Emulation vs Hardware

[dunpeal2064]

N64 emulation on the Wii is garbage (same with ps1 and saturn), But the N64 games that were put onto the Virtual Console are very nice. So, you at least get a few nice n64 games on the machine. I would go as far as to say most of the N64 games ported to VC turned out nicer than the originals.

[Lazer]

Yeah you're right, and I do have the Zeldas, Paper Mario, Mario 64, and a few others on Wii VC. And they are quite nice.

[alexis524]

wow is this thread right on point. I've been back and forth on this for far too long. I love my modest retro collection that currently sits right around most consoles from NES on up and a fair amount of games for each system, but they have honestly been collecting dust for the last 4 years or more. I love looking at them and buying them with the the intent that one day, my schedule will by some sort of divine intervention, open up to the point that I will have hours each day to go back thru my retro backlog, but reality is, I never will. I'm really leaning hard towards emulation for the simple fact of save states. That way I can chip away at a game that was originally meant to be beaten in one sitting. I just don't have the time or the attention span anymore. I've recently sold off my turbografx-16 console and the Master System is next.

Emulation for early-gen whereas retail releases PS2 and up for me.

[BoneSnapDeez]

Even though I still buy the physical games, I have been dabbling with SSF and PCSX2. I use software to create ISO files and then play the games right from my hard drive.

It's especially good for imports as I don't have to mod a console or use Swap Magic, Action Replay, etc... Been playing Ys III and Tales of Rebirth.

Does PCSX2 run PS1 games like an actual PS2 would?

[dunpeal2064]

Is there a specific reason you want to simulate ps1 emulation via the ps2? I'm not sure hwo PCSX2 would work, but ePSXe is a very nice ps1 emulator. Lots o plug-ins to play around with if thats your sorta thing.

And, I do want to point out that you don't need to mod a ps2 to have FMCB on it, you just have to get the files on the memory card. If you remove the card, the system boots up as normal, booting it with the card in gives you access to the FMCB stuff. This lets you play burns, imports (well, burned imports), resolution switching, emulators, all that good stuff.

Just mentioning this for those who might be against hardware modding, but might not have a strong enough PC to run PCSX2.

FMCB is pretty much my favorite thing right now. Can't wait to play the director's cut of Shadow Hearts II!

[BoneSnapDeez]

Is there a specific reason you want to simulate ps1 emulation via the ps2? I'm not sure hwo PCSX2 would work, but ePSXe is a very nice ps1 emulator. Lots o plug-ins to play around with if thats your sorta thing.

I'm just lazy. My computer with ePSXe shit the bed some months ago and I wanted to know if I need to re-download it. I'll get to it eventually.

[CavZee]

Does PCSX2 run PS1 games like an actual PS2 would?

No you'll have to use a PS1 emulator. I've always stuck with ePSXe for them.

[samsonlonghair]

I have a folder on my hard drive full of emulators and ROMs. I also soft modded my wii so that I can play emulators any time I like. You know what? I never use them! I always turn to my reliable old hardware. I pop in the cartridge, and I play.

I can see the advantages of emulators, but I always prefer real hardware. Maybe I would feel differently about arcade emulation via MAME as I don't have the space or money for arcade cabinets. For everything else, I find emulation kind of boring.

[dunpeal2064]

For everything else, I find emulation kind of boring.

Just to preface this, I don't mean to knock your opinion at all:

The idea that emulation is less exciting is strange to me. Do you actually feel bored playing the games? Or do you enjoy your games more when they are part of your collection?

I guess, being forced to use Mame, I look at emulators and hardware on the same level. Both have advantages and disadvantages, and I totally get preferring hardware. If I could afford it, I would use hardware at least half the time. But, I never understood the idea that the actual game itself is lesser when its emulated (properly).

I guess my question would be: Do you feel the game itself is boring when played via an emulator (perhaps you are really keen to pick up on emulator inaccuracies that most don't notice), or is it tied to the joy of hunting down a physical copy of the game?

[foxhound1022]

@dunpeal - How hard is it to make a Wii an emulation box? Also, how does TG and TGCD stuff run on it as well? Is it like the TG games available on VC?

Just wondering. I've been running it around my head for a little while. Plus, you guys know I'm not very adept at emulation stuff.