Is RPi3 able to handle these?

sad_muso

Hi,

I'm currently running Retropie on a spare PC, but want to move to something physically smaller for the lounge. Can anybody please confirm that the following systems actually run well on the RPi3 (by which I mean 60fps, no screen tear, perfect audio - I'm very fussy!)

Genesis
SNES
Game Boy Advance

I presume the below will work since they are older systems:

Master System/Game Gear
Game Boy
NES

I know I could check the compatibility list, but I would prefer anecdotal evidence that these systems all work properly before investing. If not, then is there a RPi3 alternative that would run these?

Cheers

obsidianspider

A Pi 3 should be able to handle all of those. I'm running them without issue on a Pi 2. "Perfect" is something that I can't vouch for, but I also realize it's a $35 computer, so I'm not expecting the world from it.

sad_muso

@obsidianspider that sounds reassuring, nice one

obsidianspider

@sad_muso Things like N64 are going to have major issues (but it's getting better), as well as some of the more complex 3D PSX games, but the systems you listed should be fine. Some SuperFX games like Yoshi's Island will have some slowdown, but everything's very playable.

mediamogul

@sad_muso

~~All of those run to your standards on the Pi3.~~

Edit: Site caching problem. I thought this had yet to be answered.

sad_muso

Thanks all. I just tried Yoshi's Island on a Model B Pi1 and it was just about playable on that which surprised me. Better invest in an Pi3! :)

Lyle_JP

Snes-next plays Yoshi's Island perfectly on a pi3. My nephew beat the game during our vacation, and I don't remember frame stutter on any levels. The only SuperFX game that lags noticeably on snes-next is Doom, and that runs smoother on pocket-snes (which takes a little more configuration).

qix77

You'd be surprised how little power it takes to emulate 8-bit and 16-bit systems (by that I mean post 1994 computer tech). It really comes down to how well an emulator is written.

BuZz

@qix77 http://arstechnica.com/gaming/2011/08/accuracy-takes-power-one-mans-3ghz-quest-to-build-a-perfect-snes-emulator/

Some machines are very complicated to emulate accurately - eg The Amiga. Lots of custom chips, and tricky timing

qix77

@BuZz Oh. That is very true (I'm bit into Amiga emulation and have been following UAE for many many years now). It goes back to what I was mentioning. If the software is written well enough. However Emulation will never be perfect, but it's pretty damn good.

My nephew came over today. He's nine years old. I hooked up my Pi 2 to the TV and he's been addicted to it ever since. He asked if he could take it home. lol.. Well, I know what to get him for Christmas. lol

allenpie

I have a pi3 the only systems that don't run the best are n64 games to be honest just not that smooth and audio issues
PSX 1 games run pretty damn well, and SNES 100+ titles all work great
Sega and Sega Master work like a CHARM

I'm very happy with the amount of games it's runs them smooth

Shakz

Man...those systems are lightweight. They run perfect on my Pi1 b+ and my Pi Zero....
You need a Pi 2/3 for the cd based systems but all cartridge based systems run great on Pi1/Pi Zero...save the N64...which does not work well on any pi....but its getting better.

drake999

The emulators you mention all run extremely well on the Raspberry Pi 3. They run extremely well on the Raspberry Pi 1 for that matter.

drake999

To expand further on my above statement, I've found you really only start to see the hardware's limitations on either more advanced systems such as Dreamcast or N64, or if an emulator is still experimental and not properly optimized for the Pi architecture yet such as Sega Saturn or 3DO emulation. I find the lack of 3DO emulation particularly perplexing since it is about equal in complexity to the Playstation and also less powerful (Playstation emulation also works well on the Pi2 and Pi3 by the way). I'm just chalking it up to a lack of popularity and public awareness so it has not been a priority for devs.