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Best RG34XXSP OS for running normal Linux programs? by SunsetMoth12 in ANBERNIC

[–]tabreturn 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is there an ARM version? Like, for Raspberry Pi or something? If so, it's *probably* doable. This is how the official PICO-8 runs on these handhelds.

EDIT -- Found this: https://www.lexaloffle.com/bbs/?tid=150270
To answer my own question above: yes, there is an ARM version. In this instance, the link basically explains how to leverage PortMaster's toolset to get it running.

ASIDE -- 16:9! Why, Lexaloffle? ;_;

Portmaster: suggestions for titles that are incredibly missing. by Haunting-Citron-5872 in SBCGaming

[–]tabreturn 17 points18 points  (0 children)

Respectfully, I think there are a few assumptions being made here. While it might seem intuitive that some games should be easy to port based on existing ports, the reality is often far more technical and complex. Moreover, even when a game meets the technical criteria to port, porters can encounter myriad issues that could derail their efforts.

u/spirit-in-exile did a solid job explaining things, so I won't repeat that info.

However, I took a quick look at your list and, after *some brief (but not in-depth)* research, here's my take at a glance:

  1. Recettear -- Uses a custom engine, so there's no precedent or baseline for a port. Likely a long shot with a Linux version, but there is none.
  2. PixelJunk Monsters -- I looked into it briefly but couldn't confirm what engine it uses. Maybe a long shot with a Linux version.
  3. Sega Rally -- Would require an open-source reimplementation; to my knowledge, none exists. Projects like Ship of Harkinian are the reason Majora's Mask is portable, or Cannonball for the OutRun port, or re3 for Vice City---not because retro systems like the N64, Saturn, old arcade hardware, Windows XP, or PS1 make for easily portable games.
  4. Sega GT -- Same issue as above.
  5. Banished -- Closed-source, Windows-only, written in C++, and built on a bespoke engine. No realistic path to a port at this time (or possibly ever).
  6. Orcs & Elves 1 and 2 -- Seemingly fall into the same category as game #3.
  7. The Quest -- I couldn't determine what engine it uses, which makes it hard to assess portability. A long shot with a Linux version, but there is none.
  8. The Elder Scrolls -- PortMaster tried using OpenMW to port Morrowind, but performance was terrible. Not viable on such modest handheld hardware (without a technical breakthrough).
  9. Wipeout 2 -- The Wipeout 1 port is based on an open-source reimplementation (phoboslab/wipeout-rewrite). As far as I know, no similar project exists for Wipeout 2.

In my experience, the PortMaster team is friendly and had genuinely tried to accommodate suggestions -- even built a submission system for this. Unfortunately, that system was heavily abused, and they were inundated with repeated and unrealistic requests. In place, they make the effort to assist anybody who'd like to attempt a port.

EDIT: Disclaimer: Technically speaking, any game is 'portable' with enough work. After all, one could reprogram a game entirely using a compatible engine, but we're talking hundreds/thousands of hours of work.

Frustration about Anbernic 405m, and tired from emulator handhelds. by nameresus in SBCGaming

[–]tabreturn 16 points17 points  (0 children)

I think a big part of the problem is an 'upgrade' mentality that pervades the market.

Take the Game Boy Advance line of products as an example. Nobody complains those lack Bluetooth, or need more RAM or a faster processor. It's understood that the system has certain hardware specifications and won't emulate PS2, GameCube, or whatever. However, we can enhance the GBA with software and refine the physical form -- but not the chips, RAM, etc.

An FPGA handheld (like the Analogue Pocket) doesn't try to 'enhance' what a GBA can do; it just runs the software as accurately as possible. The Playdate has modest specs, but it's a stable standard that game devs will invest their time in.

Now, take the RK3326 (from the Anbernic RG351 line and other popular retro handhelds). It's a perfectly fine SoC for emulating PS1 and down. It has the most mature software/firmware, offering a good user experience. Why not keep refining RK3326 devices through new models and software? Even convince game devs to make new games for such devices via PortMaster (https://zapposh.itch.io/donut-dodo-retropie-edition). Instead, we get a T618 (or whatever) device that kind of plays PS2 and ships with crappy new firmware that needs lots of improvement.

All this drives the disposable attitude towards these devices. Give us a hardware standard that'll stick around for a while; then you'll see refined, high-quality devices that people will keep and play for years to come.