Homebrew Retroarch Emulation Thread (Nightly Builds Included)

[matt!]

I'm aware of those. But since the pcsx core have finally shown up in the build again after so long, I decided to try it and am just wondering if everyone get the same issue.

I'll try the new one soon.

 

[Boured]

I decided to install Retroarch 1.4.1 on my N3DSXL and I tried using gpsp to play a GBA game, It doesn't start and the only clue I get is this.

Retroarch [INFO] :: Does not have enough samples for monitor refresh rate estimation. Requires to run for at least 4096 frames.

I looked it up and it is apparently with bios, I checked that I got the correct GBA bios which I did and placed it in the /retroarch/cores/system/ directory, still gives me the same error. Now I go to run Gamebatte, and I try to run Super Mario Land, same exact Info and I know Gamebatte doesn't need BIOS. Is there something I'm doing wrong?


Setup
System: N3DSXL
Retroarch Entry: 3dsx
Firmware: 11.3.0-36U

 

[matt!]

I decided to install Retroarch 1.4.1 on my N3DSXL and I tried using gpsp to play a GBA game, It doesn't start and the only clue I get is this.

Retroarch [INFO] :: Does not have enough samples for monitor refresh rate estimation. Requires to run for at least 4096 frames.

I looked it up and it is apparently with bios, I checked that I got the correct GBA bios which I did and placed it in the /retroarch/cores/system/ directory, still gives me the same error. Now I go to run Gamebatte, and I try to run Super Mario Land, same exact Info and I know Gamebatte doesn't need BIOS. Is there something I'm doing wrong?


Setup
System: N3DSXL
Retroarch Entry: 3dsx
Firmware: 11.3.0-36U

Use the CIA versions.

3DSX require extra setup to use expanded memory, details elsewhere

 

[SG6000]

Use the CIA versions.

3DSX require extra setup to use expanded memory, details elsewhere

The only 3dsx versions that require increased memory / XML files to boot are the MAME and main FBA cores, from what I recall.

 

[matt!]

The only 3dsx versions that require increased memory / XML files to boot are the MAME and main FBA cores, from what I recall.

Hmm. The "does not have enough samples" is the error I used to get with those.

Still, use the CIA versions is the best advice

 

[Boured]

Hmm. The "does not have enough samples" is the error I used to get with those.

Still, use the CIA versions is the best advice

Apparently the 3dsx versions are broken as I tried a nightly and it allowed me to select a core and then it booted all be it at 30-40FPS.

Also I got my system replaced since it broke and am stuck ok Stock 11.3 so CIA is out of the question.

 

[AI-BOT-T1000-and-1]

Would anyone know what the best snes emulator to use is it states itsd Catsfc here but in the new retro arch stable builds there is no catsfc.cia files, also what file format do snes games need to be in ?

 

[MollyChan]

I have a few small questions

How exactly do you get cheat files for arcade games to work? I'm not sure how they're supposed to be formatted

Also, some kind of "expanded memory" thing was mentioned a few posts ago.... How does one set up that "expanded memory"? I'm pretty sure it might help me run newer retroarch versions without the horrible lag that they're giving me right now

 

[SG6000]

I have a few small questions

Also, some kind of "expanded memory" thing was mentioned a few posts ago.... How does one set up that "expanded memory"? I'm pretty sure it might help me run newer retroarch versions without the horrible lag that they're giving me right now

The 'expanded memory mode' is only needed to launch certain homebrew in 3dsx format, and is required for the MAME and main FBA cores. It works by using an xml file to 'piggyback' onto another app with a larger memory footprint, so obvious choices for these target apps are free-to-download demos and the 3DS youtube app, and these should be listed in the xml files found bundled with the cores which require them. Another homebrew of note which requires it is Scummvm 3DS.

I think if core performance is a priority for you the best advice might be to install the old stable builds of 1.3.2 / 1.3.3.

 

[MollyChan]

The 'expanded memory mode' is only needed to launch certain homebrew in 3dsx format, and is required for the MAME and main FBA cores. It works by using an xml file to 'piggyback' onto another app with a larger memory footprint, so obvious choices for these target apps are free-to-download demos and the 3DS youtube app, and these should be listed in the xml files found bundled with the cores which require them. Another homebrew of note which requires it is Scummvm 3DS.

I think if core performance is a priority for you the best advice might be to install the old stable builds of 1.3.2 / 1.3.3.

yeah, i do have all old versions of the cores. except for psx and virtual boy, they all run perfectly

I'm not entirely sure how to set up such an .xml file to do that expanded memory thing?? I do have several things on my 3DS that i could use for it...

 

[AI-BOT-T1000-and-1]

The 'expanded memory mode' is only needed to launch certain homebrew in 3dsx format, and is required for the MAME and main FBA cores. It works by using an xml file to 'piggyback' onto another app with a larger memory footprint, so obvious choices for these target apps are free-to-download demos and the 3DS youtube app, and these should be listed in the xml files found bundled with the cores which require them. Another homebrew of note which requires it is Scummvm 3DS.

I think if core performance is a priority for you the best advice might be to install the old stable builds of 1.3.2 / 1.3.3.

So are the old versions 1.3 of retroarch as stated above better. with better emulation ?
I wonder also if its possible to play roms in compressed file format, I did try but doesn't seem to work I might have compressed in the wrong format.

 

[matt!]

So are the old versions 1.3 of retroarch as stated above better. with better emulation ?
I wonder also if its possible to play roms in compressed file format, I did try but doesn't seem to work I might have compressed in the wrong format.

Some say, but it seems to vary by game, if at all

 

[Natural]

I'm trying to use gpsp to play Fire Emblem: The Binding Blade but I've been getting this error that brings me back to the home menu of the 3DS. I put the core in the system folder as well. I have the .cia of the game in the root of the Retroarch folder.

 

[AI-BOT-T1000-and-1]

I'm trying to use gpsp to play Fire Emblem: The Binding Blade but I've been getting this error that brings me back to the home menu of the 3DS. I put the core in the system folder as well. I have the .cia of the game in the root of the Retroarch folder.

Do you have the GBA bios files ? its hard to find the right one I believe, you might have to try a different download source, you could also create a CIA format using GBA Ultimate injector

 

[Muxi]

Ok, got a working .bat script ready. (sorry non-windows users)

This batch file will take you through the steps necessary to generate a custom playlist.
If for some reason retroarch crashes while scanning or have some romhacks which aren't detected, you can use this batch file to create a list yourself.

ONLY 1 platform at a time! Not all platforms (multi-file games e.g.) are supported yet.

The .bat file can be placed inside the ROM folder you wish to scan, or you can drop the ROM folder (for scanning) on the CMD window when asked to.

The process contains 5 steps:

• Setting the playlist filename. Necessary for retroarch to detect the correct platform for your playlist.
• Setting the ROM folder where retroarch can find your ROMS on your 3DS.
• Setting the ROM folder on your PC to scan for ROMS (the same ROMS you have on your 3DS)
• Waiting for the .bat file to generate the playlist. (no waiting actually)
  
• Copy the generated playlist to your 3DS.

You will be guided though these steps where needed in the script.

I've included a few preset filenames for playlists you can choose from, but you can also type it manually for other platforms. It will work.
For retroarch to detect the playlist, name it like any of the databases found in: SD:/retroarch/database/rdb/

The playlist itself must be placed in: SD:/retroarch/cores/playlists/
If you already have a playlist for your platform, you can merge them together to add the 'unsupported' ROMS.

I hope this helps some to get retroarch setup correctly, just used it myself to add the entire Atari Lynx ROMSET in one go.

How does it work with the playlists under version 1.3.3. I have created the lpl file and copied into the playlist folder, but can`t find a database folder in retroarch. (I use pcsx-version 1.3.3, whitch in my opinion has the best performance, especially the savestates that are significantly faster in saving and loading than in the newer versions.)

 

[Natural]

Do you have the GBA bios files ? its hard to find the right one I believe, you might have to try a different download source, you could also create a CIA format using GBA Ultimate injector

Yes, I put that in the system folder. I said core before but I meant to say bios.

 

[Muxi]

Do you have the GBA bios files ? its hard to find the right one I believe, you might have to try a different download source, you could also create a CIA format using GBA Ultimate injector

 

[Natural]

It still didn't work. I'll just use GBA Ultimate injector and .cias. Also, can .cias be patched and is there a way for me to move save data from one .cia to another .cia?

 

[TimX24968B]

I'm trying to use gpsp to play Fire Emblem: The Binding Blade but I've been getting this error that brings me back to the home menu of the 3DS. I put the core in the system folder as well. I have the .cia of the game in the root of the Retroarch folder.

I have found fire emblem games to be somewhat crash-y with gpsp, so I use the .cias for them.

 

[matt!]

is there a way for me to move save data from one .cia to another .cia?

You can move saves easily using JKSM.