PSP2600

[Danno]

http://zx81.zx81.free.fr/serendipity/

 

Zx-81, king of the PSP emulation coding, has ported Stella to the Sony PSP.

[Gregory DG]

Great. Now I just need to get a PSP...

 

Is there a DS version?

[Danno]

Great. Now I just need to get a PSP...

 

Is there a DS version?

I wouldn't know. I don't own a DS.

[Godzilla]

i still want a good dreamcast 2600 emu with sound.

[NE146]

Forget the DS for emulators.. Some emulators are good on it, but if you have the choice, it's obvious the PSP kicks it's ass as far as emu's go (I still play some NES on the DS though...)

 

But back to the subject at hand! I'm really excited about this PSP Stella port, the previous port of Stella to the PSP was plagued with horrible sound and a really bad display. You could hardly see the shots in Space Invaders for example. So if this is a port of the latest Stella, I'm hoping those problems will be taken care of..

 

I'm transferring roms right now.. I'll give a report here in a couple minutes

[decypher]

besides the readme file is there anyother site to show how to use it??

 

Jim

[Danno]

besides the readme file is there anyother site to show how to use it??

 

Jim

What are you having a problem with?

[NE146]

ok.. I tried it out. Big dissapointment as it still sucks. Using Space Invaders as a gauge, the sound is off, speed is slow, shots are barely discrenable etc. It's kinda like nothing changed!

 

I know the previous PSP port of Stella the problem was they used an older version of Stella before Stephana made major improvements to the source. Does this one even use the latest version when they ported it? Is this even a new emulator or the same one? (I didn't check)

[Paranoid]

You know, every talks about how crappy emulation is on PDAs, but if you REALLY want portable 8 bit emulation, get yourself a HP Ipaq 2210/2215 series.

 

This is it:

 

http://www.mobiletechreview.com/ipaq_2215.htm

 

Not the latter replacement series...

 

http://www.mobiletechreview.com/iPAQ_hx2750.htm

 

This machine was built to emulate Atari consoles. The controller works well, the prcoessor has no trouble keeping up (or with running too fast), and the emulators themselves are well written and stable.

 

I actually gave up a much faster, more powerful 2000 series to my wife to hang onto this one, simply because it is the best portable Atari console emulator out there.

 

It isn't so good for NES, Commodore, or Amiga emulation... and I haven't even looked into GB emulation (seems sort of ridiculious to play portable games via emulation on my PPC at first glance... unless I was just interested in having less portable devices around *or* in being able to get ROMs without paying, neither of which are really my goal).

 

The unfortuante thing is that the 2210/2215 still retain a lot of their original value despite being pretty old PDAs. Probably because they are still so servicable. But this isn't a PDA you can pick up for $25 - $50, generally speaking.

[NE146]

You know, every talks about how crappy emulation is on PDAs, but if you REALLY want portable 8 bit emulation,

 

Well what I'm looking for is 2600 emulation on the PSP

[Paranoid]

Heh... while I'm enjoying a flawless version of 8 Bit Donkey Kong on my PDA, I'll think of you with sympathy.

[+stephena]

ok.. I tried it out. Big dissapointment as it still sucks. Using Space Invaders as a gauge, the sound is off, speed is slow, shots are barely discrenable etc. It's kinda like nothing changed!

 

I know the previous PSP port of Stella the problem was they used an older version of Stella before Stephana made major improvements to the source. Does this one even use the latest version when they ported it? Is this even a new emulator or the same one? (I didn't check)

I'm not sure what version this is based on, or what additions were made. I don't know who this new author is, as they never contacted me (nor has the old one for that matter). No matter, it's not required since the source is GPL, but I probably do have some ideas for the inquiring mind.

 

I started a thread some time back asking for donations to buy a PSP and help with development. Maybe it's time to start again The GP2X proves that Stella can be made to perform on this type of hardware, so I'd just need the device to experiment with ... Hint, hint

 

Edit: OK, I just took a quick look at the source code, and while it is based on a newer version of Stella, large parts have been commented out and replaced with other code. So they bypass almost all the new stuff I added since the 2.1 release. I have some ideas on how to improve performance and make the port compatible with the current codebase, but I can't do it without test hardware ...

Edited January 22, 2007 by stephena

[NE146]

Heh... while I'm enjoying a flawless version of 8 Bit Donkey Kong on my PDA, I'll think of you with sympathy.

 

That's great. Are you next going to tell me about how much you enjoy it's Intellivision or Commodore 64 emulation? Again, we're talking about emulating the Atari VCS. If you're going to mention Donkey Kong, at least get the version right.

 

[NE146]

ok.. I tried it out. Big dissapointment as it still sucks. Using Space Invaders as a gauge, the sound is off, speed is slow, shots are barely discrenable etc. It's kinda like nothing changed!

 

I know the previous PSP port of Stella the problem was they used an older version of Stella before Stephana made major improvements to the source. Does this one even use the latest version when they ported it? Is this even a new emulator or the same one? (I didn't check)

I'm not sure what version this is based on, or what additions were made. I don't know who this new author is, as they never contacted me (nor has the old one for that matter). No matter, it's not required since the source is GPL, but I probably do have some ideas for the inquiring mind.

 

I started a thread some time back asking for donations to buy a PSP and help with development. Maybe it's time to start again The GP2X proves that Stella can be made to perform on this type of hardware, so I'd just need the device to experiment with ... Hint, hint

 

Yeah the GP2X definitely proves it.

 

Edit: OK, I just took a quick look at the source code, and while it is based on a newer version of Stella, large parts have been commented out and replaced with other code. So they bypass almost all the new stuff I added since the 2.1 release. I have some ideas on how to improve performance and make the port compatible with the current codebase, but I can't do it without test hardware ...

 

So what kind of test hardware do you need? Are you talking like.. a PSP for example?

[+stephena]

Edit: OK, I just took a quick look at the source code, and while it is based on a newer version of Stella, large parts have been commented out and replaced with other code. So they bypass almost all the new stuff I added since the 2.1 release. I have some ideas on how to improve performance and make the port compatible with the current codebase, but I can't do it without test hardware ...

 

So what kind of test hardware do you need? Are you talking like.. a PSP for example?

Yes, I assumed the 'hint, hint' made that clear . I'm reasonably sure I know exactly what the problems are, but I need an actual PSP to test my theory. Based on the most recent work by the GP2X maintainer and myself, I think a PSP port sync'ed with the current codebase could happen very soon (ie, a few weeks). Baring that, I need someone with a PSP and experienced with the codebase to implement my suggestions. But that would necessarily take somewhat longer.

 

I don't foresee bringing the PSP port up to speed as being terribly difficult. I designed the current framework to make it very easy to add new ports. We're talking perhaps an extra 2000 lines of code for a new port, and much of that is a copy/paste job from other ports.

 

I really don't like soliciting for hardware, so I won't mention it again. I started another thread and didn't get any response, and now this one's out there as well, so if people want to help, they know what I require. No pressure on anyone; eventually someone will probably get the code working on the PSP, but I highly recommend they speak to me first. I've already suffered through and figured out how to solve many of the problems potential porters will face.

[Shannon]

So are we saying this one is just as much poo as the previous PSP port?

 

A shame..

[Paranoid]

Ne1...

 

The 2600 emulation is nearly flawless, as well.

 

[Danno]

So are we saying this one is just as much poo as the previous PSP port?

 

A shame..

 

Not even close.

 

It's great. But NE146 is complaining about things that are all configurable in the menu, so obviously he installed it, played one game of Space invaders without looking at the settings menu, and decided "This sucks".

 

I wouldn't exactly use that as a gauge.

 

It's also a work in progress. we're developing and beta testing every aspect of it. This is just a first beta.

[NE146]

It's great. But NE146 is complaining about things that are all configurable in the menu, so obviously he installed it, played one game of Space invaders without looking at the settings menu, and decided "This sucks".

 

Actually that's exactly what I did. But I'm not unreasonable at all and would be very interested in finding out what would be the good settings? i.e. how do I get the sound to be more accurate?

 

And 'sucks' I guess is too strong a word that I didnt really mean. What it was was the original PSP port was a port of the old Stella emulator which had the exact same problems on the pc more or less (i.e. sound). But then Stephana made did some amazing work on Stella that really brought it over the top. So we were kind of just waiting for someone to come around and port it http://www.atariage.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=74743 So I was thinking this would use the new codebase. That's all. I still think it's great overall, but you know how we like little tweaks to get it closer to the ideal

 

Ne1...

 

The 2600 emulation is nearly flawless, as well.

 

Again I'm glad the emulation on your PDA is awesome. But again we're talking the PSP here. Going along the same line of thought, the 2600 emulation is nearly flawless on the PC, the Xbox, and the GP32 as well, but that aint enlightening anybody

[Flojomojo]

NE1, it's time to take the Xmas decorations off your video dongle.

 

Side question, slightly more on-topic: does anyone know anything about the emulator Digital Eclipse used for Activision Hits Remixed?

[Danno]

 

Again I'm glad the emulation on your PDA is awesome. But again we're talking the PSP here. Going along the same line of thought, the 2600 emulation is nearly flawless on the PC, the Xbox, and the GP32 as well, but that aint enlightening anybody

 

Really.

 

I don't mind the odd PDA comment, as they aren't that regular, but seriously, why is it taht when someone makes an "emulator on PSP" thread on ANY forum, the Nintendo fanboys come out of the woodwork to ask when it's going to be posted to the DS?

 

You bought your DS because you constantly claim that it's "so much better than the PSP" remember? So stop bitching that the PSP gets better emulators and homebrew, and go enjoy your little cutesy mushroom pokemon games for 5 year olds already.

[Paranoid]

Again I'm glad the emulation on your PDA is awesome. But again we're talking the PSP here. Going along the same line of thought, the 2600 emulation is nearly flawless on the PC, the Xbox, and the GP32 as well, but that aint enlightening anybody

 

Well, I think the novelty of PSP emulation is that it allows you to take your Atari with you in a very convenient package. Not so true of your desktop, and even your notebook. The PDA though, offers an alternate platform that is well suited to portable gaming... if that is what you're after. That was all...

 

Danno, I think with the NES fanboys, you just have to take their comments with a grain of salt. Clearly the PSP can run a variety of applications more efficiently than a DS. The people who expect a DS to be able to run the same things as a PSP just can't really understand the technology. There is a reason why NES products cost less.

[carmel_andrews]

What's the emulation speed actually like, esp on handheld's...do you get a full 100 p/c emulation and does it do all the popular games...or would it be better in getting a B.Heckendorn Potted 2600 m/c

[128bytes]

Again I'm glad the emulation on your PDA is awesome. But again we're talking the PSP here. Going along the same line of thought, the 2600 emulation is nearly flawless on the PC, the Xbox, and the GP32 as well, but that aint enlightening anybody

 

Well, I think the novelty of PSP emulation is that it allows you to take your Atari with you in a very convenient package. Not so true of your desktop, and even your notebook. The PDA though, offers an alternate platform that is well suited to portable gaming... if that is what you're after. That was all...

 

Danno, I think with the NES fanboys, you just have to take their comments with a grain of salt. Clearly the PSP can run a variety of applications more efficiently than a DS. The people who expect a DS to be able to run the same things as a PSP just can't really understand the technology. There is a reason why NES products cost less.

 

For me (and I'm a PSP, GBA, and smartphone owner, and have no desire to own a non-portable console higher than my 7800 with Cuttle Cart 2), the novelty of PSP emulation is that you can play on the mindblowingly best portable screen in the known universe, with high quality buttons (and analog stick) ergonomically designed for gaming.

 

The screen on the PSP is so good that, if/when the emulator is nailed, my only remaining emulation dream will be to be able to play emulated 2600 games with others over wifi some day with my AtariAge friends as easily as someone *today* can play Mario Kart on the DS or Madden 07 on the PSP.

[Danno]

What's the emulation speed actually like, esp on handheld's...do you get a full 100 p/c emulation and does it do all the popular games...or would it be better in getting a B.Heckendorn Potted 2600 m/c

The Ben Heck protable will always be more accurate for 2600 portability, but the PSP's emulation capabilities are pretty much as good as any PC out there, for the classic systems. The Colecovision, Intellivision, 5200 & 7800 Emulators now available are flawless, and the 2600 one will be as well, when it's done.

 

Plus the PSP accurately emulates pretty much EVERY classic system right up to the PSX itself.

 

The DS can't and won't do that, ever.