@BLAZINOAH Totally agree. Particularly on the arcade side where software emulation is essential to cover the current gaps in the FPGA catalogue. I’m finding a good spec PC running MAME gives a very good experience in most cases. I’d still rather play the FPGA equivalent where a game’s available there - there’s a noticeable difference in accuracy IMO.
I know MiSTer FPGA isn’t cheap but it gives you pretty much all consoles up to N64, all handhelds up to GBA, a bunch of retro computers and a wide range of arcade machines.
I appreciate that’s all available cheaper elsewhere but the accuracy of the emulation it provides for such a wide range of machines is truly impressive.
Having spent many hours getting my MiSTer FPGA working well I can say that anyone willing to put the time and effort in the results are worth it.
The main difference for me with FPGA is with latency. Low (or no) latency (controller and display) can make such a difference when playing old arcade games as they’re usually really difficult and ultra-responsiveness is kind of essential to actually enjoy them.
All of the effort required to get my MiSTer set up working reliably is very frustrating though - it’s a right pain in the backside at times TBH. All I want to do is play the games... But I still think it’s worth the effort as the results can be spectacular. It’s really like having the original arcade machines in my living room.
Polymega is the best way to play a range of original physical media for retro console games on a modern TV.
MiSTer FPGA is the best way to play (potentially) cycle-accurate games (arcade, console and home computer) with minimal lag on a modern TV.
Other software emulation (e.g. via Raspberry Pi) offers a good solution for playing games (arcade, console and home computer) at a significantly lower cost than the Polymega or the MiSTer.
There’s no right or wrong approach, just select what you feel is best for you and - most importantly - enjoy playing the games.
NB: this holds true up to about the N64, beyond that is software emulation or original hardware (potentially modded).
I think people need to be wary with crowdfunding in general. I’ve almost had my fingers burnt a few times with retro games related stuff. Massive delays are common and there’s no real recourse if someone decides to sit on the money they’ve received from backers. I don’t doubt the funding is well intentioned in most cases but people often run into problems with delivering against their promises.
Thanks, perfectly timed article. Planning a trip to Tokyo and want to go to the non-tourist-y areas for games. Hopefully the travel restrictions lift soon!
The other day I played Darius Twin for SNES via emulation on my PC. It was good, enjoyed it. I then switched to my Super Nt, same game. The difference was immediately noticeable: significantly less input lag on the Super Nt. A much more enjoyable game as a result. It really improved the feel and responsiveness of the game. I would never have realised the difference unless I was able to compare directly.
On the back of Damien’s review of the Mister above, I ordered a preconfigured unit a couple of days ago. I’ve been dabbling in arcade emulation via MAME on my PC these last few weeks. Pain in the arse to set up, but got it working last weekend and have been enjoying a whole bunch of arcade games. But I’m really looking forward to the Mister. I think it will make a noticeable difference.
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Re: FPGA Vs Software Emulation - Which Is Best? We Asked Four Experts To Find Out
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8RSrzM7dM-Y
Update on the new $99 MiSTer FPGA clone board.
Re: FPGA Vs Software Emulation - Which Is Best? We Asked Four Experts To Find Out
@BLAZINOAH Totally agree. Particularly on the arcade side where software emulation is essential to cover the current gaps in the FPGA catalogue. I’m finding a good spec PC running MAME gives a very good experience in most cases. I’d still rather play the FPGA equivalent where a game’s available there - there’s a noticeable difference in accuracy IMO.
Re: FPGA Vs Software Emulation - Which Is Best? We Asked Four Experts To Find Out
I know MiSTer FPGA isn’t cheap but it gives you pretty much all consoles up to N64, all handhelds up to GBA, a bunch of retro computers and a wide range of arcade machines.
I appreciate that’s all available cheaper elsewhere but the accuracy of the emulation it provides for such a wide range of machines is truly impressive.
Money well spent in my book.
Re: FPGA Vs Software Emulation - Which Is Best? We Asked Four Experts To Find Out
Good article, thanks Damien.
Having spent many hours getting my MiSTer FPGA working well I can say that anyone willing to put the time and effort in the results are worth it.
The main difference for me with FPGA is with latency. Low (or no) latency (controller and display) can make such a difference when playing old arcade games as they’re usually really difficult and ultra-responsiveness is kind of essential to actually enjoy them.
All of the effort required to get my MiSTer set up working reliably is very frustrating though - it’s a right pain in the backside at times TBH. All I want to do is play the games... But I still think it’s worth the effort as the results can be spectacular. It’s really like having the original arcade machines in my living room.
Re: The Highlight Of EVO Japan? A Schoolgirl Dominating A Game Made Years Before She Was Born
I could play the game everyday for the next 10 years and she’d still wipe the floor with me. It’s like watching a super-fast AI playing it.
Re: Numan Athletics Is The Next Arcade Archives Release On Switch And PS4
Played this recently on MAME along with Mach Breakers. Both fun games.
Re: Review: Polymega - Now With N64 Support, But Is It Still Worth A Look In 2024?
So in conclusion.
There’s no right or wrong approach, just select what you feel is best for you and - most importantly - enjoy playing the games.
NB: this holds true up to about the N64, beyond that is software emulation or original hardware (potentially modded).
Re: The Rumble Fish Is Finally Getting A Proper Release On PS4, Xbox One, Switch, And PC
What a fantastic trailer. More like that please.
Re: Intellivision Admits It Doesn't Have The Funds To Make The Amico
I think people need to be wary with crowdfunding in general. I’ve almost had my fingers burnt a few times with retro games related stuff. Massive delays are common and there’s no real recourse if someone decides to sit on the money they’ve received from backers. I don’t doubt the funding is well intentioned in most cases but people often run into problems with delivering against their promises.
Re: Guide: Retro Game Shopping In Tokyo
Thanks, perfectly timed article. Planning a trip to Tokyo and want to go to the non-tourist-y areas for games. Hopefully the travel restrictions lift soon!
Re: Hardware Review: Analogue Pocket - Potent FPGA Power In Portable Form
Glad it’s decent! Hoping my order is dispatched this week.
Re: Hardware Review: MiSTer FPGA - A Tantalising Glimpse Into The Future Of Retro Gaming
The other day I played Darius Twin for SNES via emulation on my PC. It was good, enjoyed it. I then switched to my Super Nt, same game. The difference was immediately noticeable: significantly less input lag on the Super Nt. A much more enjoyable game as a result. It really improved the feel and responsiveness of the game. I would never have realised the difference unless I was able to compare directly.
On the back of Damien’s review of the Mister above, I ordered a preconfigured unit a couple of days ago. I’ve been dabbling in arcade emulation via MAME on my PC these last few weeks. Pain in the arse to set up, but got it working last weekend and have been enjoying a whole bunch of arcade games. But I’m really looking forward to the Mister. I think it will make a noticeable difference.