Homebrew Unofficial 3DS RetroArch builds

[arquillos]

The G&W assets links has changed.
The new one is: https://bot.libretro.com/assets/cores/Handheld Electronic Game/
with 58 Game & Watch games.

 

[ChicagoMel]

What's wrong with the Stella page? It gives me a cannot access page error. And does it work on old 3ds?

 

[FateForWindows]

What's wrong with the Stella page? It gives me a cannot access page error. And does it work on old 3ds?

It's been added to the official Libretro builds, so use those instead.

 

[Elwyndas]

Is anybody planning on porting the Commodore emulator VICE to the 3DS? At least the C64 part of it would be awesome. The existing Frodo port "Breadbox" that we have is OK but many games don't work properly. If there is a Atari 8-bit emulator that works well, there should be an equally good C64 emulator I think
And VICE is already part of the Retroarch system... just not on the 3DS.

 

[arquillos]

Is anybody planning on porting the Commodore emulator VICE to the 3DS? At least the C64 part of it would be awesome. The existing Frodo port "Breadbox" that we have is OK but many games don't work properly. If there is a Atari 8-bit emulator that works well, there should be an equally good C64 emulator I think
And VICE is already part of the Retroarch system... just not on the 3DS.

That would be awesome! +1+1+1

 

[MrHuu]

Hmm.. it seems libretro VICE is available on just about every other platform..
If i would be able to build a libretro core of VICE for 3ds, it wouldn't include any 3ds specific enhancements.
I personally don't have any experience with VICE vs. FRODO. Does it have higher compatibility or other advantages on other platforms?

Last time i checked there wasn't a universal virtual keyboard driver for 3ds available in libretro.
In my opinion, this should have first priority.

This should improve overall usability, and enables the usage of cores like VICE.

 

[FateForWindows]

I really do think a virtual keyboard is important, but if we can manage to get pcsx-rearmed to build with unai on the 3DS that would be great.

 

[Elwyndas]

Hmm.. it seems libretro VICE is available on just about every other platform..
If i would be able to build a libretro core of VICE for 3ds, it wouldn't include any 3ds specific enhancements.
I personally don't have any experience with VICE vs. FRODO. Does it have higher compatibility or other advantages on other platforms?

Last time i checked there wasn't a universal virtual keyboard driver for 3ds available in libretro.
In my opinion, this should have first priority.

This should improve overall usability, and enables the usage of cores like VICE.

The 3DS Frodo port BreadBox has a virtual keyboard on the lower screen. A C64 emulator without a keyboard is almost useless. The keyboard is needed all the time. So yeah, the VICE port must have that as well. I think the two screens on the 3DS are just perfect for C64 emulation. On other platforms, unless you have a real keyboard connected, you always need to interrupt the action by popping up a virtual keyboard. Not needed on the 3DS.

 

[MrHuu]

I know it's not what you've been waiting for.. but here's an updated 1.7.5 version of O2EM. Since it's been able to start more than 2 games now. And i actually like the videopac..
Key's 1-4 are set in the emulator to Y X L R. Use those to start a game, if required.
Other keyboard keys are not supported, only joystick support. So only joystick supported games.

Place 'o2em_libretro.3dsx' in: 'sdmc:/retroarch/cores/'.
*requires bios, see here

I really do think a virtual keyboard is important, but if we can manage to get pcsx-rearmed to build with unai on the 3DS that would be great.

Isn't pcsx-rearmed already being build with unai?
https://github.com/libretro/pcsx_rearmed/blob/master/Makefile.libretro#L170
Haven't looked into it otherwise..

The 3DS Frodo port BreadBox has a virtual keyboard on the lower screen. A C64 emulator without a keyboard is almost useless. The keyboard is needed all the time. So yeah, the VICE port must have that as well. I think the two screens on the 3DS are just perfect for C64 emulation. On other platforms, unless you have a real keyboard connected, you always need to interrupt the action by popping up a virtual keyboard. Not needed on the 3DS.

At least some other libretro emulators have some sort of virtual keyboard solution buildin. It's not ideal for retroarch, but if and until another solution is created.. it's all we got.
Are you aware of a virtual keyboard already being available in VICE on other platforms?

There are some other things which needs to be adressed first, before i'll even look into VICE.
Libretro currently requires an older revision of ctrulib, getting it up to date and update the builds provided in this thread have priority for now.. then maybe look into some of the other issues and cores.

For now, enjoy an up-to-date O2EM

 

[Elwyndas]

It appears that Vice for Retropie has a virtual keyboard, that can be activated by pressing a button on the controller. Not sure how it works exactly, or how it looks like. Can't find screenshots, and I don't have a retropie (Raspberry Pie) setup.
Google "Navigating lr-vice gui"
Also, on the main sourceforge page there is a feature request for VICE getting a native virtual keyboard built in, but the developers declare it difficult
Google "#294 Virtual Keyboard in VICE"

 

[DualBladedKirito]

Do you guys think it would be possible to make a port of retroarch's vba core for 3DS? I don't have the skills at all to do it. I'm just asking if possible?

 

[Elwyndas]

Great news, site member Badda released Version 0.3 of a VICE C64 port. Not sure if he intends it to become part of Retroarch or not. But it works well!
https://gbatemp.net/threads/release-vice3ds-c64-emulator.534830/

 

[FateForWindows]

Isn't pcsx-rearmed already being build with unai?
https://github.com/libretro/pcsx_rearmed/blob/master/Makefile.libretro#L170
Haven't looked into it otherwise..

Sorry for the months-late response, but no, actually. For some reason, unai won't compile for the 3DS. Cause unknown.

 

[Benja81]

Hello. Thanks for this! I am trying to download FBAlpha2012_CPS3 is there an updated link? Getting: File download error

 

[MrHuu]

Hello. Thanks for this! I am trying to download FBAlpha2012_CPS3 is there an updated link? Getting: File download error

Here's a new 1.7.7 build. Drop the .cia and/or .3dsx in sdmc:/retroarch/cores/ and launch your compressed fba roms with it.
Still runs at about 40fps in-game.

 

[Benja81]

Here's a new 1.7.7 build. Drop the .cia and/or .3dsx in sdmc:/retroarch/cores/ and launch your compressed fba roms with it.
Still runs at about 40fps in-game.

Thanks!!

 

[Deleted User]

Intro

Unofficial 3DS RetroArch Builds
RetroArch 1.4.0+.​

The RetroArch Team did a wonderfull job on bringing us a 3DS version of their project.
Seeing how development on the 3DS version of RetroArch has slowed down nowadays,
i thought it would be best to just get the most out of what we've got up until today.

In this thread you will be provided with Libretro 'cores' which the RetroArch Team doesn't compile themselves for the 3DS.

[B]matt![/B] has created some genuine looking artwork for these builds, Special thanks to matt!
And of course, credits to the RetroArch team!

MrHuu

---

Setup

How to Setup RetroArch
How to Update RetroArch
How to Change Themes

Frequently Asked Questions

Libretro Cores for 3DS

Unofficial builds:
*New3DS performance

4DO - Panasonic 3DO ~8fps
Atari800 - Atari 800 / 5200 N/A
FBAlpha2012 - CPS3 ~35fps / ~50fps
FBAlpha2012 - Neo Geo
Fuse - Unix Spectrum N/A
GW - Game&Watch ~58fps
Handy - Atari Lynx ~75fps
O2EM - Odyssey2 and/or Videopac+ ~60fps
ProSystem - Atari 7800 ~60fps
Stella - Atari 2600 ~60fps
TGB-Dual - Nintendo Gameboy / Gameboy Color ~60fps
VecX - GCE Vectrex ~55fps
VirtualJaguar - Atari Jaguar ~10fps
Yabause - Sega Saturn ~5fps

---

Unofficial builds

4DO
Panasonic 3DO
1.4.1 / 4DO 1.3.2.3

Spoiler: More info

BIOS file(s):

panafz10.bin (Panasonic FZ-10 BIOS)(md5): 51f2f43ae2f3508a14d9f56597e2d3ce

Place in; 'SD:/retroarch/cores/system/'

Spoiler: Game Compatibility

New3DS:

Gex - 8fps
Worms - 8fps

Old3DS

-

Download(s):
4DO_Libretro_CIA_28-02-2017.7z
4DO_Libretro_3DSX_28-02-2017.7z

^back^

---

Atari800
Atari 800 / 5200
1.4.0 / Atari800 3.1.0

Spoiler: More info

W.I.P.

BIOS file(s):

For 5200:
atari5200.rom

For 400/800:
ATARIOSB.ROM
ATARIOSA.ROM

For XL/XE:
ATARIXL.ROM

For BASIC:
ATARIBAS.ROM

Place in; 'SD:/retroarch/cores/system/'

Download(s):
N/A

^back^

---

FBAlpha2012_CPS3
Capcom CPS3
1.6.9 / FB Alpha 2012 CPS-3 v0.2.97.29

Spoiler: More info

W.I.P.

Set the controls to: Arcade

The CORE options provide a 'CPU Speed Overclock' function.
Set to 110% or 120% to get better results. Works pretty well for play-ability.

Spoiler: Game Compatibility

New3DS:

Jojo's Venture (jojon.zip) ~45fps
Street Fighter III - New Generation (sfiii.zip) ~38fps
Red Earth (redearth.zip) ~42 fps

Download(s):
FBAlpha2012_CPS3_Libretro_CIA_08-12-2017.7z
FBAlpha2012_CPS3_Libretro_3DSX_08-12-2017.7z

^back^

---

FBAlpha2012_NEOGEO
SNK NEOGEO
1.4.1 - 1.6.9 / FB Alpha 2012 Neo Geo v0.2.97.29

Spoiler: More info

Requires 'neogeo.zip' next to your ROMS.

This build will save the *.fs files next to your roms, not on the root of the sd.

Spoiler: Game Compatibility

New3DS:

Metal Slug
Metal Slug 2
Metal Slug 3
Metal Slug 4
Metal Slug 5
Metal Slug X

All are running ok.

Make sure to load your games from a playlist!

Download(s):
FBAlpha2012_NEOGEO_Libretro_CIA_11-12-2017.7z - 1.6.9
FBAlpha2012_NEOGEO_Libretro_CIA_16-12-2017.7z - 1.4.1
FBAlpha2012_NEOGEO_Libretro_3DSX_16-12-2017.7z - 1.4.1

^back^

---

Fuse
ZX Spectrum
1.4.0 / fuse 1.1.1

Spoiler: More info

W.I.P.

Needs controls sorted out

Download(s):
N/A

^back^

---

GW
Game & Watch
1.4.1 / Game & Watch 1.0

Spoiler: More info

W.I.P.

Games can be downloaded here:
https://bot.libretro.com/assets/cores/Game and Watch/

Controls:

Start - Shows current controls on screen
Select - Zoom in /out
L1 - Power button

Spoiler: Game Compatibility

New3DS:

-

Old3DS

-

Download(s):
GW_Libretro_CIA_28-02-2017.7z
GW_Libretro_3DSX_28-02-2017.7z

^back^

---

Handy
Atari Lynx
1.6.9 / Handy 0.97

Spoiler: More info

BIOS file(s):

lynxboot.img (Lynx Boot Image)(md5): fcd403db69f54290b51035d82f835e7b

Place in; 'SD:/retroarch/cores/system/'

Spoiler: Game Compatibility

New3DS:

Chip's Challenge 60fps -Thanks matt!

Old3DS

-

Download(s):
Handy_Libretro_CIA_08-12-2017.7z
Handy_Libretro_3DSX_08-12-2017.7z

^back^

---

O2EM
Odyssey2 and/or Videopac+
1.6.9 / O2EM 1.18

Spoiler: More info

BIOS file(s):

o2rom.bin (Odyssey2 BIOS - G7000 model)(md5): 562d5ebf9e030a40d6fabfc2f33139fd

Optional:
c52.bin (Videopac+ French BIOS - G7000 model)(md5): f1071cdb0b6b10dde94d3bc8a6146387
g7400.bin (Videopac+ European BIOS - G7400 model)(md5): c500ff71236068e0dc0d0603d265ae76
jopac.bin (Videopac+ French BIOS - G7400 model)(md5): 279008e4a0db2dc5f1c048853b033828

Place in; 'SD:/retroarch/cores/system/'

Note:

Joystick is functional,
Keyboard mappings are not.

Most games need the keyboard to launch. They can't be launched right now.
Some boot straight into the game itself. Only those games are working.

Spoiler: Game Compatibility

Loading without keyboard:
needs more testing

New3DS:

Atlantis
Turtles

Old3DS

-

Download(s):
O2EM_Libretro_CIA_08-12-2017.7z
O2EM_Libretro_3DSX_08-12-2017.7z

^back^

---

ProSystem
Atari 7800
1.6.9 / ProSystem 1.3e

Spoiler: More info

BIOS file(s):

7800 BIOS (U).rom (7800 BIOS)(md5): 0763f1ffb006ddbe32e52d497ee848ae

Place in; 'SD:/retroarch/cores/system/'

Note:

Loading custom palettes is currently not available.

Download RomHacks:
http://atariage.com/forums/topic/232487-atari-7800-homebrews-and-hacks-thread/
Thanks to Excalibur007, who made some of these wonderful RomHacks.

If a specific CRC for a game needs to be added to the internal database, PM me.

Spoiler: Game Compatibility

New3DS:

-

Old3DS

-

Download(s):
ProSystem_Libretro_CIA_10-12-2017.7z
ProSystem_Libretro_3DSX_10-12-2017.7z

^back^

---

Stella
Atari 2600
1.6.9 / Stella 3.9.3

Spoiler: More info

Note:

Runs great!

Spoiler: Game Compatibility

New3DS:

-

Old3DS

-

Download(s):
Stella_Libretro_3DSX_08-12-2017.7z
Stella_Libretro_CIA_08-12-2017.7z

^back^

---

TGB-Dual
Nintendo GameBoy, GameBoy Color
1.6.9 / TGB Dual v0.8.3

Spoiler: More info

W.I.P.

This core by default only emulates one Gameboy.
Enable 'GB Link Enable (restart)' in Core-options and restart to enable the second Gameboy.

- Controls not working on second Gameboy
- Unable to select 2 different ROMS.

Download(s):
TGBDual_Libretro_CIA_08-12-2017.7z
TGBDual_Libretro_3DSX_08-12-2017.7z

^back^

---

VecX
GCE Vectrex
1.4.1 / VecX 1.2

Spoiler: More info

Note:

No overlay support.

Spoiler: Game Compatibility

New3DS:

-

Old3DS

-

Download(s):
VecX_Libretro_CIA_28-02-2017.7z
VecX_Libretro_3DSX_28-02-2017.7z

^back^

---

VirtualJaguar
Atari Jaguar
1.4.1 / Virtual Jaguar v2.1.0

Spoiler: More info

Note:

P.O.C.

Spoiler: Game Compatibility

New3DS:

Raiden - 20fps, blank screen - lisreal2401
Rayman - 8fps, looks beautiful in game however lisreal2401
Fight For Life - 8fps, crashes on menu screens lisreal2401
Tempest 2000 - 0fps, barely runs at all lisreal2401
Wolfenstein 3D - 0fps, crashes Retroarch lisreal2401

Old3DS

-

Download(s):
VirtualJaguar_Libretro_CIA_28-02-2017.7z
VirtualJaguar_Libretro_3DSX_28-02-2017.7z

^back^

---

Yabause
Sega Saturn
1.4.1 / Yabause v0.9.14

Spoiler: More info

BIOS file(s):

saturn_bios.bin (Saturn BIOS)(md5): af5828fdff51384f99b3c4926be27762

Place in; 'SD:/retroarch/cores/system/'

Note:

P.O.C.

Spoiler: Game Compatibility

In Genesis/MegaDrive games, some sprites are incorrectly positioned, some are not working correctly. - Robz8

New3DS:

Sega Saturn BIOS Menu: 13-14fps with frameskip enabled, 4fps with frameskip disabled. - Robz8

Nights into Dreams 4-7fps average / No sound/Frameskip enabled - haazet
Sonic Jam: ~20fps with frameskip enabled. - Robz8

Old3DS

-

Download(s):
Yabause_Libretro_CIA_28-02-2017.7z
Yabause_Libretro_3DSX_28-02-2017.7z

^back^

---

Initial Setup

Download the latest STABLE or NIGHTLY build from the Libretro Buildbot:
https://buildbot.libretro.com/

Stable Builds (1.6.9 )
Nightly Builds

.3dsx installation

1. Extract retroarch_3dsx.7z
2. Copy 'retroarch' folder to root of your SD; 'SD:/'
3. Copy the folders including cores you want to use to: 'SD:/3ds/'

.cia installation (recommended)

1. Extract retroarch_cia.7z
2. Copy 'retroarch' folder to root of your SD; 'SD:/'
3. Install all the .cia's (cores) you want to use, using your preferred method. (like FBI)
4. (optional) Install the 'retroarch_3ds.cia', using your preferred method. (like FBI)

The 'retroarch_3ds.cia'
This is the RetroArch frontend compiled without a core.
It is used to launch the last loaded core.

To use this you need to have at least one 1.4.X+ .cia core installed.
Before launching the 'retroarch_3ds.cia', you'll need to:

• Launch a separate core first
• Load a game
• Exit trough the menu

This will allow RetroArch to create a .cfg and set the last loaded core.

unofficial builds don't have icons yet

If you get the 'SD has been removed' message, it tries to load a NON-installed core.
Repeat the above steps. If you have used retroarch before (pre-1.4.X), read THIS.


^back^

Update RetroArch

When upgrading from a pre-1.4.0 version of RetroArch, it is important to start with clean configuration files.
Make sure you replace the 'SD:/retroarch/' folder.

Update 1.3.X

• Backup / rename your old 'retroarch' folder; 'SD:/retroarch/'
• Delete / rename your old 'retroarch' folder
• Follow the Setup again, upgrading all cores
• Optional: Restore savefiles from backup

Update 1.4.X+

• Follow the Setup again, upgrading all cores. No need to replace the 'SD:/retroarch/' folder.

^back^

RetroArch XMB 'Themes'

'rgui' / 'xmb' / 'xmb' theme

The release of 1.4.0 added support for XMB menu.

You can switch between the old 'rgui' and the new 'xmb'
- Settings / Driver / Menu Driver

You can change the 'Menu Color Theme' and the 'Menu Icon Theme' to suit your liking.
- Settings / User Interface / Menu /

*restart is required to load changes


^back^

FAQ

General:

Q) I still have the 'old' green GUI (RGUI) / theme. How do i change it?
A) Change 'Menu Driver'. See: RetroArch Themes *'RGUI' is recommended!

Q) How do i Disable / Edit the yellow console messages on the top screen?
A) Settings / Onscreen Display / Onscreen Notifications / Enable Onscreen Notifications

Q) CORE switch doesn't work, game loads with the current (wrong) core.
A) Try to remove CORE overrides: SD:/retroarch/config/*CORE/*CORE.cfg

Q) All cores are really slow on my New3DS (comparing to game compatibility lists).
A) Check if you've got 804mhz, L2 Cache enabled, using NTR or similar. (RetroArch should set this by itself)

Q) Your download contains a VIRUS!!
A) Some antivirus software may detect some 'suspicious' code inside the builds i provide.

This is called a 'false positive', the code is taken straight from Libretro's git.
Minimal changes are made to fix errors and compile 3DS builds.

Core Specific:

Q) Do CPS3 games run on my old3DS?
A) No, only on New3DS

^back^

Latest changes

16-12-2017

-Added FBAlpha2012_NEOGEO 1.4.1

11-12-2017

-Added FBAlpha2012_NEOGEO 1.6.9

10-12-2017

-Fixed ProSystem's internal database

08-12-2017

-Added W.I.P. build of TGB-Dual
-Updated the following cores to reflect changes up to 1.6.9:

Stella
ProSystem
O2EM
Handy
FBAlpha2012_CPS3
​

Spoiler: Older...

04-12-2017

-Cleaned thread in preparation for core updates.

06-03-2017

-Merged community results, Thanks to all!

28-02-2017

-Build with NEW icons and banners provided by [B]matt![/B]
-Updated banner, provided by Matt!

In the images of the XMB, it shows playlists. How did you get them?

 

[Elwyndas]

As it turns out, Bada created a highly customized 3DS build of the VICE emulator for Commodore 64
https://gbatemp.net/threads/release-vice3ds-c64-emulator.534830/
The first public release was on March 30, and by now we have a practically finished product. So it took something like 4 months. This is not under Retroarch. It makes me question the whole idea of Retroarch. Can it deliver the best results? I'm pretty sure that an "official" retroarch port of VICE would never be as awesome as VICE 3DS. Vice 3DS is now the best portable C64 emulator, across all platforms.

 

[arquillos]

As it turns out, Bada created a highly customized 3DS build of the VICE emulator for Commodore 64
https://gbatemp.net/threads/release-vice3ds-c64-emulator.534830/
The first public release was on March 30, and by now we have a practically finished product. So it took something like 4 months. This is not under Retroarch. It makes me question the whole idea of Retroarch. Can it deliver the best results? I'm pretty sure that an "official" retroarch port of VICE would never be as awesome as VICE 3DS. Vice 3DS is now the best portable C64 emulator, across all platforms.

+1+1+1

 

[Mikitok]

Some emulators not available to download,where download it?