Questions About Zodiac And Gp32

[Zurc_Leafar]

I've been searching for info about Zodiac and I didn't found an answer for what I'd would like to know. What I really would like to know is which console runs SNES roms better, Zodiac or GP32? Btw, which one has the best hardware? And in general, which is better to emulate?

Sorry if this topic already exists, I searched for it but didn't find anything with my doubt, I think nothing missed me.

 

[Squidge]

The Zodiac will do a better SNES emulation simply due to the fact that it has a faster processor and much more advanced video and sound hardware (Seperate ATI video chip with 8mb on-board, and Yamaha sound chip).

However, there is no public SNES emulator yet - it's still a developer only release. Lookup LJZ on Zodiacgamer for more info.

 

[Zurc_Leafar]

I read somewhere that the D-pad of Zodiac wasn't really that good, it was needed to be pressed hard to work, something like that. Well, that kinda sucks. Now that I "met" with this Zodiac, I have no idea of which should I buy, Zodiac or GP32 (I'm not worried about the price, btw). I'm really interested on play SNES roms like Final Fantasy 6, Tales of Phantasia, Chrono Trigger or Zelda, but it looks like some don't work or works bad/not 100%, and if Zodiac plays these games well I think I have no choice. h34r: Besides, I'd LOVE to play GBA game in a portable, that's just great.

 

[mattmagoo]

If u dont care about price I'd say Zodiac is better becaause many Zodiac devrs charge for their stuff ($30 for Doom!!) whereas the guys on GP32 are a lot nicer and give u stuff for free

 

[Tobriand]

If you really don't care about the price, there's always the "get both" route lol...

 

[Zurc_Leafar]

However, there is no public SNES emulator yet - it's still a developer only release. Lookup LJZ on Zodiacgamer for more info.

So, that means I would have to make my own emulator? :blink: I've heard about some emulators that we had to pay for play... Err, I guess I'm understanding now.

 

[craigix]

Its down the price really, the emus are quite similar in speed but the Z has the nice smoothing gfx chip. GP32 will save you some $ there are various advantages and disadvantages.

I'm going to do a round up of the Zodiac and GP32 scene on my page soon when we get the zodiacs in stock.

-Craig

www.gbax.com

 

[Squidge]

However, there is no public SNES emulator yet - it's still a developer only release. Lookup LJZ on Zodiacgamer for more info.

So, that means I would have to make my own emulator? :blink: I've heard about some emulators that we had to pay for play... Err, I guess I'm understanding now.

No, it means you have to wait a small while until it's become public. It's meant to be real soon now. It's going to be free to download and use, and incorporates a NES, SNES, PocketNeoGeo, Genesis and probably others by now. Source code will be available anyone who wishes to have it.

 

[Zurc_Leafar]

The biggest priority for me is the SNES roms. It was said that the speed was similiar, between Zodiac and GP32. I thought there were a big difference, and since the emu for SNES wasn't released yet (I think), hope it really has a big difference. I'll have to wait.

 

[Kolkman]

If there is a SNES emulator for Zodiac, i bet it is faster then the GP32 simply because it got better specs.

 

[Squidge]

There's a big difference at the moment as the Zodiac version is the gp32 version with an ASM core and several other changes. There will be a time when it gets ported back to the gp32, but Yoyo has already stated it'll be a more cut-down version due to the ram limitations on the gp32. I think the "cutdowns" generally means things like transparency support and the like.

Depends really how much money you are willing to spend on Snes emulation - I mean, Snes9x is not that bad now for most games. But for more money, you get better emulation.

 

[carlgeorge]

I'm going to do a round up of the Zodiac and GP32 scene on my page soon when we get the zodiacs in stock.

Roughly how much will they cost when you get them?

 

[finty]

Source code will be available anyone who wishes to have it.

hes allowed to release the source code? i thought if Tapwave signed it the sorce was not allowed to be released.

 

[Squidge]

Tapwave are bringing out a new license which means you can distribute your source code if your program is GPL. At the moment, your source code is only permitted to be distributed amongst other developers.

 

[Zurc_Leafar]

By the way, Zodiac will be released in Europe? Hope so. :rolleyes:

 

[Josquius]

The GP32 joystick thing sucks (only bad thing about the console) so go with the zodiac if you can afford it and can get hold of one.

 

[Memnoch]

The GP32 joystick thing sucks

Agreed. Something they should have addressed for the European launch really. The controls are the most important part of a system in many respects.

 

[carlgeorge]

The GP32 joystick thing sucks

Disagree, once I got my diagonals working I think it is very nice to use.
Saying that I hate the ones on GBAs whereas other people like them.
Personal opinion really.

 

[Josquius]

My diagonals work too well, there is too thin a line between pressing right and up-right. It makes many games much more difficult (on pirates during battles your sails go up and down all the time)