Tag: Nintendo DS

  • Cozy Repair Sim: Fix Retro Tech in 2000s Akihabara

    Cozy Repair Sim: Fix Retro Tech in 2000s Akihabara

    Key Takeaway

    – New demo for *ReStory: Chill Electronic Repairs* available on Steam
    – Set in mid-2000s Tokyo, repairing retro electronics like PSP, DS, and phones
    – Features collaboration with Atari, including classic consoles like Lynx and 2600
    – Core gameplay: disassemble, clean, solder, and reassemble devices
    – New demo includes airbrush customization, bug fixes, and quality-of-life improvements

    tinyBuild and the developer Mandragora has dropped a fresh demo for a relaxing repair sim called ReStory: Chill Electronic Repairs. You get to fix a Nintendo DS and a PSP, which is pretty neat if you like old tech.

    The setting of this game is in Tokyo

    It lets players step into the shoes of a average electronics repair shop owner in Tokyo in the mid-2000s. The game guides you through relaxing, hands-on repairs of gaming consoles, mobile phones, and peripherals, alongside managing the repair shop and a branching story driven by how well you treat and serve your customers.

    Akihabara is the backdrop

    The game is set against the backdrop of Akihabara, and your suppose to calmly fix devices ranging from flip phones to gadgets you may have seen in the 2000s. Furthermore, a collaberation with Atari brings the company’s classic console lineup to the repair bench as well.

    Steam Next Fest demo is out

    The updated demo is already available as part of Steam Next Fest and further fleshes out the gameplay with new tools and quality-of-life improvements based on player feedback. tinyBuild stated on Steam, “The demo offers an expanded look at the pre-release version of the game and introduces new gadgets like the Atari Lynx (as part of the collaboration with Atari) and the Patento BS, which draws inspiration (but not too much inspiration) from one of the most iconic gaming handhelds. Another addition to the demo compared to the playtest build is the airbrush drawing tool, which allows players to visually customize devices—some of the community creations can be seen in the latest trailer.”

    Bug fixes and visual polish

    The demo has also been patched with some bug fixes, visual polish, and better controls to help the cozy repair sim feel more complete. As expected, the core loop of the game requires you to carefully disassemble various Y2K and 2000s-era pieces of tech like the PSP, DS, mobile phones, music players, and more.

    What you do in the game

    The gameplay involves opening up the devices, cleaning out dust and debris, replacing faulty components, soldering connections, and reassembling everything. Furthermore, the collaberation with Atari means you’ll get to work on 1:1 recreations of the company’s iconic lineup of retro consoles, including the Atari Lynx, Atari 2600, and Jaguar.

    Full release is coming soon

    The full version of ReStory: Chill Electronic Repairs is slated to launch on PC via Steam later on and will be playable in English. For now, the demo is free to download on Steam, giving players a chance to tinker with older hardware and see how a Japanese repair shop in Akihabara thrived in the mid-2000s.

    Sources
    Tags: , , , ,
  • Dual-Screen 3D Emulation: High Accuracy & Texture Filtering Features

    Dual-Screen 3D Emulation: High Accuracy & Texture Filtering Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. Upcoming features for melonDS include high-resolution dual-screen 3D graphics and complete support for texture filtering in 3D.
    2. The dual-screen 3D emulation issue has caused flickering between high-res and low-res graphics due to limitations in the original Nintendo DS hardware.
    3. Arisotura’s current solution involves shifting more compositing tasks to the GPU to achieve high-resolution output while maintaining sync with emulated VRAM.
    4. The transfer of the entire 2D renderer to the GPU is planned, which will enhance the emulation experience for users.
    5. Improved emulation will benefit the market for DS-inspired handheld gaming PCs and consoles like AYN Thor and Anbernic RG DS.

    Arisotura, the main creator of the well-known high-precision Nintendo DS emulator melonDS, recently shared some details on Reddit about upcoming features for the emulator. He mentioned enhancements like properly working high-resolution dual-screen 3D graphics, and in the future, there will be complete support for texture filtering in 3D, as well as “2D layer/sprite filtering, hi-res rotation/scale” and anti-aliasing.

    Dual-Screen 3D Issues

    Even though Nintendo DS and 3DS emulators have had the ability to increase internal rendering resolutions for a long time, emulating dual-screen 3D on the Nintendo DS has been a challenge. As Arisotura points out, this dual-screen 3D issue has been a known problem with melonDS, leading to each screen flickering between high-res and low-res graphics or, in some cases, not functioning at all.

    The cause of this problem lies in the limitations of the original Nintendo DS hardware and its VRAM, particularly its “display capture” feature, which is responsible for various effects like dual-screen 3D and also for ensuring the console is operating correctly. This means that captured frames need to remain at the original native resolution of 256×192 and fit into the emulated VRAM, leading to the flickering and crashes. For an accuracy-focused emulator like melonDS, finding a solution is quite challenging, as this isn’t a feature that can simply be turned off.

    Current Solutions and Future Prospects

    Arisotura’s approach right now involves creating a copy of the 2D renderer for OpenGL and shifting more compositing tasks to the GPU. This will enable high-resolution output to be achieved while still keeping everything in sync with the emulated VRAM. As the developer explains, “There’s a lot of cleanup and refining to do (and some missing features),” but in the long term, this should pave the way for the entire 2D renderer to be transferred to the GPU.

    Once this is completed, the full range of features previously mentioned should be accessible to melonDS users. This will result in cleaner high-resolution emulation of the Nintendo DS than ever before and will be especially beneficial for the growing market of DS-inspired handheld gaming PCs and consoles, such as the AYN Thor, Ayaneo Pocket DS, and Anbernic RG DS.

     

    Source:
    Link

    Dual-Screen 3D Emulation: High Accuracy & Texture Filtering Features

     

    Tags: , ,
  • New Anbernic RG DS vs Nintendo DSi Dual-Screen Comparison Images

    New Anbernic RG DS vs Nintendo DSi Dual-Screen Comparison Images

    Key Takeaways

    1. Anbernic’s RG DS will emulate Nintendo DS and 3DS games, with stylus compatibility hinted at.
    2. The release date for the RG DS is still unknown, but pre-orders may start soon based on past patterns.
    3. The RG DS measures 161 mm wide, making it wider than the Nintendo DSi.
    4. In height, the RG DS is comparable to the Nintendo DSi XL, but slightly larger when opened.
    5. Anbernic plans to sell the RG DS for under $100, although many technical details are still undisclosed.

    Around a week ago, Anbernic revealed some gameplay clips of its upcoming gaming handheld. Marketed as an alternative to the Nintendo DS, the footage showcased the Anbernic RG DS’s capability to emulate not only Nintendo DS games but also more demanding Nintendo 3DS titles. Moreover, Anbernic hinted at stylus compatibility for both types of games.

    Release Date Mystery

    At this moment, Anbernic is keeping fans guessing about when their first dual-screen handheld will be available. Historically, Anbernic has tended to start pre-orders before the month wraps up, just like they did with the RG476H and RG477M (current price $299.99 on Amazon), among others. Although there hasn’t been any official word about the RG DS on Anbernic’s global social media, keen-eyed Reddit users have spotted new teasers on Anbernic’s QQ channel.

    Size Comparisons

    The teasers released primarily focus on the RG DS’s size in relation to older Nintendo DS models. Officially, Anbernic has confirmed that the RG DS is 161 mm wide. This means that it is significantly wider than the Nintendo DSi, which measures only 137 mm across.

    When looking at it, the RG DS appears to be comparable in height to the Nintendo DSi XL, sharing the same 161 mm width. Even though it seems to be around 210–212 mm when opened, the RG DS sacrifices 4-inch screens for a slight 0.2-inch difference compared to the DSi XL’s dual displays. While many technical details remain undisclosed, Anbernic has previously indicated that the RG DS will retail for under $100.

     

    New Anbernic RG DS vs Nintendo DSi Dual-Screen Comparison ImagesNew Anbernic RG DS vs Nintendo DSi Dual-Screen Comparison ImagesNew Anbernic RG DS vs Nintendo DSi Dual-Screen Comparison Images

     

    Tags: , ,
  • Delta Emulator for iOS Update: DS Online Multiplayer Beta Released

    Delta Emulator for iOS Update: DS Online Multiplayer Beta Released

    Key Takeaways

    1. Delta emulator for iOS will release version 1.7 on March 31st, introducing Online Multiplayer for Nintendo DS games.
    2. DS Online Multiplayer was previously exclusive to Patreon subscribers and is now available in a free public beta via Apple’s Testflight.
    3. Users can play DS games online by connecting to third-party servers like Wiimmfi, as Nintendo’s official servers were shut down over a decade ago.
    4. The update includes enhancements to the Nintendo 64 core, such as improved texture mixing and support for custom resolutions and texture packs.
    5. Additional features in the update include easier screenshot capturing, better controller compatibility, and experimental support for RetroAchievements.

    One of the leading retro game emulators for iOS is set to introduce a highly anticipated feature in its public release.

    Delta, an emulator that works on both iPhones and iPads, will be updated to version 1.7 on Monday, March 31st. This new version will include Online Multiplayer for the Nintendo DS core, also known as DS Online Multiplayer, making it available to everyone.

    Current Access to DS Online Multiplayer

    At the moment, DS Online Multiplayer is exclusively accessible through a Patreon subscription, which provides users with the beta version of Delta. This version, available only to Patreon supporters, also features a Sega Genesis/Mega Drive core that isn’t part of the public release.

    The update announcement was made on Bluesky on March 25. Along with that, a free public beta version featuring DS Online Multiplayer was shared, which can be downloaded via Apple’s Testflight program.

    Playing DS Games Online

    To engage in DS games with others via Online Multiplayer, users will need to connect to third-party servers like Wiimmfi. Nintendo closed its official online servers for the Nintendo DS over ten years ago, but dedicated fans still run servers for online gaming, which Delta will now support.

    Additional updates include enhancements to the Nintendo 64 core, mupen64plus. These improvements consist of fixing texture mixing, enabling custom resolutions and texture packs through a configuration file, and switching the graphics API to OpenGL ES 3.0. The latest version also simplifies taking screenshots using a controller, offers better compatibility with controller cases like the Gamebaby and PlayCase, and introduces experimental support for RetroAchievements.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags:
  • Retroid Pocket Flip 2: Nintendo DS Style with GameCube Colors

    Retroid Pocket Flip 2: Nintendo DS Style with GameCube Colors

    Key Takeaways

    1. Retroid has unveiled a new gaming handheld and hinted at another upcoming device.
    2. One of the new systems features a D-pad and may have a sliding or folding mechanism.
    3. The Pocket Flip 2 resembles a Nintendo DS and includes two analog sticks and a D-pad.
    4. The Pocket Flip 2 has a vibrant purple design and visible speakers at the bottom.
    5. No release dates, pricing, or technical specifications have been announced, but both devices are expected to launch in the spring.

    Retroid, a well-known player in the retro handheld market, has unveiled a new system while hinting at another one. “Announcement” is a broad term here, as the company has only shared a single image showcasing a successor to the Retroid Pocket Flip alongside another upcoming gaming device.

    A Glimpse of the New Handhelds

    In the image below, one of the new systems is only partially visible. By tweaking the brightness and contrast of the teaser image, more details come to light. The new gaming handheld appears to have a D-pad, and an edge can be seen beneath the display. This might suggest a sliding or folding mechanism, similar to what is found on other handheld consoles like the RG35XXSP.

    The Pocket Flip 2 Revealed

    Conversely, the second new Retroid handheld is displayed in a clearer image. It resembles the Nintendo DS with its foldable design. This device features two analog sticks in gray and yellow colors, while the body is painted in a vibrant purple, reminiscent of the classic Nintendo GameCube.

    Moreover, the rumored Pocket Flip 2 includes a D-pad and two clearly visible speakers located at the bottom. However, the company has not disclosed any release dates, pricing, or technical specs yet. It is anticipated that both handhelds will launch in the spring. For context, the initial Retroid Pocket Flip debuted in 2023 with a suggested retail price of $149.

    Source:
    Link

    Tags: , ,