Are there any viable alternatives to a softmodded Xbox?

[kyle39]

Is there a better option than a modded xbox for classic console emulation?
-I would want to emulate systems up to the fifth generation (n64/psx)
-I am extremely cheap
-I really would appreciate a nice front end with game screenshots and intuitive rom selection
-I would prefer something intended for this purpose or something that was easy to adapt to this purpose without much modification

TSDR;
I strongly desire to have a device that allows me to emulate classic games (well up to n64) and hooks up to a television (RCA would be appreciated, as my television is old). More than that, I would also appreciate the cohesive experience and improved feeling granted by a nice front end. I already own a Dingoo A320 [wikipedia], and while I do enjoy it and it does have tv connectivity, I find it lackluster for this purpose (mostly singleplayer only, no support for game screenshots in menu, came packaged with a short tv-out cord). I realize that a modded Xbox would serve me well, but I have to wonder if there is a better option in 2011?

I have been considering adapting a computer to the purpose, but normal desktops are quite loud and modern OSes have significant start-up times. I know there a few emulator front ends out there such as hyperspin, maximus arcade, and (evidently) XBMC but am unsure of if they could stand on their own or quickly bypass the normal operating system on start up.

I have heard of people using media computers for this purpose and this thought attracts me, but I still am unsure of how smooth the experience would be (with the OS and usb controller support). I also would prefer something cheaper.

I would really like to find a good device that was open and intended for this purpose, like the Dingoo or GP2X but as a home console instead of a portable. The only thing I have really found that is close is the Gamebox [Deal Extreme]. However, though it is more powerful (seemingly) than the dingoo it doesn't seem as though you can load your own roms yet, but if the "scene" cracks it I can see it being a viable option for myself.

[irixith]

The oXbox sounds like the right fit for your needs, especially considering that you want composite video output. The emulators are well developed due to the standard x86 architecture and the ease of porting. (For example, it's the only system other than PC to have a port of ZSNES, because ZSNES is coded in pure assembler.) They are also feature rich, with all the bells and whistles you'd expect from a piece of software being controlled by a game controller. XBMC provides an excellent frontend to it all as well.

An alternative would be a Wii -- it's capable of emulation up to the same generation you're looking for, provides composite output, and also has fairly robust emulators as well that are still under active development. You also have the ease of connecting GameCube, SNES/NES/N64/PS2 controllers with various inexpensive adapters. The regular Wii model with Wii Sports is now being sold for $99 most places. Slightly more than an oXbox, but with more overall possibility and customizability. (Plus you get the ability to play GC & Wii games, bonus!)

Another alternative would be a low-cost media box. Either a dual-core atom + ION or the AMD fusion with the low end Radeon built in. Either is more expensive than an oXbox or a Wii, but you get complete freedom of operating system, frontend, emulators and controllers.

It really depends on what you want and how far you want to take it.

[flamepanther]

The very best emulation is always on a PC. If you basically want to build an emulation console for your TV, I would suggest building from scratch and using a micro ATX or flex ATX board and case. For emulation, you won't need anything really pricey for your CPU, graphics card, RAM, etc. Fans and power supplies that specialize in running quietly are not as cheap as the noisy ones you are accustomed to, but they are easy to find. A solid state hard drive will help keep the machine even more quiet, but these can be quite expensive.

Since most of the really good emulators are Open Source, you might also consider using some form of Linux instead of windows. This will save you a couple hundred dollars on the Operating System, avoid the pitfalls of pirating Windows, and get you a more modern operating system than using an old copy of XP. On top of that, you may even see improved performance from it.

[noiseredux]

I 2nd the Linux idea if you build yr own box. That way you can really customize it, and most likely cut-down on that load-up time you want to avoid for the OS.

[AppleQueso]

building a computer that can run up to n64/psx (especially psx) is way cheaper than it sounds.

[Breetai]

Top three ways to run emulated games on your TV:

1. PC
2. X-Box
3. Wii

[flamepanther]

Top three ways to run emulated games on your TV:

1. PC
2. X-Box
3. Wii

4. Dreamcast

[CRTGAMER]

Top three ways to run emulated games on your TV:

1. PC
2. X-Box
3. Wii

4. Dreamcast

PS2 - Emulate SNES and Genesis off the internal hard drive.
PC the best route for N64 emulation.

[Genesis Knight]

Yeah, be advised OP that N64 emulation on the oXbox is not anything resembling perfect, even with Surreal 5.5. PC is the way to go for 64, as Breetai says.

[pakopako]

Yeah, be advised OP that N64 emulation on the oXbox is not anything resembling perfect, even with Surreal 5.5. PC is the way to go for 64, as Breetai says.

For N64 emulation, I thought that the Wii scene boasted similar levels of compatibility compared to the PC?