What is an Emulator?
An Emulator is a program that recreates another machines architecture by using
software. This allows the user to run software that wasn't designed for there
system.
As the Emulator has to use software to emulate the hosts hardware and the hardware
in question is usually specially created for the task, it is usually necessary
to have approximately 10 x the processing power of the original system being
emulated.
This is why a Gameboy Advance emulators minimum spec is a Pentium III 500 MHz,
when this is enough to run Quake 3 Arena!!.
There is usually more than one emulator for each machine getting emulated, these
can also be on numerous platforms. For example"Snes9x" is an emulator
for Nintendo's SNES console, this is available for Windows, DOS, UNIX, Linux,
BeOS, N64 and even the Amiga.
Emulators are extremely difficult to write and often won't emulate the original
machine perfectly but will get close enough to allow us to play Mario 64 on
our Xbox's.
Why use an Emulator?
An Emulator allows users to run software not originally designed for their system,
or just to emulate the hardware itself. Using this can help users save money
by not having to purchase
extra hardware just to run 1 item of software.
For example, I have some software
that I want to run but it is Linux only. By using an emulator (Such as VirtualPC or VMWare)
I can install and run
Linux inside my Windows machine and then use this to run the software.
Amazingly most console companies seem to be against emulators, especially considering
that the lose money on each console made and make money from the games. Sega
seems to be the only console maker that permitted emulators, even to the extent
of buying an emulator and using this to release games on the PC.
Advantages of using an Emulator:-
No need to get (or even own) each system out when you want to run that game
/ program.
Adds extra features such as in-game saving, easy cheat code entry, and play
console games over networks/internet.
Frees up the TV for your other half..
Will usually play back ups of your games so that the original stays in perfect
condition. (Especially when the kids have been eating Jam, if you know what I mean)
Disadvantages of an Emulator: -
It's not the same as having the original system.
You don't get to use the original controller, unless you can hook it up to your
PC.
Just how are you supposed to fit that N64 cartridge in your PC? (See ROM's below)
Where can I get an Emulator?
First you need to decide what system you wish to emulate, then the easiest way
is usually to search the internet.
For Example, if I wanted a N64 emulator for Windows I would do a search for "N64 Emulator Windows". It's as easy as that.
Finding one that works with your game is a bit trickier, some special routine
in the hosts hardware can be extremely difficult to replicate in the emulators
software.
Mode 7 on the SNES was one such feature, this has been emulated successfully
now.
Different emulators can have completely different effects with the same game,
Mario 64 on one emulator may play almost perfect except for the sound whereas
on a different emulator, the sound may be perfect but your graphics may be messed
up.
Your best bet is to try and get a few different emulators and finding what works
best with your game.
You could just ask me and I'll try my best.
Email me
www.emu-x.com homepage
What are ROM's
ROM's are game images taken from the original cartridge, these are needed to
run on your console emulator and are a little more difficult to come by.
There are various sites with PD (Public Domain) ROM images on, i.e. People creating
games for free, by themselves, that are legal to own.
The law concerning commercial ROM's depends on what country you live in. In
most countries you are allowed to own a backup of any game you own, as long
as the backup is for your own personal use. Bearing this in mind, there shouldn't
be any problem in downloading a ROM from the Internet for use in an emulator
(as long as you keep the original).
Now that the legal stuff is out of the way the easiest way to get a ROM image
is to use Peer-to-Peer software to find what you want.
Another way is to buy a flash kit for whichever cartridge type you have and
downloading the information onto your PC. These can be expensive, so it is usually
easier and cheaper to just download them. (Again, you must have the original
to start with)
That’s all well and good but have you any suggestions?
Well since you ask I will try and give you a rough guide to what is available.
Most consoles, from the Atari 2600 to the N64 & Playstation, have been emulated
on the PC. You can even get most Arcade to run in Windows using MAME (www.mame.net).
When searching for either Emulators and ROMs, try to stay away from sites that
advertise “Warez” or “Sex” (Unless that’s what
your after) as these will have numerous pop-up windows all displaying questionable
content (not wanted when your Missus / Mum could walk into your room).
It can be confusing which site to choose.
If your choice is to use Peer-to-Peer software, make sure you scan your files
before running them just to be on the safe side.
Here are some sites that have Emulators for you to download: -
MAME Arcade Emulator - www.mame.net
Super Nintendo Emulators – Snes9x (www.snes9x.com)
- ZSNES (www.zsnes.com)
Sega Megadrive Emulator – Dgen (http://www.pknet.com/~joe/dgen-sdl.html)
Various Acorn Emulators – (http://electrem.emuunlim.com/links.htm)
Sony Playstation Emulator – (www.epsxe.com)
