[GUIDE/INFO] Flash Carts, ODE, and more!

[Tanooki]

Love to see the updated data for the now out Everdrive GBA as it's a monster and they keep patching the hell out of it for a few teeny bugs but mainly to add direct load ROMS if you just toss whatever emulator they queue up onto the card which is fantastic. At a handheld level it allows so many of the other systems this thread covers it's sweet.

[Ziggy]

I'm out of the loop with the Everdrive GB and GBA. If someone wants to right something up for them, I'll add it to the first post. I'd also appreciate reading about them myself, as I might want to get both at some point down the road.

[Jagosaurus]

Alright Ziggy, I have a rough draft of some disc emulators.
Let me know what you think.
Feel free to add or change things as needed, advice is welcome from others as well.

BTW, "ODE" might actually be "Optical Drive (not disc) Emulator", but whatever...

PSIO
ps-io.com

PSIO is a device that plugs into the expansion port in the back of original model PlayStation systems and allows the loading of games from SD cards. Only models 100x-750x with the Expansion port are currently compatible; for example, a 5501 model will work but a 9001 will not because it lacks the expansion port. This device plugs into the expansion port in the back and allows loading games from SD cards.
Reads from the following disc image types: iso, bin, and img.
(cue files must be converted to cu2, see site for details; also available for download):

Pro
-Officially Supports up to 32GB SDHC cards (and higher if reformated to FAT32)
-Loads from menu
-Cover Art option for each selected game
-Plays import images (standard pal/ntsc incompatitibilities, but even that can be overcome)
-Supports multi disc games (via text files, see manual for details)
-Limited cheat disc support (*see cons)
-CDDA / XA support via creating Cu2 files
-Disc drive will still function as normal

Con
-Disables Memory Card 2 port (although you can still copy to and from via the original playstation menu)
-Not 100% compatible with all games, but improving and supported with firmware upgrades
-*Cheat Disc options disable music in games with CDDA / XA audio
-Requires a Switch board to function, which is not a beginner install (they can install it for you if you ship your board for a nominal fee)
-Currently does not support multi-cue image (must re-copy or rip as a single cue image)
-Currently not compatible with newer models (9001 models or PSONE systems); this may change in the future, but will be difficult to install

Rhea/Phoebe
https://gdemu.wordpress.com/

Rhea is an ODE (Optical Disc Emulator) for the model 1 Sega Saturn (usually oval button Saturns). This device replaces the CD-Rom drive of the Saturn with a board the reads from SD cards. This will only install in 20 pin Saturns and the system must be checked to verify compatibility.
https://gdemu.wordpress.com/details/saturn-details/
Reads from the following dsic image formats:
-CDI
-CCD+IMG+SUB
-MDS+MDF
-ISO (games with no audio tracks and homebrew)

I have had best luck with cdi.
It is reccomended that you copy games to cdi's with Discjuggler version "V6.00.1400" checking these settings:
-Scan Gaps/Indexes
-R-W (CD+G)
-PQ
-RAW read


Firmware can be found here:
https://gdemu.wordpress.com/firmware/
Images must be in separate numbered folders...which brings us to and easy way to do that:
RMENU is the program that you want to use to set up your SD card and organize game selection. Find it in the links section:
https://gdemu.wordpress.com/links/

Pros
-Easy install
-99% compatibility (supported and actively updated firmware available)
-Region Patch via init file (for PAL and NTSC cross compatibility you need an additional mod, shown on the website)
-Button on Rhea board for cycling to next image (useful for Multi Disc Games)
-Support up to 32GB SD cards (reported compatible with higher capacity cards if reformatted to FAT32)

Cons
-You must give up your Disc drive
-Separate Windows based Menu program needed to setup SD card for game selection on startup
-Can be picky about disc images (convert to cdi if needed, most games should work without issue).
-Can be picky about SD cards (I use standard class 4 speed cards and have had no issue)

Phoebe is an ODE (Optical Disc Emulator) for the model 2 Sega Saturn (usually round button Saturns). This device replaces the CD-Rom drive of the Saturn with a board the reads from SD cards. It is functionally the same as the Rhea, but has to be configured to the exact Saturn board revision that you have (The creator can do this for you if you give him the right information. See this link for details:
https://gdemu.wordpress.com/details/saturn-details/
This will only install in 21 pin Saturns and the system must be checked to verify compatibility.

Pros/Cons same as Rhea (only additional quirk is knowing the right jumper settings on the Phoebe, which the creator will set for you depending on your system revision).

GDEMU
https://gdemu.wordpress.com/

GDEMU is an ODE (Optical Disc Emulator) for the Sega Dreamcast. This device replaces the GD-Rom drive of the Dreamcast with a board the reads from SD cards.
Reads from the following disc image formats: gdi, cdi, iso,
I have had best luck with gdi and cdi.

Firmware can be found here:
https://gdemu.wordpress.com/firmware/updating-gdemu/

Images must be in numbered folders and renamed "game" (save yourself trouble and let GDMENU do that).
GDMENU can organize your games for you and create a gamelist (long names compatible) to select from at boot. Find it in the links section:
https://gdemu.wordpress.com/links/

Pros
-Easy to install (connects directly to socket on main board)
-Supports up to 32GB SD cards (reported as compatible with higher if card if it is reformatted to FAT32)
-GDMENU available for selection of games via controller
-Cycle to next image via button on board (useful for multi-disc games)
-Almost Perfect Compatibility (I think there was a Basketball game that doesn't work)

Cons
-Can be picky about disc images (convert to cdi if needed, 99.99% of games should work).
-Can be picky about SD cards (I use standard class 4 speed cards and have had no issue)
-Separate windows program needed to set up menu to select games (a very minor complaint)
-You must give up the GD-ROM drive to use, so no playing of physical discs.
-Only works on Version 1 Dreamcast systems (look for the circled "1" on the bottom of the system)

USB-GDROM
http://3do-renovation.ru/USB-GDROM_Controller.htm

USB-GDROM is an ODE (Optical Disc Emulator) for the Dreamcast. This device replaces the GD-Rom drive of the Dreamcast with a board the reads from a USB port. It should be comaptible with any USB 2.0 compliant flash drive or HDD up to 2TB in capacity.
Reads from the following disc image formats: gdi, cdi, iso.

Firmware updates and info can be found on MNEMO's site.
Be aware that you will still need to contact him after installation for a file to be e-mailed to you before it functions properly (weird but whatever)

Pros
-Folders and Names can be anything
-Built in Menu
-High capacity storage options
-Auto Region Patch
-Disc change que function (only required for 1 game (D2) and cheat discs)
-Works with more Dreamcast models ( 0 and 1 )

Cons
-You must give up your disc drive to use
-You must be e-mailed a file to function
-Soldering required for Disc Swap feature
-Requires dismantling part of the GD-ROM drive to mount properly (simple enough really, but worth mentioning)

My pick for Dreamcast: while USB GDROM is technically superior, I prefer the GDEMU. The available GDMENU is more attractive (even showing disc art for some games). The simpler disc change option is also a plus.
MNEMO compares the 2 here:
http://3do-renovation.ru/comparation.htm
It is biased, of course, and most of the negatives of the GDEMU pointed out are trivial or not really even an issue (both are region free capable)

USB-3DO
http://3do-renovation.ru/How_to_buy.htm

USB-3DO is an ODE (Optical Disc Emulator) for the 3DO. This device replaces the CD-Rom drive of the 3DO with a board the reads from a USB port. There are different boards depending on what brand/model of 3DO system you have. I will cover the 3 most common systems.
Both the FZ-1 and the Goldstar are drop in, solder free options.
FZ-10 is the most difficult to install and requires a good deal of soldering. Not recommended for most gamers.
The FZ-10 is an internal USB (the cover hides the USB drive).
The FZ-1 can be ordered in either external or internal USB
The Goldstar only has the external USB option (leaves a pretty big gap without the CD tray, I cut a piece of cardboard with a usb hole to cover it properly, but someone with more skill could modify the CD tray to work as a more attractive USB port).

The USB for 3DO will only play iso images, so if you come across any bin images, you will have to convert them. I reccomend mounting the bin via image software (daemontools, for example) and using another program to copy as an iso.

Pros
-Easy to use.
-Simple Menu
-Long File Names Supported
-100% compatibility (minus a few Jpn games if using not using a Jpn system)
-Multi Disc support

Cons
-You must give up your disc drive to use
-External Options looks rough without the CD cover (although, you can always modify the old one and glue it back on)
-Must be e-mailed a file to function
-If you have an FZ-10 system, good luck on the install
-No bin support (but it's easy to convert to iso)

I'd love to see this section completed. It's actually one of my 2017 goals to stay up to date on these projects. As these consoles and drives get older and older, I think this part of the hobby will become a necessity to using real hardware. For this reason, I did include HDD/USB/SD options below. While they are not an ODE by the definition, they are similar to the PSIO. The idea being, circumvent the use of the disc drive to load digital game files. This will save wear on working lasers or re-purpose damaged consoles. Here's a few additions I have.


Existing Flash Cart not mentioned in OP:
Atari Jaguar SKUNK Board:
Only holds one game per flash. No saving supported. Retail ROMs will run but technically are not supported.

Worth noting there is also something called Jaguar BJL (Behind Jaguar Lines) which is a hardware mod that allows you to load game data into the system memory via the second controller port. This is more for development and homebrew.

Existing ODE:
PS3 Cobra

Similar ODE type solutions:
Retail oXbox games off internal HDD:
Boot .xbe game files directly from softmodded xbox (UnleasedX, EvoX, XBMC)
The softmod will not boot .iso files. You must use C-xbox Tool PC application to convert .iso to .xbe
You can also rip your retail games from the console using the DVD2Xbox App
Check additional links in my signature.

Retail PS2 games off USB, internal HDD, or SMB:
Boot .iso game files from Open PS2 Loader (OPL) or HDAdvanced/HD Loader
Requires a modded PS2 console to run these apps. Free McBoot softmod via memory card works well. Obviously a “phat” model is needed for HDD.
OPL will also work on a PS2 backward compatible PS3.
Supports Virtual Memory Card (VMC)
Network streaming via SMB is also an option.
Using a Raspberry Pi 3 + Open Media Vault + isos on USB (plugged into pi) + OPL SMB function. RB Thread: http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopi ... 25&t=50849
Check additional links in my signature and CRT's link below.

Retail PS1 games off PS2 USB or internal HDD:
POPstarter Application
Boot PS1 .iso game files
Requires a modded PS2 console to run this apps. Free McBoot softmod via memory card works well. Obviously a “phat” model is needed for HDD.
Supports Virtual Memory Card (VMC)

Retail Gamecube Games on Wii off USB or SD:
CRT’s Guide (link)
Wii Key Gecko Card
Wii Action Replay – SD Media Launcher
Wii Key Fusion
Nintendont
Devolution

Retail Wii Games off USB or SD:
USB Loader GX
Customizable USB Loader

Dreamcast SD Card Loader
Plugs into DC serial port and required a patched .iso

Actively In Development for the Jaguar:
My RB Thread on these two below: http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopi ... 38&t=50982
Jaguar Flash Cartridge
Atari Age thread by SainT (link) who also created Lynx SD

Jaguar CD Unleased software (will run on a device such as the Jaguar Flash Cart)
Atari Age thread by Carl from Songbird (link) who has released mutliple Jaguar games and built in the CD bypass function into Protector SE

Actively In Development for the Saturn:
Saturn ISO Loader/VCD Exploit
RB Thread: http://www.racketboy.com/forum/viewtopi ... 38&t=50516

[Sarge]

The best way to do Gamecube on Wii is using Nintendont or Devolution. There are even hooks in USB Loader GX to use either of them. You can also run from SD or USB.

[TSTR]

We live in amazing times for this stuff.

[Jagosaurus]

The best way to do Gamecube on Wii is using Nintendont or Devolution. There are even hooks in USB Loader GX to use either of them. You can also run from SD or USB.

Cool. Will edit post above. Wii mod project is on my to-do list for early this year so all a bit foreign until I deep dive in.

Yes we do TSTR!

Edit: Also noting OPL will work on a backward compatible PS3. And network streaming via SMB is an option.

[Sarge]

Note, Devolution and Nintendont are only for Gamecube games. Wii games, you'll still need to use USB Loader GX or other solutions.

[Ziggy]

I have to do some serious editing to the first posts.

Thanks to everyone for contributing info!

[Jagosaurus]

Note, Devolution and Nintendont are only for Gamecube games. Wii games, you'll still need to use USB Loader GX or other solutions.

Fixed!

Also linked:
Using a Raspberry Pi 3 + Open Media Vault + isos on USB (plugged into pi) + OPL SMB function.

Know we have some Pi nutters around here as well. While this may seem odd or overkill, it will allow PS2 slims (With no HDD route available) a better option than USB 1.0 loading. Ethernet to Pi, stream game files!

[Sarge]

Oh, that's a cool solution. I've got a fat PS2, but I've also got a Slim as a spare, so I might look into that if I ever snag a Pi.