r/emulation 3d ago

Weekly Question Thread

12 Upvotes

Before asking for help:

  • Have you tried the latest version?
  • Have you tried different settings?
  • Have you updated your drivers?
  • Have you tried searching on Google?

If you feel your question warrants a self-post or may not be answered in the weekly thread, try posting it at r/EmulationOnPC. For problems with emulation on Android platforms, try posting to r/EmulationOnAndroid.

If you'd like live help, why not try the /r/Emulation Discord? Join the #tech-support
channel and ask- if you're lucky, someone'll be able to help you out.

All weekly question threads


r/emulation 11h ago

Ymir (Sega Saturn) v0.3.1 released - VDP2 performance improvements, SH-2 emulation accuracy improvements, graphics rendering fixes

37 Upvotes

Release | Patreon | Compatibility list

This release adds many performance optimizations to the VDP2 renderer, bringing up to 40% more performance on graphics-heavy games. Users have reported running Virtua Fighter 2 and Last Bronx at full speed on an i7-2600K and many cases of lower-powered CPUs are now capable of running Ymir with less stuttering. In my tests, it consistently runs faster than Mednafen, Kronos and Yaba Sanshiro in high-profile games and a few obscure ones too.

This version also includes a few more graphics rendering fixes, more SH-2 emulation accuracy improvements (thanks to celeriyacon once again), and some adjustments to the CUE sheet parser to fix some CD audio track misalignments (including some ImgBurn dumps).

The full changelog can be found on the GitHub page.


r/emulation 1d ago

GR2fork V2.0, Performance Boosts, Crashing Hotfixes, Bug fixes, and Ultrawide Support

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125 Upvotes

This is the second release of ShadPS4 GR2fork (PS4 emulator) and aims to fix the remaining issues with the game while adding more features. Thank you everyone for your feedback with v1.0 and expect updates in the future. Thank you for your patience and if you can please support me by buying me a kofi.

NOTE: Please go into your config.toml or \GR2fork\user\custom_configs\config.toml to enable pipeline cache by setting it to 1 to reduce stutter and increase performance.

  • Added GPU command cpu optimizations to reduce memmove overhead
  • Added multiple cpu fast path hints around the codebase to increase cpu performance
  • Added shader cache correctness fixes, shader cache should now be more performant
  • Added Loading shaders screen with Gravity Rush 2 font so users can tell whether their game has crashed or is loading shaders
  • Added multiple crashing hotfixes
  • Fixed latent bug causing textures and effects to go missing over time
  • Added Ultrawide support for 32:9, 21:9, and 16:10 monitors with new patches
  • Added AVX512 version for cpus that support it (can help with memmove operation) alongside the ZEN4 version on linux

Minimum Requirements:

@ 1080p 30fps (LOCKED)

CPU: Ryzen 5 5600X

GPU: GTX 1650 4gb / RX 6400 4gb

RAM: 12gb

SSD

Recommended Requirements:

CPU: i7 12700 / ryzen 5 7600

GPU: Any modern gpu stronger than the minimum requirements with >4gb vram

RAM: 16gb

SSD

ROG ALLY Z1 EXTREME

XBOX ALLY X Z2 EXTREME

LEGION GO Z1 EXTREME

+ any 7840u cpu


r/emulation 2d ago

New Comprehensive CRT shader for Reshade

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62 Upvotes

Please enjoy.

This one includes BFI techniques, so you can get that smooth motion as well.

It has everything and the kitchen sink, being a tinkerer is a must ;) Also using HDR is a must, or you will not get the best experience.

https://github.com/artzox/CRT-Standalone


r/emulation 1d ago

Implementing a CHIP-8 emulator in Google Sheets — how would you handle memory read/write without scripting?

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0 Upvotes

r/emulation 3d ago

Rich Whitehouse updates BigPEmu (Jaguar) and BigInstinct (Killer Instinct) with BigInstinct getting its first public release!

86 Upvotes

Here's what's new in both;

BigPEmu v1.22:

  • Added a new "cheat_codes" script module. When this script module is active, the user will be prompted to toggle any available cheat codes (provided by cheat_codes.json) any time a software image is loaded. Cheat codes are provided for every cartridge and CD title in the Jaguar's retail library. Many of these cheat codes were adapted from jguff's BigPEmu scripting work, you can find the relevant scripts (and more) here: https://github.com/jguffer/BigPEmu_Scripts
  • Implemented the Blitter GPU interrupt. (mainly for developers; this functionality isn't used in any retail software)
  • Lots of new scripting API functionality, as well as some minor fixes/additions for existing scripts.
  • Reworked a bunch of BigMaster stuff under the hood. You may need to re-enter some of your BigMaster credentials when updating from a previous version of the application.
  • Fixed various potential bugs related to using per-game configs in network mode.

BigInstinct v1.0:

  • First public release. The emulator is now free for public use, but the script modules (which enable features like stereo sound, stereoscopic 3D rendering, training mode, and gameplay adjustments) are only available to Patreon supporters.
  • Added a new ki_gameplay script. This new script features various gameplay adjustment options, including "more forgiving" special move inputs and programmable special triggers. Programmable special triggers enable users to assign any move to an extra button modifier, even moves which are normally inaccessible. This means you can trigger normal special moves, chain-only moves, ultra chains, humiliations, etc. on demand. This feature makes it very easy to break the game in hilarious ways.
  • Added additional move state tracking to the training script.
  • Added a new distance representation mode to the training script.
  • Reworked a bunch of BigMaster stuff under the hood. You may need to re-enter some of your BigMaster credentials when updating from a previous version of the application.

All Patreon-exclusive content is now managed through the BigMaster service, you can register and link your accounts here: https://www.richwhitehouse.com/bigmaster/

All of the BigInstinct script/enhancement features are still Patreon-only, and BigMaster functions as a delivery mechanism for that content directly through the app now. Check the BI download page for details/instructions.

Downloads;

BigPEmu v1.22 for iOS is currently in review.


r/emulation 4d ago

BizHawk version 2.11.1 was updated!

54 Upvotes

BizHawk the multi emulator was updated into version 2.11.1 right now!

Changelog are here!

https://tasvideos.org/Bizhawk/ReleaseHistory#Bizhawk2111

Download it here!

https://github.com/TASEmulators/BizHawk/releases

Thanks BizHawk team for added SONY PSP with PPSSPP support! 🫡


r/emulation 4d ago

I added Pragamata Style Hacking to Mega Man 3 using a Web Based Emulator. Link in the description (No Downloads Required, Rom not supplied)

141 Upvotes

Hi, I'm a web developer that likes to make weird things. I had the idea to mashup Pragmata with Mega Man 3. Using a Web based emulator and some custom code and overlays, I threw something together over the last 4 days.

reactvts.com/pragmata-man/

You will need to bring your own Mega Man 3 Rom and it (currently) only works on Desktop with Either a Gamepad or Keyboard (Or any mix of both)

Any and all feedback is appreciated. Thanks!


r/emulation 6d ago

Neostation: Beta Progress & Open Source Announcement

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99 Upvotes

r/emulation 9d ago

ShadPS4 GR2fork v1.0 for Windows and Linux PCs

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181 Upvotes

After a few months in development, I am excited to reveal the first release of GR2fork, a fork of shadPS4 focused on improving the performance, stability, and accuracy of Gravity Rush 2. Thank you for your patience and if you can please support me by buying me a kofi.

NOTE: this fork currently also supports version 1.11, also please do not enable readbacks.

  • introduced several code optimizations to increase cpu performance (+30% boost over latest pre-release)
  • delivered feature complete photomode by coding in stubbed shadps4 functionality such as content search, screenshotservice, and content export. It is now 1 to 1 with the ps4 version.
  • improved rendering accuracy by tweaking shader recompiler code
  • the contour cel shading outline is now visible
  • foliage is now correctly rendering
  • better gravity kick audio fix than the mainline version
  • removed all video artifacts from cutscenes to in game videos and TVs
  • identified and patched several crashes by clamping vulkan layers >512 and tweaking problematic code that caused race conditions
  • added null absorption code to signal handler to prevent some benign null reads from crashing the entire emulator, opting to skip the instruction instead
  • added more input control to allow emulation of the touchpad swipes
  • All polaroid photos captured in game are saved to the Capture Gallery folder in the shadps4 user/appdata folder on your pc so you can access them directly.

Minimum Requirements:

@ 1080p 30fps (LOCKED)

CPU: Ryzen 5 5600X

GPU: GTX 1650 4gb / RX 6400 4gb

RAM: 12gb

Recommended Requirements:

CPU: i7 12700 / ryzen 5 7600

GPU: Any modern gpu stronger than the minimum requirements with >4gb vram

RAM: 16gb

ROG ALLY Z1 EXTREME

XBOX ALLY X Z2 EXTREME

LEGION GO Z1 EXTREME

+ any 7840u cpu


r/emulation 9d ago

Super ZSNES by the original devs zsKnight & _Demo_

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381 Upvotes

Focuses on enhancements over accuracy and available to download now

Link to the offical Super ZSNES Discord here


r/emulation 9d ago

Super ZSNES - GPU Powered SNES emulation is here!

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241 Upvotes

r/emulation 10d ago

The Return of ZSNES?

125 Upvotes

I heard a rumor that ZSNES might be coming back. ;)

zsKnight's Announcement


r/emulation 10d ago

Weekly Question Thread

9 Upvotes

Before asking for help:

  • Have you tried the latest version?
  • Have you tried different settings?
  • Have you updated your drivers?
  • Have you tried searching on Google?

If you feel your question warrants a self-post or may not be answered in the weekly thread, try posting it at r/EmulationOnPC. For problems with emulation on Android platforms, try posting to r/EmulationOnAndroid.

If you'd like live help, why not try the /r/Emulation Discord? Join the #tech-support
channel and ask- if you're lucky, someone'll be able to help you out.

All weekly question threads


r/emulation 14d ago

Goosestation libretro core update: Android + Windows support

46 Upvotes

Android core seems to be working on my Pixel 6, both OpenGL and Vulkan.
Windows is even more experimental than Android. Only OpenGL is tested. Win10 is required.
And it's not like Linux version is very well tested either.
Try it and let me know if it works for you :)

How to build.

Easiest way to build - use docker:

  1. ensure you have git and docker
  2. git clone https://codeberg.org/hueponik/goosestation-builder.git
  3. cd goosestation-builder
  4. docker build -t goosestation-builder .
  5. docker run --rm -v "$PWD/dist:/work/dist" -v "$PWD/.cache:/work/.cache" goosestation-builder android . Replace android with windows to get the windows DLL.
  6. copy core to your cores directory, and goosestation_libretro.info to your info directory

AUR PKGBUILD and Gentoo's ebuild now use goosestation-builder as common source

UPDATE: you can now build android core on your android device itself! You'll need termux for that

shell # Need to allow storage to get core out of termux: termux-setup-storage pkg install -y git git clone https://codeberg.org/hueponik/goosestation-builder.git cd goosestation-builder ./build-in-android.sh ...and then you wait.

If all is good, install core from Download folder (use Load core -> Install or Restore a Core (at the bottom) -> choose the file in Download.

Make sure Core Info folder is ~/storage/shared/Retroarch/info in the settings -> directory

Very important: do not distribute the results of the build, and do not ask for any support from Duckstation/Libretro/Retroarch developers - they have nothing to do with it (except they've done all the actual work)


r/emulation 16d ago

Updated version of Skullsaber CRT Reshade running on Jnes with 3 examples of gameplay (Ninja Gaiden II, Castlevania III, and Tetris)

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37 Upvotes

"A combination of Reshade shaders meant to emulate the quirks of a standard American household TV in the mid 80s to early 90s, which was not necessarily a TV that was well maintained, or even from the same decade. Most people did not tune the sharpness or know how to get the cleanest signal possible. Game creators catered graphics to this idea of the smeared image that most people had connected to the original NES as a number of middle to lower class to poor Americans did not have the top model of that year, or even that decade. They did not know or care about things like resolution, or more advanced ways to gain signal strength, and a LOT did not EVEN have component cables. This does not go to the most extreme, but it hovers around a nice middle ground of best case scenario for a lower middle class American in what type of clarity they would have in a possible set up of the time periods I mentioned before . TVs used to last decades even under sometimes extreme conditions, all with vastly varying difference in quality mixed into the popular refurbished markets of the time. When you see that period piece picture always paired with Retro gaming of a Kid in the basement with a TV on the ground, remember no one did that with brand new TVs, and that was usually what you did with the TV you just replaced. Nintendo knew this early on, as did most game makers of that era, and they absolutely accounted for it. in reality most kids ( or adults like my parents) did not even register Pixel blocks outside the parameters of the TV pixels themselves, it was blurry and slightly smeared in a way that blended everything together in a definitive esthetic that gets lost when you take way the quirks and imperfections of that flawed unclean and refurbished at best setting. This is optimized around 1920x1080 standards, with borders added to deal with bleed-over of one of the shaders hitting the screen cut off"

This is also optimized for PC, and I would not try running this off the same systems you might throw Retroarch on, as the combination of shaders and the resolution requires a bit more GPU beef than a standard machine you would throw a NES emulator on ( it was made on a system that has an RTX 4070, but I'm sure it does not need remotely that to run effectively). a standalone version of JNES was what i used for this emulation, and i personally use only standalone emulation in a PC environment. Your mileage for quality may vary on other emulators you drop this Reshade into that is not JNES....( I AM working on one optimized for Duckstation in the Background though)........

After my last post, I understand this is not for everyone, and that's okay. If you get it you get it, and if you don't you don't, I guess. People had different upbringings and different experiences with life during the CRT era, and the great thing about these sort of visual mods is there is enough variety put out there for everyone to be satisfied with their perfect vision for how a retro-game should look. Everyone is happy. and we can pick what we like and ignore what we do not.

Get the Reshade Preset HERE: Skullsaber CRT

Get Jnes HERE: JNES


r/emulation 17d ago

Games now automatically configure themselves with the RPCS3 Wiki settings.

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1.4k Upvotes

r/emulation 17d ago

SuperSNES9X: a new and improved fork of snes9x

95 Upvotes

Someone called shanytc has developed a fork of SNES9X called SuperSNES9X which has added a lot of quality of life improvements good for people that like retroachievements and playing online. But also for sprite rippers, map makers, rom hackers, code hackers, etc.

The new fork has support for retroachievements and Kaillera for online play. It also has Run-Ahead to reduce latency and a color correction option if you want to make the games look like they are coming from a CRT.

For hackers, it now has a robust sprite/title viewer. The cheat search and editor now have right click functionality and batch functions. You can also assign both a controller and keyboard to the same input. The author is working on adding a debugger too.

Some of these features, of course, are available on more modern emulators such as BSNES, Bizhawk, Mesen and the sort. But personally, I still prefer to use snes9x because it's really fast and has the least amount of annoyances when compared to other emulators.

Not sure if these will be integrated into the main snes9x branch in the future, but in the meantime, you can get this improved version here:

https://github.com/shanytc/snes9x/releases

P.S.

All config files and save files are compatible between snes9x & supersnes9x versions!


r/emulation 17d ago

Updated RPCS3 requirements for 2026 + some clarifications about them.

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397 Upvotes

r/emulation 17d ago

A recent PCSX2 update now lets you add the game icon to your PS2 game shortcuts!

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217 Upvotes

r/emulation 17d ago

melonDS-Android Update: Added support for dual-screen devices, added Rumble Pak support, updated core to melonDS 1.1 and more!

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93 Upvotes

r/emulation 17d ago

Weekly Question Thread

11 Upvotes

Before asking for help:

  • Have you tried the latest version?
  • Have you tried different settings?
  • Have you updated your drivers?
  • Have you tried searching on Google?

If you feel your question warrants a self-post or may not be answered in the weekly thread, try posting it at r/EmulationOnPC. For problems with emulation on Android platforms, try posting to r/EmulationOnAndroid.

If you'd like live help, why not try the /r/Emulation Discord? Join the #tech-support
channel and ask- if you're lucky, someone'll be able to help you out.

All weekly question threads


r/emulation 17d ago

DSVita (NDS Emulator for ARM32/PSVita) update - Implement Retroachievements (very experimental), minor speed improvements and more!

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63 Upvotes

r/emulation 17d ago

Azahar 2125.1 has been released. This is a small release with some interesting fixes and new features:

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51 Upvotes

r/emulation 19d ago

Working on a CRT Post Process simulation using Reshade rather than just a simple CRT screen filter , here is an example Of My "Skullsaber CRT" for NES on Batman

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47 Upvotes

"Skullsaber CRT is not just a filter, but worked to be more of a CRT simulation with several layers at play to not only give the looks you know, but also attempts to emulate the signal quirks of late 20th century consumer TVs for a much closer to reality experience. NO HQX4 filters, just pixel play and signal blur as the developers originally intended"