Homebrew Discussion Starcraft on Switch ()

[Deleted User]

Hi gamers ,

Well, sorry for the quality of the video.
Since the N64 version runs like ***, I tried something different:



It runs well (20~25, playable enough) on W98SE using Qemu on L4T.
I set processor OC on performance but frankly, I don't see any difference.

Button mapping via Xorg works but always crash after some time, leaving me with the mouse controls only (which sucks, no attack move nor camera control...).


Cheers

 

[Sethtimus Prime]

Why not Starcraft 2? /s
This is pretty cool though.

 

[der:Tom]

Nice PoC!
But out of curiosity, why not just use the wine version instead of sideloading W98? I haven´t played around with L4T so far so sorry if others already tried this

https://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager.php?sClass=version&iId=35171

 

[Deleted User]

Why not Starcraft 2? /s
This is pretty cool though.

Sorry, I'm a purist,
Nothing can't beat a twelve units rush.

Nice PoC!
But out of curiosity, why not just use the wine version instead of sideloading W98? I haven´t played around with L4T so far so sorry if others already tried this

https://appdb.winehq.org/objectManager.php?sClass=version&iId=35171

Sure, that's what any sane Ubuntu user would do. Even PROTON from steam can play almost anything (Playing Halo Wars, W10 exclusive, on Ubuntu is priceless !).
But here you have an architecture problem: Wine and Wine64 don't run on the Tegra ARM chip. The x86 emulation is different from a simple OS emulation, and you must run BOTH at the same time !

So you must first run a x86 OS on your ARM before trying to play any windows game.
-> VirtualBox, as far as I know, can't do that.
-> Qemu, on the other hand, is able to transcript data to the NS chip, but it is really demanding processor wise

All in all, I wasn't expecting such good performances, that was a pleasant surprise !
There are minor stability issues, such as audio that can crash or button mapping that gives up pretty often for unknown reason. Otherwise, it runs smoothly (besides the menus that are a bit choppy). Pilot the mouse using gyro control would be nice too.

I tried XP, but the installation took forever and finally crashed, W95 didn't even boot.
A good lead to optimize the system could be to use 98Lite, an optimised version for RasPi. We use it in my lab for old data acquisition PCs, but I didn't managed to find a license.

If someone finds a 98Lite license, or a way to stabilise Xorg (button mapping), you're welcome to share


Next, I'll try a few C&Cs and dungeon keeper, well, who wouldn't ?

 

[solidsnake2]

where i can find detailed installation manual with files?

 

[m4xw]

Since the N64 version runs like ***

Last time i tried it ran well, maybe you should update mupen64plus next?

 

[Deleted User]

where i can find detailed installation manual with files?

In fact, nowhere
I was considering writing a step-by-step tutorial with all the files needed, but considering the lack of positive feedback on this forum, I assumed nobody really cares so...

The least I can provide you with:
- Full games are LEGALLY accessible there https://www.abandonware-france.org/ltf_abandon/ltf_jeu.php?id=1939
- Installation of Qemu and W98, drivers included (worst part) is detailled here https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/QEMU/Windows_98

For L4T, joycon/mouse and Xorg
https://gbatemp.net/threads/l4t-ubuntu-a-fully-featured-linux-on-your-switch.537301/
https://gbatemp.net/threads/l4t-ubuntu-applcation-install-guides.537579/

Last time i tried it ran well, maybe you should update mupen64plus next?

Really ? For me, even OCed, it was around 15fps with optimised settings.
Well, now I can enjoy my abandonwares

 

[dotmick]

In fact, nowhere
I was considering writing a step-by-step tutorial with all the files needed, but considering the lack of positive feedback on this forum, I assumed nobody really cares so...

The least I can provide you with:
- Full games are LEGALLY accessible there https://www.abandonware-france.org/ltf_abandon/ltf_jeu.php?id=1939
- Installation of Qemu and W98, drivers included (worst part) is detailled here https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/QEMU/Windows_98

For L4T, joycon/mouse and Xorg
https://gbatemp.net/threads/l4t-ubuntu-a-fully-featured-linux-on-your-switch.537301/
https://gbatemp.net/threads/l4t-ubuntu-applcation-install-guides.537579/




Really ? For me, even OCed, it was around 15fps with optimised settings.
Well, now I can enjoy my abandonwares

Great work! I am too interested in your step-by-step tutorial, ignore the ones that don't care

I've got a clean install of L4T Ubuntu, what should I do now?

 

[Deleted User]

Great work! I am too interested in your step-by-step tutorial, ignore the ones that don't care

I've got a clean install of L4T Ubuntu, what should I do now?

As you wish, my lord. there it is.




Step by step tutorial

1 - Boot Hekate and Install L4T
Here, you have a wonderful thread: https://gbatemp.net/threads/l4t-ubuntu-a-fully-featured-linux-on-your-switch.537301/

For SX users, you can easily boot Hekate (needed to start L4T and its installation): just put the last version of Hekate (4.1.0 minimum) on the root of your SD card. Press and hold the vol+ button while starting the console until you obtain the SX launch menu. Then go to other/payload and inject the Hekate payload. Then from Hekate, just follow the usual path Launch/other/L4T.


2 - I have a clean L4T install

Install Swap file (never too careful) and Joycon Mouse
https://gbatemp.net/threads/l4t-ubuntu-applcation-install-guides.537579/

/!\ This process need several keyboard inputs, mouse alone along with on screen keyboard is a chore. I did it and don't wish my worst enemy to go through this. Use a wireless keyboard if you have one.


3 - Orders captain ?

- Find a nice ISO of W98 or 95 (XP seems too demanding), with its serial (I put it in Downloads file).
- Install Qemu:
sudo apt-get install qemu-kvm qemu virt-manager virt-viewer libvirt-bin
- Create your virtual x86 OS:
qemu-img create W98.img 10G


4 - You want a piece o'me boy ?

- Launch your virtual machine
qemu-system-x86_64 -hda W98.img -boot d -cdrom /home/Tassadar/downloads/W984.iso -m 128 -soundhw sb16 -display sdl

If you put a lot of memory (here, I put 128Mo), installation can be faster (RAM has to be bigger than the ISO size)

/!\ Learn how to manage the "grab mouse" functionnality in Qemu. I find it WAAAAY better to never enter your mouse in the frame and only use the keyboard, until you have no choice.

- Go through the installation process. Be patient !
- Once installation is done and two to three restarts of the virtual machine completed, you will have a nice soundless, 16 colors, 640*480 desktop. Haaa, good times.


5 - My life for Aiur

/!\ In order to transfer data to W98, just use the -cdrom command:
***remove the bood argument, it is now useless
***you can simply convert a folder to a compatible iso using this command:
mkisofs -o /tmp/cd.iso /tmp/directory/

- your OS should have drivers for you sound card (I didn't cause I didn't use the -soundhx 16 argument while installing, I had to find them on my own)
- your video drivers are here: http://www.bearwindows.boot-land.net/vbe9x.htm

Put both drivers in an ISO using the mkisofs command, Launch W98 and install your stuff.
Once you have sound and 256 gorgeous colors on screen, just insert the same way your Starcraft ISO.
Don't forget to install DirectX5, it has nice visual effects.

Enjoy !



So far: still struggling to install Red Alert 2 and Dungeon keeper.
Don't use ALL-in-One executables, W98 can't handle them

 

[dotmick]

As you wish, my lord. there it is.




Step by step tutorial

1 - Boot Hekate and Install L4T
Here, you have a wonderful thread: https://gbatemp.net/threads/l4t-ubuntu-a-fully-featured-linux-on-your-switch.537301/

For SX users, you can easily boot Hekate (needed to start L4T and its installation): just put the last version of Hekate (4.1.0 minimum) on the root of your SD card. Press and hold the vol+ button while starting the console until you obtain the SX launch menu. Then go to other/payload and inject the Hekate payload. Then from Hekate, just follow the usual path Launch/other/L4T.


2 - I have a clean L4T install

Install Swap file (never too careful) and Joycon Mouse
https://gbatemp.net/threads/l4t-ubuntu-applcation-install-guides.537579/

/!\ This process need several keyboard inputs, mouse alone along with on screen keyboard is a chore. I did it and don't wish my worst enemy to go through this. Use a wireless keyboard if you have one.


3 - Orders captain ?

- Find a nice ISO of W98 or 95 (XP seems too demanding), with its serial (I put it in Downloads file).
- Install Qemu:
sudo apt-get install qemu-kvm qemu virt-manager virt-viewer libvirt-bin
- Create your virtual x86 OS:
qemu-img create W98.img 10G


4 - You want a piece o'me boy ?

- Launch your virtual machine
qemu-system-x86_64 -hda W98.img -boot d -cdrom /home/Tassadar/downloads/W984.iso -m 128 -soundhw sb16 -display sdl

If you put a lot of memory (here, I put 128Mo), installation can be faster (RAM has to be bigger than the ISO size)

/!\ Learn how to manage the "grab mouse" functionnality in Qemu. I find it WAAAAY better to never enter your mouse in the frame and only use the keyboard, until you have no choice.

- Go through the installation process. Be patient !
- Once installation is done and two to three restarts of the virtual machine completed, you will have a nice soundless, 16 colors, 640*480 desktop. Haaa, good times.


5 - My life for Aiur

/!\ In order to transfer data to W98, just use the -cdrom command:
***remove the bood argument, it is now useless
***you can simply convert a folder to a compatible iso using this command:
mkisofs -o /tmp/cd.iso /tmp/directory/

- your OS should have drivers for you sound card (I didn't cause I didn't use the -soundhx 16 argument while installing, I had to find them on my own)
- your video drivers are here: http://www.bearwindows.boot-land.net/vbe9x.htm

Put both drivers in an ISO using the mkisofs command, Launch W98 and install your stuff.
Once you have sound and 256 gorgeous colors on screen, just insert the same way your Starcraft ISO.
Don't forget to install DirectX5, it has nice visual effects.

Enjoy !



So far: still struggling to install Red Alert 2 and Dungeon keeper.
Don't use ALL-in-One executables, W98 can't handle them

Just brilliant, thanks!

I've got Win98 working with the new graphic drivers. Bonus, I'm trying to have the network working to setup a smb folder but without any luck for now...

I'll keep you posted of my progress!

 

[Deleted User]

Just brilliant, thanks!

I've got Win98 working with the new graphic drivers. Bonus, I'm trying to have the network working to setup a smb folder but without any luck for now...

I'll keep you posted of my progress!

You're welcome.

Using a smb server is clever, it should be useful.
Did you use 98Lite or a standard version ?

 

[dotmick]

You're welcome.

Using a smb server is clever, it should be useful.
Did you use 98Lite or a standard version ?

For now the standard version, I'll optimize later.

Regarding the network, I've tried multiple commands, but I've still got no network in W98. The last one:

qemu-system-x86_64 -hda W98.img -boot c -cdrom /home/dotmick/Desktop/Windows 98 Se Fr Bootable.iso -m 512 -soundhw sb16 -display sdl -netdev user,id=n0,smb=/mnt/windows/ -device e1000,netdev=n0

 

[pinbi7]

The least I can provide you with:
- Full games are LEGALLY accessible there https://www.abandonware-france.org/ltf_abandon/ltf_jeu.php?id=1939

There is definitely some commercialy available games on there and their definition of "abandonware" is iffy at best

I wouldnt link to it on gbatemp,to me it's just another warez site

 

[dotmick]

There is definitely some commercialy available games on there and their definition of "abandonware" is iffy at best

I wouldnt link to it on gbatemp,to me it's just another warez site

No it's not.

 

[Deleted User]

There is definitely some commercialy available games on there and their definition of "abandonware" is iffy at best

I wouldnt link to it on gbatemp,to me it's just another warez site

I really doubt that.
They exist since 2000 and they are really cautious toward piracy.
Please, be careful before posting this kind of assertion.

For now the standard version, I'll optimize later.

Regarding the network, I've tried multiple commands, but I've still got no network in W98. The last one:

qemu-system-x86_64 -hda W98.img -boot c -cdrom /home/dotmick/Desktop/Windows 98 Se Fr Bootable.iso -m 512 -soundhw sb16 -display sdl -netdev user,id=n0,smb=/mnt/windows/ -device e1000,netdev=n0

Good luck with that.
I'll stick to big ISO for file transfer. Maybe one can emulate several cdrom at the same time, I didn't tried.



Regarding button mapping, here is my JOYCON config file
usr/share/X11/xorg.conf.d/50-joystick.conf


Section "InputClass"
Identifier "joystick catchall"
MatchIsJoystick "on"
MatchDevicePath "/dev/input/event*"
Driver "joystick"
Option "MapButton4" "key=24"
Option "MapButton5" "key=39"
Option "MapButton6" "key=65"
Option "MapButton7" "key=9"
Option "MapButton8" "key=36"
Option "MapButton9" "key=22"
Option "MapButton10" "key=15"
Option "MapButton11" "key=50"
Option "MapButton12" "key=76"
Option "MapButton13" "key=37"
Option "MapButton14" "key=48"
Option "MapButton15" "key=111"
Option "MapButton16" "key=116"
Option "MapButton17" "key=113"
Option "MapButton18" "key=114"
EndSection


When you mount JOYCONS, it will automatically put arrows to the left joypad, "a" key to Y button and enter/backspace/space to shoulder buttons. Left, right and middle mouse clicks (B,X,A resp.) are unchanged.

 

[pinbi7]

No it's not.

have you had a look at what they concider "abandonware"?

Sa date de première distribution ne doit pas être postérieure à 2001.
Il ne doit plus être commercialisé, du moins dans sa version francophone. Si le jeu est encore commercialisé mais à l'étranger, un consensus au sein de l'équipe peut amener à ce que le jeu soit tout de même diffusé sur Abandonware France dans sa version francophone.
Les ayants droit ne se sont pas positionnés contre sa distribution gratuite.
Il faut que l'équipe d'Abandonware France soit d'accord pour le considérer comme abandonware.


●the game must be more then 18 years old(2001) for some reason,thats a very arbitrary date

●the game shouldnt be commercialised (at least in its french version)
If its commercialised outside of france then its left to the "team"(france-abandonware) to decide wether to distribute or not

● who ever owns the rights to these games would have to directly ask the site for their game to be removed

●The "team" decides whats abandonware or not,again very arbitrary

 

[Deleted User]

have you had a look at what they concider "abandonware"?

●the game must be more then 18 years old(2001) for some reason,thats a very arbitrary date

●the game shouldnt be commercialised (at least in its french version)
If its commercialised outside of france then its left to the "team"(france-abandonware) to decide wether to distribute or not

● who ever owns the rights to these games would have to directly ask the site for their game to be removed

●The "team" decides whats abandonware or not,again very arbitrary

Interesting indeed.
Thanks for this clarification.

So in the end, when the owner requests it, they remove the link, so it's perfectly legal.
Well, if a mod insists, I can remove the link.

Original Starcraft is freeware now, along with the original C&C franchise.

 

[dotmick]

have you had a look at what they concider "abandonware"?

Sa date de première distribution ne doit pas être postérieure à 2001.
Il ne doit plus être commercialisé, du moins dans sa version francophone. Si le jeu est encore commercialisé mais à l'étranger, un consensus au sein de l'équipe peut amener à ce que le jeu soit tout de même diffusé sur Abandonware France dans sa version francophone.
Les ayants droit ne se sont pas positionnés contre sa distribution gratuite.
Il faut que l'équipe d'Abandonware France soit d'accord pour le considérer comme abandonware.


●the game must be more then 18 years old(2001) for some reason,thats a very arbitrary date

●the game shouldnt be commercialised (at least in its french version)
If its commercialised outside of france then its left to the "team"(france-abandonware) to decide wether to distribute or not

● who ever owns the rights to these games would have to directly ask the site for their game to be removed

●The "team" decides whats abandonware or not,again very arbitrary

It is indeed. But it is not illegal. It's a grey area, but not illegal.

While with warez, there's no grey area, it is completely and known for being illegal.

 

[pinbi7]

Interesting indeed.
Thanks for this clarification.

So in the end, when the owner requests it, they remove the link, so it's perfectly legal.
Well, if a mod insists, I can remove the link.

Original Starcraft is freeware now, along with the original C&C franchise.

It is indeed. But it is not illegal. It's a grey area, but not illegal.

While with warez, there's no grey area, it is completely and known for being illegal.

https://starcraft.com/en-us/articles/20674424

No more grey just starcraft

 

[dotmick]

I really doubt that.
They exist since 2000 and they are really cautious toward piracy.
Please, be careful before posting this kind of assertion.








Good luck with that.
I'll stick to big ISO for file transfer. Maybe one can emulate several cdrom at the same time, I didn't tried.



Regarding button mapping, here is my JOYCON config file
usr/share/X11/xorg.conf.d/50-joystick.conf


Section "InputClass"
Identifier "joystick catchall"
MatchIsJoystick "on"
MatchDevicePath "/dev/input/event*"
Driver "joystick"
Option "MapButton4" "key=24"
Option "MapButton5" "key=39"
Option "MapButton6" "key=65"
Option "MapButton7" "key=9"
Option "MapButton8" "key=36"
Option "MapButton9" "key=22"
Option "MapButton10" "key=15"
Option "MapButton11" "key=50"
Option "MapButton12" "key=76"
Option "MapButton13" "key=37"
Option "MapButton14" "key=48"
Option "MapButton15" "key=111"
Option "MapButton16" "key=116"
Option "MapButton17" "key=113"
Option "MapButton18" "key=114"
EndSection


When you mount JOYCONS, it will automatically put arrows to the left joypad, "a" key to Y button and enter/backspace/space to shoulder buttons. Left, right and middle mouse clicks (B,X,A resp.) are unchanged.

Got the smb working

Here's my command:

qemu-system-x86_64 -hda W98.img -boot c -cdrom /home/dotmick/Desktop/Windows 98 Se Fr Bootable.iso -m 512 -soundhw sb16 -display sdl -netdev user,id=n0,smb=/mnt/windows/ -device ne2k_pci,netdev=n0

I had to choose ne2k_pci as the model.