[General Topics] Menneisyys:
1.3 MorphGear 2.4.0.9

I’ve elaborated on MorphGear, the multi-module emulator in many of my articles. Its Game Gear (and Master System) emulation capabilities are pretty good (as opposed to, say, its pretty low-quality Sega Genesis and GBA emulation).

It has the traditional (dis)advantages of MorphGear: on-screen controls when needed (usable in QVGA but too small in VGA), the ability to redefine buttons, full screen capabilities etc.

Compatibility-wise, I haven’t encountered any problems with the games listed in section 1.1 (that of SmartGear). It’s also compatible with Dragon Crystal (JUE) as can be seen in HERE. The only minor problem I encountered was Sonic Labyrinth (JUE) – there, the animation of the main sprite was somewhat stuttering, unlike in SmartGear.

Therefore, if you already have MorphGear or don’t mind paying for the Marat module (the one that also contains the MasterGear emulation), MorphGear is an excellent choice for emulating the SMS / GG platform.

1.4 SegaVirtualGameGear

This is a Compaq iPAQ 38xx series-only, very old and outdated emulator and can’t be installed on any non-h38xx-series device. I’ve tested it on the 3660 and on the 2210, without any success. That is, you will NOT want to pay any attention to it.

2. Atari Lynx

To emulate the platform, you’ll need PocketLynx (latest version: 1.0 Beta 1) by Domenico Dato. The original homepage doesn’t exist any more; therefore, you’ll need to download it from the Emupage.

(Note that in-game the upper taskbar isn’t visible, unlike on the above screenshot. I’ve let the system display it so that my readers can see I use my own screenshots.)

The screenshot of the main menu is HERE; the Sound menu only has an on/off switch.)

Note that this title is NOT compatible with any VGA models. Even if you do copy the boot ROM (explained below) and install the GAPI patch (which may be needed with some pre-WM5 devices; on the WM2003SE Pocket Loox 720, I’ve even tested the GAPI hack by Picard), you won’t be able to start any games.

In order to run games, you’ll need the Boot ROM HERE. Just put it in the root (!) directory of your handheld – NOT the same directory where PocketLynx.exe resides. Otherwise, you won’t be able to start any game.

Note that, while you can’t redefine hardware buttons, the emulator uses them – that is, you don’t need to rely on the tiny on-screen buttons.

Additional info: ppc4all.com, FreewarePPC.com, THIS and THIS threads.

3. WonderSwan and WonderSwan Color

To emulate the platform, you’ll want to use PocketWS (current version: 0.02b) by SunBug. This emulator is from the author of the currently best GBA emulator, PocketGBA, and is way better than the two other emulators (oswanCE and Cygne. For example, the latter is way slower and weaker than PocketWS and, for example, exits upon pressing the Action button).

(a screenshot of a black-and white ROM (DigiMon (English-Asia Version) (J) [M]))

It has pretty good setting capabilities (Screenshots: System main menu; video; sound; button.)

Note that, should a game not start, tap the screen to pause it, go to System / Video and switch to 1 line/render (screenshot), press OK and resume the game with File / Resume. Now, it should display OK. Then, just switch back to the old 144 lines/render in the same dialog.