What Hardware?

SgtJimmyRustles

I'm looking to build a console mainly to emulate hardware up to the Sega Megadrive, mainly to replay the games that were part of my teenage and early 20's. What I would like to know would a Pi zero have enough horsepower for this or would I need to go for the 3B+?

I think the Pi Zero can handle up to that, but preferably, if you can put a bit more money into it, get a 3b+. Hell, there's a nice case from retroflag that's in the shape of a Genesis itself.

lostless

@Derbyste If sega Megadrive/genesis is your top end. Pi zero will work Ok. Its iffy on snes and up with more bugs and slowdowns. Arcade, neo geo can run, but not on the best emulators. Your typically going to be using lower quality emulators with more bugs on a pi zero though. I recommend a Pi3 or 4 if you ever want to expand your horizons on games that play beyond the limitations of the pi zero.

SgtJimmyRustles

@lostless said in What Hardware?:

genesis is your top end. Pi zero will work Ok. Its iffy on snes and up with more bugs and slowdowns. Arcade, neo geo can run, but not on the best emulators. Your typically going to be using lower quality emulators with more bugs on a pi zero though. I recommend a Pi3 or 4 if you ever want to expand your horizons on games that play beyond the limitations of the pi zero.

You also have to consider Sega CD and 32X, both of which were addons for the Sega Genesis.

lostless

@SgtJimmyRustles sega cd works fine on a PI zero via picodrive. I have Personal experience on a pi zero. That's why I say SNES and up is iffy.

SgtJimmyRustles

@lostless Yeah, but not 32X. That needs more oomph. Though to be fair, there aren't a whole lot of good games for the 32X.

simpleethat

The Pi Zero can handle it but you really should go for at least the 3B+. You'll have much better performance overall and the more accurate emulator. SegaCD runs alright on the Zero, I haven't run 32x on it though. And as @SgtJimmyRustles said there is a Retroflag case that will be perfect for your build--they even make really good six-button style controllers if you don't mind wired.

Derbyste

Thanks for all the replies, it looks lie for what I'm targeting a Zero would do as I'm really mostly interested in the plain Mega Drive / Genesis basically because that's what I had back in the day never had the CD or 32x so for the time being they can go on the back burner. This for me is good news as I will have an easier time getting the budget for a zero and attendant bits required past the accountant oops I meant wife, the extra £25 or £30 for a 3 B+ would make it a lot more awkward. Then a little down the line I would be able to sneak in a 3 or 4 as an 'upgrade' and recycle the zero for something else :)

Darksavior

@Derbyste I do not recommend a zero. It's a weak device and it can't run the better mega drive emulator. You'll also have to get dongles. By the time you're done, you'll be spending almost as much as a 3A+. Invest in a pi4 and call it a day. It costs the same as a 3B+.

lostless

@Derbyste have fun. I would still recommend a pin3b+ or 4. You know, just in case you want to try other games. Why limit yourself unless You really only want to play Mega drive/genesis games? (NES runs fine as well) Or you really like how tiny It is. Or want to run it off a battery pack.

ReadyPlayaWon

@Derbyste said in What Hardware?:

I will have an easier time getting the budget for a zero and attendant bits required past the accountant oops I meant wife, the extra £25 or £30 for a 3 B+ would make it a lot more awkward.

is she paying for it ?

if it's your money just buy a Pi3 or Pi4 and be done with it

if she complains about £25 or £30, ask her how much her shoes or dresses cost ... or anything else that makes her happy (and who paid for them)

SgtJimmyRustles

@Derbyste Happy to help. But I mean, if you're interested in MegaDrive, you can get the MegaPi case for the RPI 3b which is VERY nice in my opinion (I personally own one).