Hi guys
Well since I'm amazed by the progress of smartphones (I have samsung galaxy s plus so far) I wanted to check out if I can fullfill a tiny dream and play my nostalgic c64 games on android, or snes/genesis games, like on a real thing.
The goal is this:
1) Run the game on the android emulator
2) Play the game with 2 people using TWO wireless gamepads
3) Display the game on HDTV
Now, just to make it clear, I will only try to get into it when I get Samsung Galaxy s4 which I will deffinetly get, but I'm now "probing" the topic. But anyways, it will be on galaxy s4.
I did find out something called "sixaxis" on android, which allows to connect the sixaxis controller to the android device, and I also found that modern devices allow to connect android output to the hdtv, using hdtv adapters (I know samsung galaxy s3 has an official samsung adapter, and that samsung galaxy s4 will have one as well shortly after premiere).
So in theory:
1) I'm running the emulator on samsung galaxy s4
2) I have to buy 2 sixaxis controlers and connect them using the sixaxis application
3) Connect the samsung galaxy s4 with a hdtv by a hdtv adapter
It should work in theory, and I saw youtube clips, and searched the topic a little, and I found people succesfully did use either of those, but not all 3 combined (maybe I didn't come accross a case like that).
So I wanted to ask any of you, most likely owners of galaxy s3, as that one I know have hdtv adapters, if any of you managed to combine what I presented above, to make a "console" out of our android device.
I have to tell you, the idea of gaming old classic games, lets say when I am on vacation with friends, using only my telephone and 2 gamepads that I would take with me, is simply mindblowing, and I can't wait to test it.
Any feedback would be highly appriciated
This sounds interesting! Being able to play all the old snes, megadrive and maybe even psone games on the big screen again would make me very happy :good:
Related
Your Android phone isn't just for widgets, talking, Google Now and photos. It can also be one of the world's best gaming platforms, if you're willing to spend a little time on it.
Once the domain of tinkerers and super-nerds, Android devices have exploded in popularity over the last couple of years, spurred on by the emergence of superphones like the Samsung Galaxy S 4, HTC One and Google's own Nexus 4.
Despite this increase, there remains the perception that - at least in terms of gaming - Android phones are somehow a step behind the iPhone. That things like piracy, a lack of apps and convoluted system specs are hindering the development of games on the platform.
I'm here to tell you this is bull****. Chances are that if you own an Android phone, and picked it up within the last 18 months, you've got in your pocket a silent killer in terms of portable gaming.
Below you'll find four steps you can follow to turn that humble little smartphone into something a little more gamey.
1. USE GOOGLE PLAY
Well, duh. But if you're a new user, or someone contemplating making the switch, this is important.
Android users have a bad reputation for pirating software, including games, and in many ways that's a fair assumption. Pirating games for the platform is way too easy.
Don't be that guy.
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Click to collapse
You'll even find some hot exclusives. Kairosoft's entire catalogue of addictive-as-hell management games is on the Play Store, for example, while only a handful have ever made it to the App Store.
Seriously, there are enough quality games on there already that we could end the guide right here and you'd be set. Luckily, we're not ending the guide here.
Those remaining developers who either delay bringing their games to Android, or don't do it at all, usually cite piracy as one of the big concerns. The more people actually pay for apps and games on Android, the more of these developers will be encouraged to bring their wares to the platform. So do it.
2. GO RETRO
Let's say you want to play something more substantial than most mobile titles can offer. Or a classic game from your childhood that, for better or worse, isn't available on the Play Store. The great thing about Android phones is that you can still play these games, and it's a lot easier - and more legal - than you might think.
Two of the most popular means of running old PC games on modern systems - DOSBox (for old DOS games) and ScummVM (for old adventure games) - both have versions available for Android devices.
Before we go any further, then, you're going to need install these three applications:
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ScummVM for Android
DOSBox Turbo for Android
DOSBox Manager
.
What DOSBox Manager does is let you create a quicklaunch screen for the games, so instead of having to enter command prompts every time you want to play a game (which is normally how DOSBox works), you just tap some box art, same as a regular app/game.
If you need help using DOSBox Turbo and/or getting your games running, the best place to start is the app's site, which has helpful (and easy to understand) walkthroughs and guides.
ScummVM is an easier proposition, but if you have trouble setting it up, the official guide gives you a great walkthrough on getting set up.
A word of caution, though: be careful which games you bring over. Your phone has limited inputs, most likely just a touchscreen, so trying to play a fast-paced RTS or shooter might not be the best idea. Slower, mouse-driven genres like adventure and turn-based strategy are a good place to start.
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Unless, that is, you want to...
3. GET A CONTROLLER (OR USE A MOUSE)
It sounds crazy, I know. Buying an external controller for your phone defeats the entire point of playing games on a portable device. But the fact of the matter is, as phones become more powerful, phone games become more powerful, and it's a tragedy that people try to play something like Real Racing using touchscreen or tilt controls. Stick a pad on there and some of these newer games will feel like a console game, instead of just looking like one.
There's also the benefit it brings to the retro games you'll be playing. Use a gamepad and suddenly all those amazing old shooters are playable. Connect a bluetooth mouse to your phone and anything you can't play with a pad, you can probably play with it.
Doing this is pretty simple; provided they don't need drivers, Android natively supports bluetooth peripherals, including keyboards, mice and control pads. It'll even display a mouse cursor if it detects one. Just find your phone's bluetooth settings and pair it up.
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To save you buying a gamepad, there's an app that lets you connect a PS3 pad to an Android device (though note: your phone needs to be rooted for this to work). Alternatively, you can sync a Wii Remote, since it also connects via Bluetooth (and can be configured with this app).
Again, this might sound crazy since you can do this a lot more easily on a regular computer, but consider this: old PC games weren't designed to run on giant 23" desktop monitors. You either stretch their visuals until they look like garbage, or run them in a window.
Phone screens, though, are at the cutting edge. Relatively tiny yet packing amazing colours and now sometimes even 1080p resolution, they breathe new life into your old games. Trust me, fire up something like Colonization or X-Com on a contemporary phone and it'll look better than ever.
4. GET A BIGGER BATTERY (OR BATTERY PACK)
The one major downside to the crop of modern Android smartphones is that, almost to the last, they've got terrible battery life. Most can barely last a single day, even with infrequent use. If you're planning on playing a game at home, that's not a problem, but let's be honest, how often will you be playing a phone game at home?
Running 3D graphics - or even just leaving a big bright screen on for long stretches - will kill your battery. So if you're serious about gaming on your Android phone, you should think about getting a bigger battery (if your phone supports removable batteries) or an external battery case/charging pack (if it doesn't).
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5. SIGN UP TO ONLIVE
It's easy to forget about the company these days after all the problems it went through last year, but streaming service OnLive is still around, and it works on Android devices. Your mileage may vary depending on your device - it's more suited to tablets than phones - but if you've got a gamepad solution for your phone, and your connection is fast enough to pull it off, you can play all kinds of games that would normally never be available on the platform..
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SOURCE
*Lifehacker
Great guide. Bought a NES controller and female USB to microUSB a few weeks ago. Waiting for them to be shipped! Will tell you how it works when I have them in use.
i have my OTG cable but sad to say i don't have ps3 or wii.. hehehehe..
thanks for a great info!
Sent from my GT-I9505 using xda app-developers app
I've got a moga pocket controller its great and more and more games are getting supported. My GS4 clips right into the phone holder and im off.
Specially the onlive thing, gotta love it.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 4 Beta
Awesome guide! I can vouch for DosBox Turbo. I have about 50+ games installed and regularly play Warcraft II networked multi-player with my buddies on their Android devices.
anyone actually get scummvm to work? i couldn't get it to recognise any games no matter what i tried.
Gloris said:
anyone actually get scummvm to work? i couldn't get it to recognise any games no matter what i tried.
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Working perfectly for me.
Sent from my GT-I9505 using Tapatalk 2
What folder structure and file type did you use? I tried zip files I tried unzipping them. Tried putting them in various folders but I can't get it to recognise any games.
We are doing just that with our new product Ingeo.
We want to turn any Android phone into a TV game console.
It is an HDMI dock and a wireless controller.
Check it out here
Any difference using it?
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gampad
I 've a Razer Onza
But when i connect to my s4 it does not work
Can you show me how to connect that controller to my S4
Thanks so much
duythanh90 said:
I 've a Razer Onza
But when i connect to my s4 it does not work
Can you show me how to connect that controller to my S4
Thanks so much
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Using OTG cable. It's that simple
"Thanks button is just to avoid "THANKS" posts in threads. Nothing more than that. Don't ask in signature or post for it and defeat the purpose why it was introduced"
just received my nyko play pad and very sad to report how poorly it functions.
neither trigger works it's as if they are not even present in any app or game. the left analogue slider constantly drifts upwards even when you aren't touching the controller at al. and the start/select buttons can not actually be mapped in any game because all they do is mimic the menu and back buttons at the bottom of the s4.
anyone who was thinking of getting this for gaming on their s4 i'd say to avoid it. after trying a couple of different controllers now i'm thinking i may have to just admit that all these bluetooth controllers are a waste of time and i'm better off just sticking to my wired ps3 dual shock pad. shame that this can not be wirelessly paired without rooting, as i need a stock/untouched device in order to run sky go app (very much needed).
another one to definitely avoid is anyone on ebay selling wii u controllers as "android os" compatible. I found out the hard way that they are just referring to it's compatibility with some android based apps on the wii, and will not pair with android devices at all.
just a heads up
Just root already
much rather have sky go than root. trust me when you have a 10 hour shift on a sunday with absolutely no custom, you need something to watch
I’ll second the notion to root. I love using my PS3 controller to play Mario 64 on my S4 wirelessly. As far as SkyGo goes, you actually have a couple of options man. I’d try Hide My Root, which looks like a few Galaxy owners verify work to use SkyGo in the review section. Didn’t see an S4 one though. It’s worth a shot. Or I even heard of a working Sky Go repository for XBMC if you’re familiar with that at all. XBMC is kind of a chore to get video playing but some people swear it’s the future.
i tried a whole host of root hiding apps on my xperia s when i had it, and not only did they not work but they required me to totaly restore the entire stock rom before i could get sky go running again.
Okay I have been looking at getting a controller for my phone. Mostly to play emulators and such games. I would kinda like to get something that would be open to future Galaxy Phones, and perhaps work with my UAG case.
Okay, I found some really good controllers. One of the ones I found is PhoneJoy, it looks really good. It looks like it can fit the Note 3 as well as the HTC One. There forums aren't really too helpful. I am wondering if anyone knows anything about the company or perhaps which size should I go for to fit my phone. I am leaning towards the Note 3.
http://phonejoy.com/products/
What do you guys think? Anyone own any controllers for their phone?
I have the steelseries free. It's an awesome controller and comfortable enough to keep in your pocket on the go!
http://steelseries.com/products/other/steelseries-free-mobile-wireless-controller
Works with everything too
A PS3 controller with the Sixaxis app is the best that I've ever used
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I like the F310, it's really cheap ~$15 when on sale.
But it takes up your usb port and requires OTG so it's not the most elegant at all.
I have a moga pocket, connects easily via BT. Tiny and clips to my galaxy s4 like a charm. Works with all the emulators I've tried via an unofficial driver app. Even come with a carry pouch. The only drawback is although it has 2 sticks, it has no actual dpad (Though the pro version does). http://store.mogaanywhere.com/Products/CPFA000253-01
Hi,
I have a pretty beat up S4, the glass is broken, the compass is way off (and calibration doesn´t help) and the proximity sensor is completely random (and yes i did try compressed air to clean it).
I don´t think ill get much from selling it, so i was wondering what fun stuff i could use it for. I just bought a Raspberry Pi 2 that i am using with RasPlex, and it occurred to me that maybe some Linux variant would run on the S4 (and i am not thinking of Ubuntu Touch, but rather wondering if it could be used as a server or another plex client). After all, its a lot faster than the Raspberry Pi 2, which seems to be doing fine. Perhaps i can install Windows 10 ARM?
Anyway, if anyone has any funny ideas, let me know.
Hello,
if you have a HDTV with HDMI input, you could use it as a media center/player/streamer or for games. Apps like: Popcorn time, Twitch, Youtube and ofc games.
For better convenience you could buy something like this 5in1 adapter which is really cheap, you would have the hdmi out you need and a USB slot for a keyboard or a mouse, or plug a USB hub for additional USB slots.
It would make an original paperweight
Sent from my iPhone 5S using Tapatalk
Media player and gaming console (if the screen is not too busted to hinder view) for when your traveling.
I have a Raspberry Pi for media client and a plex server, so i don´t really need another home media player. As to traveling, i will probably just use my LG G4 that i just bought today
I am considering buying some kind of drool-proof cover, run "Kids Place" on it, and simply let my 9 month old boy have his way with it. Does anyone know of any suitable covers?
You can also turn it into a dash cam using software such as CamOnRoad (Free), AutoGuard – Free, AutoGuard Pro – $2.79
or CaroO – Free , CaroO Pro – $4.50. My Galaxy S1 has certainly been re-purposed for this along with running TomTom for
my satnav use
While riding bart (public transportation), I was thinking of getting a handheld gaming system to keep my entertained on my hour long ride. However, I figured why not use the phone? It's a octa-car and can play most (if not all) 3D action games and such. So I did some research and I have two choices:
1. Put together a gaming kit with a PS3 Dualshock 3 controller, OTG Cable & USB, a phone clip
2. Get the Moga Pro Power gamepad.
The only major concern I have with the Moga, is the fact that it's primarily only a bluetooth controller. I'm not sure if I'm the only one here, but the bluetooth sucks on this phone. I love the V10, but bluetooth functionality is so unreliable. I get choppy music playback on all my stereo kits, and I know it works with Samsung and Apple devices - so it's the phone.
Rant aside, I was thinking of going with option 1, because I have the ability to use both bluetooth or wired connection for the controller to work with the phone. Though I like the all-in-one Moga controller, everything is already put together with some software to help it along the way. I am rooted, so I'm not scared to do my own research to make stuff work with my phone in terms of setting up the initial connection, but I just want to pick an item that will stick and offer a lag free experience.
I was thinking of just buying everything and return what doesn't work, but I don't like doing that.
Thanks
I have a Moga (the basic and cheaper one) and it just work with few games and the app for my controll is the same for the expensive one, beside that, my controll works great with EMULATORS like Mame, SNES, etc... If I was you I would probably prefer the ps controll with otg...
Desde V10 (LG-H901)
I have pro power and had it linked I never had any real issue with it. It worked great! I have it to the wife so she can use it now I am using steel series great controller but no clip a very big downfall so I don't play much games on my phone anymore
ilostchild said:
I have pro power and had it linked I never had any real issue with it. It worked great! I have it to the wife so she can use it now I am using steel series great controller but no clip a very big downfall so I don't play much games on my phone anymore
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Thanks for the suggestions, I went with the Moga Power A, because I like the feel of the XBox like form controller. So far the performance is excellent! I actually do not have any issues with it, and I've been playing native and emulator games with no struggles.
Thanks again for your responses.