slow.
It doesn't save my settings.

Atari (Stella 2014) crashes. Works in 1.11.0
CPS1 works
CPS2 works
CPS3 1.12.0 won't save my configuration nor save my directories routes... so I can't load roms that requires Cache files. Useless.

FBALPHA works. If I recall correctly it crashed in 1.11.0 (might be confusing it with MAME2000)
Little sidenote; A game called Boogie Wings (Ragtime in JP) can be played with minor slowdowns now. Definitely an improvement over old FBALPHA cores.

MAME2000 works and no longer crashes when changing roms. An improvement over old MAME2000 cores. Not sure if this was possible before 1.12.0 as I got used to actually restarting RetroArch before loading another MAME2000 rom.
Also, in case you didn't knew you can play Robotron, TotalCarnage and SmashTV with C Stick (only with MAME2000), just remap buttons to it and it'll work.
Do as picture shows:

IMG_20221020_150451_235~2.jpg


MAME2003 PLUS: Something strange is happening. Somehow Core C just completely stopped working with RA 1.12.0
It's strange as all the other cores are working correctly... maybe my roms got bad when copying? I dunno... and I don't plan to look how to solve this. But just a warning if you too have the same problem.
UPDATE: Further testing shows that indeed 1.12.0 broke compatibility with just that one core, as loading a C-Core game from old cores has solved the issue. When you load a MAME2003 rom, it will load RA 1.7.6 which is the version these cores works under... this means that when you Close Content/Restart RetroArch it will stay in 1.7.6 unless you Quit RA and load it from Homebrew Channel.

GAMBATTE: Still has slowdowns. Crashes with some games.
MGBA: Still has hiccups with some games.
VBA NEXT: Works but somehow they got rid of Rumble feature. Can't remember but old VBA (not NEXT) cores does support Rumble with Gamecube controller in Rumble Featured games such as Pokemon Pinball Ruby&Sapphire and Drill Dozer.

NEOGEO: It's working but as 1.12.0 crashes when saving up directories routes, I can't tell RA where to load Cache files for Large NeoGeo roms... so... useless

NEOGEO POCKET: Works

NES; FCEUmm/QuickNes/NESTopia all are working fine. Choose your favourite.

SEGA; Refuses to work... STILL

PS: RetroArch 1.12.0 refuses to load now.
EDIT: I really don't see the point of doing these "Important Posts" when newer versions of RetroArch has been slowly going to shit. This might be probably the last time I'll try an update for RetroArch Wii as I really don't see the point of even trying when things are getting broken. But feel free to test though...
 
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JuanMena

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Thanks for unlocking the message.

EDIT:
I've been testing latest and old versions of RetroArch from different sources.
I've discovered that certain versions has compatibility issues with romsets.

For instance:
CPS1 1.7.6 will work with most Roms from WORLD sets.
But once you update CPS1 to 1.10.X the WORLD roms will stop working altogether.

So... there's no definitive way to know which roms will work with which cores because it seems it's hit or miss.

Apparently, RetroArch can't have a consistent update as it messes up some things.

And going back to old versions of RetroArch is stupid because the cores will mostly crash or give STACK DUMPS or DSI Errors.

Feel free to test each version for your different romsets.

If you have any questions, I'll try to answer/help in any way I can.
 
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Nyta8591

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When i load newly downloaded Retroarch (from their website): 1) menu on launch is cutoff from the bottom, making it impossible to see last line selections and changing aspect ratio doesnt fix it…2) Wii goes black screen the moment i load Sega Genesis core under “Load Core”… and once i load Retroarch from Homebrew after that it instantly goes into black screen…. Sega Genesis GX emulator on contrary works fine…

I see messages that latest versions of Retroarch are broken? Which version should i use pls? 🙏
 

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When i load newly downloaded Retroarch (from their website): 1) menu on launch is cutoff from the bottom, making it impossible to see last line selections and changing aspect ratio doesnt fix it…2) Wii goes black screen the moment i load Sega Genesis core under “Load Core”… and once i load Retroarch from Homebrew after that it instantly goes into black screen…. Sega Genesis GX emulator on contrary works fine…

I see messages that latest versions of Retroarch are broken? Which version should i use pls? 🙏
Really depends on you. RetroArch for Wii has been broken since 1.8.5.
So my advice is, use from 1.8.4 backwards.

BUT those versions are super old and quite buggy.

If you can tolerate sound noise in ALL your games, then use from 1.9.1 up till 1.12.X.
Avoid 1.13, 1.14, 1.15 and pretty much any future version... unless future proves me wrong and 1.16 is actually usable.

About Sega Genesis core, it's broken since 1.9.2
So, for that one use 1.9.1 or previous cores.
 
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Nyta8591

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Many thanks for this! Will try it out :) also, do you think Genesis plus GX and FCE Ultra GX emulators are on par with Retroarch or they lack some functionality of Retroarch? 🙏
 

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