OpenEmu 2.0 Multiple Video Game System Now Offers 16 Consoles In One
OpenEmu 2.0 has released a new update bringing in some of the finest emulation programs for 16 consoles, according to a new report from ArsTechnica.
This labor of love for Mac’s latest operating system, El Capitan OS X, offers a way for hardcore gamers to digitally store their video games for classic systems like the Atari 7800, ColecoVision, and Nintendo 64.
Of course, the caveat is that you actually have to own the game to do so, but with something like the OpenEmu 2.0, there is always some wisenheimer out there looking to use it for ill-gotten gain, which is not recommended.
ArsTechnica brought gamers the details on Christmas Eve, so if you had logged off from your news channels by that point, there is a good chance you missed it.
The site states that with the OpenEmu 2.0 update, the application “redesigns the user interface, adds real-time rewinding for gameplay, can organize screenshots and save states, adds more than 80 homebrew games, and makes other improvements.”
When you do get ready to download, Mac users, it only takes a few moments to get the zip file on your computer. Make sure that your user preferences are loosened to allow non-Apple applications by going into your Security settings on the System Preferences menu.
Once you’re in, configuration takes a few seconds, and then you can start adding titles from your personal library.
The Homebrew game selection is interesting. It’s not really clear to the untrained eye how many of these games had a mainstream run at one point and how many are created in the old style by savvy developers.
The update itself goes well beyond that with Atari Lynx, Famicom Disk System, Intellivision, Odyssey²/Videopac+ (O2EM), PC-FX, SG-1000, Sega CD, Sony PSP, Sony PlayStation, Vectrex, and WonderSwan compatibility.
For more details on how to use it, make sure you check out this reddit thread, which appears to be where Ars got most of its details.
The thread is updated often, and will help you with some of the installation problems you might be experiencing. There are also some related links that are worth checking out.
As for the retro gaming movement, it appears to be alive and well in console form with the anticipated release of the Coleco Chameleon. A prototype will debut in February, but it’s not yet clear when you will be able to purchase one or what games will be available for it.
The Inquisitr took a closer look at the Chameleon earlier this month.
https://youtu.be/-N_j91oeKuM
In the Coleco Chameleon, everything old would be new again. Developers would be encouraged to create games specifically for cartridges in the 8-, 16-, and 32-bit styles.
These would essentially be new, “old” games complete with colorful plastic clamshell casing, illustrated liner notes, and more.
Also, players would, theoretically, not need an Internet connection or software updates to play and enjoy their games. That’s at least if the Coleco Chameleon predecessor, the Retro VGS, is to be believed.
The company that took over the Coleco brand and relaunched it in 2005 is modeling their system off the Retro VGS, which attempted to come to market with a failed IndieGogo campaign that only raised $80,000 of a needed $2 million.
Coleco might have better luck thanks to the brand name recognition among gamers. They plan to try it out anyway with a crowdfunding effort, according to Retro Gamer, in addition to other funding sources.
What do you think about retro gaming, and will you be picking up this or the OpenEmu 2.0? Sound off in the comments section.
[Image via OpenEmu.org]
