FPGA Based Videogame System

[masterninjah]

not sure where to post bugs so im doing it here.

 

with the jail break firmware every time i start the console with the 4x scaler saved in the options, the size of the screen is smaller than what i set it to. to fix this i have to turn it to no scaling and it pops back to the correct aspect ratio, after that i can turn the scaler back on. i have my screen settings at the my life in gaming recommended numbers

 

i noticed garbled backgrounds in FF3 in the intro screen and also in hagane's intro screen when running from an sd card, not sure if its the same with the real cart or flash cart.

 

also i have the save issue with donkey kong country where it only has the very first save i made and not the rest after resetting.

 

i also had an issue with chrono trigger where the game would get stuck transitioning to the inventory menu, the screen would just get stuck on black with the music playing. i havent had this happen since the new firmware update and i did test it where it was freezing before so it looks like its fixed but something to keep an eye on. it happened to me multiple times before the firmware update so i had to reset and start over. this was on the original cart by the way.

[Fafner]

@Kevtris

 

Would it be possible to set a way to have a few saved videos options?

 

So if I liked one set of custom video settings on most games but on a few I like a slightly different set up.

 

Is there anyway you could set up a few slots for video settings so I could load that saved setup rather than tweaking it out every time I have a game I want different video options on?

 

Thanks for all your work!

I really appreciate it!

[CZroe]

I'd be perfectly happy with a solid, reliable Genesis. If it could work with an official Sega CD add-on that'd be even better, but hardly essential (to me). If it could work with a CD add-on that was also sold by hypothetical manufacturer, that'd also be cool. In the case of 32x, I think it's not unfair to say "this was a monstrous kludge of a setup, and it's just impractical to replicate."

 

I think a lot of people would go just for a reliable Genesis with clean audio/video output, even if it did come with the caveat of "sorry, no CD/32x compatibility." I know there are a lot of people who want 32x or CD, but I imagine there's a lot more out there who are just going to be reading Videogame Review Site Alpha, see "HDMI Genesis with no latency and 100% cartridge compatibility" and be thrilled to pick that up, even if that's as far as it went.

This. I don’t think anyone buying the @Games Genesis products are complaining about the lack of 32X compatibility. They’re complaining about the sound and controllers and everything else, which is something Kevtris can help with.

[SegaSnatcher]

Dunno, the 68K is probably the worst part. Other than that, I don't think it's as complex as the SNES was but I am sure it has lots of quirks and weird things too. I have done FM before and video so I don't think it will be too terrible or out of that out of the ordinary. The worse part is people wouldn't like if it didn't run sega CD or the 32x, which it most likely wouldn't do. It'd be stock genesis only. That's not to say it wouldn't have expansion for the cd, but it definitely would never support the 32X because it'd need to output analog RGB, then re-capture analog RGB from the 32x for its video overlay. So I suspect the bitching would be epic if I didn't support those things. I could be wrong and it has happened before :-)

Thanks for the reply.

 

Don't worry about the vocal minority. There are bunch of us who would be more than happy with just a stock Genesis with or without an expansion port for Sega CD support. 32X is overrated and not worth worrying about. I mean it has its place in history and has a couple decent games, but I and many others could care less about 32X.

[SegaSnatcher]

You know, one advantage to releasing them for free in a way that can’t be tied to the company is that porting MIST cores for would be non-commercial use and he doesn’t even have to code his own from the ground up. There’s supposedly a good Genesis FPGA core with accurate sound already.

 

As for the Neo Geo: We already know he’s done a Z80, so there’s one chip down. [emoji6] He already said during a live stream that Neo Geo would be straight forward because everything is accomplished through brute force, not complexity. I think the biggest hurdle for an FPGA Omega console is just the sheer number of pins Neo Geo requires. Might need some kind of multiplexer or multiple FPGAs to pull it off with support for original cartridges. Don’t know if that affect feasibility, but if any platform can justify increased cost, it’s that one. Totally fits with Analogue’s last offerings too (CMVS Neo Geo systems). With FPGA, they could do their first AES. [emoji4]

I honestly don't want to play Genesis games on my Super NT. I want a proper FPGA console made specifically for Genesis games.

Edited February 16, 2018 by SegaSnatcher

[mrnarse]

I wonder if a FPGA 32X could work if it was designed as weirdly as the original 32X was. What I mean is it would be it’s own separate add-on that would plug into a FPGA Genesis’ cartridge slot. Then it would have a HDMI input for the FPGA Genesis to output to, and an HDMI output of its own to go into your HDTV. Heck, it can have its own separate power supply too!

[CZroe]

I honestly don't want to play Genesis games on my Super NT. I was a proper FPGA console made specifically for Genesis games.

If porting an existing core is what makes it feasible then he wouldn’t likely be able to sell it (depends on the license from the original author). Just get the black Super Nt and ask for a cartridge adapter?

[Keatah]

But FPGA is so versatile it can become anything you want!

[SegaSnatcher]

If porting an existing core is what makes it feasible then he wouldn’t likely be able to sell it (depends on the license from the original author). Just get the black Super Nt and ask for a cartridge adapter?

Kevtris would never port someone else's core. Anyways, I've heard that Genesis core isn't fully complete or has tons of bugs. There is enough of a market out there where I'm pretty sure Analogue will have Kevtris develop his own core for a future standalone console. I mean Analogue pretty much hinted that they are already in the planning stages.

 

This is my assumed roadmap for Kevtris.

 

1. Kevtris is going to continue to work on the Super NT until he's confident no major bugs are present.

 

2. Will take a much deserved break.

 

3. Perhaps sometime in Spring or early Summer will start work on Analogue's next project which I assume will be Sega related.

Edited February 16, 2018 by SegaSnatcher

[RabidWookie]

LOL! Digging in your heels, I see.

 

Now, why would I refute Kevtris earlier jailbreak? I incorporated it into the bigger picture and even explained what was different then versus now: His involvement is being directly marketed, more than ever. His statements confirming a jailbreak can be interpreted as Analogue selling the Super Nt on that promise, which would open up that primary purpose argument for any would-be litigators.

 

Good job, attempting to use my own fact with another made-up fact and, thus, not being able to make a point with it.

 

I cited a bunch of suppliers that ONCE sold them and were forced out of business or forced to stop due to legal pressure. Did you ignore those? I even included AMERICAN suppliers, like Upstate Games and Carl Industries.

 

Is it hard to breathe with your head that deep in the sand? Care to list the American retailers that are selling SD2SNES and Super Everdrive all over? Curious, because Im pretty sure youre talking about Ryan at Stone Age Gamer, *individuals* who sell them elsewhere (got my first one from a fleamarket), and independent shops that fly under the radar (the odd indie game store and not a large chain retailer worried about their relationship with Nintendo/Sony/Microsoft). Im right, arent I? Am I right? Yeah, Im right.

Your point about the NT Mini is nonsensical because Kevtris' involvement in that console was hyped as well (it's the reason I and most others bought one). Also, a friendly heads-up: flash carts are for sale on Ebay and Amazon, two of the biggest retailers on the planet. You seem to be unaware of this so perhaps you should take a break from talking to yourself and research before bloviating. Again, facts.

[CZroe]

Kevtris would never port someone else's core. Anyways, I've heard that Genesis core isn't fully complete or has tons of bugs. There is enough of a market out there where I'm pretty sure Analogue will have Kevtris develop his own core for a future standalone console. I mean Analogue pretty much hinted that they are already in the planning stages.

...but “anonymous” might.

 

When you aren’t selling it, it opens up new possibilities.

[Mattelot]

If getting sued by Nintendo for enabling piracy of carts not sold in 25 years was a real danger, how are SD2SNES and Everdrives sold openly without issue?

Same reason bongs are not illegal. Its what the consumer does with the device thats illegal.

[SegaSnatcher]

...but “anonymous” might.

 

When you aren’t selling it, it opens up new possibilities.

Why would he just give up a brand new Genesis core for free? That makes zero sense. If he does one anytime soon it will be under contract from Analogue to make a standalone console. He's not going to put all that effort into a core that will guarantee profit just to give it away for free so people can play Genesis games using SNES controllers.

[RabidWookie]

Same reason bongs are not illegal. Its what the consumer does with the device thats illegal.

Exactly, hence the NT Mini not causing any legal issues

[CZroe]

Your point about the NT Mini is nonsensical because Kevtris' involvement in that console was hyped as well (it's the reason I and most others bought one). Also, a friendly heads-up: flash carts are for sale on Ebay and Amazon, two of the biggest retailers on the planet. You seem to be unaware of this so perhaps you should take a break from talking to yourself and research before bloviating. Again, facts.

You again? Those are marketplaces. You know it, I know it. Figured you’d puss out with a cop-out answer like that. You’d only have a point of it said “Ships from and sold by Amazon.”

 

You can buy a lot of stuff that could get the producer in trouble in those marketplaces. Heck, you can even buy a V64, which is something that got *ME* in trouble on that same marketplace a long time ago. You’re “point” was already dismissed with personal experience before you even made it.

 

An individual risks little selling it on eBay. Heck, even I sold an Ultra Everdrive 64 Deluxe Edition on eBay late last year despite what happened with the V64 years earlier. I wasn’t risking a growing, multi-million-dollar business with aspirations to become a mainstream producer of gaming products. A business that is working hard to establish themselves risks a lot by choosing the wrong path early on.

 

There is a huge difference. Continuing to argue that Everdrives being resold on eBay and Amazon compares comes at the expense of you’re dignity. You just can’t admit when you are wrong.

 

It’s a Seattle company selling their original wares worldwide from the US while forging business partnerships and spending a ton of money on mass-marketing. On the other hand, I can list my whole flash cart collection on eBay or Amazon right now. To quote the logic often presented to preschoolers: “One of these things is not like the other.”

[CZroe]

 

Same reason bongs are not illegal. Its what the consumer does with the device thats illegal.

Exactly, hence the NT Mini not causing any legal issues

Ever wonder why they say “tobacco use only?”

 

Ever wonder why crack pipes are sold with a little flower in them?

 

Ever wonder why Sudafed is still legal OTC?

 

It’s because you can’t prove what the primary use is. Even if Nintendo can’t, that didn’t stop them from wrecking retailers offering these kinds of products over 15 years ago. If Lik-Sang was able to afford to fight it then Sony couldn’t legally shut them down for selling imported PSPs either... but Sony sued them in courts around the world and the smaller company just couldn’t afford to fight it. You think Analogue wants to risk that?!

 

Remember the legitimate purposes of the V64? Nintendo still got US Customs to enforce a ban after arguing in court about the “primary” and “intended” purpose. Doesn’t matter if they were right or not: they still got what they wanted.

 

Again: this isn’t about what is legal or not. It’s about staying out of their cross-hairs.

Edited February 16, 2018 by CZroe

[RabidWookie]

You again? Those are marketplaces. You know it, I know it. Figured youd puss out with a cop-out answer like that. Youd only have a point of it said Ships from and sold by Amazon.

 

You can buy a lot of stuff that could get the producer in trouble in those marketplaces. Heck, you can even buy a V64, which is something that got *ME* in trouble on that same marketplace a long time ago. Youre point was already dismissed with personal experience before you even made it.

 

An individual risks little selling it on eBay. Heck, even I sold an Ultra Everdrive 64 Deluxe Edition on eBay late last year despite what happened with the V64 years earlier. I wasnt risking a growing, multi-million-dollar business with aspirations to become a mainstream producer of gaming products. A business that is working hard to establish themselves risks a lot by choosing the wrong path early on.

 

There is a huge difference. Continuing to argue that Everdrives being resold on eBay and Amazon compares comes at the expense of youre dignity. You just cant admit when you are wrong.

 

Its a Seattle company selling their original wares worldwide from the US while forging business partnerships and spending a ton of money on mass-marketing. On the other hand, I can list my whole flash cart collection on eBay or Amazon right now. To quote the logic often presented to preschoolers: One of these things is not like the other.

How did I predict you were going to cite some meaningless nonsense distinction, like "Amazon and Ebay aren't retailers, even though they function like retailers and are always referred to in business as retailers and call themselves retailers". Seriously, do you even know what you're arguing anymore? I'm not sure how many more times you need me to cite facts, but I'm sure everyone else is getting tired of this routine of yours.

[CZroe]

How did I predict you were going to cite some meaningless nonsense distinction, like "Amazon and Ebay aren't retailers, even though they function like retailers and are always referred to in business as retailers and call themselves retailers". Seriously, do you even know what you're arguing anymore? I'm not sure how many more times you need me to cite facts, but I'm sure everyone else is getting tired of this routine of yours.

”Meaningless distinction?!” You’re the genius who thinks that me selling my Everdrives on Amazon or eBay is equivalent to a growing, valuable, company with ambitions and business partners and something to lose in a lawsuit with Nintendo!

 

NEWSFLASH: I am not “a US retailer” just because I live in the USA and can sell my goods on a marketplace like eBay or Amazon.

 

Show me Amazon risking a lawsuit by selling them.

Show me GameStop risking a lawsuit by selling them.

Show me Wal-Mart, Best Buy, or any other actual retailer other than StoneAgeGamer risking a lawsuit by selling them.

 

As you know, even mod chips often had US distributors. Are you going to baselessly claim that they weren’t at risk of lawsuits even though they were sued?

 

LOL! You just keep saying things that cast a huge spotlight on how ridiculous your previous statements were! Do you even read the tripe you write?!

Edited February 16, 2018 by CZroe

[RabidWookie]

Meaningless distinction?! Youre the genius who thinks that me selling my Everdrives on Amazon or eBay is equivalent to a growing, valuable, company with ambitions and business partners and something to lose in a lawsuit with Nintendo!

 

NEWSFLASH: I am not a US retailer just because I live in the USA and can sell my goods on a marketplace like eBay or Amazon.

 

LOL! You just keep saying things that cast a huge spotlight on how ridiculous your previous statements were! Do you even read the tripe you write?!

Now you're constructing strawman arguments, how cute. Amazon and Ebay are retailers that are responsible for what sells on their online stores. Individual resellers on their stores are functionally identical to the small businesses that traditionally sold their goods on consignment in brick and mortar retail stores. Seriously, just stop wasting everyone's time. I'm going to stop feeding the troll now.

[DarkkOne]

Now you're constructing strawman arguments, how cute. Amazon and Ebay are retailers that are responsible for what sells on their online stores. Individual resellers on their stores are functionally identical to the small businesses that traditionally sold their goods on consignment in brick and mortar retail stores. Seriously, just stop wasting everyone's time. I'm going to stop feeding the troll now.

 

Amazon is responsible for them, but doesn't do much in the way of reviewing them. Amazon and Ebay often end up having to remove sellers after the fact, when someone points out to them that the seller is selling something that violates their ToS. It's extremely common. Much like videos on Youtube, enforcement is after-the-fact, rather than proactive in most cases.

 

Amazon, as a company, would never stock and sell, say, an SD2SNES. It's enough of a gray area that their corporate lawyers would say "no" and if a company as big as Amazon were selling it themselves, Nintendo would take notice.

 

Meanwhile, with the small sellers in the marketplace section, it's often not worth the money for Nintendo to follow up. It costs them money to do so. But you'll notice that typically when something like this gets "big" (and the Super NT is FAR bigger than the SD2SNES or similar in terms of general exposure to non-specialist consumers), that's when large corporations start responding with real enforcement.

 

I have no doubts that Analogue sees legal action from Nintendo as a real risk if they step over certain lines, and have chosen their strategy, whatever it is, to minimize that risk.

[mrpopsicleman]

@Kevtris

 

I want to report a possible bug with the PAL version of Super Mario World. The game has graphical glitches on the start screen, as well as on the top of the picture when the background scrolls during normal gameplay. There are also white points appearing during transitions on the world map.

 

Here's a video demonstrating them. (Sorry for recording it with my phone, I don't have capture equipment.)

 

https://youtu.be/wYsc8drTsws

 

I am running firmware 4.1 and a resolution of 1080p@60hz. I haven't noticed issues with my other PAL games.

 

Maybe it's related to running a PAL game with an output refresh rate of 60hz. I am unable to change the resolution to 1080p@50hz. The system seems to crash to a black screen when I try it. Only turning it off and on again fixes it. My TV is an LG B6 65". (The system also seems to crash when I press the Reset button.)

In System > Hardware, is it set to NTSC? If so, that's what's causing those glitches. You have to set the system to PAL in order to run PAL games correctly

[hst]

I'm experiencing a weird problem with the Super NT where I can't enter the menu by pressing "select + down" on my 8bitdo SF30 Pro. The down and select buttons work individually when I'm in a game, but not as a shortcut to enter the menu.

 

I checked the settings and "select + down" clearly is the configured shortcut to open the menu. Strangely, "select + up" to reset the game still works with the 8bitdo SF30 Pro.

 

I'm currently running fw version 4.1, but had the problem with 3.9 as well.

 

It works without problems with an original snes controller and with the 8bitdo SFC30. Any ideas?

[DarkkOne]

I'm experiencing a weird problem with the Super NT where I can't enter the menu by pressing "select + down" on my 8bitdo SF30 Pro. The down and select buttons work individually when I'm in a game, but not as a shortcut to enter the menu.

 

I checked the settings and "select + down" clearly is the configured shortcut to open the menu. Strangely, "select + up" to reset the game still works with the 8bitdo SF30 Pro.

 

I'm currently running fw version 4.1, but had the problem with 3.9 as well.

 

It works without problems with an original snes controller and with the 8bitdo SFC30. Any ideas?

 

This seems "obvious" but, what firmware versions are on each of the controllers, and on the receiver?

[SegaSnatcher]

I'm experiencing a weird problem with the Super NT where I can't enter the menu by pressing "select + down" on my 8bitdo SF30 Pro. The down and select buttons work individually when I'm in a game, but not as a shortcut to enter the menu.

 

I checked the settings and "select + down" clearly is the configured shortcut to open the menu. Strangely, "select + up" to reset the game still works with the 8bitdo SF30 Pro.

 

I'm currently running fw version 4.1, but had the problem with 3.9 as well.

 

It works without problems with an original snes controller and with the 8bitdo SFC30. Any ideas?

See if pressing down on the analog stick and select works.

[katanaswordfish]

Dunno, the 68K is probably the worst part. Other than that, I don't think it's as complex as the SNES was but I am sure it has lots of quirks and weird things too. I have done FM before and video so I don't think it will be too terrible or out of that out of the ordinary. The worse part is people wouldn't like if it didn't run sega CD or the 32x, which it most likely wouldn't do. It'd be stock genesis only. That's not to say it wouldn't have expansion for the cd, but it definitely would never support the 32X because it'd need to output analog RGB, then re-capture analog RGB from the 32x for its video overlay. So I suspect the bitching would be epic if I didn't support those things. I could be wrong and it has happened before :-)

 

I know this is all very hypothetical, but when you say it wouldn't support the 32x, do you mean supporting an actual 32x plugged into a cartridge slot? Would it not be possible to have a virtual 32x core on the same FPGA as the main system? Too much FPGA space? At any rate, I can imagine it'd probably be a hell of a lot of work to emulate both, assuming that could fit on a reasonably priced FPGA.

 

And as an aside, what type of FM stuff have you made before? It'd be cool to see if you want to show it off sometime on youtube or something like that! :]

 

Edit: As for epic bitching, it's the internet so it seems like there will always be a few loudmouths to bitch about something no matter what happens. Tune them out!

Edited February 17, 2018 by katanaswordfish