Emulation General Wiki - User contributions [en]

Sega Saturn emulators

2023-11-19T01:08:28Z

SMB99thx: /* Emulators */ SSF Android is no longer in active development

{{Infobox console
|title = Sega Saturn
|logo = Sega-Saturn-Console-Set-Mk2.png
|developer = [[:Sega]]
|type = [[:Category:Home consoles|Home video game console]]
|generation = [[:Category:Fifth-generation video game consoles|Fifth generation]]
|release = 1994
|discontinued = 2000
|predecessor = [[Sega Genesis emulators|Genesis / Mega Drive]]
|successor = [[Sega Dreamcast emulators|Dreamcast]]
|emulated = {{✓}}
}}

The '''[[wikipedia:Sega_Saturn|Sega Saturn]]''' is a 32-bit, fifth-generation console released by [[wikipedia:Sega|Sega]] in Japan on November 22, 1994 and in the US on May 11, 1995. It was retailed for {{Inflation|USD|399.99|1994}}. It had 2 Hitachi SH-2 CPUs at 28.6 MHz and it had the VDP1 GPU & VDP2 GPU. The arcade board, '''[https://segaretro.org/Sega_Titan_Video ST-V (Sega Titan Video)]''', uses the same hardware except for sound, VRAM, and game storage (where it is stored on ROM cartridges instead of CD-ROM discs).

The Sega Saturn has historically been one of the harder consoles to emulate due to its infamously difficult architecture consisting of 8 processors overall and use of quadrilaterals rather than triangles as polygons, resulting in a lack of good options. However, things are looking up for open-source emulators like Mednafen, and to a lesser extent, Yabause.

==Emulators==
<div style="max-width:100%; overflow:auto;">
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest Version
! scope="col"|<abbr title="Sega Titan Video">ST-V</abbr>
! scope="col"|[https://retroachievements.org/gameList.php?c=39 Retro Achievements]
! scope="col"|<abbr title="Resizable Internal Resolution">RIR</abbr>
! scope="col"|[[Netplay#Saturn|<abbr title="Should not be confused with net link emulation">Netplay</abbr>]]
! scope="col"|<abbr title="Free/Libre and Open-Source Software">FLOSS</abbr>
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
! colspan="10"|PC / x86
|-
|[[Mednafen]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/beetle_saturn/ mednafen_saturn_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|[{{MednafenURL|releases}} {{MednafenVer}}] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]
|{{~}}<ref group=N name=MednafenST-V>Version 1.31.0 added experimental support for ST-V games that don't require decryption chips or special hardware. Refer to the [https://mednafen.github.io/documentation/ss.html#Section_stv ST-V section of the official documentation] for more details and a list of explicitly supported games.</ref> ||{{~}}<ref group=N name=libretroRA>Exclusive to libretro core.</ref> ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://fcare.github.io/ Kronos]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [{{KronosDownloadLink}} {{KronosVer}}]
|{{~}} ||{{~}}<ref group=N name=libretroRA></ref> ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[BizHawk]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://gitlab.com/TASVideos/BizHawk/-/pipelines Dev Builds] [http://tasvideos.org/BizHawk/ReleaseHistory.html {{BizHawkVer}}]
|{{~}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}||{{✗}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[Yaba Sanshiro|Yaba Sanshiro 2]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/yabasanshiro/ yabasanshiro_libretro] &Dagger;
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://www.uoyabause.org/static_pages/download 1.9.3] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]<ref group=N name=YabaSanshiroRA>[https://docs.libretro.com/library/yabasanshiro/ Yaba Sanshiro libretro core (yabasanshiro_libretro) is outdated, known for having many issues, and unmaintained]. Use [https://www.uoyabause.org/static_pages/download standalone version] OR "yabause_libretro" or "mednafen_saturn_libretro" cores for RetroArch Saturn emulation.</ref>
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[SSF]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[{{SSFDownloadLink}} {{SSFVer}}]
|{{~}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}<ref group=N name=SSF>[https://github.com/shimazzz/SEGASaturnEmulator-SSF/issues/15#issuecomment-1038281021 Due to recent virus detections in the latest versions], it is risky for some computers to use. This emulator remains somewhat recommended especially for older hardware, though it may be avoided for these reasons.</ref>
|-
|[[Yabause]] [https://docs.libretro.com/library/yabause/ yabause_libretro]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD|Web}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core] [http://yabause.org/download {{YabauseVer}}]
|{{✗}} ||{{~}}<ref group=N name=libretroRA></ref> ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}<ref group=N name=LibretroActive>Libretro core is still active.</ref> ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[MAME]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|[http://www.mamedev.org/release.html {{MAMEVer}}]
|{{~}}<ref group=N>[http://adb.arcadeitalia.net/lista_mame.php?game_sourcefile=stv.cpp&arcade_only=0&current_version=0 One of the best emulators for ST-V emulation but still "Imperfect"].</ref> ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[ares]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://nightly.link/ares-emulator/ares/workflows/build/master <abbr title="Latest development build version">git Artifacts</abbr>] [https://github.com/ares-emulator/ares/releases {{aresVer}}]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}||{{✗}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}} [https://www.patreon.com/posts/project-update-85538579 (WIP)]
|-
|[http://saturnin.consollection.com Saturnin]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[https://github.com/rtoumazet/saturnin git] [https://retrocdn.net/images/8/84/Saturnin_v0.40.7z 0.40]
|WIP ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}} (WIP)
|-
|[[Nova]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[https://www.patreon.com/file?h=31179979&i=4658332 0.6]
|{{~}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://web.archive.org/web/20121006154739/http://satourne.consollection.com Satourne]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[https://retrocdn.net/images/c/c4/Satourne_v2.0_beta_3.7z 2.0 beta 3]
|{{~}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[GiriGiri]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[https://retrocdn.net/images/a/a8/GGD_20010316.7z 0.6a]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
! colspan="10"|Mobile / ARM
|-
|[[Yabause]] yabause_libretro
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core][http://yabause.org/download {{YabauseVer}}]
|{{✗}} ||{{~}}<ref group=N name=libretroRA></ref> ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}<ref group=N name=LibretroActive></ref> ||{{✓}}
|-
||[[Yaba Sanshiro|Yaba Sanshiro 2]] yabasanshiro_libretro &Dagger;
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}
|[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.devmiyax.yabasanshioro2 {{YabaSanshiroVer}}] ([[Android emulators|Android]]) [http://www.uoyabause.org/static_pages/download 2.1.2.0] ([[Emulators on iOS|iOS]]) [https://github.com/devmiyax/yabause git] [https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]<ref group=N name=YabaSanshiroRA></ref>
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[SSF]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[{{SSFDownloadLink}} git]
|{{~}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}<ref group=N name=SSF></ref>
|-
! colspan="10"|Console
|-
||[[Yaba Sanshiro]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Switch}}
|[http://www.uoyabause.org/static_pages/download 2.2.0] [https://github.com/devmiyax/yabause git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[Yabause|Yabause Wii]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Wii}}
|[https://wiibrew.org/wiki/Yabause_Wii Unofficial r2926 beta 26]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|Yabause Community Edition
|align=left|{{Icon|Xbox}}
|[https://digiex.net/threads/yabause-community-edition-public-a1-0-download-sega-saturn-emulator-for-xbox.13685 0.1 Alpha]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[Yabause]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PS3}} {{Icon|DC}} {{Icon|PSP}}
|[https://store.brewology.com/ahomebrew.php?brewid=3 0.1] (PS3) [http://yabause.org/download 0.9.14] (DC) [https://archive.org/details/yabause-0.9.10-psp.7z 0.9.10] ([[Emulators on PSP|PSP]])
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|}
</div>
<references group=N />

===Comparisons===
;[[Mednafen]] ([https://forum.fobby.net/index.php?t=msg&th=1357 compatibility], [http://www.segasaturn.org/MednafenJAP.htm JAP compatibility], [http://www.segasaturn.org/MednafenPAL.htm PAL compatibility], [http://www.segasaturn.org/MednafenUSA.htm USA compatibility] , [https://mednafen.github.io/documentation/ss.html#Section_stv st-v compatibility])
:An open-source, [[multi-system emulators|multi-system emulator]] with an original Saturn core. It's currently the most accurate but runs from the command-line (obviously it'll have video output though) unless using an external frontend like Mednaffe or a [[libretro]] frontend like [[RetroArch]]. Its goal for accuracy means it only supports the BIOS of one console revision per region, and is also more demanding than any other Saturn emulator (other than [[MAME]])<ref name="Mednafen Saturn core documentation">{{MednafenURL|documentation/ss.html}}</ref>. By default, only x86-64 builds have Saturn support, but unofficial x86-32 builds and [[libretro]] frontends like [[RetroArch]] can surpass this limitation.

;[[SSF]] ([http://www.segasaturn.org/USA%20update.htm USA compatibility], [http://www.segasaturn.org/Japan.htm JPN compatibility], [http://www.segasaturn.org/PAL%20update.htm PAL compatibility])
:Used to be the emulator of choice for compatible Saturn emulation. However, it is closed-source and only for Windows and Android. Pretty good performance with low-end computers.
*City Connection uses SSF as part of Zebra Engine, the engine behind their ''[https://city-connection.co.jp/s-tribute/en/ Saturn Tribute]'' releases, currently for Switch, PS4, Xbox One and PC. Some games are altered with English translations (''Assault Suit Leynos 2'') or with censorship from CERO (''Idol Janshi Suchie-Pai'' series).

;[[Yabause]] ([https://docs.libretro.com/library/yabause/#compatibility compatibility])
:Used to be the first and only option for multi-platform Saturn emulation. It's far less developed than SSF and Mednafen and still has many compatibility issues. Development seems to have stopped, active forks are Libretro core, Kronos and Yaba Sanshiro 2.

:;Yaba Sanshiro 2 (formerly uoYabause) ([https://www.uoyabause.org/games compatibility])
::A Multi-platform fork by DevMiyax using OpenGL ES 3.X (Android), and Open GL 3.X (Windows). Unlike other forks, it uses the GPU to emulate the VDP1, VDP2, and has a modified SH2 Dynamic Recompiler.

:;Kronos ([https://tradu-france.com/wiki-emu-compatibility/index.php?title=Compatibility_list_of_Kronos compatibility])
::A fork of UoYabause 0.5.2 created by François (French dev. AKA 'FCare'.). Has his own written SH2 Interpreter, and now supports the ST-V arcade in version 1.30, and Higher (All ST-V games are launchable on Linux; most games are still problematic on Windows). 2115 games have been tested : 1884 are playable (89.08 %), 209 are not, 19 are almost playable.

;[[MAME]] ([http://adb.arcadeitalia.net/lista_mess.php?software_list_name=saturn&compatibility=NTSC-U compatibility], [http://adb.arcadeitalia.net/lista_mame.php?game_sourcefile=stv.cpp&arcade_only=0&current_version=0 st-v compatibility])
:Has a <code style="color:darkred;">saturn</code> driver with compatibility on par with Yabause. The driver is marked overall as not working but graphics and sound are OK. It has good compatibility with at least around 50 of the ~70 ST-V arcade games, though performance quality may vary<ref name="ST-V_A-Z">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tko_jBNci0k |title=Sega ST-V Arcade Games A to Z - M.A.M.E.|publisher=Youtube|accessdate=2018-05-23|date=2017-02-10}}</ref>. But versions [http://wiki.mamedev.org/index.php/MAME_0.158 0.158]<ref name="Mame_0-158">{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPS7aX4gLCU |title=Touryuu Densetsu Elan Doree - New Improvements on ST-V Hardware - MAME 0.158|publisher=Youtube|accessdate=2018-05-23|date=2015-02-03}}</ref>. (Jan 2015) to much later have made good advances in performance. Early known work on ST-V hardware emulation was done in various builds of 0.125, 0.133, 0.138, 0.142 & 0.143 (See [http://wiki.mamedev.org/index.php/Previous_MAME_Versions prior builds]) between 2008-2011. Even bug fixes and more graphical improvements were included in the years 2017-2018 (i.e. [http://www.mamedev.com/?p=449 0.191], [http://www.mamedev.com/?p=456 0.197] & [http://www.mamedev.com/?p=457 0.198]).
::- [http://mamedev.emulab.it/kale/fast/files/saturnjp/0.php Sega Saturn JP compatibility list] (Created by MAME dev Angelo 'Kale' Salese)

;[[Nova]]
:An up-and-coming emulator focused on being fast, compatible, and user-friendly. Like SSF, it is closed-source and Windows only. From [https://www.patreon.com/posts/nova-v0-2-1-18630607 v0.2.1] onwards, it can now emulate the Sega Titan Video (ST-V) arcade hardware (eg. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vhv4STRa-2c Guardian Force] on ST-V in v0.2.2.). Refer to [https://literalmente-game.github.io/compatibility_lists/nova.html compatibility list] (Not updated every version. Note that the 'Playable' category may only mean the games being in-game but with visual errors).

;[[BizHawk]]
:An open-source, multi-system emulator designed for tool-assisted speedruns. Its Saturn core is [https://github.com/TASEmulators/BizHawk/blob/master/src/BizHawk.Emulation.Cores/Consoles/Sega/Saturn/Saturnus.cs#L9 based on Mednafen].

'''Comparisons of several Saturn emulators:'''
* [https://emucross.com/a-deep-dive-into-saturn A Deep Dive into the Sega Saturn and Saturn Emulation] (By [[Dolphin]] tester, [https://dolphin-emu.org/blog/authors/JMC47 JMC47], AKA Justin M. Chadwick. 13 OCTOBER 2017. Tested emulators: Yabause & uoYabause, SSF (unofficial site), and Mednafen. Already outdated the next year by progress in the Kronos fork).

==Hardware Features and Accessories==
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center; vertical-align:middle;"
|- style="font-weight:bold;"
! Name
! Mednafen
! Kronos
! Yaba Sanshiro 2
! [https://github.com/rtoumazet/saturnin/issues?q=is%3Aissue+is%3Aopen+label%3Afeature Saturnin]
|-
|[[Sega_Saturn_emulators#NetLink|<abbr title="Sega Saturn Net Link is an attachment for the Sega Saturn game console to provide Saturn users with internet access and access to email through their console using XBAND.">Sega Net Link/XBⱯND modem</abbr>]]
| {{✗}}<ref group=N2>[https://mednafen.github.io/documentation/ss.html#Section_internal_databases_cart Reserved section for titles need future modem support].</ref>
| {{N}}
| {{✓}}[https://old.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/8eqo5v/yaba_sanshiro_sega_saturn_emulator_170_for/dxzdmhl/ *]
| {{N}}
|-
|[[#Video_CD_Card|Movie Card]]
| {{N}}[https://forum.fobby.net/index.php?t=msg&goto=6418& *]
| {{N}}
| {{N}}
| {{N}}
|-
|[https://segaretro.org/3D_Control_Pad 3D Control Pad]
| {{Y}}[https://mednafen.github.io/documentation/ss.html#Settings+Reference *]
| {{TBD}}
| {{TBD}}
| {{N}}[https://github.com/rtoumazet/saturnin/issues/236 *]
|-
|[https://segaretro.org/Shuttle_Mouse Shuttle Mouse]
| {{Y}}[https://mednafen.github.io/documentation/ss.html#Settings+Reference *]
| {{TBD}}
| {{TBD}}
| {{N}}[https://github.com/rtoumazet/saturnin/issues/236 *]
|-
|[https://segaretro.org/Saturn_Keyboard Saturn Keyboard]
| {{Y}}[https://mednafen.github.io/documentation/ss.html#Settings+Reference *]
| {{TBD}}
| {{TBD}}
| {{N}}[https://github.com/rtoumazet/saturnin/issues/236 *]
|-
|[https://segaretro.org/Arcade_Racer Arcade Racer]
| {{Y}}[https://mednafen.github.io/documentation/ss.html#Settings+Reference *]
| {{TBD}}
| {{TBD}}
| {{N}}[https://github.com/rtoumazet/saturnin/issues/236 *]
|-
|[https://segaretro.org/Mission_Stick Mission Stick]
| {{Y}}[https://mednafen.github.io/documentation/ss.html#Settings+Reference *]
| {{TBD}}
| {{TBD}}
| {{N}}[https://github.com/rtoumazet/saturnin/issues/236 *]
|-
|[https://discuss.panzerdragoonlegacy.com/t/the-way-to-play-panzer-dragoon-zwei/8701 Dual Mission Stick]
| {{Y}}[https://mednafen.github.io/documentation/ss.html#Settings+Reference *]
| {{TBD}}
| {{TBD}}
| {{N}}[https://github.com/rtoumazet/saturnin/issues/236 *]
|-
|[https://segaretro.org/Saturn_Twin-Stick Twin Stick]
| {{TBD}}[https://mednafen.github.io/documentation/ss.html#Settings+Reference *]
| {{TBD}}
| {{TBD}}
| {{N}}[https://github.com/rtoumazet/saturnin/issues/236 *]
|-
|[https://segaretro.org/Virtua_Gun Virtua Gun]
| {{Y}}[https://mednafen.github.io/documentation/ss.html#Settings+Reference *]
| {{TBD}}
| {{TBD}}
| {{N}}[https://github.com/rtoumazet/saturnin/issues/236 *]
|-
|[https://segaretro.org/Real_Arcade_Light_Gun Real Arcade Light Gun]
| {{TBD}}[https://mednafen.github.io/documentation/ss.html#Settings+Reference *]
| {{TBD}}
| {{TBD}}
| {{N}}[https://github.com/rtoumazet/saturnin/issues/236 *]
|-
|[https://segaretro.org/Sega_Saturn_6_Player_Multiplayer_Adapter 6Player] & [https://segaretro.org/SBom_Multitap SBom Multitap]
| {{Y}}[https://mednafen.github.io/documentation/ss.html#Settings+Reference *]
| {{TBD}}
| {{TBD}}
| {{N}}[https://github.com/rtoumazet/saturnin/issues/236 *]
|}
<references group=N2/>
===NetLink===
Sometimes called "[[Wikipedia:XBAND|XBAND]]" and is a modem for Sega Saturn. Possibly can be emulated by YabaSanshiro.
*[https://segaretro.org/NetLink_Internet_Modem#Compatible_games XBAND Supported games for Saturn]
*[[Wikipedia:XBAND#Supported_games|XBAND Supported games for Saturn #2]]

===Video CD Card===
Also called the '''Movie Card''' in Japan - allows Saturn to play Video CDs (VCDs) and hardware playback of MPEG-1 (version 1) video in '''[https://segaretro.org/Video_CD_Card#Games certain games]''', '''leading to higher quality FMV for use in cutscenes (and occasionally, gameplay)''' (similar to the [[Philips_CD-i_emulators#Digital_Video_Cartridge|Philips CD-i's Digital Video Cartridge]]). It is not known what emulators support this accessory.

==Emulator development==
:''This section was copied from Wikipedia in 2014. For an up-to-date explanation, see [[wikipedia:Sega Saturn#Technical specifications|Sega Saturn § Technical specifications]]''

The complexity of the system has made the creation of a proper emulator for it rather difficult.

<blockquote>One very fast central processor would be preferable. I don't think all programmers have the ability to program two CPUs — most can only get about one-and-a-half times the speed you can get from one SH-2. I think that only 1 in 100 programmers are good enough to get this kind of speed [nearly double] out of the Saturn. "Yu Suzuki reflecting upon Saturn's ''Virtua Fighter'' development<ref name="YuSuzukiNG">Next Generation (magazine) issue 2, 1995</ref>.</blockquote>

The Saturn had technically impressive hardware at the time of its release, but its complex design, with two CPUs and six other processors, made harnessing this power difficult for developers accustomed to conventional programming. The biggest disadvantage was that both CPUs shared the same bus and were unable to access system memory at the same time. Making full use of the 4 kB of cache memory in each CPU was critical to maintaining performance. One example of how the Saturn was utilized was with ''Virtua Fighter''<nowiki>'</nowiki>s use of one CPU for each character<ref name=YuSuzukiNG/>. Many of the Saturn's developers, such as Lobotomy Software programmer Ezra Dreisbach, found it difficult to develop for compared to the PlayStation because of its more complex graphics hardware<ref name=DreisbachCG>{{cite web|title=Interview: Ezra Dreisbach |publisher=Curmudgeon Gamer |date=July 9, 2002|url=http://curmudgeongamer.com/article.php?story=20021008212903265 |accessdate=July 19, 2007|archiveurl = http://web.archive.org/web/20070927211250/http://curmudgeongamer.com/article.php?story=20021008212903265  |archivedate = September 27, 2007}}</ref>. In order to port ''Duke Nukem 3D'' and ''PowerSlave'' to the Saturn, Lobotomy Software had to almost entirely rewrite the Build engine to take advantage of the Saturn's unconventional hardware<ref name=DreisbachCG/>. Third-party development was initially hindered by the lack of useful software libraries and development tools, requiring developers to write in assembly language to achieve good performance. During early Saturn development, programming in assembly could offer a two to fivefold speed increase over C language<ref name=YuSuzukiNG/>. Sega responded to these criticisms by writing new graphics libraries which were claimed to help make development easier<ref name="NextGenDec95">''So many 32-Bit Systems To Choose From'' Next Generation (magazine) issue 12, 1995</ref>. These libraries were presented as a new operating system by Sega of Japan<ref name="NextGenDec95"/>.

Unlike the PlayStation and Nintendo 64 which used triangles as their basic geometric primitive, the Saturn rendered quadrilaterals with forward texture mapping. This proved to be a hindrance because most of the industry's standard design tools were based on triangles, with independent texture UV coordinates specified per vertex. One of the challenges brought forth by quadrilateral-based rendering was problems with textured surfaces containing triangles. To make a triangular-shaped object, rendering had a fourth side with a length of zero. This technique proved problematic as it caused texture distortion and required careful reworking to achieve the desired appearance—Sega provided tools for remapping textures from UV space into rectangular tiles. These complications can be seen in the Saturn version of ''Tomb Raider''<ref name=DreisbachCG/>.

For more information about Sega Saturn hardware and reverse engineering;
* [https://www.copetti.org/writings/consoles/sega-saturn/ Rodrigo Copetti: Sega Saturn Architecture analysis]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ODJl6U1lp_Q MVG: How the SEGA Saturn CD Security was defeated]
* [https://www.psdevwiki.com/ps4/Sega_Saturn_Emulation PSDevWiki: PS4's Sega Saturn Emulation]
* [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jChtlWNIAL4 LGR: Oddware - Diamond Edge 3D (nVidia NV1+Sega Saturn Ports)]

==Resources==
* [https://segaretro.org/Sega_Saturn/Hardware_comparison#Graphics_comparison_table Graphics comparison table] (for Saturn as opposed to PS1, N64, Sega Model 2 arcade hardware and 1995-era PC)

*[https://antime.kapsi.fi/sega/docs.html Complete (so far) documentation of the Sega Saturn]

*[https://archive.org/details/SegaManuals More leaked, official documentation] (Only that this time there are some that include for Sega Genesis, its CD add-on, and documentation on how the Sega Saturn CD Communication Interface works, and how its Boot ROM works [https://mobile.twitter.com/forestillusion/status/1126321691775229954 Source])

==References==
{{reflist}}

{{Sega}}

[[Category:Consoles]]
[[Category:Home consoles]]
[[Category:Sega consoles]]
[[Category:Sega Saturn emulators|*]]
[[Category:Fifth-generation video game consoles]]
[[Category:Very early emulation (MAME)]]

SSF

2023-11-19T00:56:25Z

SMB99thx: /* Review */ separate paragraphs

{{Infobox emulator
|title = SSF
|logo =
|logowidth =
|developer = Shima
|version = {{Version|SSF}}
|active = No
|platform = [[Emulators on Windows|Windows]] [[Emulators on Android|Android]]
|architecture =
|target = [[Sega Saturn emulators|Sega Saturn]]
|compatibility = High
|accuracy = Mid-high
|website =[https://twitter.com/FessX Shima's Twitter]
|prog-lang =
|support =
|license = Closed-source
|source = [https://github.com/shimazzz/SEGASaturnEmulator-SSF GitHub]
}}

'''SSF''' is a closed-source [[Sega Saturn emulators|Sega Saturn emulator]] known for being the most compatible for a long time.

==Download==
{| cellpadding="4"
|-
|align=center|{{Icon|Win-big|APK-big}}
|'''[{{SSFDownloadLink}} Latest release]'''
|}

==Review==
'''SSF''' was once renowned as being the best Saturn emulator from its inception in the early 2000s till around mid-2010s when a slate of newer and open-source Saturn emulation software was first launched. These included the [[Mednafen]] versions from the late 2010s and onwards with much improved Saturn compatibility, and two WIP derivatives of the old [[Yabause]] base called Kronos and [[Yaba Sanshiro]]. SSF is superior to [[Yabause]] and was initially superior to [[Mednafen]] with its early Saturn core versions for compatibility, but SSF is closed-source and was made for Windows only until it was [https://github.com/shimazzz/SEGASaturnEmulator-SSF/releases/tag/AndroidVer released] to Android devices in 28 January 2021.

Before the Android release, source code alongside several older builds were uploaded to GitHub in 26 January 2021 and newer builds were uploaded there afterwards, but there were no commits made to the GitHub source code since then. A large number of Saturn games require manual and persnickety editing in the emulator's configuration options to run properly, which makes SSF less easier to use in comparison to other Saturn emulators, and more recently, [https://github.com/shimazzz/SEGASaturnEmulator-SSF/issues/15#issuecomment-1038281021 trojan detections in recent versions] caused this emulator to become a risk for some computers. Despite this, SSF remains largely clean and it is recommended for users with older PCs.

The author Shima was, for a time, probably the longest-time active developer on any emulator from the emulator's public launch (Labelled 'SSF 001') in 1999 till 20 years later in late November 2019. It is unknown when the first ever version was released publicly, however, the next version of 'SSF 002' was released on 5th December 1999.<ref name="20Years_reddit">{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/e3u9wz/ssf_saturn_emulator_has_been_actively_developed/ |title=Thread: 'SSF (Saturn emulator) has been actively developed by the same single author for 20 years now.' |author='ZarkonD' |publisher=Reddit |date=30 November 2019}}</ref>

A major update to 0.12 improved compatibility for certain games and broke others. It added support for some of the games such as Astal (needs "Enable SH2 Cache"). Keep both versions, pre- and post-0.12 just in case. To raise compatibility, you can try with "No Bios" enabled or disabled, and you'll want to start with the MaxCompatibility (slow) option, then try with the faster options (that do not always work).

For some time, SSF requires either an external virtual drive or a specific loader to read disc images. Close and restart the emulator (as it says in the Japanese dialogue popup appearing) whenever you modify the options for them to take effect. Since Preview Version R4, SSF no longer requires mounting ISO files in a virtual drive to run them, though it is largely experimental and may cause crashes. [[SSF#Free Virtual Drive Software|Please see below for recommendations]].

Even though it has a "No Bios" option, you'll sometimes need the BIOS files, of course specifying the correct region in the options.

Some useful commands:
* F7: Pause and Load State (Press 0-9 to choose)
* Shift + F7: Pause and Save State (Press 0-9 to choose)
* Numeral Pad 1-6: Disable 2D layers. Useful for sprite rips. Keep in mind this often causes 3D games to crash, and they already have lower compatibility than 2D one when it comes to general emulations.
* You can change the speed of emulation under options up to 4x.

==Guides and Info==
* [http://www.racketboy.com/retro/sega/saturn/ssf-a-nearly-perfect-sega-saturn-emulator General Guide]

* [https://www.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.geocities.jp%2Fmj3kj8o5%2Fssf%2Fsetting.html&sandbox=1 Shima's FAQ about compatibility issues. Note that this is Japanese-to-English Google Translate, and has a very shoddy syntax as a result.]

* [https://segaretro.org/SSF See the external links in this Sega Retro page for guides and compatibility databases].

* An user called 'FreeckyCake' has produced an useful, detailed overview and guide to setting up SSF and uploaded it to a website in early December 2021. It also contains 15 table of content items and small information on decent alternatives such as Mednafen and [[RetroArch]]'s cores of Beetle Saturn and Kronos, although the user probably didn't try Mednafen with a GUI frontend, which marred his experience somewhat.<ref name="FC-Guide_reddit">{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/EmulationOnPC/comments/r80f95/ssf_emulator_guide_for_beginners_saturn_emulator |title=SSF Emulator Guide For Beginners (Saturn Emulator) |author='FreeckyCake' |publisher=Reddit |date=3 Dec 2021}}</ref><ref name="FC-Guide_AoG">{{cite web|url=https://altarofgaming.com/how-to-play-sega-saturn-games-on-windows-pc/ |title=How to Play Sega Saturn Games on Your Windows PC |author='FreeckyCake' |publisher=Altar of Gaming |date=3 Dec 2021}}</ref>

* The website FantasyAnime, which is well known for hosting fan-translation patches for many SNES RPGs among others has detailed guides for many advanced emulators of old consoles before 2000 and 2010. They have a much more detailed guide than FreeckyCake's guide above to setting up and running SSF, which was last updated on March 2022.<ref name="FA-Tutorial>{{cite web|url=https://fantasyanime.com/emuhelp/ssf |title=SSF Tutorial |publisher=FantasyAnime |date=31 March 2022}}</ref>

===Troubleshooting===
A rough translation of Shima's FAQ about compatibility issues with various games and fixes for them. The original can be found [https://web.archive.org/web/20190331080907/http://www.geocities.jp/mj3kj8o5/ssf/setting.html here].

The configuration closest to accurate hardware emulation would be: Enable "Bus Wait". Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 0. Enable "SH2 DMA Real Transfer". Alternatively, "Setting5" (holding the 5 keyboard button at startup) achieves similar results.

General issues:
* '''Character sprites in SNK games don't appear:''' Change "Cartridge" to "1MBytes RAM Cartridge".
* '''Flickering in FMVs:''' Enable "Check Cycle Pattern".
* '''No sound:''' Enable "Memory Access Wait".
* '''Stuttering sound:''' Enable "Scanline Base Timing".

Game-specific issues:
* '''Astal''', '''Denpa Shounenteki Game''' : Enable "SH2 Cache".
* '''Baroque''' (FMV issues): Enable "Check Sprite Priority".
* '''Castlevania Symphony of the Night''' (fix for data select screen), '''Macross Do You Remember Love''', '''World Heroes Perfect''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Chaos Seed''': Enable "Check Cycle Pattern". Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Daina ☆ Airan, Deep Fear, Mr. Bones, X-Men Vs. Street Fighter''': Enable "Memory Access Wait".
* '''Dark Savior''': Enable "Bus Wait" (fix for logo). Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access" (fix for save data screen).
* '''Daytona USA Circuit Edition''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Galjan''': Enable "SH2 DMA Real Transfer".
* '''Gokujou Parodius Da! Deluxe Pack (aka Fantastic Journey)''': Enable "Bus Wait", Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 0.
* '''Grandia''' (FMV issues): Set "Dot Clock" on 3.7 or above. Set "SlaveSH2 Speed" to 90%, Set "EZ Setting" to Highest.
* '''Idol Janshi Suchie-Pai II''' (fix for cutscenes): Enable "Check Cycle Pattern" and "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Lunar Silver Star Story''' (FMV issues): Enable "SCU DMA Delay Interrupt".
* '''Marvel Super Heroes Vs. Street Fighter''' (fix for sound noise): Disable "Sound Thread".
* '''Megaman X3''', '''Pro Mahjong Kiwame S''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3.7 or above. Set "1Block Clock" to a value as low as possible.
* '''Quovadis 2''' (fix for FMVs): Set "Dot Clock" to 3.0 or above, and "EZ Setting" to "High".
* '''Riglord Saga 2''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3 or above.
* '''Ruri Iro no Yuki''' (fix for company logo among other stuff): Enable "Check Cycle Pattern".
* '''Sol Divide''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3.4 or above.
* '''Sonic Jam''': Set "Dot Clock" to 2.7 or above. Enable "Check Cycle Pattern" (fix for 2P Mode in Sonic 2).
* '''Taito Chase HQ Plus SC'''I: Enable "CD Track/Index".
* '''Toshinden URA''' (if FMVs skip): Set "1Block Clock" to 50. Disable "Check SlaveSH2 Idle Loop". Enable "Bus Wait". Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 1. Enable "Enable Instruction Cache".
* '''The Tower:''' Enable "VDP2 RAM Write Timing".
* '''Thunder Hawk II, Whizz''': Enable "Bus Wait".
* '''Virtua Fighter 2''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access" (fix for key config screen). Enable "Memory Access Wait".

===SSF Drag and Drop Loader===
[https://mega.nz/file/QhNEhDZD#76O76LscytcGil4T20O04x1jXYsNEsb0xTSefugOQck The best option] for SSF. Put it in your SSF directory. It works with normal Saturn filenames. Just drag and drop the game file, like Mednafen.
[https://www.mediafire.com/file/lat61ymnzz4oyf9/SSF-RS.7z/file (Alt. link from Nevermindxx's original post.)]

===CHDSSF===
[https://github.com/batteryshark/CHDSSF This loader] allows you to use disc image without having to mount them at all with the only major caveat being that it requires you to convert your rips to .CHD beforehand using [http://forums.bannister.org//ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=68262#Post68262 chdman] or one of it's forks.

===Cheating with CEP===

# [https://gamehacking.org/downloads/cep022.zip download CEP] and prepare your CODELIST.TXT file. You can find an [https://eadmaster.altervista.org/pub/index.php?page=cheatpacks#ssf example with some codes and an handy converter here].
# start SSF.exe and wait for the game to load, then click About->cep, and leave the dialog with the base address opened.
# start cep.exe
# click "Process" tab, and select the correct emulator version and code type (usually "60codes")
# make sure the address in the field in the 2nd line matches the one in SSF (NO NEED TO CLICK "Search"). Usually it won't match and you will have to change a few digits.
# click "Codes" tab, select the current game and the cheat codes you want to enable
# click the "On" button to activate codes

===Free Virtual Drive Software===
As said above one of the ways to get SSF to use disc images is using a virtual disc drive. Sadly, most of the good free ones don't work with SSF for one reason or another. They either have a bunch of adware or they don't support some formats. The ones that do work (along with some that don't) will be listed below.

As of [https://twitter.com/FessX/status/1151502018185293824 Preview Version R4], you can mount CD images that use .cue and .bin files by going to Options > Peripherals, then in the ''CD Image'' section, select '''Enable''', then select the .cue file of your choosing, and restart the emulator. Mind you that this feature is still experimental, ergo the game will likely crash at certain points, so it's best to use the software below.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+List of Free Virtual Drive Software
|-
! scope="col"|Program Name
! scope="col"|Pros
! scope="col"|Cons
|-
|[https://www.elby.ch/en/download.html Virtual CloneDrive]
|
* Isn't a cut-down version of a paid software.
* Very lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
|
* Doesn't support .mdf/.mds files. This is kind of a big deal, since quite a few of the Saturn's popular titles are only available as mdf/mds.
* Can't mount .cue files. DON'T mount the .bin instead, as SSF will boot you back to the bios whenever it feels like it if you do. Instead, make a .ccd/.img copy with CloneCD and another virtual drive program.
|-
|[http://yubsoft.com/imgdrive/ ImgDrive]
|
* Very lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
* Can be used from the command line.
|
* Doesn't seem to work with .cue/.bin or .cue/.iso files (disc gets mounted, but without audio tracks).
.mds/.mdf & .ccd/.img/.sub files are fine, though.
|-
|[http://www.softpedia.com/get/CD-DVD-Tools/CD-DVD-Rip-Other-Tools/Alcohol-52.shtml Alcohol 52% Free Edition]
|
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
* Very reliable.
|
* Installer contains optional adware.
* Mounting the images causes the sound files to autoplay.
* The installer forces you to install crapware called Smart File Advisor, which you can't uninstall without uninstalling Alcohol.
(You can mostly ignore the program by stopping it from running on startup, or you can install the program while completely offline using an [http://www.free-codecs.com/download/alcohol_52.htm offline installer] and the crapware will fail to install itself and won't cause any further issues at any point)
|-
|[http://www.daemon-tools.cc/products/dtLite Daemon Tools LITE]
|
* Nice UI.
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
|
* Installer tries to fill your computer up with adware, and newer versions force you to install adware (Version 4.30.4 does not force it).
* Sends data on every image you mount to an outside location. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.neowin.net/news/daemon-tools-knows-what-you-mounted-last-summer|title=Daemon tools spying}}</ref> (mostly applies to versions 4.4x and on, [https://mega.nz/#!ZLwFXJYL!CYc0yn38agyZcfcJm487Id2XoJZ9JrzfyGpZ-nGY9AQ version 4.3x] seems unaffected and still works with modern systems but might be buggier)
* No longer run by the original team. Possibly Chinese spyware at this point.
|-
|[http://wincdemu.sysprogs.org/ WinCDEmu]
|
* Isn't a cut-down version of a paid software.
* Open-source.
* Very lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
|
* SSF isn't compatible with it.
|-
|[http://www.magiciso.com/tutorials/miso-magicdisc-overview.htm MagicDisc]
|
* Lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
|
* SSF isn't compatible with it.
|}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20200417060901/http://aaaaaaaa.g2.xrea.com/ssf/ Shima's Site (archived from xrea.com)]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20190331134556/http://www.geocities.jp/mj3kj8o5/ssf/ Shima's Site (archived from geocities.jp)]
* [https://ssftribute.csdprojects.co.uk/ English Tribute Site]
* [http://segasaturn.org/ Updated Compatibility List Based On Game Region]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Emulators]]
[[Category:Console emulators]]
[[Category:Home console emulators]]
[[Category:Sega Saturn emulators]]
[[Category:Windows emulation software]]
[[Category:Android emulation software]]
[[Category:Closed-source emulators]]

Template:VMwareWorkstationVer

2023-02-25T05:12:49Z

SMB99thx: Updates

17.0.1

SSF

2022-12-25T05:35:06Z

SMB99thx: /* Review */ fix

{{Infobox emulator
|title = SSF
|logo =
|logowidth =
|developer = Shima
|version = {{Version|SSF}}
|active = Yes
|platform = [[Emulators on Windows|Windows]] [[Emulators on Android|Android]]
|architecture =
|target = [[Sega Saturn emulators|Sega Saturn]]
|compatibility = High
|accuracy = Mid-high
|website =[https://twitter.com/FessX Shima's Twitter]
|prog-lang =
|support =
|license = Closed-source
|source = [https://github.com/shimazzz/SEGASaturnEmulator-SSF GitHub]
}}

'''SSF''' is a closed-source [[Sega Saturn emulators|Sega Saturn emulator]] known for being the most compatible for a long time.

==Download==
{| cellpadding="4"
|-
|align=center|{{Icon|Win-big|APK-big}}
|'''[{{SSFDownloadLink}} Latest release]'''
|}

==Review==
'''SSF''' was once renowned as being the best Saturn emulator from its inception in the early 2000s till around mid-2010s when a slate of newer and open-source Saturn emulation software was first launched. These included the [[Mednafen]] versions from the late 2010s and onwards with much improved Saturn compatibility, and two WIP derivatives of the old [[Yabause]] base called Kronos and [[Yaba Sanshiro]]. SSF is superior to [[Yabause]] and was initially superior to [[Mednafen]] with its early Saturn core versions for compatibility, but SSF is closed-source and was made for Windows only until it was [https://github.com/shimazzz/SEGASaturnEmulator-SSF/releases/tag/AndroidVer released] to Android devices in 28 January 2021. Before the Android release, source code alongside several older builds were uploaded to GitHub in 26 January 2021 and newer builds were uploaded there afterwards, but there were no commits made to the GitHub source code since then. A large number of Saturn games require manual and persnickety editing in the emulator's configuration options to run properly, which makes SSF less easier to use in comparison to other Saturn emulators, and more recently, [https://github.com/shimazzz/SEGASaturnEmulator-SSF/issues/15#issuecomment-1038281021 trojan detections in recent versions] caused this emulator to become a risk for some computers. Despite this, SSF remains largely clean and it is recommended for users with older PCs.

The author Shima was, for a time, probably the longest-time active developer on any emulator from the emulator's public launch (Labelled 'SSF 001') in 1999 till 20 years later in late November 2019. It is unknown when the first ever version was released publicly, however, the next version of 'SSF 002' was released on 5th December 1999.<ref name="20Years_reddit">{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/e3u9wz/ssf_saturn_emulator_has_been_actively_developed/ |title=Thread: 'SSF (Saturn emulator) has been actively developed by the same single author for 20 years now.' |author='ZarkonD' |publisher=Reddit |date=30 November 2019}}</ref>

A major update to 0.12 improved compatibility for certain games and broke others. It added support for some of the games such as Astal (needs "Enable SH2 Cache"). Keep both versions, pre- and post-0.12 just in case. To raise compatibility, you can try with "No Bios" enabled or disabled, and you'll want to start with the MaxCompatibility (slow) option, then try with the faster options (that do not always work).

For some time, SSF requires either an external virtual drive or a specific loader to read disc images. Close and restart the emulator (as it says in the Japanese dialogue popup appearing) whenever you modify the options for them to take effect. Since Preview Version R4, SSF no longer requires mounting ISO files in a virtual drive to run them, though it is largely experimental and may cause crashes. [[SSF#Free Virtual Drive Software|Please see below for recommendations]].

Even though it has a "No Bios" option, you'll sometimes need the BIOS files, of course specifying the correct region in the options.

Some useful commands:
* F7: Pause and Load State (Press 0-9 to choose)
* Shift + F7: Pause and Save State (Press 0-9 to choose)
* Numeral Pad 1-6: Disable 2D layers. Useful for sprite rips. Keep in mind this often causes 3D games to crash, and they already have lower compatibility than 2D one when it comes to general emulations.
* You can change the speed of emulation under options up to 4x.

==Guides and Info==
* [http://www.racketboy.com/retro/sega/saturn/ssf-a-nearly-perfect-sega-saturn-emulator General Guide]

* [https://www.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.geocities.jp%2Fmj3kj8o5%2Fssf%2Fsetting.html&sandbox=1 Shima's FAQ about compatibility issues. Note that this is Japanese-to-English Google Translate, and has a very shoddy syntax as a result.]

* [https://segaretro.org/SSF See the external links in this Sega Retro page for guides and compatibility databases].

* An user called 'FreeckyCake' has produced an useful, detailed overview and guide to setting up SSF and uploaded it to a website in early December 2021. It also contains 15 table of content items and small information on decent alternatives such as Mednafen and [[RetroArch]]'s cores of Beetle Saturn and Kronos, although the user probably didn't try Mednafen with a GUI frontend, which marred his experience somewhat.<ref name="FC-Guide_reddit">{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/EmulationOnPC/comments/r80f95/ssf_emulator_guide_for_beginners_saturn_emulator |title=SSF Emulator Guide For Beginners (Saturn Emulator) |author='FreeckyCake' |publisher=Reddit |date=3 Dec 2021}}</ref><ref name="FC-Guide_AoG">{{cite web|url=https://altarofgaming.com/how-to-play-sega-saturn-games-on-windows-pc/ |title=How to Play Sega Saturn Games on Your Windows PC |author='FreeckyCake' |publisher=Altar of Gaming |date=3 Dec 2021}}</ref>

* The website FantasyAnime, which is well known for hosting fan-translation patches for many SNES RPGs among others has detailed guides for many advanced emulators of old consoles before 2000 and 2010. They have a much more detailed guide than FreeckyCake's guide above to setting up and running SSF, which was last updated on March 2022.<ref name="FA-Tutorial>{{cite web|url=https://fantasyanime.com/emuhelp/ssf |title=SSF Tutorial |publisher=FantasyAnime |date=31 March 2022}}</ref>

===Troubleshooting===
A rough translation of Shima's FAQ about compatibility issues with various games and fixes for them. The original can be found [https://web.archive.org/web/20190331080907/http://www.geocities.jp/mj3kj8o5/ssf/setting.html here].

The configuration closest to accurate hardware emulation would be: Enable "Bus Wait". Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 0. Enable "SH2 DMA Real Transfer". Alternatively, "Setting5" (holding the 5 keyboard button at startup) achieves similar results.

General issues:
* '''Character sprites in SNK games don't appear:''' Change "Cartridge" to "1MBytes RAM Cartridge".
* '''Flickering in FMVs:''' Enable "Check Cycle Pattern".
* '''No sound:''' Enable "Memory Access Wait".
* '''Stuttering sound:''' Enable "Scanline Base Timing".

Game-specific issues:
* '''Astal''', '''Denpa Shounenteki Game''' : Enable "SH2 Cache".
* '''Baroque''' (FMV issues): Enable "Check Sprite Priority".
* '''Castlevania Symphony of the Night''' (fix for data select screen), '''Macross Do You Remember Love''', '''World Heroes Perfect''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Chaos Seed''': Enable "Check Cycle Pattern". Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Daina ☆ Airan, Deep Fear, Mr. Bones, X-Men Vs. Street Fighter''': Enable "Memory Access Wait".
* '''Dark Savior''': Enable "Bus Wait" (fix for logo). Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access" (fix for save data screen).
* '''Daytona USA Circuit Edition''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Galjan''': Enable "SH2 DMA Real Transfer".
* '''Gokujou Parodius Da! Deluxe Pack (aka Fantastic Journey)''': Enable "Bus Wait", Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 0.
* '''Grandia''' (FMV issues): Set "Dot Clock" on 3.7 or above. Set "SlaveSH2 Speed" to 90%, Set "EZ Setting" to Highest.
* '''Idol Janshi Suchie-Pai II''' (fix for cutscenes): Enable "Check Cycle Pattern" and "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Lunar Silver Star Story''' (FMV issues): Enable "SCU DMA Delay Interrupt".
* '''Marvel Super Heroes Vs. Street Fighter''' (fix for sound noise): Disable "Sound Thread".
* '''Megaman X3''', '''Pro Mahjong Kiwame S''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3.7 or above. Set "1Block Clock" to a value as low as possible.
* '''Quovadis 2''' (fix for FMVs): Set "Dot Clock" to 3.0 or above, and "EZ Setting" to "High".
* '''Riglord Saga 2''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3 or above.
* '''Ruri Iro no Yuki''' (fix for company logo among other stuff): Enable "Check Cycle Pattern".
* '''Sol Divide''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3.4 or above.
* '''Sonic Jam''': Set "Dot Clock" to 2.7 or above. Enable "Check Cycle Pattern" (fix for 2P Mode in Sonic 2).
* '''Taito Chase HQ Plus SC'''I: Enable "CD Track/Index".
* '''Toshinden URA''' (if FMVs skip): Set "1Block Clock" to 50. Disable "Check SlaveSH2 Idle Loop". Enable "Bus Wait". Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 1. Enable "Enable Instruction Cache".
* '''The Tower:''' Enable "VDP2 RAM Write Timing".
* '''Thunder Hawk II, Whizz''': Enable "Bus Wait".
* '''Virtua Fighter 2''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access" (fix for key config screen). Enable "Memory Access Wait".

===SSF Drag and Drop Loader===
[https://www.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/e9cqrd/drag_drop_rom_loader_for_ssf_emulator_sega_saturn/ The best option] for SSF. Put it in your SSF directory. It works with normal Saturn filenames. Just drag and drop the game file, like Mednafen.

'''Note:''' Unfortunately, the web-link shown in the 2019 Reddit post linked above is since erased. Other sources will need to be found. It is probably found in [https://playnite.link/forum/thread-62.html this thread] at [[Playnite]] Forums. Be sure to grab the file quickly as it is on an unstable host at MediaFire.<ref name="PF_ROMLoader">{{cite web|url=https://playnite.link/forum/thread-62.html |title=Romloader app for SSF Emu (sega saturn) |author='cos37' |publisher=Playnite Forums |date=11 December 2019}}</ref>

===CHDSSF===
[https://github.com/batteryshark/CHDSSF This loader] allows you to use disc image without having to mount them at all with the only major caveat being that it requires you to convert your rips to .CHD beforehand using [http://forums.bannister.org//ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=68262#Post68262 chdman] or one of it's forks.

===Cheating with CEP===

# [https://gamehacking.org/downloads/cep022.zip download CEP] and prepare your CODELIST.TXT file. You can find an [https://eadmaster.altervista.org/pub/index.php?page=cheatpacks#ssf example with some codes and an handy converter here].
# start SSF.exe and wait for the game to load, then click About->cep, and leave the dialog with the base address opened.
# start cep.exe
# click "Process" tab, and select the correct emulator version and code type (usually "60codes")
# make sure the address in the field in the 2nd line matches the one in SSF (NO NEED TO CLICK "Search"). Usually it won't match and you will have to change a few digits.
# click "Codes" tab, select the current game and the cheat codes you want to enable
# click the "On" button to activate codes

===Free Virtual Drive Software===
As said above one of the ways to get SSF to use disc images is using a virtual disc drive. Sadly, most of the good free ones don't work with SSF for one reason or another. They either have a bunch of adware or they don't support some formats. The ones that do work (along with some that don't) will be listed below.

As of [https://twitter.com/FessX/status/1151502018185293824 Preview Version R4], you can mount CD images that use .cue and .bin files by going to Options > Peripherals, then in the ''CD Image'' section, select '''Enable''', then select the .cue file of your choosing, and restart the emulator. Mind you that this feature is still experimental, ergo the game will likely crash at certain points, so it's best to use the software below.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+List of Free Virtual Drive Software
|-
! scope="col"|Program Name
! scope="col"|Pros
! scope="col"|Cons
|-
|[https://www.elby.ch/en/download.html Virtual CloneDrive]
|
* Isn't a cut-down version of a paid software.
* Very lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
|
* Doesn't support .mdf/.mds files. This is kind of a big deal, since quite a few of the Saturn's popular titles are only available as mdf/mds.
* Can't mount .cue files. DON'T mount the .bin instead, as SSF will boot you back to the bios whenever it feels like it if you do. Instead, make a .ccd/.img copy with CloneCD and another virtual drive program.
|-
|[http://yubsoft.com/imgdrive/ ImgDrive]
|
* Very lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
* Can be used from the command line.
|
* Doesn't seem to work with .cue/.bin or .cue/.iso files (disc gets mounted, but without audio tracks).
.mds/.mdf & .ccd/.img/.sub files are fine, though.
|-
|[http://www.softpedia.com/get/CD-DVD-Tools/CD-DVD-Rip-Other-Tools/Alcohol-52.shtml Alcohol 52% Free Edition]
|
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
* Very reliable.
|
* Installer contains optional adware.
* Mounting the images causes the sound files to autoplay.
* The installer forces you to install crapware called Smart File Advisor, which you can't uninstall without uninstalling Alcohol.
(You can mostly ignore the program by stopping it from running on startup, or you can install the program while completely offline using an [http://www.free-codecs.com/download/alcohol_52.htm offline installer] and the crapware will fail to install itself and won't cause any further issues at any point)
|-
|[http://www.daemon-tools.cc/products/dtLite Daemon Tools LITE]
|
* Nice UI.
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
|
* Installer tries to fill your computer up with adware, and newer versions force you to install adware (Version 4.30.4 does not force it).
* Sends data on every image you mount to an outside location. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.neowin.net/news/daemon-tools-knows-what-you-mounted-last-summer|title=Daemon tools spying}}</ref> (mostly applies to versions 4.4x and on, [https://mega.nz/#!ZLwFXJYL!CYc0yn38agyZcfcJm487Id2XoJZ9JrzfyGpZ-nGY9AQ version 4.3x] seems unaffected and still works with modern systems but might be buggier)
* No longer run by the original team. Possibly Chinese spyware at this point.
|-
|[http://wincdemu.sysprogs.org/ WinCDEmu]
|
* Isn't a cut-down version of a paid software.
* Open-source.
* Very lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
|
* SSF isn't compatible with it.
|-
|[http://www.magiciso.com/tutorials/miso-magicdisc-overview.htm MagicDisc]
|
* Lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
|
* SSF isn't compatible with it.
|}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20200417060901/http://aaaaaaaa.g2.xrea.com/ssf/ Shima's Site (archived from xrea.com)]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20190331134556/http://www.geocities.jp/mj3kj8o5/ssf/ Shima's Site (archived from geocities.jp)]
* [https://ssftribute.csdprojects.co.uk/ English Tribute Site]
* [http://segasaturn.org/ Updated Compatibility List Based On Game Region]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Emulators]]
[[Category:Console emulators]]
[[Category:Home console emulators]]
[[Category:Sega Saturn emulators]]
[[Category:Windows emulation software]]
[[Category:Android emulation software]]
[[Category:Closed-source emulators]]

SSF

2022-12-25T05:34:28Z

SMB99thx: /* Review */ fix

{{Infobox emulator
|title = SSF
|logo =
|logowidth =
|developer = Shima
|version = {{Version|SSF}}
|active = Yes
|platform = [[Emulators on Windows|Windows]] [[Emulators on Android|Android]]
|architecture =
|target = [[Sega Saturn emulators|Sega Saturn]]
|compatibility = High
|accuracy = Mid-high
|website =[https://twitter.com/FessX Shima's Twitter]
|prog-lang =
|support =
|license = Closed-source
|source = [https://github.com/shimazzz/SEGASaturnEmulator-SSF GitHub]
}}

'''SSF''' is a closed-source [[Sega Saturn emulators|Sega Saturn emulator]] known for being the most compatible for a long time.

==Download==
{| cellpadding="4"
|-
|align=center|{{Icon|Win-big|APK-big}}
|'''[{{SSFDownloadLink}} Latest release]'''
|}

==Review==
'''SSF''' was once renowned as being the best Saturn emulator from its inception in the early 2000s till around mid-2010s when a slate of newer and open-source Saturn emulation software was first launched. These included the [[Mednafen]] versions from the late 2010s and onwards with much improved Saturn compatibility, and two WIP derivatives of the old [[Yabause]] base called Kronos and [[Yaba Sanshiro]]. SSF is superior to [[Yabause]] and was initially superior to [[Mednafen]] with its early Saturn core versions for compatibility, but SSF is closed-source and was made for Windows only until it was [https://github.com/shimazzz/SEGASaturnEmulator-SSF/releases/tag/AndroidVer released] to Android devices in 28 January 2021. Before the Android release, source code alongside several older builds was uploaded to GitHub in 26 January 2021 and newer builds were uploaded there afterwards, but there were no commits made to the GitHub source code since then. A large number of Saturn games require manual and persnickety editing in the emulator's configuration options to run properly, which makes SSF less easier to use in comparison to other Saturn emulators, and more recently, [https://github.com/shimazzz/SEGASaturnEmulator-SSF/issues/15#issuecomment-1038281021 trojan detections in recent versions] caused this emulator to become a risk for some computers. Despite this, SSF remains largely clean and it is recommended for users with older PCs.

The author Shima was, for a time, probably the longest-time active developer on any emulator from the emulator's public launch (Labelled 'SSF 001') in 1999 till 20 years later in late November 2019. It is unknown when the first ever version was released publicly, however, the next version of 'SSF 002' was released on 5th December 1999.<ref name="20Years_reddit">{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/e3u9wz/ssf_saturn_emulator_has_been_actively_developed/ |title=Thread: 'SSF (Saturn emulator) has been actively developed by the same single author for 20 years now.' |author='ZarkonD' |publisher=Reddit |date=30 November 2019}}</ref>

A major update to 0.12 improved compatibility for certain games and broke others. It added support for some of the games such as Astal (needs "Enable SH2 Cache"). Keep both versions, pre- and post-0.12 just in case. To raise compatibility, you can try with "No Bios" enabled or disabled, and you'll want to start with the MaxCompatibility (slow) option, then try with the faster options (that do not always work).

For some time, SSF requires either an external virtual drive or a specific loader to read disc images. Close and restart the emulator (as it says in the Japanese dialogue popup appearing) whenever you modify the options for them to take effect. Since Preview Version R4, SSF no longer requires mounting ISO files in a virtual drive to run them, though it is largely experimental and may cause crashes. [[SSF#Free Virtual Drive Software|Please see below for recommendations]].

Even though it has a "No Bios" option, you'll sometimes need the BIOS files, of course specifying the correct region in the options.

Some useful commands:
* F7: Pause and Load State (Press 0-9 to choose)
* Shift + F7: Pause and Save State (Press 0-9 to choose)
* Numeral Pad 1-6: Disable 2D layers. Useful for sprite rips. Keep in mind this often causes 3D games to crash, and they already have lower compatibility than 2D one when it comes to general emulations.
* You can change the speed of emulation under options up to 4x.

==Guides and Info==
* [http://www.racketboy.com/retro/sega/saturn/ssf-a-nearly-perfect-sega-saturn-emulator General Guide]

* [https://www.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.geocities.jp%2Fmj3kj8o5%2Fssf%2Fsetting.html&sandbox=1 Shima's FAQ about compatibility issues. Note that this is Japanese-to-English Google Translate, and has a very shoddy syntax as a result.]

* [https://segaretro.org/SSF See the external links in this Sega Retro page for guides and compatibility databases].

* An user called 'FreeckyCake' has produced an useful, detailed overview and guide to setting up SSF and uploaded it to a website in early December 2021. It also contains 15 table of content items and small information on decent alternatives such as Mednafen and [[RetroArch]]'s cores of Beetle Saturn and Kronos, although the user probably didn't try Mednafen with a GUI frontend, which marred his experience somewhat.<ref name="FC-Guide_reddit">{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/EmulationOnPC/comments/r80f95/ssf_emulator_guide_for_beginners_saturn_emulator |title=SSF Emulator Guide For Beginners (Saturn Emulator) |author='FreeckyCake' |publisher=Reddit |date=3 Dec 2021}}</ref><ref name="FC-Guide_AoG">{{cite web|url=https://altarofgaming.com/how-to-play-sega-saturn-games-on-windows-pc/ |title=How to Play Sega Saturn Games on Your Windows PC |author='FreeckyCake' |publisher=Altar of Gaming |date=3 Dec 2021}}</ref>

* The website FantasyAnime, which is well known for hosting fan-translation patches for many SNES RPGs among others has detailed guides for many advanced emulators of old consoles before 2000 and 2010. They have a much more detailed guide than FreeckyCake's guide above to setting up and running SSF, which was last updated on March 2022.<ref name="FA-Tutorial>{{cite web|url=https://fantasyanime.com/emuhelp/ssf |title=SSF Tutorial |publisher=FantasyAnime |date=31 March 2022}}</ref>

===Troubleshooting===
A rough translation of Shima's FAQ about compatibility issues with various games and fixes for them. The original can be found [https://web.archive.org/web/20190331080907/http://www.geocities.jp/mj3kj8o5/ssf/setting.html here].

The configuration closest to accurate hardware emulation would be: Enable "Bus Wait". Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 0. Enable "SH2 DMA Real Transfer". Alternatively, "Setting5" (holding the 5 keyboard button at startup) achieves similar results.

General issues:
* '''Character sprites in SNK games don't appear:''' Change "Cartridge" to "1MBytes RAM Cartridge".
* '''Flickering in FMVs:''' Enable "Check Cycle Pattern".
* '''No sound:''' Enable "Memory Access Wait".
* '''Stuttering sound:''' Enable "Scanline Base Timing".

Game-specific issues:
* '''Astal''', '''Denpa Shounenteki Game''' : Enable "SH2 Cache".
* '''Baroque''' (FMV issues): Enable "Check Sprite Priority".
* '''Castlevania Symphony of the Night''' (fix for data select screen), '''Macross Do You Remember Love''', '''World Heroes Perfect''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Chaos Seed''': Enable "Check Cycle Pattern". Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Daina ☆ Airan, Deep Fear, Mr. Bones, X-Men Vs. Street Fighter''': Enable "Memory Access Wait".
* '''Dark Savior''': Enable "Bus Wait" (fix for logo). Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access" (fix for save data screen).
* '''Daytona USA Circuit Edition''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Galjan''': Enable "SH2 DMA Real Transfer".
* '''Gokujou Parodius Da! Deluxe Pack (aka Fantastic Journey)''': Enable "Bus Wait", Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 0.
* '''Grandia''' (FMV issues): Set "Dot Clock" on 3.7 or above. Set "SlaveSH2 Speed" to 90%, Set "EZ Setting" to Highest.
* '''Idol Janshi Suchie-Pai II''' (fix for cutscenes): Enable "Check Cycle Pattern" and "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Lunar Silver Star Story''' (FMV issues): Enable "SCU DMA Delay Interrupt".
* '''Marvel Super Heroes Vs. Street Fighter''' (fix for sound noise): Disable "Sound Thread".
* '''Megaman X3''', '''Pro Mahjong Kiwame S''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3.7 or above. Set "1Block Clock" to a value as low as possible.
* '''Quovadis 2''' (fix for FMVs): Set "Dot Clock" to 3.0 or above, and "EZ Setting" to "High".
* '''Riglord Saga 2''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3 or above.
* '''Ruri Iro no Yuki''' (fix for company logo among other stuff): Enable "Check Cycle Pattern".
* '''Sol Divide''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3.4 or above.
* '''Sonic Jam''': Set "Dot Clock" to 2.7 or above. Enable "Check Cycle Pattern" (fix for 2P Mode in Sonic 2).
* '''Taito Chase HQ Plus SC'''I: Enable "CD Track/Index".
* '''Toshinden URA''' (if FMVs skip): Set "1Block Clock" to 50. Disable "Check SlaveSH2 Idle Loop". Enable "Bus Wait". Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 1. Enable "Enable Instruction Cache".
* '''The Tower:''' Enable "VDP2 RAM Write Timing".
* '''Thunder Hawk II, Whizz''': Enable "Bus Wait".
* '''Virtua Fighter 2''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access" (fix for key config screen). Enable "Memory Access Wait".

===SSF Drag and Drop Loader===
[https://www.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/e9cqrd/drag_drop_rom_loader_for_ssf_emulator_sega_saturn/ The best option] for SSF. Put it in your SSF directory. It works with normal Saturn filenames. Just drag and drop the game file, like Mednafen.

'''Note:''' Unfortunately, the web-link shown in the 2019 Reddit post linked above is since erased. Other sources will need to be found. It is probably found in [https://playnite.link/forum/thread-62.html this thread] at [[Playnite]] Forums. Be sure to grab the file quickly as it is on an unstable host at MediaFire.<ref name="PF_ROMLoader">{{cite web|url=https://playnite.link/forum/thread-62.html |title=Romloader app for SSF Emu (sega saturn) |author='cos37' |publisher=Playnite Forums |date=11 December 2019}}</ref>

===CHDSSF===
[https://github.com/batteryshark/CHDSSF This loader] allows you to use disc image without having to mount them at all with the only major caveat being that it requires you to convert your rips to .CHD beforehand using [http://forums.bannister.org//ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=68262#Post68262 chdman] or one of it's forks.

===Cheating with CEP===

# [https://gamehacking.org/downloads/cep022.zip download CEP] and prepare your CODELIST.TXT file. You can find an [https://eadmaster.altervista.org/pub/index.php?page=cheatpacks#ssf example with some codes and an handy converter here].
# start SSF.exe and wait for the game to load, then click About->cep, and leave the dialog with the base address opened.
# start cep.exe
# click "Process" tab, and select the correct emulator version and code type (usually "60codes")
# make sure the address in the field in the 2nd line matches the one in SSF (NO NEED TO CLICK "Search"). Usually it won't match and you will have to change a few digits.
# click "Codes" tab, select the current game and the cheat codes you want to enable
# click the "On" button to activate codes

===Free Virtual Drive Software===
As said above one of the ways to get SSF to use disc images is using a virtual disc drive. Sadly, most of the good free ones don't work with SSF for one reason or another. They either have a bunch of adware or they don't support some formats. The ones that do work (along with some that don't) will be listed below.

As of [https://twitter.com/FessX/status/1151502018185293824 Preview Version R4], you can mount CD images that use .cue and .bin files by going to Options > Peripherals, then in the ''CD Image'' section, select '''Enable''', then select the .cue file of your choosing, and restart the emulator. Mind you that this feature is still experimental, ergo the game will likely crash at certain points, so it's best to use the software below.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+List of Free Virtual Drive Software
|-
! scope="col"|Program Name
! scope="col"|Pros
! scope="col"|Cons
|-
|[https://www.elby.ch/en/download.html Virtual CloneDrive]
|
* Isn't a cut-down version of a paid software.
* Very lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
|
* Doesn't support .mdf/.mds files. This is kind of a big deal, since quite a few of the Saturn's popular titles are only available as mdf/mds.
* Can't mount .cue files. DON'T mount the .bin instead, as SSF will boot you back to the bios whenever it feels like it if you do. Instead, make a .ccd/.img copy with CloneCD and another virtual drive program.
|-
|[http://yubsoft.com/imgdrive/ ImgDrive]
|
* Very lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
* Can be used from the command line.
|
* Doesn't seem to work with .cue/.bin or .cue/.iso files (disc gets mounted, but without audio tracks).
.mds/.mdf & .ccd/.img/.sub files are fine, though.
|-
|[http://www.softpedia.com/get/CD-DVD-Tools/CD-DVD-Rip-Other-Tools/Alcohol-52.shtml Alcohol 52% Free Edition]
|
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
* Very reliable.
|
* Installer contains optional adware.
* Mounting the images causes the sound files to autoplay.
* The installer forces you to install crapware called Smart File Advisor, which you can't uninstall without uninstalling Alcohol.
(You can mostly ignore the program by stopping it from running on startup, or you can install the program while completely offline using an [http://www.free-codecs.com/download/alcohol_52.htm offline installer] and the crapware will fail to install itself and won't cause any further issues at any point)
|-
|[http://www.daemon-tools.cc/products/dtLite Daemon Tools LITE]
|
* Nice UI.
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
|
* Installer tries to fill your computer up with adware, and newer versions force you to install adware (Version 4.30.4 does not force it).
* Sends data on every image you mount to an outside location. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.neowin.net/news/daemon-tools-knows-what-you-mounted-last-summer|title=Daemon tools spying}}</ref> (mostly applies to versions 4.4x and on, [https://mega.nz/#!ZLwFXJYL!CYc0yn38agyZcfcJm487Id2XoJZ9JrzfyGpZ-nGY9AQ version 4.3x] seems unaffected and still works with modern systems but might be buggier)
* No longer run by the original team. Possibly Chinese spyware at this point.
|-
|[http://wincdemu.sysprogs.org/ WinCDEmu]
|
* Isn't a cut-down version of a paid software.
* Open-source.
* Very lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
|
* SSF isn't compatible with it.
|-
|[http://www.magiciso.com/tutorials/miso-magicdisc-overview.htm MagicDisc]
|
* Lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
|
* SSF isn't compatible with it.
|}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20200417060901/http://aaaaaaaa.g2.xrea.com/ssf/ Shima's Site (archived from xrea.com)]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20190331134556/http://www.geocities.jp/mj3kj8o5/ssf/ Shima's Site (archived from geocities.jp)]
* [https://ssftribute.csdprojects.co.uk/ English Tribute Site]
* [http://segasaturn.org/ Updated Compatibility List Based On Game Region]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Emulators]]
[[Category:Console emulators]]
[[Category:Home console emulators]]
[[Category:Sega Saturn emulators]]
[[Category:Windows emulation software]]
[[Category:Android emulation software]]
[[Category:Closed-source emulators]]

SSF

2022-12-25T05:29:20Z

SMB99thx: /* Review */ Clarifying

{{Infobox emulator
|title = SSF
|logo =
|logowidth =
|developer = Shima
|version = {{Version|SSF}}
|active = Yes
|platform = [[Emulators on Windows|Windows]] [[Emulators on Android|Android]]
|architecture =
|target = [[Sega Saturn emulators|Sega Saturn]]
|compatibility = High
|accuracy = Mid-high
|website =[https://twitter.com/FessX Shima's Twitter]
|prog-lang =
|support =
|license = Closed-source
|source = [https://github.com/shimazzz/SEGASaturnEmulator-SSF GitHub]
}}

'''SSF''' is a closed-source [[Sega Saturn emulators|Sega Saturn emulator]] known for being the most compatible for a long time.

==Download==
{| cellpadding="4"
|-
|align=center|{{Icon|Win-big|APK-big}}
|'''[{{SSFDownloadLink}} Latest release]'''
|}

==Review==
'''SSF''' was once renowned as being the best Saturn emulator from its inception in the early 2000s till around mid-2010s when a slate of newer and open-source Saturn emulation software was first launched. These included the [[Mednafen]] versions from the late 2010s and onwards with much improved Saturn compatibility, and two WIP derivatives of the old [[Yabause]] base called Kronos and [[Yaba Sanshiro]]. SSF is superior to [[Yabause]] and was initially superior to [[Mednafen]] with its early Saturn core versions for compatibility, but SSF is closed-source and was made for Windows only until it was [https://github.com/shimazzz/SEGASaturnEmulator-SSF/releases/tag/AndroidVer released] to Android devices in 28 January 2021. Before the Android release, source code alongside several older builds was uploaded to GitHub in 26 January 2021 and newer builds were uploaded there since then, but there were no commits made to the GitHub source code since that date. A large number of Saturn games require manual and persnickety editing in the emulator's configuration options to run properly, which makes SSF less easier to use in comparison to other Saturn emulators, and more recently, [https://github.com/shimazzz/SEGASaturnEmulator-SSF/issues/15#issuecomment-1038281021 trojan detections in recent versions] caused this emulator to become a risk for some computers. Despite this, SSF remains largely clean and it is recommended for users with older PCs.

The author Shima was, for a time, probably the longest-time active developer on any emulator from the emulator's public launch (Labelled 'SSF 001') in 1999 till 20 years later in late November 2019. It is unknown when the first ever version was released publicly, however, the next version of 'SSF 002' was released on 5th December 1999.<ref name="20Years_reddit">{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/e3u9wz/ssf_saturn_emulator_has_been_actively_developed/ |title=Thread: 'SSF (Saturn emulator) has been actively developed by the same single author for 20 years now.' |author='ZarkonD' |publisher=Reddit |date=30 November 2019}}</ref>

A major update to 0.12 improved compatibility for certain games and broke others. It added support for some of the games such as Astal (needs "Enable SH2 Cache"). Keep both versions, pre- and post-0.12 just in case. To raise compatibility, you can try with "No Bios" enabled or disabled, and you'll want to start with the MaxCompatibility (slow) option, then try with the faster options (that do not always work).

For some time, SSF requires either an external virtual drive or a specific loader to read disc images. Close and restart the emulator (as it says in the Japanese dialogue popup appearing) whenever you modify the options for them to take effect. Since Preview Version R4, SSF no longer requires mounting ISO files in a virtual drive to run them, though it is largely experimental and may cause crashes. [[SSF#Free Virtual Drive Software|Please see below for recommendations]].

Even though it has a "No Bios" option, you'll sometimes need the BIOS files, of course specifying the correct region in the options.

Some useful commands:
* F7: Pause and Load State (Press 0-9 to choose)
* Shift + F7: Pause and Save State (Press 0-9 to choose)
* Numeral Pad 1-6: Disable 2D layers. Useful for sprite rips. Keep in mind this often causes 3D games to crash, and they already have lower compatibility than 2D one when it comes to general emulations.
* You can change the speed of emulation under options up to 4x.

==Guides and Info==
* [http://www.racketboy.com/retro/sega/saturn/ssf-a-nearly-perfect-sega-saturn-emulator General Guide]

* [https://www.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.geocities.jp%2Fmj3kj8o5%2Fssf%2Fsetting.html&sandbox=1 Shima's FAQ about compatibility issues. Note that this is Japanese-to-English Google Translate, and has a very shoddy syntax as a result.]

* [https://segaretro.org/SSF See the external links in this Sega Retro page for guides and compatibility databases].

* An user called 'FreeckyCake' has produced an useful, detailed overview and guide to setting up SSF and uploaded it to a website in early December 2021. It also contains 15 table of content items and small information on decent alternatives such as Mednafen and [[RetroArch]]'s cores of Beetle Saturn and Kronos, although the user probably didn't try Mednafen with a GUI frontend, which marred his experience somewhat.<ref name="FC-Guide_reddit">{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/EmulationOnPC/comments/r80f95/ssf_emulator_guide_for_beginners_saturn_emulator |title=SSF Emulator Guide For Beginners (Saturn Emulator) |author='FreeckyCake' |publisher=Reddit |date=3 Dec 2021}}</ref><ref name="FC-Guide_AoG">{{cite web|url=https://altarofgaming.com/how-to-play-sega-saturn-games-on-windows-pc/ |title=How to Play Sega Saturn Games on Your Windows PC |author='FreeckyCake' |publisher=Altar of Gaming |date=3 Dec 2021}}</ref>

* The website FantasyAnime, which is well known for hosting fan-translation patches for many SNES RPGs among others has detailed guides for many advanced emulators of old consoles before 2000 and 2010. They have a much more detailed guide than FreeckyCake's guide above to setting up and running SSF, which was last updated on March 2022.<ref name="FA-Tutorial>{{cite web|url=https://fantasyanime.com/emuhelp/ssf |title=SSF Tutorial |publisher=FantasyAnime |date=31 March 2022}}</ref>

===Troubleshooting===
A rough translation of Shima's FAQ about compatibility issues with various games and fixes for them. The original can be found [https://web.archive.org/web/20190331080907/http://www.geocities.jp/mj3kj8o5/ssf/setting.html here].

The configuration closest to accurate hardware emulation would be: Enable "Bus Wait". Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 0. Enable "SH2 DMA Real Transfer". Alternatively, "Setting5" (holding the 5 keyboard button at startup) achieves similar results.

General issues:
* '''Character sprites in SNK games don't appear:''' Change "Cartridge" to "1MBytes RAM Cartridge".
* '''Flickering in FMVs:''' Enable "Check Cycle Pattern".
* '''No sound:''' Enable "Memory Access Wait".
* '''Stuttering sound:''' Enable "Scanline Base Timing".

Game-specific issues:
* '''Astal''', '''Denpa Shounenteki Game''' : Enable "SH2 Cache".
* '''Baroque''' (FMV issues): Enable "Check Sprite Priority".
* '''Castlevania Symphony of the Night''' (fix for data select screen), '''Macross Do You Remember Love''', '''World Heroes Perfect''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Chaos Seed''': Enable "Check Cycle Pattern". Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Daina ☆ Airan, Deep Fear, Mr. Bones, X-Men Vs. Street Fighter''': Enable "Memory Access Wait".
* '''Dark Savior''': Enable "Bus Wait" (fix for logo). Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access" (fix for save data screen).
* '''Daytona USA Circuit Edition''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Galjan''': Enable "SH2 DMA Real Transfer".
* '''Gokujou Parodius Da! Deluxe Pack (aka Fantastic Journey)''': Enable "Bus Wait", Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 0.
* '''Grandia''' (FMV issues): Set "Dot Clock" on 3.7 or above. Set "SlaveSH2 Speed" to 90%, Set "EZ Setting" to Highest.
* '''Idol Janshi Suchie-Pai II''' (fix for cutscenes): Enable "Check Cycle Pattern" and "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Lunar Silver Star Story''' (FMV issues): Enable "SCU DMA Delay Interrupt".
* '''Marvel Super Heroes Vs. Street Fighter''' (fix for sound noise): Disable "Sound Thread".
* '''Megaman X3''', '''Pro Mahjong Kiwame S''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3.7 or above. Set "1Block Clock" to a value as low as possible.
* '''Quovadis 2''' (fix for FMVs): Set "Dot Clock" to 3.0 or above, and "EZ Setting" to "High".
* '''Riglord Saga 2''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3 or above.
* '''Ruri Iro no Yuki''' (fix for company logo among other stuff): Enable "Check Cycle Pattern".
* '''Sol Divide''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3.4 or above.
* '''Sonic Jam''': Set "Dot Clock" to 2.7 or above. Enable "Check Cycle Pattern" (fix for 2P Mode in Sonic 2).
* '''Taito Chase HQ Plus SC'''I: Enable "CD Track/Index".
* '''Toshinden URA''' (if FMVs skip): Set "1Block Clock" to 50. Disable "Check SlaveSH2 Idle Loop". Enable "Bus Wait". Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 1. Enable "Enable Instruction Cache".
* '''The Tower:''' Enable "VDP2 RAM Write Timing".
* '''Thunder Hawk II, Whizz''': Enable "Bus Wait".
* '''Virtua Fighter 2''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access" (fix for key config screen). Enable "Memory Access Wait".

===SSF Drag and Drop Loader===
[https://www.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/e9cqrd/drag_drop_rom_loader_for_ssf_emulator_sega_saturn/ The best option] for SSF. Put it in your SSF directory. It works with normal Saturn filenames. Just drag and drop the game file, like Mednafen.

'''Note:''' Unfortunately, the web-link shown in the 2019 Reddit post linked above is since erased. Other sources will need to be found. It is probably found in [https://playnite.link/forum/thread-62.html this thread] at [[Playnite]] Forums. Be sure to grab the file quickly as it is on an unstable host at MediaFire.<ref name="PF_ROMLoader">{{cite web|url=https://playnite.link/forum/thread-62.html |title=Romloader app for SSF Emu (sega saturn) |author='cos37' |publisher=Playnite Forums |date=11 December 2019}}</ref>

===CHDSSF===
[https://github.com/batteryshark/CHDSSF This loader] allows you to use disc image without having to mount them at all with the only major caveat being that it requires you to convert your rips to .CHD beforehand using [http://forums.bannister.org//ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=68262#Post68262 chdman] or one of it's forks.

===Cheating with CEP===

# [https://gamehacking.org/downloads/cep022.zip download CEP] and prepare your CODELIST.TXT file. You can find an [https://eadmaster.altervista.org/pub/index.php?page=cheatpacks#ssf example with some codes and an handy converter here].
# start SSF.exe and wait for the game to load, then click About->cep, and leave the dialog with the base address opened.
# start cep.exe
# click "Process" tab, and select the correct emulator version and code type (usually "60codes")
# make sure the address in the field in the 2nd line matches the one in SSF (NO NEED TO CLICK "Search"). Usually it won't match and you will have to change a few digits.
# click "Codes" tab, select the current game and the cheat codes you want to enable
# click the "On" button to activate codes

===Free Virtual Drive Software===
As said above one of the ways to get SSF to use disc images is using a virtual disc drive. Sadly, most of the good free ones don't work with SSF for one reason or another. They either have a bunch of adware or they don't support some formats. The ones that do work (along with some that don't) will be listed below.

As of [https://twitter.com/FessX/status/1151502018185293824 Preview Version R4], you can mount CD images that use .cue and .bin files by going to Options > Peripherals, then in the ''CD Image'' section, select '''Enable''', then select the .cue file of your choosing, and restart the emulator. Mind you that this feature is still experimental, ergo the game will likely crash at certain points, so it's best to use the software below.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+List of Free Virtual Drive Software
|-
! scope="col"|Program Name
! scope="col"|Pros
! scope="col"|Cons
|-
|[https://www.elby.ch/en/download.html Virtual CloneDrive]
|
* Isn't a cut-down version of a paid software.
* Very lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
|
* Doesn't support .mdf/.mds files. This is kind of a big deal, since quite a few of the Saturn's popular titles are only available as mdf/mds.
* Can't mount .cue files. DON'T mount the .bin instead, as SSF will boot you back to the bios whenever it feels like it if you do. Instead, make a .ccd/.img copy with CloneCD and another virtual drive program.
|-
|[http://yubsoft.com/imgdrive/ ImgDrive]
|
* Very lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
* Can be used from the command line.
|
* Doesn't seem to work with .cue/.bin or .cue/.iso files (disc gets mounted, but without audio tracks).
.mds/.mdf & .ccd/.img/.sub files are fine, though.
|-
|[http://www.softpedia.com/get/CD-DVD-Tools/CD-DVD-Rip-Other-Tools/Alcohol-52.shtml Alcohol 52% Free Edition]
|
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
* Very reliable.
|
* Installer contains optional adware.
* Mounting the images causes the sound files to autoplay.
* The installer forces you to install crapware called Smart File Advisor, which you can't uninstall without uninstalling Alcohol.
(You can mostly ignore the program by stopping it from running on startup, or you can install the program while completely offline using an [http://www.free-codecs.com/download/alcohol_52.htm offline installer] and the crapware will fail to install itself and won't cause any further issues at any point)
|-
|[http://www.daemon-tools.cc/products/dtLite Daemon Tools LITE]
|
* Nice UI.
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
|
* Installer tries to fill your computer up with adware, and newer versions force you to install adware (Version 4.30.4 does not force it).
* Sends data on every image you mount to an outside location. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.neowin.net/news/daemon-tools-knows-what-you-mounted-last-summer|title=Daemon tools spying}}</ref> (mostly applies to versions 4.4x and on, [https://mega.nz/#!ZLwFXJYL!CYc0yn38agyZcfcJm487Id2XoJZ9JrzfyGpZ-nGY9AQ version 4.3x] seems unaffected and still works with modern systems but might be buggier)
* No longer run by the original team. Possibly Chinese spyware at this point.
|-
|[http://wincdemu.sysprogs.org/ WinCDEmu]
|
* Isn't a cut-down version of a paid software.
* Open-source.
* Very lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
|
* SSF isn't compatible with it.
|-
|[http://www.magiciso.com/tutorials/miso-magicdisc-overview.htm MagicDisc]
|
* Lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
|
* SSF isn't compatible with it.
|}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20200417060901/http://aaaaaaaa.g2.xrea.com/ssf/ Shima's Site (archived from xrea.com)]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20190331134556/http://www.geocities.jp/mj3kj8o5/ssf/ Shima's Site (archived from geocities.jp)]
* [https://ssftribute.csdprojects.co.uk/ English Tribute Site]
* [http://segasaturn.org/ Updated Compatibility List Based On Game Region]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Emulators]]
[[Category:Console emulators]]
[[Category:Home console emulators]]
[[Category:Sega Saturn emulators]]
[[Category:Windows emulation software]]
[[Category:Android emulation software]]
[[Category:Closed-source emulators]]

SSF

2022-12-25T05:25:21Z

SMB99thx: /* Review */ Android

{{Infobox emulator
|title = SSF
|logo =
|logowidth =
|developer = Shima
|version = {{Version|SSF}}
|active = Yes
|platform = [[Emulators on Windows|Windows]] [[Emulators on Android|Android]]
|architecture =
|target = [[Sega Saturn emulators|Sega Saturn]]
|compatibility = High
|accuracy = Mid-high
|website =[https://twitter.com/FessX Shima's Twitter]
|prog-lang =
|support =
|license = Closed-source
|source = [https://github.com/shimazzz/SEGASaturnEmulator-SSF GitHub]
}}

'''SSF''' is a closed-source [[Sega Saturn emulators|Sega Saturn emulator]] known for being the most compatible for a long time.

==Download==
{| cellpadding="4"
|-
|align=center|{{Icon|Win-big|APK-big}}
|'''[{{SSFDownloadLink}} Latest release]'''
|}

==Review==
'''SSF''' was once renowned as being the best Saturn emulator from its inception in the early 2000s till around mid-2010s when a slate of newer and open-source Saturn emulation software was first launched. These included the [[Mednafen]] versions from the late 2010s and onwards with much improved Saturn compatibility, and two WIP derivatives of the old [[Yabause]] base called Kronos and [[Yaba Sanshiro]]. SSF is superior to [[Yabause]] and was initially superior to [[Mednafen]] with its early Saturn core versions for compatibility, but SSF is closed-source and was made for Windows only until it was [https://github.com/shimazzz/SEGASaturnEmulator-SSF/releases/tag/AndroidVer released] to Android devices in 28 January 2021. Before the Android release, source code was uploaded to GitHub just once in 26 January 2021 and there were no commits since then, but a couple of release packs with various builds were uploaded there, without updating the source code. A large number of Saturn games require manual and persnickety editing in the emulator's configuration options to run properly, which makes SSF less easier to use in comparison to other Saturn emulators, and more recently, [https://github.com/shimazzz/SEGASaturnEmulator-SSF/issues/15#issuecomment-1038281021 trojan detections in recent versions] caused this emulator to become a risk for some computers. Despite this, SSF remains largely clean and it is recommended for users with older PCs.

The author Shima was, for a time, probably the longest-time active developer on any emulator from the emulator's public launch (Labelled 'SSF 001') in 1999 till 20 years later in late November 2019. It is unknown when the first ever version was released publicly, however, the next version of 'SSF 002' was released on 5th December 1999.<ref name="20Years_reddit">{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/e3u9wz/ssf_saturn_emulator_has_been_actively_developed/ |title=Thread: 'SSF (Saturn emulator) has been actively developed by the same single author for 20 years now.' |author='ZarkonD' |publisher=Reddit |date=30 November 2019}}</ref>

A major update to 0.12 improved compatibility for certain games and broke others. It added support for some of the games such as Astal (needs "Enable SH2 Cache"). Keep both versions, pre- and post-0.12 just in case. To raise compatibility, you can try with "No Bios" enabled or disabled, and you'll want to start with the MaxCompatibility (slow) option, then try with the faster options (that do not always work).

For some time, SSF requires either an external virtual drive or a specific loader to read disc images. Close and restart the emulator (as it says in the Japanese dialogue popup appearing) whenever you modify the options for them to take effect. Since Preview Version R4, SSF no longer requires mounting ISO files in a virtual drive to run them, though it is largely experimental and may cause crashes. [[SSF#Free Virtual Drive Software|Please see below for recommendations]].

Even though it has a "No Bios" option, you'll sometimes need the BIOS files, of course specifying the correct region in the options.

Some useful commands:
* F7: Pause and Load State (Press 0-9 to choose)
* Shift + F7: Pause and Save State (Press 0-9 to choose)
* Numeral Pad 1-6: Disable 2D layers. Useful for sprite rips. Keep in mind this often causes 3D games to crash, and they already have lower compatibility than 2D one when it comes to general emulations.
* You can change the speed of emulation under options up to 4x.

==Guides and Info==
* [http://www.racketboy.com/retro/sega/saturn/ssf-a-nearly-perfect-sega-saturn-emulator General Guide]

* [https://www.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.geocities.jp%2Fmj3kj8o5%2Fssf%2Fsetting.html&sandbox=1 Shima's FAQ about compatibility issues. Note that this is Japanese-to-English Google Translate, and has a very shoddy syntax as a result.]

* [https://segaretro.org/SSF See the external links in this Sega Retro page for guides and compatibility databases].

* An user called 'FreeckyCake' has produced an useful, detailed overview and guide to setting up SSF and uploaded it to a website in early December 2021. It also contains 15 table of content items and small information on decent alternatives such as Mednafen and [[RetroArch]]'s cores of Beetle Saturn and Kronos, although the user probably didn't try Mednafen with a GUI frontend, which marred his experience somewhat.<ref name="FC-Guide_reddit">{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/EmulationOnPC/comments/r80f95/ssf_emulator_guide_for_beginners_saturn_emulator |title=SSF Emulator Guide For Beginners (Saturn Emulator) |author='FreeckyCake' |publisher=Reddit |date=3 Dec 2021}}</ref><ref name="FC-Guide_AoG">{{cite web|url=https://altarofgaming.com/how-to-play-sega-saturn-games-on-windows-pc/ |title=How to Play Sega Saturn Games on Your Windows PC |author='FreeckyCake' |publisher=Altar of Gaming |date=3 Dec 2021}}</ref>

* The website FantasyAnime, which is well known for hosting fan-translation patches for many SNES RPGs among others has detailed guides for many advanced emulators of old consoles before 2000 and 2010. They have a much more detailed guide than FreeckyCake's guide above to setting up and running SSF, which was last updated on March 2022.<ref name="FA-Tutorial>{{cite web|url=https://fantasyanime.com/emuhelp/ssf |title=SSF Tutorial |publisher=FantasyAnime |date=31 March 2022}}</ref>

===Troubleshooting===
A rough translation of Shima's FAQ about compatibility issues with various games and fixes for them. The original can be found [https://web.archive.org/web/20190331080907/http://www.geocities.jp/mj3kj8o5/ssf/setting.html here].

The configuration closest to accurate hardware emulation would be: Enable "Bus Wait". Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 0. Enable "SH2 DMA Real Transfer". Alternatively, "Setting5" (holding the 5 keyboard button at startup) achieves similar results.

General issues:
* '''Character sprites in SNK games don't appear:''' Change "Cartridge" to "1MBytes RAM Cartridge".
* '''Flickering in FMVs:''' Enable "Check Cycle Pattern".
* '''No sound:''' Enable "Memory Access Wait".
* '''Stuttering sound:''' Enable "Scanline Base Timing".

Game-specific issues:
* '''Astal''', '''Denpa Shounenteki Game''' : Enable "SH2 Cache".
* '''Baroque''' (FMV issues): Enable "Check Sprite Priority".
* '''Castlevania Symphony of the Night''' (fix for data select screen), '''Macross Do You Remember Love''', '''World Heroes Perfect''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Chaos Seed''': Enable "Check Cycle Pattern". Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Daina ☆ Airan, Deep Fear, Mr. Bones, X-Men Vs. Street Fighter''': Enable "Memory Access Wait".
* '''Dark Savior''': Enable "Bus Wait" (fix for logo). Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access" (fix for save data screen).
* '''Daytona USA Circuit Edition''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Galjan''': Enable "SH2 DMA Real Transfer".
* '''Gokujou Parodius Da! Deluxe Pack (aka Fantastic Journey)''': Enable "Bus Wait", Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 0.
* '''Grandia''' (FMV issues): Set "Dot Clock" on 3.7 or above. Set "SlaveSH2 Speed" to 90%, Set "EZ Setting" to Highest.
* '''Idol Janshi Suchie-Pai II''' (fix for cutscenes): Enable "Check Cycle Pattern" and "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Lunar Silver Star Story''' (FMV issues): Enable "SCU DMA Delay Interrupt".
* '''Marvel Super Heroes Vs. Street Fighter''' (fix for sound noise): Disable "Sound Thread".
* '''Megaman X3''', '''Pro Mahjong Kiwame S''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3.7 or above. Set "1Block Clock" to a value as low as possible.
* '''Quovadis 2''' (fix for FMVs): Set "Dot Clock" to 3.0 or above, and "EZ Setting" to "High".
* '''Riglord Saga 2''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3 or above.
* '''Ruri Iro no Yuki''' (fix for company logo among other stuff): Enable "Check Cycle Pattern".
* '''Sol Divide''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3.4 or above.
* '''Sonic Jam''': Set "Dot Clock" to 2.7 or above. Enable "Check Cycle Pattern" (fix for 2P Mode in Sonic 2).
* '''Taito Chase HQ Plus SC'''I: Enable "CD Track/Index".
* '''Toshinden URA''' (if FMVs skip): Set "1Block Clock" to 50. Disable "Check SlaveSH2 Idle Loop". Enable "Bus Wait". Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 1. Enable "Enable Instruction Cache".
* '''The Tower:''' Enable "VDP2 RAM Write Timing".
* '''Thunder Hawk II, Whizz''': Enable "Bus Wait".
* '''Virtua Fighter 2''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access" (fix for key config screen). Enable "Memory Access Wait".

===SSF Drag and Drop Loader===
[https://www.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/e9cqrd/drag_drop_rom_loader_for_ssf_emulator_sega_saturn/ The best option] for SSF. Put it in your SSF directory. It works with normal Saturn filenames. Just drag and drop the game file, like Mednafen.

'''Note:''' Unfortunately, the web-link shown in the 2019 Reddit post linked above is since erased. Other sources will need to be found. It is probably found in [https://playnite.link/forum/thread-62.html this thread] at [[Playnite]] Forums. Be sure to grab the file quickly as it is on an unstable host at MediaFire.<ref name="PF_ROMLoader">{{cite web|url=https://playnite.link/forum/thread-62.html |title=Romloader app for SSF Emu (sega saturn) |author='cos37' |publisher=Playnite Forums |date=11 December 2019}}</ref>

===CHDSSF===
[https://github.com/batteryshark/CHDSSF This loader] allows you to use disc image without having to mount them at all with the only major caveat being that it requires you to convert your rips to .CHD beforehand using [http://forums.bannister.org//ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=68262#Post68262 chdman] or one of it's forks.

===Cheating with CEP===

# [https://gamehacking.org/downloads/cep022.zip download CEP] and prepare your CODELIST.TXT file. You can find an [https://eadmaster.altervista.org/pub/index.php?page=cheatpacks#ssf example with some codes and an handy converter here].
# start SSF.exe and wait for the game to load, then click About->cep, and leave the dialog with the base address opened.
# start cep.exe
# click "Process" tab, and select the correct emulator version and code type (usually "60codes")
# make sure the address in the field in the 2nd line matches the one in SSF (NO NEED TO CLICK "Search"). Usually it won't match and you will have to change a few digits.
# click "Codes" tab, select the current game and the cheat codes you want to enable
# click the "On" button to activate codes

===Free Virtual Drive Software===
As said above one of the ways to get SSF to use disc images is using a virtual disc drive. Sadly, most of the good free ones don't work with SSF for one reason or another. They either have a bunch of adware or they don't support some formats. The ones that do work (along with some that don't) will be listed below.

As of [https://twitter.com/FessX/status/1151502018185293824 Preview Version R4], you can mount CD images that use .cue and .bin files by going to Options > Peripherals, then in the ''CD Image'' section, select '''Enable''', then select the .cue file of your choosing, and restart the emulator. Mind you that this feature is still experimental, ergo the game will likely crash at certain points, so it's best to use the software below.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+List of Free Virtual Drive Software
|-
! scope="col"|Program Name
! scope="col"|Pros
! scope="col"|Cons
|-
|[https://www.elby.ch/en/download.html Virtual CloneDrive]
|
* Isn't a cut-down version of a paid software.
* Very lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
|
* Doesn't support .mdf/.mds files. This is kind of a big deal, since quite a few of the Saturn's popular titles are only available as mdf/mds.
* Can't mount .cue files. DON'T mount the .bin instead, as SSF will boot you back to the bios whenever it feels like it if you do. Instead, make a .ccd/.img copy with CloneCD and another virtual drive program.
|-
|[http://yubsoft.com/imgdrive/ ImgDrive]
|
* Very lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
* Can be used from the command line.
|
* Doesn't seem to work with .cue/.bin or .cue/.iso files (disc gets mounted, but without audio tracks).
.mds/.mdf & .ccd/.img/.sub files are fine, though.
|-
|[http://www.softpedia.com/get/CD-DVD-Tools/CD-DVD-Rip-Other-Tools/Alcohol-52.shtml Alcohol 52% Free Edition]
|
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
* Very reliable.
|
* Installer contains optional adware.
* Mounting the images causes the sound files to autoplay.
* The installer forces you to install crapware called Smart File Advisor, which you can't uninstall without uninstalling Alcohol.
(You can mostly ignore the program by stopping it from running on startup, or you can install the program while completely offline using an [http://www.free-codecs.com/download/alcohol_52.htm offline installer] and the crapware will fail to install itself and won't cause any further issues at any point)
|-
|[http://www.daemon-tools.cc/products/dtLite Daemon Tools LITE]
|
* Nice UI.
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
|
* Installer tries to fill your computer up with adware, and newer versions force you to install adware (Version 4.30.4 does not force it).
* Sends data on every image you mount to an outside location. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.neowin.net/news/daemon-tools-knows-what-you-mounted-last-summer|title=Daemon tools spying}}</ref> (mostly applies to versions 4.4x and on, [https://mega.nz/#!ZLwFXJYL!CYc0yn38agyZcfcJm487Id2XoJZ9JrzfyGpZ-nGY9AQ version 4.3x] seems unaffected and still works with modern systems but might be buggier)
* No longer run by the original team. Possibly Chinese spyware at this point.
|-
|[http://wincdemu.sysprogs.org/ WinCDEmu]
|
* Isn't a cut-down version of a paid software.
* Open-source.
* Very lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
|
* SSF isn't compatible with it.
|-
|[http://www.magiciso.com/tutorials/miso-magicdisc-overview.htm MagicDisc]
|
* Lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
|
* SSF isn't compatible with it.
|}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20200417060901/http://aaaaaaaa.g2.xrea.com/ssf/ Shima's Site (archived from xrea.com)]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20190331134556/http://www.geocities.jp/mj3kj8o5/ssf/ Shima's Site (archived from geocities.jp)]
* [https://ssftribute.csdprojects.co.uk/ English Tribute Site]
* [http://segasaturn.org/ Updated Compatibility List Based On Game Region]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Emulators]]
[[Category:Console emulators]]
[[Category:Home console emulators]]
[[Category:Sega Saturn emulators]]
[[Category:Windows emulation software]]
[[Category:Android emulation software]]
[[Category:Closed-source emulators]]

SSF

2022-12-25T05:19:56Z

SMB99thx: /* Review */ Android port

{{Infobox emulator
|title = SSF
|logo =
|logowidth =
|developer = Shima
|version = {{Version|SSF}}
|active = Yes
|platform = [[Emulators on Windows|Windows]] [[Emulators on Android|Android]]
|architecture =
|target = [[Sega Saturn emulators|Sega Saturn]]
|compatibility = High
|accuracy = Mid-high
|website =[https://twitter.com/FessX Shima's Twitter]
|prog-lang =
|support =
|license = Closed-source
|source = [https://github.com/shimazzz/SEGASaturnEmulator-SSF GitHub]
}}

'''SSF''' is a closed-source [[Sega Saturn emulators|Sega Saturn emulator]] known for being the most compatible for a long time.

==Download==
{| cellpadding="4"
|-
|align=center|{{Icon|Win-big|APK-big}}
|'''[{{SSFDownloadLink}} Latest release]'''
|}

==Review==
'''SSF''' was once renowned as being the best Saturn emulator from its inception in the early 2000s till around mid-2010s when a slate of newer and open-source Saturn emulation software was first launched. These included the [[Mednafen]] versions from the late 2010s and onwards with much improved Saturn compatibility, and two WIP derivatives of the old [[Yabause]] base called Kronos and [[Yaba Sanshiro]]. SSF is superior to [[Yabause]] and was initially superior to [[Mednafen]] with its early Saturn core versions for compatibility, but SSF is closed-source and was made for Windows only. The source code was uploaded to GitHub just once in late January 2021 and there were no commits since then, but a couple of release packs with various builds were uploaded there, including the release for Android devices in August 2022, without updating the source code. A large number of Saturn games require manual and persnickety editing in the emulator's configuration options to run properly, which makes SSF less easier to use in comparison to other Saturn emulators, and more recently, [https://github.com/shimazzz/SEGASaturnEmulator-SSF/issues/15#issuecomment-1038281021 trojan detections in recent versions] caused this emulator to become a risk for some computers. Despite this, SSF remains largely clean and it is recommended for users with older PCs.

The author Shima was, for a time, probably the longest-time active developer on any emulator from the emulator's public launch (Labelled 'SSF 001') in 1999 till 20 years later in late November 2019. It is unknown when the first ever version was released publicly, however, the next version of 'SSF 002' was released on 5th December 1999.<ref name="20Years_reddit">{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/e3u9wz/ssf_saturn_emulator_has_been_actively_developed/ |title=Thread: 'SSF (Saturn emulator) has been actively developed by the same single author for 20 years now.' |author='ZarkonD' |publisher=Reddit |date=30 November 2019}}</ref>

A major update to 0.12 improved compatibility for certain games and broke others. It added support for some of the games such as Astal (needs "Enable SH2 Cache"). Keep both versions, pre- and post-0.12 just in case. To raise compatibility, you can try with "No Bios" enabled or disabled, and you'll want to start with the MaxCompatibility (slow) option, then try with the faster options (that do not always work).

For long time, SSF requires either an external virtual drive or a specific loader to read disc images. Close and restart the emulator (as it says in the Japanese dialogue popup appearing) whenever you modify the options for them to take effect. Since Preview Version R4, SSF no longer requires mounting ISO files in a virtual drive to run them, though it is largely experimental and may cause crashes. [[SSF#Free Virtual Drive Software|Please see below for recommendations]].

Even though it has a "No Bios" option, you'll sometimes need the BIOS files, of course specifying the correct region in the options.

Some useful commands:
* F7: Pause and Load State (Press 0-9 to choose)
* Shift + F7: Pause and Save State (Press 0-9 to choose)
* Numeral Pad 1-6: Disable 2D layers. Useful for sprite rips. Keep in mind this often causes 3D games to crash, and they already have lower compatibility than 2D one when it comes to general emulations.
* You can change the speed of emulation under options up to 4x.

==Guides and Info==
* [http://www.racketboy.com/retro/sega/saturn/ssf-a-nearly-perfect-sega-saturn-emulator General Guide]

* [https://www.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.geocities.jp%2Fmj3kj8o5%2Fssf%2Fsetting.html&sandbox=1 Shima's FAQ about compatibility issues. Note that this is Japanese-to-English Google Translate, and has a very shoddy syntax as a result.]

* [https://segaretro.org/SSF See the external links in this Sega Retro page for guides and compatibility databases].

* An user called 'FreeckyCake' has produced an useful, detailed overview and guide to setting up SSF and uploaded it to a website in early December 2021. It also contains 15 table of content items and small information on decent alternatives such as Mednafen and [[RetroArch]]'s cores of Beetle Saturn and Kronos, although the user probably didn't try Mednafen with a GUI frontend, which marred his experience somewhat.<ref name="FC-Guide_reddit">{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/EmulationOnPC/comments/r80f95/ssf_emulator_guide_for_beginners_saturn_emulator |title=SSF Emulator Guide For Beginners (Saturn Emulator) |author='FreeckyCake' |publisher=Reddit |date=3 Dec 2021}}</ref><ref name="FC-Guide_AoG">{{cite web|url=https://altarofgaming.com/how-to-play-sega-saturn-games-on-windows-pc/ |title=How to Play Sega Saturn Games on Your Windows PC |author='FreeckyCake' |publisher=Altar of Gaming |date=3 Dec 2021}}</ref>

* The website FantasyAnime, which is well known for hosting fan-translation patches for many SNES RPGs among others has detailed guides for many advanced emulators of old consoles before 2000 and 2010. They have a much more detailed guide than FreeckyCake's guide above to setting up and running SSF, which was last updated on March 2022.<ref name="FA-Tutorial>{{cite web|url=https://fantasyanime.com/emuhelp/ssf |title=SSF Tutorial |publisher=FantasyAnime |date=31 March 2022}}</ref>

===Troubleshooting===
A rough translation of Shima's FAQ about compatibility issues with various games and fixes for them. The original can be found [https://web.archive.org/web/20190331080907/http://www.geocities.jp/mj3kj8o5/ssf/setting.html here].

The configuration closest to accurate hardware emulation would be: Enable "Bus Wait". Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 0. Enable "SH2 DMA Real Transfer". Alternatively, "Setting5" (holding the 5 keyboard button at startup) achieves similar results.

General issues:
* '''Character sprites in SNK games don't appear:''' Change "Cartridge" to "1MBytes RAM Cartridge".
* '''Flickering in FMVs:''' Enable "Check Cycle Pattern".
* '''No sound:''' Enable "Memory Access Wait".
* '''Stuttering sound:''' Enable "Scanline Base Timing".

Game-specific issues:
* '''Astal''', '''Denpa Shounenteki Game''' : Enable "SH2 Cache".
* '''Baroque''' (FMV issues): Enable "Check Sprite Priority".
* '''Castlevania Symphony of the Night''' (fix for data select screen), '''Macross Do You Remember Love''', '''World Heroes Perfect''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Chaos Seed''': Enable "Check Cycle Pattern". Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Daina ☆ Airan, Deep Fear, Mr. Bones, X-Men Vs. Street Fighter''': Enable "Memory Access Wait".
* '''Dark Savior''': Enable "Bus Wait" (fix for logo). Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access" (fix for save data screen).
* '''Daytona USA Circuit Edition''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Galjan''': Enable "SH2 DMA Real Transfer".
* '''Gokujou Parodius Da! Deluxe Pack (aka Fantastic Journey)''': Enable "Bus Wait", Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 0.
* '''Grandia''' (FMV issues): Set "Dot Clock" on 3.7 or above. Set "SlaveSH2 Speed" to 90%, Set "EZ Setting" to Highest.
* '''Idol Janshi Suchie-Pai II''' (fix for cutscenes): Enable "Check Cycle Pattern" and "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Lunar Silver Star Story''' (FMV issues): Enable "SCU DMA Delay Interrupt".
* '''Marvel Super Heroes Vs. Street Fighter''' (fix for sound noise): Disable "Sound Thread".
* '''Megaman X3''', '''Pro Mahjong Kiwame S''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3.7 or above. Set "1Block Clock" to a value as low as possible.
* '''Quovadis 2''' (fix for FMVs): Set "Dot Clock" to 3.0 or above, and "EZ Setting" to "High".
* '''Riglord Saga 2''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3 or above.
* '''Ruri Iro no Yuki''' (fix for company logo among other stuff): Enable "Check Cycle Pattern".
* '''Sol Divide''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3.4 or above.
* '''Sonic Jam''': Set "Dot Clock" to 2.7 or above. Enable "Check Cycle Pattern" (fix for 2P Mode in Sonic 2).
* '''Taito Chase HQ Plus SC'''I: Enable "CD Track/Index".
* '''Toshinden URA''' (if FMVs skip): Set "1Block Clock" to 50. Disable "Check SlaveSH2 Idle Loop". Enable "Bus Wait". Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 1. Enable "Enable Instruction Cache".
* '''The Tower:''' Enable "VDP2 RAM Write Timing".
* '''Thunder Hawk II, Whizz''': Enable "Bus Wait".
* '''Virtua Fighter 2''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access" (fix for key config screen). Enable "Memory Access Wait".

===SSF Drag and Drop Loader===
[https://www.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/e9cqrd/drag_drop_rom_loader_for_ssf_emulator_sega_saturn/ The best option] for SSF. Put it in your SSF directory. It works with normal Saturn filenames. Just drag and drop the game file, like Mednafen.

'''Note:''' Unfortunately, the web-link shown in the 2019 Reddit post linked above is since erased. Other sources will need to be found. It is probably found in [https://playnite.link/forum/thread-62.html this thread] at [[Playnite]] Forums. Be sure to grab the file quickly as it is on an unstable host at MediaFire.<ref name="PF_ROMLoader">{{cite web|url=https://playnite.link/forum/thread-62.html |title=Romloader app for SSF Emu (sega saturn) |author='cos37' |publisher=Playnite Forums |date=11 December 2019}}</ref>

===CHDSSF===
[https://github.com/batteryshark/CHDSSF This loader] allows you to use disc image without having to mount them at all with the only major caveat being that it requires you to convert your rips to .CHD beforehand using [http://forums.bannister.org//ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=68262#Post68262 chdman] or one of it's forks.

===Cheating with CEP===

# [https://gamehacking.org/downloads/cep022.zip download CEP] and prepare your CODELIST.TXT file. You can find an [https://eadmaster.altervista.org/pub/index.php?page=cheatpacks#ssf example with some codes and an handy converter here].
# start SSF.exe and wait for the game to load, then click About->cep, and leave the dialog with the base address opened.
# start cep.exe
# click "Process" tab, and select the correct emulator version and code type (usually "60codes")
# make sure the address in the field in the 2nd line matches the one in SSF (NO NEED TO CLICK "Search"). Usually it won't match and you will have to change a few digits.
# click "Codes" tab, select the current game and the cheat codes you want to enable
# click the "On" button to activate codes

===Free Virtual Drive Software===
As said above one of the ways to get SSF to use disc images is using a virtual disc drive. Sadly, most of the good free ones don't work with SSF for one reason or another. They either have a bunch of adware or they don't support some formats. The ones that do work (along with some that don't) will be listed below.

As of [https://twitter.com/FessX/status/1151502018185293824 Preview Version R4], you can mount CD images that use .cue and .bin files by going to Options > Peripherals, then in the ''CD Image'' section, select '''Enable''', then select the .cue file of your choosing, and restart the emulator. Mind you that this feature is still experimental, ergo the game will likely crash at certain points, so it's best to use the software below.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+List of Free Virtual Drive Software
|-
! scope="col"|Program Name
! scope="col"|Pros
! scope="col"|Cons
|-
|[https://www.elby.ch/en/download.html Virtual CloneDrive]
|
* Isn't a cut-down version of a paid software.
* Very lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
|
* Doesn't support .mdf/.mds files. This is kind of a big deal, since quite a few of the Saturn's popular titles are only available as mdf/mds.
* Can't mount .cue files. DON'T mount the .bin instead, as SSF will boot you back to the bios whenever it feels like it if you do. Instead, make a .ccd/.img copy with CloneCD and another virtual drive program.
|-
|[http://yubsoft.com/imgdrive/ ImgDrive]
|
* Very lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
* Can be used from the command line.
|
* Doesn't seem to work with .cue/.bin or .cue/.iso files (disc gets mounted, but without audio tracks).
.mds/.mdf & .ccd/.img/.sub files are fine, though.
|-
|[http://www.softpedia.com/get/CD-DVD-Tools/CD-DVD-Rip-Other-Tools/Alcohol-52.shtml Alcohol 52% Free Edition]
|
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
* Very reliable.
|
* Installer contains optional adware.
* Mounting the images causes the sound files to autoplay.
* The installer forces you to install crapware called Smart File Advisor, which you can't uninstall without uninstalling Alcohol.
(You can mostly ignore the program by stopping it from running on startup, or you can install the program while completely offline using an [http://www.free-codecs.com/download/alcohol_52.htm offline installer] and the crapware will fail to install itself and won't cause any further issues at any point)
|-
|[http://www.daemon-tools.cc/products/dtLite Daemon Tools LITE]
|
* Nice UI.
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
|
* Installer tries to fill your computer up with adware, and newer versions force you to install adware (Version 4.30.4 does not force it).
* Sends data on every image you mount to an outside location. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.neowin.net/news/daemon-tools-knows-what-you-mounted-last-summer|title=Daemon tools spying}}</ref> (mostly applies to versions 4.4x and on, [https://mega.nz/#!ZLwFXJYL!CYc0yn38agyZcfcJm487Id2XoJZ9JrzfyGpZ-nGY9AQ version 4.3x] seems unaffected and still works with modern systems but might be buggier)
* No longer run by the original team. Possibly Chinese spyware at this point.
|-
|[http://wincdemu.sysprogs.org/ WinCDEmu]
|
* Isn't a cut-down version of a paid software.
* Open-source.
* Very lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
|
* SSF isn't compatible with it.
|-
|[http://www.magiciso.com/tutorials/miso-magicdisc-overview.htm MagicDisc]
|
* Lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
|
* SSF isn't compatible with it.
|}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20200417060901/http://aaaaaaaa.g2.xrea.com/ssf/ Shima's Site (archived from xrea.com)]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20190331134556/http://www.geocities.jp/mj3kj8o5/ssf/ Shima's Site (archived from geocities.jp)]
* [https://ssftribute.csdprojects.co.uk/ English Tribute Site]
* [http://segasaturn.org/ Updated Compatibility List Based On Game Region]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Emulators]]
[[Category:Console emulators]]
[[Category:Home console emulators]]
[[Category:Sega Saturn emulators]]
[[Category:Windows emulation software]]
[[Category:Android emulation software]]
[[Category:Closed-source emulators]]

Talk:SSF

2022-12-25T05:13:25Z

SMB99thx: /* Latest versions are clean */ Comment

==To load a bin/cue disc image==
Man, what's all this talk about mounting discs? It's not that complicated: ''drag the game's .cue file to SSF.exe''. Tested on R18. -[[Special:Contributions/172.68.26.131|172.68.26.131]] 08:29, 17 May 2021 (UTC)

== Last versions are flagged as malware by VirusTotal ==

All the releases of SSF on the GitHub repository have at least 1 detection in VirusTotal.
R17 and R18 are flagged only by Yandex, so it might be a false positive. R25, R26 and R27 all have multiple flags.

It may be a good idea to warn users about this in the main page, and remove this emulator from the recommended list for Sega Saturn.

[//www.virustotal.com/gui/file/4d9e3fe4be734076c66c0b4186fb85892caaca07bff7a8c0278272e83b600312 R17 Report]

[//www.virustotal.com/gui/file/41c2e3626e8ebf2b2c2bc2894dcdddab1c9cefd27c66be31112e5997c4db3041 R18 Report]

[//www.virustotal.com/gui/file/a8cf0eceddf50ed73ad0ff11861e604a4d28ab2bc6ebccb985d9a753746302e2 R25 Report]

[//www.virustotal.com/gui/file/724dfcf6fc0cd33ec3e8b7234294c494ebe1e3c26d60f7d5b9865c05778abe3f R26 Report]

[//www.virustotal.com/gui/file/7e487dbe67f9f2e764f7b3ffddf0d2f820ac40a5d1cf42daa3db57442cc36b49 R27 Report]

:Done. Thank you for the heads up! - [[User:WebMint|WebMint]] ([[User talk:WebMint|talk]]) 02:57, 13 November 2021 (UTC)

== Latest versions are clean ==

Latest version from 17 Feb 2022 (R28) is clean and virus free.

:Done! - [[User:Rdx|Rdx]] ([[User talk:Rdx|talk]])

::I have checked this with Malwarebytes, and yes it is clean. However given the issue was still open in GitHub as of now, it shouldn't be ignored. [[User:SMB99thx|SMB99thx]] ([[User talk:SMB99thx|talk]]) 07:24, 26 November 2022 (UTC)
::BTW, I realized that the "updates" of this article back in April was made in passive-agressive manner. [[User:SMB99thx|SMB99thx]] ([[User talk:SMB99thx|talk]]) 05:13, 25 December 2022 (UTC)

SSF

2022-12-25T05:10:17Z

SMB99thx: /* Review */ Expanding a bit

{{Infobox emulator
|title = SSF
|logo =
|logowidth =
|developer = Shima
|version = {{Version|SSF}}
|active = Yes
|platform = [[Emulators on Windows|Windows]] [[Emulators on Android|Android]]
|architecture =
|target = [[Sega Saturn emulators|Sega Saturn]]
|compatibility = High
|accuracy = Mid-high
|website =[https://twitter.com/FessX Shima's Twitter]
|prog-lang =
|support =
|license = Closed-source
|source = [https://github.com/shimazzz/SEGASaturnEmulator-SSF GitHub]
}}

'''SSF''' is a closed-source [[Sega Saturn emulators|Sega Saturn emulator]] known for being the most compatible for a long time.

==Download==
{| cellpadding="4"
|-
|align=center|{{Icon|Win-big|APK-big}}
|'''[{{SSFDownloadLink}} Latest release]'''
|}

==Review==
'''SSF''' was once renowned as being the best Saturn emulator from its inception in the early 2000s till around mid-2010s when a slate of newer and open-source Saturn emulation software was first launched. These included the [[Mednafen]] versions from the late 2010s and onwards with much improved Saturn compatibility, and two WIP derivatives of the old [[Yabause]] base called Kronos and [[Yaba Sanshiro]]. SSF is superior to [[Yabause]] and was initially superior to [[Mednafen]] with its early Saturn core versions for compatibility, but is Windows only and closed source. The source code was uploaded to GitHub just once in late January 2021, and a couple of release packs with various builds were uploaded there, but there are no commits since then. A large number of Saturn games require manual and persnickety editing in the emulator's configuration options to run properly, which makes SSF less easier to use in comparison to other Saturn emulators, and more recently, [https://github.com/shimazzz/SEGASaturnEmulator-SSF/issues/15#issuecomment-1038281021 trojan detections in recent versions] caused this emulator to become a risk for some computers. Despite this, SSF remains largely clean and it is recommended for users with older PCs.

The author Shima was, for a time, probably the longest-time active developer on any emulator from the emulator's public launch (Labelled 'SSF 001') in 1999 till 20 years later in late November 2019. It is unknown when the first ever version was released publicly, however, the next version of 'SSF 002' was released on 5th December 1999.<ref name="20Years_reddit">{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/e3u9wz/ssf_saturn_emulator_has_been_actively_developed/ |title=Thread: 'SSF (Saturn emulator) has been actively developed by the same single author for 20 years now.' |author='ZarkonD' |publisher=Reddit |date=30 November 2019}}</ref>

A major update to 0.12 improved compatibility for certain games and broke others. It added support for some of the games such as Astal (needs "Enable SH2 Cache"). Keep both versions, pre- and post-0.12 just in case. To raise compatibility, you can try with "No Bios" enabled or disabled, and you'll want to start with the MaxCompatibility (slow) option, then try with the faster options (that do not always work).

For long time, SSF requires either an external virtual drive or a specific loader to read disc images. Close and restart the emulator (as it says in the Japanese dialogue popup appearing) whenever you modify the options for them to take effect. Since Preview Version R4, SSF no longer requires mounting ISO files in a virtual drive to run them, though it is largely experimental and may cause crashes. [[SSF#Free Virtual Drive Software|Please see below for recommendations]].

Even though it has a "No Bios" option, you'll sometimes need the BIOS files, of course specifying the correct region in the options.

Some useful commands:
* F7: Pause and Load State (Press 0-9 to choose)
* Shift + F7: Pause and Save State (Press 0-9 to choose)
* Numeral Pad 1-6: Disable 2D layers. Useful for sprite rips. Keep in mind this often causes 3D games to crash, and they already have lower compatibility than 2D one when it comes to general emulations.
* You can change the speed of emulation under options up to 4x.

==Guides and Info==
* [http://www.racketboy.com/retro/sega/saturn/ssf-a-nearly-perfect-sega-saturn-emulator General Guide]

* [https://www.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.geocities.jp%2Fmj3kj8o5%2Fssf%2Fsetting.html&sandbox=1 Shima's FAQ about compatibility issues. Note that this is Japanese-to-English Google Translate, and has a very shoddy syntax as a result.]

* [https://segaretro.org/SSF See the external links in this Sega Retro page for guides and compatibility databases].

* An user called 'FreeckyCake' has produced an useful, detailed overview and guide to setting up SSF and uploaded it to a website in early December 2021. It also contains 15 table of content items and small information on decent alternatives such as Mednafen and [[RetroArch]]'s cores of Beetle Saturn and Kronos, although the user probably didn't try Mednafen with a GUI frontend, which marred his experience somewhat.<ref name="FC-Guide_reddit">{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/EmulationOnPC/comments/r80f95/ssf_emulator_guide_for_beginners_saturn_emulator |title=SSF Emulator Guide For Beginners (Saturn Emulator) |author='FreeckyCake' |publisher=Reddit |date=3 Dec 2021}}</ref><ref name="FC-Guide_AoG">{{cite web|url=https://altarofgaming.com/how-to-play-sega-saturn-games-on-windows-pc/ |title=How to Play Sega Saturn Games on Your Windows PC |author='FreeckyCake' |publisher=Altar of Gaming |date=3 Dec 2021}}</ref>

* The website FantasyAnime, which is well known for hosting fan-translation patches for many SNES RPGs among others has detailed guides for many advanced emulators of old consoles before 2000 and 2010. They have a much more detailed guide than FreeckyCake's guide above to setting up and running SSF, which was last updated on March 2022.<ref name="FA-Tutorial>{{cite web|url=https://fantasyanime.com/emuhelp/ssf |title=SSF Tutorial |publisher=FantasyAnime |date=31 March 2022}}</ref>

===Troubleshooting===
A rough translation of Shima's FAQ about compatibility issues with various games and fixes for them. The original can be found [https://web.archive.org/web/20190331080907/http://www.geocities.jp/mj3kj8o5/ssf/setting.html here].

The configuration closest to accurate hardware emulation would be: Enable "Bus Wait". Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 0. Enable "SH2 DMA Real Transfer". Alternatively, "Setting5" (holding the 5 keyboard button at startup) achieves similar results.

General issues:
* '''Character sprites in SNK games don't appear:''' Change "Cartridge" to "1MBytes RAM Cartridge".
* '''Flickering in FMVs:''' Enable "Check Cycle Pattern".
* '''No sound:''' Enable "Memory Access Wait".
* '''Stuttering sound:''' Enable "Scanline Base Timing".

Game-specific issues:
* '''Astal''', '''Denpa Shounenteki Game''' : Enable "SH2 Cache".
* '''Baroque''' (FMV issues): Enable "Check Sprite Priority".
* '''Castlevania Symphony of the Night''' (fix for data select screen), '''Macross Do You Remember Love''', '''World Heroes Perfect''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Chaos Seed''': Enable "Check Cycle Pattern". Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Daina ☆ Airan, Deep Fear, Mr. Bones, X-Men Vs. Street Fighter''': Enable "Memory Access Wait".
* '''Dark Savior''': Enable "Bus Wait" (fix for logo). Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access" (fix for save data screen).
* '''Daytona USA Circuit Edition''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Galjan''': Enable "SH2 DMA Real Transfer".
* '''Gokujou Parodius Da! Deluxe Pack (aka Fantastic Journey)''': Enable "Bus Wait", Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 0.
* '''Grandia''' (FMV issues): Set "Dot Clock" on 3.7 or above. Set "SlaveSH2 Speed" to 90%, Set "EZ Setting" to Highest.
* '''Idol Janshi Suchie-Pai II''' (fix for cutscenes): Enable "Check Cycle Pattern" and "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Lunar Silver Star Story''' (FMV issues): Enable "SCU DMA Delay Interrupt".
* '''Marvel Super Heroes Vs. Street Fighter''' (fix for sound noise): Disable "Sound Thread".
* '''Megaman X3''', '''Pro Mahjong Kiwame S''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3.7 or above. Set "1Block Clock" to a value as low as possible.
* '''Quovadis 2''' (fix for FMVs): Set "Dot Clock" to 3.0 or above, and "EZ Setting" to "High".
* '''Riglord Saga 2''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3 or above.
* '''Ruri Iro no Yuki''' (fix for company logo among other stuff): Enable "Check Cycle Pattern".
* '''Sol Divide''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3.4 or above.
* '''Sonic Jam''': Set "Dot Clock" to 2.7 or above. Enable "Check Cycle Pattern" (fix for 2P Mode in Sonic 2).
* '''Taito Chase HQ Plus SC'''I: Enable "CD Track/Index".
* '''Toshinden URA''' (if FMVs skip): Set "1Block Clock" to 50. Disable "Check SlaveSH2 Idle Loop". Enable "Bus Wait". Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 1. Enable "Enable Instruction Cache".
* '''The Tower:''' Enable "VDP2 RAM Write Timing".
* '''Thunder Hawk II, Whizz''': Enable "Bus Wait".
* '''Virtua Fighter 2''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access" (fix for key config screen). Enable "Memory Access Wait".

===SSF Drag and Drop Loader===
[https://www.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/e9cqrd/drag_drop_rom_loader_for_ssf_emulator_sega_saturn/ The best option] for SSF. Put it in your SSF directory. It works with normal Saturn filenames. Just drag and drop the game file, like Mednafen.

'''Note:''' Unfortunately, the web-link shown in the 2019 Reddit post linked above is since erased. Other sources will need to be found. It is probably found in [https://playnite.link/forum/thread-62.html this thread] at [[Playnite]] Forums. Be sure to grab the file quickly as it is on an unstable host at MediaFire.<ref name="PF_ROMLoader">{{cite web|url=https://playnite.link/forum/thread-62.html |title=Romloader app for SSF Emu (sega saturn) |author='cos37' |publisher=Playnite Forums |date=11 December 2019}}</ref>

===CHDSSF===
[https://github.com/batteryshark/CHDSSF This loader] allows you to use disc image without having to mount them at all with the only major caveat being that it requires you to convert your rips to .CHD beforehand using [http://forums.bannister.org//ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=68262#Post68262 chdman] or one of it's forks.

===Cheating with CEP===

# [https://gamehacking.org/downloads/cep022.zip download CEP] and prepare your CODELIST.TXT file. You can find an [https://eadmaster.altervista.org/pub/index.php?page=cheatpacks#ssf example with some codes and an handy converter here].
# start SSF.exe and wait for the game to load, then click About->cep, and leave the dialog with the base address opened.
# start cep.exe
# click "Process" tab, and select the correct emulator version and code type (usually "60codes")
# make sure the address in the field in the 2nd line matches the one in SSF (NO NEED TO CLICK "Search"). Usually it won't match and you will have to change a few digits.
# click "Codes" tab, select the current game and the cheat codes you want to enable
# click the "On" button to activate codes

===Free Virtual Drive Software===
As said above one of the ways to get SSF to use disc images is using a virtual disc drive. Sadly, most of the good free ones don't work with SSF for one reason or another. They either have a bunch of adware or they don't support some formats. The ones that do work (along with some that don't) will be listed below.

As of [https://twitter.com/FessX/status/1151502018185293824 Preview Version R4], you can mount CD images that use .cue and .bin files by going to Options > Peripherals, then in the ''CD Image'' section, select '''Enable''', then select the .cue file of your choosing, and restart the emulator. Mind you that this feature is still experimental, ergo the game will likely crash at certain points, so it's best to use the software below.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+List of Free Virtual Drive Software
|-
! scope="col"|Program Name
! scope="col"|Pros
! scope="col"|Cons
|-
|[https://www.elby.ch/en/download.html Virtual CloneDrive]
|
* Isn't a cut-down version of a paid software.
* Very lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
|
* Doesn't support .mdf/.mds files. This is kind of a big deal, since quite a few of the Saturn's popular titles are only available as mdf/mds.
* Can't mount .cue files. DON'T mount the .bin instead, as SSF will boot you back to the bios whenever it feels like it if you do. Instead, make a .ccd/.img copy with CloneCD and another virtual drive program.
|-
|[http://yubsoft.com/imgdrive/ ImgDrive]
|
* Very lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
* Can be used from the command line.
|
* Doesn't seem to work with .cue/.bin or .cue/.iso files (disc gets mounted, but without audio tracks).
.mds/.mdf & .ccd/.img/.sub files are fine, though.
|-
|[http://www.softpedia.com/get/CD-DVD-Tools/CD-DVD-Rip-Other-Tools/Alcohol-52.shtml Alcohol 52% Free Edition]
|
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
* Very reliable.
|
* Installer contains optional adware.
* Mounting the images causes the sound files to autoplay.
* The installer forces you to install crapware called Smart File Advisor, which you can't uninstall without uninstalling Alcohol.
(You can mostly ignore the program by stopping it from running on startup, or you can install the program while completely offline using an [http://www.free-codecs.com/download/alcohol_52.htm offline installer] and the crapware will fail to install itself and won't cause any further issues at any point)
|-
|[http://www.daemon-tools.cc/products/dtLite Daemon Tools LITE]
|
* Nice UI.
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
|
* Installer tries to fill your computer up with adware, and newer versions force you to install adware (Version 4.30.4 does not force it).
* Sends data on every image you mount to an outside location. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.neowin.net/news/daemon-tools-knows-what-you-mounted-last-summer|title=Daemon tools spying}}</ref> (mostly applies to versions 4.4x and on, [https://mega.nz/#!ZLwFXJYL!CYc0yn38agyZcfcJm487Id2XoJZ9JrzfyGpZ-nGY9AQ version 4.3x] seems unaffected and still works with modern systems but might be buggier)
* No longer run by the original team. Possibly Chinese spyware at this point.
|-
|[http://wincdemu.sysprogs.org/ WinCDEmu]
|
* Isn't a cut-down version of a paid software.
* Open-source.
* Very lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
|
* SSF isn't compatible with it.
|-
|[http://www.magiciso.com/tutorials/miso-magicdisc-overview.htm MagicDisc]
|
* Lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
|
* SSF isn't compatible with it.
|}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20200417060901/http://aaaaaaaa.g2.xrea.com/ssf/ Shima's Site (archived from xrea.com)]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20190331134556/http://www.geocities.jp/mj3kj8o5/ssf/ Shima's Site (archived from geocities.jp)]
* [https://ssftribute.csdprojects.co.uk/ English Tribute Site]
* [http://segasaturn.org/ Updated Compatibility List Based On Game Region]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Emulators]]
[[Category:Console emulators]]
[[Category:Home console emulators]]
[[Category:Sega Saturn emulators]]
[[Category:Windows emulation software]]
[[Category:Android emulation software]]
[[Category:Closed-source emulators]]

SSF

2022-12-25T05:00:48Z

SMB99thx: /* Review */ Positioning

{{Infobox emulator
|title = SSF
|logo =
|logowidth =
|developer = Shima
|version = {{Version|SSF}}
|active = Yes
|platform = [[Emulators on Windows|Windows]] [[Emulators on Android|Android]]
|architecture =
|target = [[Sega Saturn emulators|Sega Saturn]]
|compatibility = High
|accuracy = Mid-high
|website =[https://twitter.com/FessX Shima's Twitter]
|prog-lang =
|support =
|license = Closed-source
|source = [https://github.com/shimazzz/SEGASaturnEmulator-SSF GitHub]
}}

'''SSF''' is a closed-source [[Sega Saturn emulators|Sega Saturn emulator]] known for being the most compatible for a long time.

==Download==
{| cellpadding="4"
|-
|align=center|{{Icon|Win-big|APK-big}}
|'''[{{SSFDownloadLink}} Latest release]'''
|}

==Review==
'''SSF''' was once renowned as being the best Saturn emulator from its inception in the early 2000s till around mid-2010s when a slate of newer and open-source Saturn emulation software was first launched. These included the [[Mednafen]] versions from the late 2010s and onwards with much improved Saturn compatibility, and two WIP derivatives of the old [[Yabause]] base called Kronos and [[Yaba Sanshiro]]. SSF is superior to [[Yabause]] and was initially superior to [[Mednafen]] with its early Saturn core versions for compatibility, but is Windows only and closed source. The source code was uploaded to GitHub just once in late January 2021, and a couple of release packs with various builds were uploaded there, but there are no commits since then. A large number of Saturn games require manual and persnickety editing in the emulator's configuration options to run properly, which makes SSF less easier to use in comparison to other Saturn emulators, and more recently, [https://github.com/shimazzz/SEGASaturnEmulator-SSF/issues/15#issuecomment-1038281021 trojan detections in recent versions] caused this emulator to become a risk for some computers. Despite this, SSF remains largely clean and it is recommended for users with older PCs.

The author Shima was, for a time, probably the longest-time active developer on any emulator from the emulator's public launch (Labelled 'SSF 001') in 1999 till 20 years later in late November 2019. It is unknown when the first ever version was released publicly, however, the next version of 'SSF 002' was released on 5th December 1999.<ref name="20Years_reddit">{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/e3u9wz/ssf_saturn_emulator_has_been_actively_developed/ |title=Thread: 'SSF (Saturn emulator) has been actively developed by the same single author for 20 years now.' |author='ZarkonD' |publisher=Reddit |date=30 November 2019}}</ref>

A major update to 0.12 improved compatibility for certain games and broke others. It added support for some of the games such as Astal (needs "Enable SH2 Cache"). Keep both versions, pre- and post-0.12 just in case. To raise compatibility, you can try with "No Bios" enabled or disabled, and you'll want to start with the MaxCompatibility (slow) option, then try with the faster options (that do not always work).

For long time, SSF requires either an external virtual drive or a specific loader to read disc images. Close and restart the emulator (as it says in the Japanese dialogue popup appearing) whenever you modify the options for them to take effect. Though in more recent updates SSF no longer requires mounting ISO files in a virtual drive to run them.

Even though it has a "No Bios" option, you'll sometimes need the BIOS files, of course specifying the correct region in the options.

Some useful commands:
* F7: Pause and Load State (Press 0-9 to choose)
* Shift + F7: Pause and Save State (Press 0-9 to choose)
* Numeral Pad 1-6: Disable 2D layers. Useful for sprite rips. Keep in mind this often causes 3D games to crash, and they already have lower compatibility than 2D one when it comes to general emulations.
* You can change the speed of emulation under options up to 4x.

==Guides and Info==
* [http://www.racketboy.com/retro/sega/saturn/ssf-a-nearly-perfect-sega-saturn-emulator General Guide]

* [https://www.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.geocities.jp%2Fmj3kj8o5%2Fssf%2Fsetting.html&sandbox=1 Shima's FAQ about compatibility issues. Note that this is Japanese-to-English Google Translate, and has a very shoddy syntax as a result.]

* [https://segaretro.org/SSF See the external links in this Sega Retro page for guides and compatibility databases].

* An user called 'FreeckyCake' has produced an useful, detailed overview and guide to setting up SSF and uploaded it to a website in early December 2021. It also contains 15 table of content items and small information on decent alternatives such as Mednafen and [[RetroArch]]'s cores of Beetle Saturn and Kronos, although the user probably didn't try Mednafen with a GUI frontend, which marred his experience somewhat.<ref name="FC-Guide_reddit">{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/EmulationOnPC/comments/r80f95/ssf_emulator_guide_for_beginners_saturn_emulator |title=SSF Emulator Guide For Beginners (Saturn Emulator) |author='FreeckyCake' |publisher=Reddit |date=3 Dec 2021}}</ref><ref name="FC-Guide_AoG">{{cite web|url=https://altarofgaming.com/how-to-play-sega-saturn-games-on-windows-pc/ |title=How to Play Sega Saturn Games on Your Windows PC |author='FreeckyCake' |publisher=Altar of Gaming |date=3 Dec 2021}}</ref>

* The website FantasyAnime, which is well known for hosting fan-translation patches for many SNES RPGs among others has detailed guides for many advanced emulators of old consoles before 2000 and 2010. They have a much more detailed guide than FreeckyCake's guide above to setting up and running SSF, which was last updated on March 2022.<ref name="FA-Tutorial>{{cite web|url=https://fantasyanime.com/emuhelp/ssf |title=SSF Tutorial |publisher=FantasyAnime |date=31 March 2022}}</ref>

===Troubleshooting===
A rough translation of Shima's FAQ about compatibility issues with various games and fixes for them. The original can be found [https://web.archive.org/web/20190331080907/http://www.geocities.jp/mj3kj8o5/ssf/setting.html here].

The configuration closest to accurate hardware emulation would be: Enable "Bus Wait". Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 0. Enable "SH2 DMA Real Transfer". Alternatively, "Setting5" (holding the 5 keyboard button at startup) achieves similar results.

General issues:
* '''Character sprites in SNK games don't appear:''' Change "Cartridge" to "1MBytes RAM Cartridge".
* '''Flickering in FMVs:''' Enable "Check Cycle Pattern".
* '''No sound:''' Enable "Memory Access Wait".
* '''Stuttering sound:''' Enable "Scanline Base Timing".

Game-specific issues:
* '''Astal''', '''Denpa Shounenteki Game''' : Enable "SH2 Cache".
* '''Baroque''' (FMV issues): Enable "Check Sprite Priority".
* '''Castlevania Symphony of the Night''' (fix for data select screen), '''Macross Do You Remember Love''', '''World Heroes Perfect''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Chaos Seed''': Enable "Check Cycle Pattern". Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Daina ☆ Airan, Deep Fear, Mr. Bones, X-Men Vs. Street Fighter''': Enable "Memory Access Wait".
* '''Dark Savior''': Enable "Bus Wait" (fix for logo). Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access" (fix for save data screen).
* '''Daytona USA Circuit Edition''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Galjan''': Enable "SH2 DMA Real Transfer".
* '''Gokujou Parodius Da! Deluxe Pack (aka Fantastic Journey)''': Enable "Bus Wait", Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 0.
* '''Grandia''' (FMV issues): Set "Dot Clock" on 3.7 or above. Set "SlaveSH2 Speed" to 90%, Set "EZ Setting" to Highest.
* '''Idol Janshi Suchie-Pai II''' (fix for cutscenes): Enable "Check Cycle Pattern" and "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Lunar Silver Star Story''' (FMV issues): Enable "SCU DMA Delay Interrupt".
* '''Marvel Super Heroes Vs. Street Fighter''' (fix for sound noise): Disable "Sound Thread".
* '''Megaman X3''', '''Pro Mahjong Kiwame S''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3.7 or above. Set "1Block Clock" to a value as low as possible.
* '''Quovadis 2''' (fix for FMVs): Set "Dot Clock" to 3.0 or above, and "EZ Setting" to "High".
* '''Riglord Saga 2''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3 or above.
* '''Ruri Iro no Yuki''' (fix for company logo among other stuff): Enable "Check Cycle Pattern".
* '''Sol Divide''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3.4 or above.
* '''Sonic Jam''': Set "Dot Clock" to 2.7 or above. Enable "Check Cycle Pattern" (fix for 2P Mode in Sonic 2).
* '''Taito Chase HQ Plus SC'''I: Enable "CD Track/Index".
* '''Toshinden URA''' (if FMVs skip): Set "1Block Clock" to 50. Disable "Check SlaveSH2 Idle Loop". Enable "Bus Wait". Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 1. Enable "Enable Instruction Cache".
* '''The Tower:''' Enable "VDP2 RAM Write Timing".
* '''Thunder Hawk II, Whizz''': Enable "Bus Wait".
* '''Virtua Fighter 2''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access" (fix for key config screen). Enable "Memory Access Wait".

===SSF Drag and Drop Loader===
[https://www.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/e9cqrd/drag_drop_rom_loader_for_ssf_emulator_sega_saturn/ The best option] for SSF. Put it in your SSF directory. It works with normal Saturn filenames. Just drag and drop the game file, like Mednafen.

'''Note:''' Unfortunately, the web-link shown in the 2019 Reddit post linked above is since erased. Other sources will need to be found. It is probably found in [https://playnite.link/forum/thread-62.html this thread] at [[Playnite]] Forums. Be sure to grab the file quickly as it is on an unstable host at MediaFire.<ref name="PF_ROMLoader">{{cite web|url=https://playnite.link/forum/thread-62.html |title=Romloader app for SSF Emu (sega saturn) |author='cos37' |publisher=Playnite Forums |date=11 December 2019}}</ref>

===CHDSSF===
[https://github.com/batteryshark/CHDSSF This loader] allows you to use disc image without having to mount them at all with the only major caveat being that it requires you to convert your rips to .CHD beforehand using [http://forums.bannister.org//ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=68262#Post68262 chdman] or one of it's forks.

===Cheating with CEP===

# [https://gamehacking.org/downloads/cep022.zip download CEP] and prepare your CODELIST.TXT file. You can find an [https://eadmaster.altervista.org/pub/index.php?page=cheatpacks#ssf example with some codes and an handy converter here].
# start SSF.exe and wait for the game to load, then click About->cep, and leave the dialog with the base address opened.
# start cep.exe
# click "Process" tab, and select the correct emulator version and code type (usually "60codes")
# make sure the address in the field in the 2nd line matches the one in SSF (NO NEED TO CLICK "Search"). Usually it won't match and you will have to change a few digits.
# click "Codes" tab, select the current game and the cheat codes you want to enable
# click the "On" button to activate codes

===Free Virtual Drive Software===
As said above one of the ways to get SSF to use disc images is using a virtual disc drive. Sadly, most of the good free ones don't work with SSF for one reason or another. They either have a bunch of adware or they don't support some formats. The ones that do work (along with some that don't) will be listed below.

As of [https://twitter.com/FessX/status/1151502018185293824 Preview Version R4], you can mount CD images that use .cue and .bin files by going to Options > Peripherals, then in the ''CD Image'' section, select '''Enable''', then select the .cue file of your choosing, and restart the emulator. Mind you that this feature is still experimental, ergo the game will likely crash at certain points, so it's best to use the software below.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+List of Free Virtual Drive Software
|-
! scope="col"|Program Name
! scope="col"|Pros
! scope="col"|Cons
|-
|[https://www.elby.ch/en/download.html Virtual CloneDrive]
|
* Isn't a cut-down version of a paid software.
* Very lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
|
* Doesn't support .mdf/.mds files. This is kind of a big deal, since quite a few of the Saturn's popular titles are only available as mdf/mds.
* Can't mount .cue files. DON'T mount the .bin instead, as SSF will boot you back to the bios whenever it feels like it if you do. Instead, make a .ccd/.img copy with CloneCD and another virtual drive program.
|-
|[http://yubsoft.com/imgdrive/ ImgDrive]
|
* Very lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
* Can be used from the command line.
|
* Doesn't seem to work with .cue/.bin or .cue/.iso files (disc gets mounted, but without audio tracks).
.mds/.mdf & .ccd/.img/.sub files are fine, though.
|-
|[http://www.softpedia.com/get/CD-DVD-Tools/CD-DVD-Rip-Other-Tools/Alcohol-52.shtml Alcohol 52% Free Edition]
|
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
* Very reliable.
|
* Installer contains optional adware.
* Mounting the images causes the sound files to autoplay.
* The installer forces you to install crapware called Smart File Advisor, which you can't uninstall without uninstalling Alcohol.
(You can mostly ignore the program by stopping it from running on startup, or you can install the program while completely offline using an [http://www.free-codecs.com/download/alcohol_52.htm offline installer] and the crapware will fail to install itself and won't cause any further issues at any point)
|-
|[http://www.daemon-tools.cc/products/dtLite Daemon Tools LITE]
|
* Nice UI.
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
|
* Installer tries to fill your computer up with adware, and newer versions force you to install adware (Version 4.30.4 does not force it).
* Sends data on every image you mount to an outside location. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.neowin.net/news/daemon-tools-knows-what-you-mounted-last-summer|title=Daemon tools spying}}</ref> (mostly applies to versions 4.4x and on, [https://mega.nz/#!ZLwFXJYL!CYc0yn38agyZcfcJm487Id2XoJZ9JrzfyGpZ-nGY9AQ version 4.3x] seems unaffected and still works with modern systems but might be buggier)
* No longer run by the original team. Possibly Chinese spyware at this point.
|-
|[http://wincdemu.sysprogs.org/ WinCDEmu]
|
* Isn't a cut-down version of a paid software.
* Open-source.
* Very lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
|
* SSF isn't compatible with it.
|-
|[http://www.magiciso.com/tutorials/miso-magicdisc-overview.htm MagicDisc]
|
* Lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
|
* SSF isn't compatible with it.
|}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20200417060901/http://aaaaaaaa.g2.xrea.com/ssf/ Shima's Site (archived from xrea.com)]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20190331134556/http://www.geocities.jp/mj3kj8o5/ssf/ Shima's Site (archived from geocities.jp)]
* [https://ssftribute.csdprojects.co.uk/ English Tribute Site]
* [http://segasaturn.org/ Updated Compatibility List Based On Game Region]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Emulators]]
[[Category:Console emulators]]
[[Category:Home console emulators]]
[[Category:Sega Saturn emulators]]
[[Category:Windows emulation software]]
[[Category:Android emulation software]]
[[Category:Closed-source emulators]]

SSF

2022-12-25T04:52:29Z

SMB99thx: /* Review */

{{Infobox emulator
|title = SSF
|logo =
|logowidth =
|developer = Shima
|version = {{Version|SSF}}
|active = Yes
|platform = [[Emulators on Windows|Windows]] [[Emulators on Android|Android]]
|architecture =
|target = [[Sega Saturn emulators|Sega Saturn]]
|compatibility = High
|accuracy = Mid-high
|website =[https://twitter.com/FessX Shima's Twitter]
|prog-lang =
|support =
|license = Closed-source
|source = [https://github.com/shimazzz/SEGASaturnEmulator-SSF GitHub]
}}

'''SSF''' is a closed-source [[Sega Saturn emulators|Sega Saturn emulator]] known for being the most compatible for a long time.

==Download==
{| cellpadding="4"
|-
|align=center|{{Icon|Win-big|APK-big}}
|'''[{{SSFDownloadLink}} Latest release]'''
|}

==Review==
'''SSF''' was once renowned as being the best Saturn emulator from its inception in the early 2000s till around mid-2010s when a slate of newer and open-source Saturn emulation software was first launched. These included the [[Mednafen]] versions from the late 2010s and onwards with much improved Saturn compatibility, and two WIP derivatives of the old [[Yabause]] base called Kronos and [[Yaba Sanshiro]]. SSF is superior to [[Yabause]] and was initially superior to [[Mednafen]] with its early Saturn core versions for compatibility, but is Windows only and closed source. It no longer requires mounting ISO files in a virtual drive to run them (see below). The source code was uploaded to GitHub just once in late January 2021, and a couple of release packs with various builds were uploaded there, but there are no commits since then. A large number of Saturn games require manual and persnickety editing in the emulator's configuration options to run properly, which makes SSF less easier to use in comparison to other Saturn emulators, and more recently, [https://github.com/shimazzz/SEGASaturnEmulator-SSF/issues/15#issuecomment-1038281021 trojan detections in recent versions] caused this emulator to become a risk for some computers. Despite this, SSF remains largely clean and it is recommended for users with older PCs.

The author Shima was, for a time, probably the longest-time active developer on any emulator from the emulator's public launch (Labelled 'SSF 001') in 1999 till 20 years later in late November 2019. It is unknown when the first ever version was released publicly, however, the next version of 'SSF 002' was released on 5th December 1999.<ref name="20Years_reddit">{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/e3u9wz/ssf_saturn_emulator_has_been_actively_developed/ |title=Thread: 'SSF (Saturn emulator) has been actively developed by the same single author for 20 years now.' |author='ZarkonD' |publisher=Reddit |date=30 November 2019}}</ref>

A major update to 0.12 improved compatibility for certain games and broke others. It added support for some of the games such as Astal (needs "Enable SH2 Cache"). Keep both versions, pre- and post-0.12 just in case. To raise compatibility, you can try with "No Bios" enabled or disabled, and you'll want to start with the MaxCompatibility (slow) option, then try with the faster options (that do not always work).

SSF requires either an external virtual drive or a specific loader to read disc images. Close and restart the emulator (as it says in the Japanese dialogue popup appearing) whenever you modify the options for them to take effect.

Even though it has a "No Bios" option, you'll sometimes need the BIOS files, of course specifying the correct region in the options.

Some useful commands:
* F7: Pause and Load State (Press 0-9 to choose)
* Shift + F7: Pause and Save State (Press 0-9 to choose)
* Numeral Pad 1-6: Disable 2D layers. Useful for sprite rips. Keep in mind this often causes 3D games to crash, and they already have lower compatibility than 2D one when it comes to general emulations.
* You can change the speed of emulation under options up to 4x.

==Guides and Info==
* [http://www.racketboy.com/retro/sega/saturn/ssf-a-nearly-perfect-sega-saturn-emulator General Guide]

* [https://www.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.geocities.jp%2Fmj3kj8o5%2Fssf%2Fsetting.html&sandbox=1 Shima's FAQ about compatibility issues. Note that this is Japanese-to-English Google Translate, and has a very shoddy syntax as a result.]

* [https://segaretro.org/SSF See the external links in this Sega Retro page for guides and compatibility databases].

* An user called 'FreeckyCake' has produced an useful, detailed overview and guide to setting up SSF and uploaded it to a website in early December 2021. It also contains 15 table of content items and small information on decent alternatives such as Mednafen and [[RetroArch]]'s cores of Beetle Saturn and Kronos, although the user probably didn't try Mednafen with a GUI frontend, which marred his experience somewhat.<ref name="FC-Guide_reddit">{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/EmulationOnPC/comments/r80f95/ssf_emulator_guide_for_beginners_saturn_emulator |title=SSF Emulator Guide For Beginners (Saturn Emulator) |author='FreeckyCake' |publisher=Reddit |date=3 Dec 2021}}</ref><ref name="FC-Guide_AoG">{{cite web|url=https://altarofgaming.com/how-to-play-sega-saturn-games-on-windows-pc/ |title=How to Play Sega Saturn Games on Your Windows PC |author='FreeckyCake' |publisher=Altar of Gaming |date=3 Dec 2021}}</ref>

* The website FantasyAnime, which is well known for hosting fan-translation patches for many SNES RPGs among others has detailed guides for many advanced emulators of old consoles before 2000 and 2010. They have a much more detailed guide than FreeckyCake's guide above to setting up and running SSF, which was last updated on March 2022.<ref name="FA-Tutorial>{{cite web|url=https://fantasyanime.com/emuhelp/ssf |title=SSF Tutorial |publisher=FantasyAnime |date=31 March 2022}}</ref>

===Troubleshooting===
A rough translation of Shima's FAQ about compatibility issues with various games and fixes for them. The original can be found [https://web.archive.org/web/20190331080907/http://www.geocities.jp/mj3kj8o5/ssf/setting.html here].

The configuration closest to accurate hardware emulation would be: Enable "Bus Wait". Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 0. Enable "SH2 DMA Real Transfer". Alternatively, "Setting5" (holding the 5 keyboard button at startup) achieves similar results.

General issues:
* '''Character sprites in SNK games don't appear:''' Change "Cartridge" to "1MBytes RAM Cartridge".
* '''Flickering in FMVs:''' Enable "Check Cycle Pattern".
* '''No sound:''' Enable "Memory Access Wait".
* '''Stuttering sound:''' Enable "Scanline Base Timing".

Game-specific issues:
* '''Astal''', '''Denpa Shounenteki Game''' : Enable "SH2 Cache".
* '''Baroque''' (FMV issues): Enable "Check Sprite Priority".
* '''Castlevania Symphony of the Night''' (fix for data select screen), '''Macross Do You Remember Love''', '''World Heroes Perfect''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Chaos Seed''': Enable "Check Cycle Pattern". Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Daina ☆ Airan, Deep Fear, Mr. Bones, X-Men Vs. Street Fighter''': Enable "Memory Access Wait".
* '''Dark Savior''': Enable "Bus Wait" (fix for logo). Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access" (fix for save data screen).
* '''Daytona USA Circuit Edition''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Galjan''': Enable "SH2 DMA Real Transfer".
* '''Gokujou Parodius Da! Deluxe Pack (aka Fantastic Journey)''': Enable "Bus Wait", Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 0.
* '''Grandia''' (FMV issues): Set "Dot Clock" on 3.7 or above. Set "SlaveSH2 Speed" to 90%, Set "EZ Setting" to Highest.
* '''Idol Janshi Suchie-Pai II''' (fix for cutscenes): Enable "Check Cycle Pattern" and "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Lunar Silver Star Story''' (FMV issues): Enable "SCU DMA Delay Interrupt".
* '''Marvel Super Heroes Vs. Street Fighter''' (fix for sound noise): Disable "Sound Thread".
* '''Megaman X3''', '''Pro Mahjong Kiwame S''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3.7 or above. Set "1Block Clock" to a value as low as possible.
* '''Quovadis 2''' (fix for FMVs): Set "Dot Clock" to 3.0 or above, and "EZ Setting" to "High".
* '''Riglord Saga 2''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3 or above.
* '''Ruri Iro no Yuki''' (fix for company logo among other stuff): Enable "Check Cycle Pattern".
* '''Sol Divide''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3.4 or above.
* '''Sonic Jam''': Set "Dot Clock" to 2.7 or above. Enable "Check Cycle Pattern" (fix for 2P Mode in Sonic 2).
* '''Taito Chase HQ Plus SC'''I: Enable "CD Track/Index".
* '''Toshinden URA''' (if FMVs skip): Set "1Block Clock" to 50. Disable "Check SlaveSH2 Idle Loop". Enable "Bus Wait". Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 1. Enable "Enable Instruction Cache".
* '''The Tower:''' Enable "VDP2 RAM Write Timing".
* '''Thunder Hawk II, Whizz''': Enable "Bus Wait".
* '''Virtua Fighter 2''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access" (fix for key config screen). Enable "Memory Access Wait".

===SSF Drag and Drop Loader===
[https://www.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/e9cqrd/drag_drop_rom_loader_for_ssf_emulator_sega_saturn/ The best option] for SSF. Put it in your SSF directory. It works with normal Saturn filenames. Just drag and drop the game file, like Mednafen.

'''Note:''' Unfortunately, the web-link shown in the 2019 Reddit post linked above is since erased. Other sources will need to be found. It is probably found in [https://playnite.link/forum/thread-62.html this thread] at [[Playnite]] Forums. Be sure to grab the file quickly as it is on an unstable host at MediaFire.<ref name="PF_ROMLoader">{{cite web|url=https://playnite.link/forum/thread-62.html |title=Romloader app for SSF Emu (sega saturn) |author='cos37' |publisher=Playnite Forums |date=11 December 2019}}</ref>

===CHDSSF===
[https://github.com/batteryshark/CHDSSF This loader] allows you to use disc image without having to mount them at all with the only major caveat being that it requires you to convert your rips to .CHD beforehand using [http://forums.bannister.org//ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=68262#Post68262 chdman] or one of it's forks.

===Cheating with CEP===

# [https://gamehacking.org/downloads/cep022.zip download CEP] and prepare your CODELIST.TXT file. You can find an [https://eadmaster.altervista.org/pub/index.php?page=cheatpacks#ssf example with some codes and an handy converter here].
# start SSF.exe and wait for the game to load, then click About->cep, and leave the dialog with the base address opened.
# start cep.exe
# click "Process" tab, and select the correct emulator version and code type (usually "60codes")
# make sure the address in the field in the 2nd line matches the one in SSF (NO NEED TO CLICK "Search"). Usually it won't match and you will have to change a few digits.
# click "Codes" tab, select the current game and the cheat codes you want to enable
# click the "On" button to activate codes

===Free Virtual Drive Software===
As said above one of the ways to get SSF to use disc images is using a virtual disc drive. Sadly, most of the good free ones don't work with SSF for one reason or another. They either have a bunch of adware or they don't support some formats. The ones that do work (along with some that don't) will be listed below.

As of [https://twitter.com/FessX/status/1151502018185293824 Preview Version R4], you can mount CD images that use .cue and .bin files by going to Options > Peripherals, then in the ''CD Image'' section, select '''Enable''', then select the .cue file of your choosing, and restart the emulator. Mind you that this feature is still experimental, ergo the game will likely crash at certain points, so it's best to use the software below.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+List of Free Virtual Drive Software
|-
! scope="col"|Program Name
! scope="col"|Pros
! scope="col"|Cons
|-
|[https://www.elby.ch/en/download.html Virtual CloneDrive]
|
* Isn't a cut-down version of a paid software.
* Very lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
|
* Doesn't support .mdf/.mds files. This is kind of a big deal, since quite a few of the Saturn's popular titles are only available as mdf/mds.
* Can't mount .cue files. DON'T mount the .bin instead, as SSF will boot you back to the bios whenever it feels like it if you do. Instead, make a .ccd/.img copy with CloneCD and another virtual drive program.
|-
|[http://yubsoft.com/imgdrive/ ImgDrive]
|
* Very lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
* Can be used from the command line.
|
* Doesn't seem to work with .cue/.bin or .cue/.iso files (disc gets mounted, but without audio tracks).
.mds/.mdf & .ccd/.img/.sub files are fine, though.
|-
|[http://www.softpedia.com/get/CD-DVD-Tools/CD-DVD-Rip-Other-Tools/Alcohol-52.shtml Alcohol 52% Free Edition]
|
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
* Very reliable.
|
* Installer contains optional adware.
* Mounting the images causes the sound files to autoplay.
* The installer forces you to install crapware called Smart File Advisor, which you can't uninstall without uninstalling Alcohol.
(You can mostly ignore the program by stopping it from running on startup, or you can install the program while completely offline using an [http://www.free-codecs.com/download/alcohol_52.htm offline installer] and the crapware will fail to install itself and won't cause any further issues at any point)
|-
|[http://www.daemon-tools.cc/products/dtLite Daemon Tools LITE]
|
* Nice UI.
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
|
* Installer tries to fill your computer up with adware, and newer versions force you to install adware (Version 4.30.4 does not force it).
* Sends data on every image you mount to an outside location. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.neowin.net/news/daemon-tools-knows-what-you-mounted-last-summer|title=Daemon tools spying}}</ref> (mostly applies to versions 4.4x and on, [https://mega.nz/#!ZLwFXJYL!CYc0yn38agyZcfcJm487Id2XoJZ9JrzfyGpZ-nGY9AQ version 4.3x] seems unaffected and still works with modern systems but might be buggier)
* No longer run by the original team. Possibly Chinese spyware at this point.
|-
|[http://wincdemu.sysprogs.org/ WinCDEmu]
|
* Isn't a cut-down version of a paid software.
* Open-source.
* Very lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
|
* SSF isn't compatible with it.
|-
|[http://www.magiciso.com/tutorials/miso-magicdisc-overview.htm MagicDisc]
|
* Lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
|
* SSF isn't compatible with it.
|}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20200417060901/http://aaaaaaaa.g2.xrea.com/ssf/ Shima's Site (archived from xrea.com)]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20190331134556/http://www.geocities.jp/mj3kj8o5/ssf/ Shima's Site (archived from geocities.jp)]
* [https://ssftribute.csdprojects.co.uk/ English Tribute Site]
* [http://segasaturn.org/ Updated Compatibility List Based On Game Region]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Emulators]]
[[Category:Console emulators]]
[[Category:Home console emulators]]
[[Category:Sega Saturn emulators]]
[[Category:Windows emulation software]]
[[Category:Android emulation software]]
[[Category:Closed-source emulators]]

SSF

2022-12-25T04:49:22Z

SMB99thx: /* Review */ Don't be too passive agressive

{{Infobox emulator
|title = SSF
|logo =
|logowidth =
|developer = Shima
|version = {{Version|SSF}}
|active = Yes
|platform = [[Emulators on Windows|Windows]] [[Emulators on Android|Android]]
|architecture =
|target = [[Sega Saturn emulators|Sega Saturn]]
|compatibility = High
|accuracy = Mid-high
|website =[https://twitter.com/FessX Shima's Twitter]
|prog-lang =
|support =
|license = Closed-source
|source = [https://github.com/shimazzz/SEGASaturnEmulator-SSF GitHub]
}}

'''SSF''' is a closed-source [[Sega Saturn emulators|Sega Saturn emulator]] known for being the most compatible for a long time.

==Download==
{| cellpadding="4"
|-
|align=center|{{Icon|Win-big|APK-big}}
|'''[{{SSFDownloadLink}} Latest release]'''
|}

==Review==
'''SSF''' was once renowned as being the best Saturn emulator from its inception in the early 2000s till around mid-2010s when a slate of newer and open-source Saturn emulation software was first launched. These included the [[Mednafen]] versions from the late 2010s and onwards with much improved Saturn compatibility, and two WIP derivatives of the old [[Yabause]] base called Kronos and [[Yaba Sanshiro]]. SSF is superior to [[Yabause]] and was initially superior to [[Mednafen]] with its early Saturn core versions for compatibility, but is Windows only and closed source. It no longer requires mounting ISO files in a virtual drive to run them (see below). The source code was uploaded to GitHub just once in late January 2021, and a couple of release packs with various builds were uploaded there, but there have been no more commits since then. A large number of Saturn games require manual and persnickety editing in the emulator's configuration options to run properly, which makes SSF less easier to use in comparison to other Saturn emulators, and more recently, [https://github.com/shimazzz/SEGASaturnEmulator-SSF/issues/15#issuecomment-1038281021 trojan detections in recent versions] caused this emulator to become a risk for some computers. Despite this, SSF remains largely clean and it is recommended for users with older PCs.

The author Shima was, for a time, probably the longest-time active developer on any emulator from the emulator's public launch (Labelled 'SSF 001') in 1999 till 20 years later in late November 2019. It is unknown when the first ever version was released publicly, however, the next version of 'SSF 002' was released on 5th December 1999.<ref name="20Years_reddit">{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/e3u9wz/ssf_saturn_emulator_has_been_actively_developed/ |title=Thread: 'SSF (Saturn emulator) has been actively developed by the same single author for 20 years now.' |author='ZarkonD' |publisher=Reddit |date=30 November 2019}}</ref>

A major update to 0.12 improved compatibility for certain games and broke others. It added support for some of the games such as Astal (needs "Enable SH2 Cache"). Keep both versions, pre- and post-0.12 just in case. To raise compatibility, you can try with "No Bios" enabled or disabled, and you'll want to start with the MaxCompatibility (slow) option, then try with the faster options (that do not always work).

SSF requires either an external virtual drive or a specific loader to read disc images. Close and restart the emulator (as it says in the Japanese dialogue popup appearing) whenever you modify the options for them to take effect.

Even though it has a "No Bios" option, you'll sometimes need the BIOS files, of course specifying the correct region in the options.

Some useful commands:
* F7: Pause and Load State (Press 0-9 to choose)
* Shift + F7: Pause and Save State (Press 0-9 to choose)
* Numeral Pad 1-6: Disable 2D layers. Useful for sprite rips. Keep in mind this often causes 3D games to crash, and they already have lower compatibility than 2D one when it comes to general emulations.
* You can change the speed of emulation under options up to 4x.

==Guides and Info==
* [http://www.racketboy.com/retro/sega/saturn/ssf-a-nearly-perfect-sega-saturn-emulator General Guide]

* [https://www.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.geocities.jp%2Fmj3kj8o5%2Fssf%2Fsetting.html&sandbox=1 Shima's FAQ about compatibility issues. Note that this is Japanese-to-English Google Translate, and has a very shoddy syntax as a result.]

* [https://segaretro.org/SSF See the external links in this Sega Retro page for guides and compatibility databases].

* An user called 'FreeckyCake' has produced an useful, detailed overview and guide to setting up SSF and uploaded it to a website in early December 2021. It also contains 15 table of content items and small information on decent alternatives such as Mednafen and [[RetroArch]]'s cores of Beetle Saturn and Kronos, although the user probably didn't try Mednafen with a GUI frontend, which marred his experience somewhat.<ref name="FC-Guide_reddit">{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/EmulationOnPC/comments/r80f95/ssf_emulator_guide_for_beginners_saturn_emulator |title=SSF Emulator Guide For Beginners (Saturn Emulator) |author='FreeckyCake' |publisher=Reddit |date=3 Dec 2021}}</ref><ref name="FC-Guide_AoG">{{cite web|url=https://altarofgaming.com/how-to-play-sega-saturn-games-on-windows-pc/ |title=How to Play Sega Saturn Games on Your Windows PC |author='FreeckyCake' |publisher=Altar of Gaming |date=3 Dec 2021}}</ref>

* The website FantasyAnime, which is well known for hosting fan-translation patches for many SNES RPGs among others has detailed guides for many advanced emulators of old consoles before 2000 and 2010. They have a much more detailed guide than FreeckyCake's guide above to setting up and running SSF, which was last updated on March 2022.<ref name="FA-Tutorial>{{cite web|url=https://fantasyanime.com/emuhelp/ssf |title=SSF Tutorial |publisher=FantasyAnime |date=31 March 2022}}</ref>

===Troubleshooting===
A rough translation of Shima's FAQ about compatibility issues with various games and fixes for them. The original can be found [https://web.archive.org/web/20190331080907/http://www.geocities.jp/mj3kj8o5/ssf/setting.html here].

The configuration closest to accurate hardware emulation would be: Enable "Bus Wait". Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 0. Enable "SH2 DMA Real Transfer". Alternatively, "Setting5" (holding the 5 keyboard button at startup) achieves similar results.

General issues:
* '''Character sprites in SNK games don't appear:''' Change "Cartridge" to "1MBytes RAM Cartridge".
* '''Flickering in FMVs:''' Enable "Check Cycle Pattern".
* '''No sound:''' Enable "Memory Access Wait".
* '''Stuttering sound:''' Enable "Scanline Base Timing".

Game-specific issues:
* '''Astal''', '''Denpa Shounenteki Game''' : Enable "SH2 Cache".
* '''Baroque''' (FMV issues): Enable "Check Sprite Priority".
* '''Castlevania Symphony of the Night''' (fix for data select screen), '''Macross Do You Remember Love''', '''World Heroes Perfect''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Chaos Seed''': Enable "Check Cycle Pattern". Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Daina ☆ Airan, Deep Fear, Mr. Bones, X-Men Vs. Street Fighter''': Enable "Memory Access Wait".
* '''Dark Savior''': Enable "Bus Wait" (fix for logo). Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access" (fix for save data screen).
* '''Daytona USA Circuit Edition''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Galjan''': Enable "SH2 DMA Real Transfer".
* '''Gokujou Parodius Da! Deluxe Pack (aka Fantastic Journey)''': Enable "Bus Wait", Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 0.
* '''Grandia''' (FMV issues): Set "Dot Clock" on 3.7 or above. Set "SlaveSH2 Speed" to 90%, Set "EZ Setting" to Highest.
* '''Idol Janshi Suchie-Pai II''' (fix for cutscenes): Enable "Check Cycle Pattern" and "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Lunar Silver Star Story''' (FMV issues): Enable "SCU DMA Delay Interrupt".
* '''Marvel Super Heroes Vs. Street Fighter''' (fix for sound noise): Disable "Sound Thread".
* '''Megaman X3''', '''Pro Mahjong Kiwame S''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3.7 or above. Set "1Block Clock" to a value as low as possible.
* '''Quovadis 2''' (fix for FMVs): Set "Dot Clock" to 3.0 or above, and "EZ Setting" to "High".
* '''Riglord Saga 2''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3 or above.
* '''Ruri Iro no Yuki''' (fix for company logo among other stuff): Enable "Check Cycle Pattern".
* '''Sol Divide''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3.4 or above.
* '''Sonic Jam''': Set "Dot Clock" to 2.7 or above. Enable "Check Cycle Pattern" (fix for 2P Mode in Sonic 2).
* '''Taito Chase HQ Plus SC'''I: Enable "CD Track/Index".
* '''Toshinden URA''' (if FMVs skip): Set "1Block Clock" to 50. Disable "Check SlaveSH2 Idle Loop". Enable "Bus Wait". Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 1. Enable "Enable Instruction Cache".
* '''The Tower:''' Enable "VDP2 RAM Write Timing".
* '''Thunder Hawk II, Whizz''': Enable "Bus Wait".
* '''Virtua Fighter 2''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access" (fix for key config screen). Enable "Memory Access Wait".

===SSF Drag and Drop Loader===
[https://www.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/e9cqrd/drag_drop_rom_loader_for_ssf_emulator_sega_saturn/ The best option] for SSF. Put it in your SSF directory. It works with normal Saturn filenames. Just drag and drop the game file, like Mednafen.

'''Note:''' Unfortunately, the web-link shown in the 2019 Reddit post linked above is since erased. Other sources will need to be found. It is probably found in [https://playnite.link/forum/thread-62.html this thread] at [[Playnite]] Forums. Be sure to grab the file quickly as it is on an unstable host at MediaFire.<ref name="PF_ROMLoader">{{cite web|url=https://playnite.link/forum/thread-62.html |title=Romloader app for SSF Emu (sega saturn) |author='cos37' |publisher=Playnite Forums |date=11 December 2019}}</ref>

===CHDSSF===
[https://github.com/batteryshark/CHDSSF This loader] allows you to use disc image without having to mount them at all with the only major caveat being that it requires you to convert your rips to .CHD beforehand using [http://forums.bannister.org//ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=68262#Post68262 chdman] or one of it's forks.

===Cheating with CEP===

# [https://gamehacking.org/downloads/cep022.zip download CEP] and prepare your CODELIST.TXT file. You can find an [https://eadmaster.altervista.org/pub/index.php?page=cheatpacks#ssf example with some codes and an handy converter here].
# start SSF.exe and wait for the game to load, then click About->cep, and leave the dialog with the base address opened.
# start cep.exe
# click "Process" tab, and select the correct emulator version and code type (usually "60codes")
# make sure the address in the field in the 2nd line matches the one in SSF (NO NEED TO CLICK "Search"). Usually it won't match and you will have to change a few digits.
# click "Codes" tab, select the current game and the cheat codes you want to enable
# click the "On" button to activate codes

===Free Virtual Drive Software===
As said above one of the ways to get SSF to use disc images is using a virtual disc drive. Sadly, most of the good free ones don't work with SSF for one reason or another. They either have a bunch of adware or they don't support some formats. The ones that do work (along with some that don't) will be listed below.

As of [https://twitter.com/FessX/status/1151502018185293824 Preview Version R4], you can mount CD images that use .cue and .bin files by going to Options > Peripherals, then in the ''CD Image'' section, select '''Enable''', then select the .cue file of your choosing, and restart the emulator. Mind you that this feature is still experimental, ergo the game will likely crash at certain points, so it's best to use the software below.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+List of Free Virtual Drive Software
|-
! scope="col"|Program Name
! scope="col"|Pros
! scope="col"|Cons
|-
|[https://www.elby.ch/en/download.html Virtual CloneDrive]
|
* Isn't a cut-down version of a paid software.
* Very lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
|
* Doesn't support .mdf/.mds files. This is kind of a big deal, since quite a few of the Saturn's popular titles are only available as mdf/mds.
* Can't mount .cue files. DON'T mount the .bin instead, as SSF will boot you back to the bios whenever it feels like it if you do. Instead, make a .ccd/.img copy with CloneCD and another virtual drive program.
|-
|[http://yubsoft.com/imgdrive/ ImgDrive]
|
* Very lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
* Can be used from the command line.
|
* Doesn't seem to work with .cue/.bin or .cue/.iso files (disc gets mounted, but without audio tracks).
.mds/.mdf & .ccd/.img/.sub files are fine, though.
|-
|[http://www.softpedia.com/get/CD-DVD-Tools/CD-DVD-Rip-Other-Tools/Alcohol-52.shtml Alcohol 52% Free Edition]
|
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
* Very reliable.
|
* Installer contains optional adware.
* Mounting the images causes the sound files to autoplay.
* The installer forces you to install crapware called Smart File Advisor, which you can't uninstall without uninstalling Alcohol.
(You can mostly ignore the program by stopping it from running on startup, or you can install the program while completely offline using an [http://www.free-codecs.com/download/alcohol_52.htm offline installer] and the crapware will fail to install itself and won't cause any further issues at any point)
|-
|[http://www.daemon-tools.cc/products/dtLite Daemon Tools LITE]
|
* Nice UI.
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
|
* Installer tries to fill your computer up with adware, and newer versions force you to install adware (Version 4.30.4 does not force it).
* Sends data on every image you mount to an outside location. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.neowin.net/news/daemon-tools-knows-what-you-mounted-last-summer|title=Daemon tools spying}}</ref> (mostly applies to versions 4.4x and on, [https://mega.nz/#!ZLwFXJYL!CYc0yn38agyZcfcJm487Id2XoJZ9JrzfyGpZ-nGY9AQ version 4.3x] seems unaffected and still works with modern systems but might be buggier)
* No longer run by the original team. Possibly Chinese spyware at this point.
|-
|[http://wincdemu.sysprogs.org/ WinCDEmu]
|
* Isn't a cut-down version of a paid software.
* Open-source.
* Very lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
|
* SSF isn't compatible with it.
|-
|[http://www.magiciso.com/tutorials/miso-magicdisc-overview.htm MagicDisc]
|
* Lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
|
* SSF isn't compatible with it.
|}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20200417060901/http://aaaaaaaa.g2.xrea.com/ssf/ Shima's Site (archived from xrea.com)]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20190331134556/http://www.geocities.jp/mj3kj8o5/ssf/ Shima's Site (archived from geocities.jp)]
* [https://ssftribute.csdprojects.co.uk/ English Tribute Site]
* [http://segasaturn.org/ Updated Compatibility List Based On Game Region]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Emulators]]
[[Category:Console emulators]]
[[Category:Home console emulators]]
[[Category:Sega Saturn emulators]]
[[Category:Windows emulation software]]
[[Category:Android emulation software]]
[[Category:Closed-source emulators]]

DeSmuME

2022-12-25T04:38:07Z

SMB99thx: /* Review */

{{Infobox emulator
|logo = Desmume.png
|logowidth = 100
|version = {{Version|DeSmuME}}
|active = Yes
|platform = Multi-platform
|target = [[Nintendo DS emulators|Nintendo DS]]
|developer = YopYop156 [http://wiki.desmume.org/index.php?title=DeSmuME:About#DeSmuME_current_team DeSmuME Team]
|website = [https://desmume.org/ DeSmuME.org]
|source = [https://github.com/TASEmulators/desmume GitHub]
|license = GNU GPLv2
}}

'''DeSmuME''' is an open-source [[Nintendo DS emulators|Nintendo DS emulator]]. It is the most accurate Nintendo DS emulator and is actively developed by the DeSmuME Team. It can be run from the command line directly or as a graphical program.

The regular version now allows for increasing internal resolution.

It is also available as a libretro core for [[RetroArch]].

==Download==
{| cellpadding="4"
|-
|align=center|{{Icon|Win-big}}
|'''[https://desmume.org/download/ Stable & Nightly releases]'''
|-
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
|-
|align=center|{{Icon|Win-big}}
|[https://nightly.link/TASEmulators/desmume/workflows/build_win/master/desmume-win-x64 Latest Dev build] Requires [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=52685 Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime]
|}

==Issues==
DeSmuME uses [[Wikipedia:DirectInput|DirectInput]] if an [[Xbox 360 emulators|Xbox 360]] controller is being used. No support for [[Wikipedia:DirectInput#XInput|XInput]] exists. This will be noticeable if an Xbox 360 controller's LT and RT inputs are mapped to emulate the DS's L and R buttons respectively.

Several features aren't supported by DeSmuME and aren't parts of its future as per the emulator's current design philosophy. They include:
*DS Download Play
*DS Local Play (local multiplayer)
*DS Wi-Fi Play (online multiplayer)
*DSi emulation (DSi-enhanced retail, DSi-exclusive retail, DSiWare)
*DS/Wii Connectivity

A DeSmuME fork with online multiplayer, which includes functional code that made it to official version 0.9.7 before being removed, is available and has been improved to allow for limited dumping of online data prior to the server shutdown in 2014, as well as a version allowing for using online play for a select few games and downloading DLC data from alternative servers with the backed-up data.

At some point in 2010, development on these features was permanently discontinued and the developers distanced themselves from the above-mentioned fork. The official team stance on this is as follows, and is as clear as it can get:

::''As you may have come to find, Release versions and WIP builds distributed by DeSmuME developers do not have the Wi-Fi menu enabled, while builds provided by dodgy scener sites or the one your best friend in the whole wide world has handed to you on a USB key does.''
::''Officially, DeSmuME DOES NOT support the use of builds with Wi-Fi support.''
::''As such, though it may come as a shock to you, requests for help or information about it are thus NOT likely to obtain a response to your satisfaction.''
::''The developers have no current interest for furthering the development of the EXPERIMENTAL_WIFI, and the current state of the DeSmuME source code might have even completely broken it.''

It was also deemed that the Dynamic JIT recompiler was a poor fit for the DeSmuME project and as such a fork called "DeSmuME 0.9.9 JIT" including it was made, and some used to recommend it over the mainline project. Much later, like with the internal resolution feature, a compromise was reached and a slightly different implementation was since included in the main project after 0.9.11.

==Troubleshooting==
If the game is slow:
*Enable the '''dynamic recompiler''' in '''Emulation Settings'''.
*If it's still slow, you must be running on a toaster. It can't be helped. But try tinkering with things for the fastest settings you can find.
*Use frameskip as the absolute last resort.
*If your graphics card was designed by Nvidia and the OpenGL Display Method (useful for its filter) is stuttering despite reporting good framerate, open the Nvidia Control Panel and turn off Threaded Optimization for this program. What's happening is sequential OpenGL code is being put on different processors running at different speeds, forcing them to wait for each other repeatedly.
If the sound is distorted.
*'''Synchronous''' mode is far less buggy. '''Method Z''' seems to work the best in most cases.
If the 3D is messed up.
*Set it to OpenGL 3.2. Old OpenGL had problems with 3D itself, while SoftRasterizer had alignment issues with 2D. But 3.2 seems to fix most of both.
*SoftRasterizer's texture alignment issues are supposedly fixed on a per game basis with the newer TXT hack. It now seems to be more compatible and showing more effects than GL3.2. Etrian Odyssey and Dragon Quest V seem to work best with it over GL3.2.

==Graphical enhancement==
After the increased internal resolutions were implemented in the X432 fork, as well as in [[DraStic]] and even the barebones official Nintendo Virtual Console DS emulator on Wii U, the mainline DeSmuME project developers decided to reconsider and include their own implementation for higher internal resolution.

Official dev builds now have the option to render at a higher resolution as well, and filter textures to boot. Overall, it's more hardware intensive than X432R's implementation.

The latest development version of [[RetroArch]] DeSmuME core also has an option to increase internal resolution which can be set using '''desmume_internal_resolution''' in Core Options. This option was added in [https://github.com/libretro/desmume/commit/5e430dfbc22f9d54c77f291304a38352ee1e5a63 August 8, 2015 commit]. This is massively CPU-intensive because only SoftRasterizer exists in RetroArch core.

*The OpenGL 3.2 renderer option in 3D Settings supports '''Multisampling Anti-Aliasing (MSAA)'''. Turning it on helps the edges of ultra low-res DS polygons and lines smooth out appear to wobble less during movement, and retain their shape better when viewed from distance. Unlike post-processing effects that modify the still frame after completion and essentially try to guess at the shapes they are smoothing, this effect knows the actual shapes of the polygons themselves.
**Versions before r5032 had this option for a long time, but it was only put in the GUI at r5032. To turn it on in older versions you needed to change a value from false to true in the source code and recompile it.
*Another thing you can do is filter it. Make sure '''OpenGL''' and '''Filter''' are checked under '''Display Method'''.
*Finally, there are a variety of post-processing shaders that can be selected under '''Magnification Filter'''. Whether that is simple Nearest 2x or some pixel art scaling filter like HQx or xBRZ is up to you. No post-processing smoothing is perfect, but if you want to use one the xBRZ options are generally the most high-end among smoothing filters present.
*macOS version of DeSmuME also has support for multi-pass post-processing shaders and filters which Windows version currently doesn't have.
*Leaving it native and aligning it to a CRT (Set to a 384 high resolution) is also an option, if you feel like going through the effort.
*Recent DeSmuME revisions now add support for texture filtering, greatly reducing pixelation albeit at the cost of blurrier visuals. Some may find this rather jarring or too N64-esque, so it's a matter of individual preference as there's an option to turn it on or off.

===DeSmuME X432R===
Mainline DeSmuME didn't offer any options for higher than native internal resolutions at first. DeSmuME X432R is a fork with the option to increase internal resolution. Be warned that this option is very system-intensive. There have been reports of people who can run [[Dolphin]] and [[PCSX2]] at a perfect pace but can't run this at full speed using increased internal resolution, however newer versions are much faster.

While generally more accurate, the SoftRasterizer is massively CPU-intensive in this mode, whereas the OpenGL renderer shares the load with your GPU. This can be considered a '''speedup''' option, but it also boasts an MSAA option unavailable to SoftRasterizer.

This fork also has some options for configuring sub-screens. This fork is no longer active, and its last version is dated 19-04-2015.

*[https://web.archive.org/web/20190718184333/http://shikaver01.webcrow.jp/ http://shikaver01.webcrow.jp/] (Wayback Machine)
*Binary of SVN r5043: http://www75.zippyshare.com/v/67167782/file.html

==Review==
DeSmuME is currently the best available [[Nintendo DS emulators|Nintendo DS emulator]] on PCs, however [[MelonDS]] has been catching up in recent years. It is far better than [[No$|No$GBA]] when it comes to accuracy, though not flawless, and there are some aspects of DeSmuME that are more mature than the MelonDS. However, it's more hardware intensive than any other DS emulator (either No$GBA or emulated DraStic) and many features are not supported.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Internal resolution comparion - Assassin's Creed II Discovery.png|Top: native internal resolution (256x192). Bottom: 4x internal resolution (1024x768)
Kit Mystery Challenge nearest neighbour.png|''Kit Mystery Challenge'' running at 2x internal resolution and nearest-neighbour (i.e. DS-style) texture filtering.
Kit Mystery Challenge filtered.png|The same scene in ''Kit Mystery Challenge'', albeit with GL Tex Smoothing enabled. Notice the blurrier floor texture.
</gallery>

==Guides and info==
*[https://wiki.desmume.org/index.php?title=Main_Page DeSmuME Wiki]



[[Category:Emulators]]
[[Category:Console emulators]]
[[Category:Handheld console emulators]]
[[Category:Nintendo DS emulators]]
[[Category:Windows emulation software]]
[[Category:Linux emulation software]]
[[Category:macOS emulation software]]

DeSmuME

2022-12-25T04:35:30Z

SMB99thx: /* Review */ and

{{Infobox emulator
|logo = Desmume.png
|logowidth = 100
|version = {{Version|DeSmuME}}
|active = Yes
|platform = Multi-platform
|target = [[Nintendo DS emulators|Nintendo DS]]
|developer = YopYop156 [http://wiki.desmume.org/index.php?title=DeSmuME:About#DeSmuME_current_team DeSmuME Team]
|website = [https://desmume.org/ DeSmuME.org]
|source = [https://github.com/TASEmulators/desmume GitHub]
|license = GNU GPLv2
}}

'''DeSmuME''' is an open-source [[Nintendo DS emulators|Nintendo DS emulator]]. It is the most accurate Nintendo DS emulator and is actively developed by the DeSmuME Team. It can be run from the command line directly or as a graphical program.

The regular version now allows for increasing internal resolution.

It is also available as a libretro core for [[RetroArch]].

==Download==
{| cellpadding="4"
|-
|align=center|{{Icon|Win-big}}
|'''[https://desmume.org/download/ Stable & Nightly releases]'''
|-
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
|-
|align=center|{{Icon|Win-big}}
|[https://nightly.link/TASEmulators/desmume/workflows/build_win/master/desmume-win-x64 Latest Dev build] Requires [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=52685 Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime]
|}

==Issues==
DeSmuME uses [[Wikipedia:DirectInput|DirectInput]] if an [[Xbox 360 emulators|Xbox 360]] controller is being used. No support for [[Wikipedia:DirectInput#XInput|XInput]] exists. This will be noticeable if an Xbox 360 controller's LT and RT inputs are mapped to emulate the DS's L and R buttons respectively.

Several features aren't supported by DeSmuME and aren't parts of its future as per the emulator's current design philosophy. They include:
*DS Download Play
*DS Local Play (local multiplayer)
*DS Wi-Fi Play (online multiplayer)
*DSi emulation (DSi-enhanced retail, DSi-exclusive retail, DSiWare)
*DS/Wii Connectivity

A DeSmuME fork with online multiplayer, which includes functional code that made it to official version 0.9.7 before being removed, is available and has been improved to allow for limited dumping of online data prior to the server shutdown in 2014, as well as a version allowing for using online play for a select few games and downloading DLC data from alternative servers with the backed-up data.

At some point in 2010, development on these features was permanently discontinued and the developers distanced themselves from the above-mentioned fork. The official team stance on this is as follows, and is as clear as it can get:

::''As you may have come to find, Release versions and WIP builds distributed by DeSmuME developers do not have the Wi-Fi menu enabled, while builds provided by dodgy scener sites or the one your best friend in the whole wide world has handed to you on a USB key does.''
::''Officially, DeSmuME DOES NOT support the use of builds with Wi-Fi support.''
::''As such, though it may come as a shock to you, requests for help or information about it are thus NOT likely to obtain a response to your satisfaction.''
::''The developers have no current interest for furthering the development of the EXPERIMENTAL_WIFI, and the current state of the DeSmuME source code might have even completely broken it.''

It was also deemed that the Dynamic JIT recompiler was a poor fit for the DeSmuME project and as such a fork called "DeSmuME 0.9.9 JIT" including it was made, and some used to recommend it over the mainline project. Much later, like with the internal resolution feature, a compromise was reached and a slightly different implementation was since included in the main project after 0.9.11.

==Troubleshooting==
If the game is slow:
*Enable the '''dynamic recompiler''' in '''Emulation Settings'''.
*If it's still slow, you must be running on a toaster. It can't be helped. But try tinkering with things for the fastest settings you can find.
*Use frameskip as the absolute last resort.
*If your graphics card was designed by Nvidia and the OpenGL Display Method (useful for its filter) is stuttering despite reporting good framerate, open the Nvidia Control Panel and turn off Threaded Optimization for this program. What's happening is sequential OpenGL code is being put on different processors running at different speeds, forcing them to wait for each other repeatedly.
If the sound is distorted.
*'''Synchronous''' mode is far less buggy. '''Method Z''' seems to work the best in most cases.
If the 3D is messed up.
*Set it to OpenGL 3.2. Old OpenGL had problems with 3D itself, while SoftRasterizer had alignment issues with 2D. But 3.2 seems to fix most of both.
*SoftRasterizer's texture alignment issues are supposedly fixed on a per game basis with the newer TXT hack. It now seems to be more compatible and showing more effects than GL3.2. Etrian Odyssey and Dragon Quest V seem to work best with it over GL3.2.

==Graphical enhancement==
After the increased internal resolutions were implemented in the X432 fork, as well as in [[DraStic]] and even the barebones official Nintendo Virtual Console DS emulator on Wii U, the mainline DeSmuME project developers decided to reconsider and include their own implementation for higher internal resolution.

Official dev builds now have the option to render at a higher resolution as well, and filter textures to boot. Overall, it's more hardware intensive than X432R's implementation.

The latest development version of [[RetroArch]] DeSmuME core also has an option to increase internal resolution which can be set using '''desmume_internal_resolution''' in Core Options. This option was added in [https://github.com/libretro/desmume/commit/5e430dfbc22f9d54c77f291304a38352ee1e5a63 August 8, 2015 commit]. This is massively CPU-intensive because only SoftRasterizer exists in RetroArch core.

*The OpenGL 3.2 renderer option in 3D Settings supports '''Multisampling Anti-Aliasing (MSAA)'''. Turning it on helps the edges of ultra low-res DS polygons and lines smooth out appear to wobble less during movement, and retain their shape better when viewed from distance. Unlike post-processing effects that modify the still frame after completion and essentially try to guess at the shapes they are smoothing, this effect knows the actual shapes of the polygons themselves.
**Versions before r5032 had this option for a long time, but it was only put in the GUI at r5032. To turn it on in older versions you needed to change a value from false to true in the source code and recompile it.
*Another thing you can do is filter it. Make sure '''OpenGL''' and '''Filter''' are checked under '''Display Method'''.
*Finally, there are a variety of post-processing shaders that can be selected under '''Magnification Filter'''. Whether that is simple Nearest 2x or some pixel art scaling filter like HQx or xBRZ is up to you. No post-processing smoothing is perfect, but if you want to use one the xBRZ options are generally the most high-end among smoothing filters present.
*macOS version of DeSmuME also has support for multi-pass post-processing shaders and filters which Windows version currently doesn't have.
*Leaving it native and aligning it to a CRT (Set to a 384 high resolution) is also an option, if you feel like going through the effort.
*Recent DeSmuME revisions now add support for texture filtering, greatly reducing pixelation albeit at the cost of blurrier visuals. Some may find this rather jarring or too N64-esque, so it's a matter of individual preference as there's an option to turn it on or off.

===DeSmuME X432R===
Mainline DeSmuME didn't offer any options for higher than native internal resolutions at first. DeSmuME X432R is a fork with the option to increase internal resolution. Be warned that this option is very system-intensive. There have been reports of people who can run [[Dolphin]] and [[PCSX2]] at a perfect pace but can't run this at full speed using increased internal resolution, however newer versions are much faster.

While generally more accurate, the SoftRasterizer is massively CPU-intensive in this mode, whereas the OpenGL renderer shares the load with your GPU. This can be considered a '''speedup''' option, but it also boasts an MSAA option unavailable to SoftRasterizer.

This fork also has some options for configuring sub-screens. This fork is no longer active, and its last version is dated 19-04-2015.

*[https://web.archive.org/web/20190718184333/http://shikaver01.webcrow.jp/ http://shikaver01.webcrow.jp/] (Wayback Machine)
*Binary of SVN r5043: http://www75.zippyshare.com/v/67167782/file.html

==Review==
DeSmuME is the best available [[Nintendo DS emulators|Nintendo DS emulator]] for the long time on PCs, however [[MelonDS]] has been catching up in recent years. It is far better than [[No$|No$GBA]] when it comes to accuracy, though not flawless, and there are some aspects of DeSmuME that are more mature than the MelonDS. However, it's more hardware intensive than any other DS emulator (either No$GBA or emulated DraStic) and many features are not supported.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Internal resolution comparion - Assassin's Creed II Discovery.png|Top: native internal resolution (256x192). Bottom: 4x internal resolution (1024x768)
Kit Mystery Challenge nearest neighbour.png|''Kit Mystery Challenge'' running at 2x internal resolution and nearest-neighbour (i.e. DS-style) texture filtering.
Kit Mystery Challenge filtered.png|The same scene in ''Kit Mystery Challenge'', albeit with GL Tex Smoothing enabled. Notice the blurrier floor texture.
</gallery>

==Guides and info==
*[https://wiki.desmume.org/index.php?title=Main_Page DeSmuME Wiki]



[[Category:Emulators]]
[[Category:Console emulators]]
[[Category:Handheld console emulators]]
[[Category:Nintendo DS emulators]]
[[Category:Windows emulation software]]
[[Category:Linux emulation software]]
[[Category:macOS emulation software]]

DeSmuME

2022-12-25T04:35:01Z

SMB99thx: /* Review */ Update review

{{Infobox emulator
|logo = Desmume.png
|logowidth = 100
|version = {{Version|DeSmuME}}
|active = Yes
|platform = Multi-platform
|target = [[Nintendo DS emulators|Nintendo DS]]
|developer = YopYop156 [http://wiki.desmume.org/index.php?title=DeSmuME:About#DeSmuME_current_team DeSmuME Team]
|website = [https://desmume.org/ DeSmuME.org]
|source = [https://github.com/TASEmulators/desmume GitHub]
|license = GNU GPLv2
}}

'''DeSmuME''' is an open-source [[Nintendo DS emulators|Nintendo DS emulator]]. It is the most accurate Nintendo DS emulator and is actively developed by the DeSmuME Team. It can be run from the command line directly or as a graphical program.

The regular version now allows for increasing internal resolution.

It is also available as a libretro core for [[RetroArch]].

==Download==
{| cellpadding="4"
|-
|align=center|{{Icon|Win-big}}
|'''[https://desmume.org/download/ Stable & Nightly releases]'''
|-
|colspan="3"|<hr/>
|-
|align=center|{{Icon|Win-big}}
|[https://nightly.link/TASEmulators/desmume/workflows/build_win/master/desmume-win-x64 Latest Dev build] Requires [https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=52685 Microsoft Visual C++ Runtime]
|}

==Issues==
DeSmuME uses [[Wikipedia:DirectInput|DirectInput]] if an [[Xbox 360 emulators|Xbox 360]] controller is being used. No support for [[Wikipedia:DirectInput#XInput|XInput]] exists. This will be noticeable if an Xbox 360 controller's LT and RT inputs are mapped to emulate the DS's L and R buttons respectively.

Several features aren't supported by DeSmuME and aren't parts of its future as per the emulator's current design philosophy. They include:
*DS Download Play
*DS Local Play (local multiplayer)
*DS Wi-Fi Play (online multiplayer)
*DSi emulation (DSi-enhanced retail, DSi-exclusive retail, DSiWare)
*DS/Wii Connectivity

A DeSmuME fork with online multiplayer, which includes functional code that made it to official version 0.9.7 before being removed, is available and has been improved to allow for limited dumping of online data prior to the server shutdown in 2014, as well as a version allowing for using online play for a select few games and downloading DLC data from alternative servers with the backed-up data.

At some point in 2010, development on these features was permanently discontinued and the developers distanced themselves from the above-mentioned fork. The official team stance on this is as follows, and is as clear as it can get:

::''As you may have come to find, Release versions and WIP builds distributed by DeSmuME developers do not have the Wi-Fi menu enabled, while builds provided by dodgy scener sites or the one your best friend in the whole wide world has handed to you on a USB key does.''
::''Officially, DeSmuME DOES NOT support the use of builds with Wi-Fi support.''
::''As such, though it may come as a shock to you, requests for help or information about it are thus NOT likely to obtain a response to your satisfaction.''
::''The developers have no current interest for furthering the development of the EXPERIMENTAL_WIFI, and the current state of the DeSmuME source code might have even completely broken it.''

It was also deemed that the Dynamic JIT recompiler was a poor fit for the DeSmuME project and as such a fork called "DeSmuME 0.9.9 JIT" including it was made, and some used to recommend it over the mainline project. Much later, like with the internal resolution feature, a compromise was reached and a slightly different implementation was since included in the main project after 0.9.11.

==Troubleshooting==
If the game is slow:
*Enable the '''dynamic recompiler''' in '''Emulation Settings'''.
*If it's still slow, you must be running on a toaster. It can't be helped. But try tinkering with things for the fastest settings you can find.
*Use frameskip as the absolute last resort.
*If your graphics card was designed by Nvidia and the OpenGL Display Method (useful for its filter) is stuttering despite reporting good framerate, open the Nvidia Control Panel and turn off Threaded Optimization for this program. What's happening is sequential OpenGL code is being put on different processors running at different speeds, forcing them to wait for each other repeatedly.
If the sound is distorted.
*'''Synchronous''' mode is far less buggy. '''Method Z''' seems to work the best in most cases.
If the 3D is messed up.
*Set it to OpenGL 3.2. Old OpenGL had problems with 3D itself, while SoftRasterizer had alignment issues with 2D. But 3.2 seems to fix most of both.
*SoftRasterizer's texture alignment issues are supposedly fixed on a per game basis with the newer TXT hack. It now seems to be more compatible and showing more effects than GL3.2. Etrian Odyssey and Dragon Quest V seem to work best with it over GL3.2.

==Graphical enhancement==
After the increased internal resolutions were implemented in the X432 fork, as well as in [[DraStic]] and even the barebones official Nintendo Virtual Console DS emulator on Wii U, the mainline DeSmuME project developers decided to reconsider and include their own implementation for higher internal resolution.

Official dev builds now have the option to render at a higher resolution as well, and filter textures to boot. Overall, it's more hardware intensive than X432R's implementation.

The latest development version of [[RetroArch]] DeSmuME core also has an option to increase internal resolution which can be set using '''desmume_internal_resolution''' in Core Options. This option was added in [https://github.com/libretro/desmume/commit/5e430dfbc22f9d54c77f291304a38352ee1e5a63 August 8, 2015 commit]. This is massively CPU-intensive because only SoftRasterizer exists in RetroArch core.

*The OpenGL 3.2 renderer option in 3D Settings supports '''Multisampling Anti-Aliasing (MSAA)'''. Turning it on helps the edges of ultra low-res DS polygons and lines smooth out appear to wobble less during movement, and retain their shape better when viewed from distance. Unlike post-processing effects that modify the still frame after completion and essentially try to guess at the shapes they are smoothing, this effect knows the actual shapes of the polygons themselves.
**Versions before r5032 had this option for a long time, but it was only put in the GUI at r5032. To turn it on in older versions you needed to change a value from false to true in the source code and recompile it.
*Another thing you can do is filter it. Make sure '''OpenGL''' and '''Filter''' are checked under '''Display Method'''.
*Finally, there are a variety of post-processing shaders that can be selected under '''Magnification Filter'''. Whether that is simple Nearest 2x or some pixel art scaling filter like HQx or xBRZ is up to you. No post-processing smoothing is perfect, but if you want to use one the xBRZ options are generally the most high-end among smoothing filters present.
*macOS version of DeSmuME also has support for multi-pass post-processing shaders and filters which Windows version currently doesn't have.
*Leaving it native and aligning it to a CRT (Set to a 384 high resolution) is also an option, if you feel like going through the effort.
*Recent DeSmuME revisions now add support for texture filtering, greatly reducing pixelation albeit at the cost of blurrier visuals. Some may find this rather jarring or too N64-esque, so it's a matter of individual preference as there's an option to turn it on or off.

===DeSmuME X432R===
Mainline DeSmuME didn't offer any options for higher than native internal resolutions at first. DeSmuME X432R is a fork with the option to increase internal resolution. Be warned that this option is very system-intensive. There have been reports of people who can run [[Dolphin]] and [[PCSX2]] at a perfect pace but can't run this at full speed using increased internal resolution, however newer versions are much faster.

While generally more accurate, the SoftRasterizer is massively CPU-intensive in this mode, whereas the OpenGL renderer shares the load with your GPU. This can be considered a '''speedup''' option, but it also boasts an MSAA option unavailable to SoftRasterizer.

This fork also has some options for configuring sub-screens. This fork is no longer active, and its last version is dated 19-04-2015.

*[https://web.archive.org/web/20190718184333/http://shikaver01.webcrow.jp/ http://shikaver01.webcrow.jp/] (Wayback Machine)
*Binary of SVN r5043: http://www75.zippyshare.com/v/67167782/file.html

==Review==
DeSmuME is the best available [[Nintendo DS emulators|Nintendo DS emulator]] for the long time on PCs, however [[MelonDS]] has been catching up in recent years. It is far better than [[No$|No$GBA]] when it comes to accuracy, though not flawless. There are some aspects of DeSmuME that are more mature than the MelonDS. However, it's more hardware intensive than any other DS emulator (either No$GBA or emulated DraStic) and many features are not supported.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
Internal resolution comparion - Assassin's Creed II Discovery.png|Top: native internal resolution (256x192). Bottom: 4x internal resolution (1024x768)
Kit Mystery Challenge nearest neighbour.png|''Kit Mystery Challenge'' running at 2x internal resolution and nearest-neighbour (i.e. DS-style) texture filtering.
Kit Mystery Challenge filtered.png|The same scene in ''Kit Mystery Challenge'', albeit with GL Tex Smoothing enabled. Notice the blurrier floor texture.
</gallery>

==Guides and info==
*[https://wiki.desmume.org/index.php?title=Main_Page DeSmuME Wiki]



[[Category:Emulators]]
[[Category:Console emulators]]
[[Category:Handheld console emulators]]
[[Category:Nintendo DS emulators]]
[[Category:Windows emulation software]]
[[Category:Linux emulation software]]
[[Category:macOS emulation software]]

Sega Saturn emulators

2022-11-26T07:39:22Z

SMB99thx: some -> these

Sega Saturn emulators

2022-11-26T07:38:48Z

SMB99thx:

SSF

2022-11-26T07:30:54Z

SMB99thx: /* Review */ not recent

{{Infobox emulator
|title = SSF
|logo =
|logowidth =
|developer = Shima
|version = {{Version|SSF}}
|active = Yes
|platform = [[Emulators on Windows|Windows]] [[Emulators on Android|Android]]
|architecture =
|target = [[Sega Saturn emulators|Sega Saturn]]
|compatibility = High
|accuracy = Mid-high
|website =[https://twitter.com/FessX Shima's Twitter]
|prog-lang =
|support =
|license = Closed-source
|source = [https://github.com/shimazzz/SEGASaturnEmulator-SSF GitHub]
}}

'''SSF''' is a closed-source [[Sega Saturn emulators|Sega Saturn emulator]] known for being the most compatible for a long time.

==Download==
{| cellpadding="4"
|-
|align=center|{{Icon|Win-big|APK-big}}
|'''[{{SSFDownloadLink}} Latest release]'''
|}

==Review==
'''SSF''' was once renowned as being the best Saturn emulator from its inception in the early 2000s till around mid-2010s when a slate of newer and open-source Saturn emulation software was first launched. These included the [[Mednafen]] versions from the late 2010s and onwards with much improved Saturn compatibility, and two WIP derivatives of the old [[Yabause]] base called Kronos and [[Yaba Sanshiro]]. SSF is superior to [[Yabause]] and was initially superior to [[Mednafen]] with its early Saturn core versions for compatibility, but is Windows only and closed source. It no longer requires mounting ISO files in a virtual drive to run them (see below). The source code was uploaded to GitHub just once in late January 2021, and a couple of release packs with various builds were uploaded there, which added confusion to the emulator's development. There have been no more commits since then. Moreover, a large number of Saturn games require manual and persnickety editing in the emulator's configuration options to run properly, which furthermore prevents SSF from being recommended for most users, bar for the most devout followers. More recently, [https://github.com/shimazzz/SEGASaturnEmulator-SSF/issues/15#issuecomment-1038281021 trojan detections in recent versions] caused this emulator to become a risk for some computers, though it is still largely clean.

The author Shima was, for a time, probably the longest-time active developer on any emulator from the emulator's public launch (Labelled 'SSF 001') in 1999 till 20 years later in late November 2019. It is unknown when the first ever version was released publicly, however, the next version of 'SSF 002' was released on 5th December 1999.<ref name="20Years_reddit">{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/e3u9wz/ssf_saturn_emulator_has_been_actively_developed/ |title=Thread: 'SSF (Saturn emulator) has been actively developed by the same single author for 20 years now.' |author='ZarkonD' |publisher=Reddit |date=30 November 2019}}</ref>

A major update to 0.12 improved compatibility for certain games and broke others. It added support for some of the games such as Astal (needs "Enable SH2 Cache"). Keep both versions, pre- and post-0.12 just in case. To raise compatibility, you can try with "No Bios" enabled or disabled, and you'll want to start with the MaxCompatibility (slow) option, then try with the faster options (that do not always work).

SSF requires either an external virtual drive or a specific loader to read disc images. Close and restart the emulator (as it says in the Japanese dialogue popup appearing) whenever you modify the options for them to take effect.

Even though it has a "No Bios" option, you'll sometimes need the BIOS files, of course specifying the correct region in the options.

Some useful commands:
* F7: Pause and Load State (Press 0-9 to choose)
* Shift + F7: Pause and Save State (Press 0-9 to choose)
* Numeral Pad 1-6: Disable 2D layers. Useful for sprite rips. Keep in mind this often causes 3D games to crash, and they already have lower compatibility than 2D one when it comes to general emulations.
* You can change the speed of emulation under options up to 4x.

==Guides and Info==
* [http://www.racketboy.com/retro/sega/saturn/ssf-a-nearly-perfect-sega-saturn-emulator General Guide]

* [https://www.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.geocities.jp%2Fmj3kj8o5%2Fssf%2Fsetting.html&sandbox=1 Shima's FAQ about compatibility issues. Note that this is Japanese-to-English Google Translate, and has a very shoddy syntax as a result.]

* [https://segaretro.org/SSF See the external links in this Sega Retro page for guides and compatibility databases].

* An user called 'FreeckyCake' has produced an useful, detailed overview and guide to setting up SSF and uploaded it to a website in early December 2021. It also contains 15 table of content items and small information on decent alternatives such as Mednafen and [[RetroArch]]'s cores of Beetle Saturn and Kronos, although the user probably didn't try Mednafen with a GUI frontend, which marred his experience somewhat.<ref name="FC-Guide_reddit">{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/EmulationOnPC/comments/r80f95/ssf_emulator_guide_for_beginners_saturn_emulator |title=SSF Emulator Guide For Beginners (Saturn Emulator) |author='FreeckyCake' |publisher=Reddit |date=3 Dec 2021}}</ref><ref name="FC-Guide_AoG">{{cite web|url=https://altarofgaming.com/how-to-play-sega-saturn-games-on-windows-pc/ |title=How to Play Sega Saturn Games on Your Windows PC |author='FreeckyCake' |publisher=Altar of Gaming |date=3 Dec 2021}}</ref>

* The website FantasyAnime, which is well known for hosting fan-translation patches for many SNES RPGs among others has detailed guides for many advanced emulators of old consoles before 2000 and 2010. They have a much more detailed guide than FreeckyCake's guide above to setting up and running SSF, which was last updated on March 2022.<ref name="FA-Tutorial>{{cite web|url=https://fantasyanime.com/emuhelp/ssf |title=SSF Tutorial |publisher=FantasyAnime |date=31 March 2022}}</ref>

===Troubleshooting===
A rough translation of Shima's FAQ about compatibility issues with various games and fixes for them. The original can be found [https://web.archive.org/web/20190331080907/http://www.geocities.jp/mj3kj8o5/ssf/setting.html here].

The configuration closest to accurate hardware emulation would be: Enable "Bus Wait". Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 0. Enable "SH2 DMA Real Transfer". Alternatively, "Setting5" (holding the 5 keyboard button at startup) achieves similar results.

General issues:
* '''Character sprites in SNK games don't appear:''' Change "Cartridge" to "1MBytes RAM Cartridge".
* '''Flickering in FMVs:''' Enable "Check Cycle Pattern".
* '''No sound:''' Enable "Memory Access Wait".
* '''Stuttering sound:''' Enable "Scanline Base Timing".

Game-specific issues:
* '''Astal''', '''Denpa Shounenteki Game''' : Enable "SH2 Cache".
* '''Baroque''' (FMV issues): Enable "Check Sprite Priority".
* '''Castlevania Symphony of the Night''' (fix for data select screen), '''Macross Do You Remember Love''', '''World Heroes Perfect''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Chaos Seed''': Enable "Check Cycle Pattern". Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Daina ☆ Airan, Deep Fear, Mr. Bones, X-Men Vs. Street Fighter''': Enable "Memory Access Wait".
* '''Dark Savior''': Enable "Bus Wait" (fix for logo). Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access" (fix for save data screen).
* '''Daytona USA Circuit Edition''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Galjan''': Enable "SH2 DMA Real Transfer".
* '''Gokujou Parodius Da! Deluxe Pack (aka Fantastic Journey)''': Enable "Bus Wait", Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 0.
* '''Grandia''' (FMV issues): Set "Dot Clock" on 3.7 or above. Set "SlaveSH2 Speed" to 90%, Set "EZ Setting" to Highest.
* '''Idol Janshi Suchie-Pai II''' (fix for cutscenes): Enable "Check Cycle Pattern" and "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Lunar Silver Star Story''' (FMV issues): Enable "SCU DMA Delay Interrupt".
* '''Marvel Super Heroes Vs. Street Fighter''' (fix for sound noise): Disable "Sound Thread".
* '''Megaman X3''', '''Pro Mahjong Kiwame S''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3.7 or above. Set "1Block Clock" to a value as low as possible.
* '''Quovadis 2''' (fix for FMVs): Set "Dot Clock" to 3.0 or above, and "EZ Setting" to "High".
* '''Riglord Saga 2''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3 or above.
* '''Ruri Iro no Yuki''' (fix for company logo among other stuff): Enable "Check Cycle Pattern".
* '''Sol Divide''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3.4 or above.
* '''Sonic Jam''': Set "Dot Clock" to 2.7 or above. Enable "Check Cycle Pattern" (fix for 2P Mode in Sonic 2).
* '''Taito Chase HQ Plus SC'''I: Enable "CD Track/Index".
* '''Toshinden URA''' (if FMVs skip): Set "1Block Clock" to 50. Disable "Check SlaveSH2 Idle Loop". Enable "Bus Wait". Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 1. Enable "Enable Instruction Cache".
* '''The Tower:''' Enable "VDP2 RAM Write Timing".
* '''Thunder Hawk II, Whizz''': Enable "Bus Wait".
* '''Virtua Fighter 2''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access" (fix for key config screen). Enable "Memory Access Wait".

===SSF Drag and Drop Loader===
[https://www.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/e9cqrd/drag_drop_rom_loader_for_ssf_emulator_sega_saturn/ The best option] for SSF. Put it in your SSF directory. It works with normal Saturn filenames. Just drag and drop the game file, like Mednafen.

'''Note:''' Unfortunately, the web-link shown in the 2019 Reddit post linked above is since erased. Other sources will need to be found. It is probably found in [https://playnite.link/forum/thread-62.html this thread] at [[Playnite]] Forums. Be sure to grab the file quickly as it is on an unstable host at MediaFire.<ref name="PF_ROMLoader">{{cite web|url=https://playnite.link/forum/thread-62.html |title=Romloader app for SSF Emu (sega saturn) |author='cos37' |publisher=Playnite Forums |date=11 December 2019}}</ref>

===CHDSSF===
[https://github.com/batteryshark/CHDSSF This loader] allows you to use disc image without having to mount them at all with the only major caveat being that it requires you to convert your rips to .CHD beforehand using [http://forums.bannister.org//ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=68262#Post68262 chdman] or one of it's forks.

===Cheating with CEP===

# [https://gamehacking.org/downloads/cep022.zip download CEP] and prepare your CODELIST.TXT file. You can find an [https://eadmaster.altervista.org/pub/index.php?page=cheatpacks#ssf example with some codes and an handy converter here].
# start SSF.exe and wait for the game to load, then click About->cep, and leave the dialog with the base address opened.
# start cep.exe
# click "Process" tab, and select the correct emulator version and code type (usually "60codes")
# make sure the address in the field in the 2nd line matches the one in SSF (NO NEED TO CLICK "Search"). Usually it won't match and you will have to change a few digits.
# click "Codes" tab, select the current game and the cheat codes you want to enable
# click the "On" button to activate codes

===Free Virtual Drive Software===
As said above one of the ways to get SSF to use disc images is using a virtual disc drive. Sadly, most of the good free ones don't work with SSF for one reason or another. They either have a bunch of adware or they don't support some formats. The ones that do work (along with some that don't) will be listed below.

As of [https://twitter.com/FessX/status/1151502018185293824 Preview Version R4], you can mount CD images that use .cue and .bin files by going to Options > Peripherals, then in the ''CD Image'' section, select '''Enable''', then select the .cue file of your choosing, and restart the emulator. Mind you that this feature is still experimental, ergo the game will likely crash at certain points, so it's best to use the software below.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+List of Free Virtual Drive Software
|-
! scope="col"|Program Name
! scope="col"|Pros
! scope="col"|Cons
|-
|[https://www.elby.ch/en/download.html Virtual CloneDrive]
|
* Isn't a cut-down version of a paid software.
* Very lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
|
* Doesn't support .mdf/.mds files. This is kind of a big deal, since quite a few of the Saturn's popular titles are only available as mdf/mds.
* Can't mount .cue files. DON'T mount the .bin instead, as SSF will boot you back to the bios whenever it feels like it if you do. Instead, make a .ccd/.img copy with CloneCD and another virtual drive program.
|-
|[http://yubsoft.com/imgdrive/ ImgDrive]
|
* Very lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
* Can be used from the command line.
|
* Doesn't seem to work with .cue/.bin or .cue/.iso files (disc gets mounted, but without audio tracks).
.mds/.mdf & .ccd/.img/.sub files are fine, though.
|-
|[http://www.softpedia.com/get/CD-DVD-Tools/CD-DVD-Rip-Other-Tools/Alcohol-52.shtml Alcohol 52% Free Edition]
|
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
* Very reliable.
|
* Installer contains optional adware.
* Mounting the images causes the sound files to autoplay.
* The installer forces you to install crapware called Smart File Advisor, which you can't uninstall without uninstalling Alcohol.
(You can mostly ignore the program by stopping it from running on startup, or you can install the program while completely offline using an [http://www.free-codecs.com/download/alcohol_52.htm offline installer] and the crapware will fail to install itself and won't cause any further issues at any point)
|-
|[http://www.daemon-tools.cc/products/dtLite Daemon Tools LITE]
|
* Nice UI.
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
|
* Installer tries to fill your computer up with adware, and newer versions force you to install adware (Version 4.30.4 does not force it).
* Sends data on every image you mount to an outside location. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.neowin.net/news/daemon-tools-knows-what-you-mounted-last-summer|title=Daemon tools spying}}</ref> (mostly applies to versions 4.4x and on, [https://mega.nz/#!ZLwFXJYL!CYc0yn38agyZcfcJm487Id2XoJZ9JrzfyGpZ-nGY9AQ version 4.3x] seems unaffected and still works with modern systems but might be buggier)
* No longer run by the original team. Possibly Chinese spyware at this point.
|-
|[http://wincdemu.sysprogs.org/ WinCDEmu]
|
* Isn't a cut-down version of a paid software.
* Open-source.
* Very lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
|
* SSF isn't compatible with it.
|-
|[http://www.magiciso.com/tutorials/miso-magicdisc-overview.htm MagicDisc]
|
* Lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
|
* SSF isn't compatible with it.
|}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20200417060901/http://aaaaaaaa.g2.xrea.com/ssf/ Shima's Site (archived from xrea.com)]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20190331134556/http://www.geocities.jp/mj3kj8o5/ssf/ Shima's Site (archived from geocities.jp)]
* [https://ssftribute.csdprojects.co.uk/ English Tribute Site]
* [http://segasaturn.org/ Updated Compatibility List Based On Game Region]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Emulators]]
[[Category:Console emulators]]
[[Category:Home console emulators]]
[[Category:Sega Saturn emulators]]
[[Category:Windows emulation software]]
[[Category:Android emulation software]]
[[Category:Closed-source emulators]]

Sega Saturn emulators

2022-11-26T07:27:50Z

SMB99thx: /* Emulators */

Sega Saturn emulators

2022-11-26T07:27:14Z

SMB99thx: More notes

Talk:SSF

2022-11-26T07:24:20Z

SMB99thx: /* Latest versions are clean */ Re

Sega Saturn emulators

2022-11-26T07:23:16Z

SMB99thx:

SSF

2022-11-26T07:22:17Z

SMB99thx: Revert removal of some information. I know it is quite negative. Also grammar fixes.

{{Infobox emulator
|title = SSF
|logo =
|logowidth =
|developer = Shima
|version = {{Version|SSF}}
|active = Yes
|platform = [[Emulators on Windows|Windows]] [[Emulators on Android|Android]]
|architecture =
|target = [[Sega Saturn emulators|Sega Saturn]]
|compatibility = High
|accuracy = Mid-high
|website =[https://twitter.com/FessX Shima's Twitter]
|prog-lang =
|support =
|license = Closed-source
|source = [https://github.com/shimazzz/SEGASaturnEmulator-SSF GitHub]
}}

'''SSF''' is a closed-source [[Sega Saturn emulators|Sega Saturn emulator]] known for being the most compatible for a long time.

==Download==
{| cellpadding="4"
|-
|align=center|{{Icon|Win-big|APK-big}}
|'''[{{SSFDownloadLink}} Latest release]'''
|}

==Review==
'''SSF''' was once renowned as being the best Saturn emulator from its inception in the early 2000s till around mid-2010s when a slate of newer and open-source Saturn emulation software was first launched. These included the [[Mednafen]] versions from the late 2010s and onwards with much improved Saturn compatibility, and two WIP derivatives of the old [[Yabause]] base called Kronos and [[Yaba Sanshiro]]. SSF is superior to [[Yabause]] and was initially superior to [[Mednafen]] with its early Saturn core versions for compatibility, but is Windows only and closed source. It no longer requires mounting ISO files in a virtual drive to run them (see below). The source code was uploaded to GitHub just once in late January 2021, and a couple of release packs with various builds were uploaded there, which added confusion to the emulator's development. There have been no more commits since then. Moreover, a large number of Saturn games require manual and persnickety editing in the emulator's configuration options to run properly, which furthermore prevents SSF from being recommended for most users, bar for the most devout followers. More recently, [https://github.com/shimazzz/SEGASaturnEmulator-SSF/issues/15#issuecomment-1038281021 trojan detections in recent versions] caused this emulator to become a risk for some computers, though it is still largely clean.

The author Shima was, for a time, probably the longest-time active developer on any emulator from the emulator's public launch (Labelled 'SSF 001') in 1999 till 20 years later in late November 2019. It is unknown when the first ever version was released publicly, however, the next version of 'SSF 002' was released on 5th December 1999.<ref name="20Years_reddit">{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/e3u9wz/ssf_saturn_emulator_has_been_actively_developed/ |title=Thread: 'SSF (Saturn emulator) has been actively developed by the same single author for 20 years now.' |author='ZarkonD' |publisher=Reddit |date=30 November 2019}}</ref>

A recent major update to 0.12 improved compatibility for certain games and broke others. It added support for some of the games such as Astal (needs "Enable SH2 Cache"). Keep both versions, pre- and post-0.12 just in case. To raise compatibility, you can try with "No Bios" enabled or disabled, and you'll want to start with the MaxCompatibility (slow) option, then try with the faster options (that do not always work).

SSF requires either an external virtual drive or a specific loader to read disc images. Close and restart the emulator (as it says in the Japanese dialogue popup appearing) whenever you modify the options for them to take effect.

Even though it has a "No Bios" option, you'll sometimes need the BIOS files, of course specifying the correct region in the options.

Some useful commands:
* F7: Pause and Load State (Press 0-9 to choose)
* Shift + F7: Pause and Save State (Press 0-9 to choose)
* Numeral Pad 1-6: Disable 2D layers. Useful for sprite rips. Keep in mind this often causes 3D games to crash, and they already have lower compatibility than 2D one when it comes to general emulations.
* You can change the speed of emulation under options up to 4x.

==Guides and Info==
* [http://www.racketboy.com/retro/sega/saturn/ssf-a-nearly-perfect-sega-saturn-emulator General Guide]

* [https://www.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.geocities.jp%2Fmj3kj8o5%2Fssf%2Fsetting.html&sandbox=1 Shima's FAQ about compatibility issues. Note that this is Japanese-to-English Google Translate, and has a very shoddy syntax as a result.]

* [https://segaretro.org/SSF See the external links in this Sega Retro page for guides and compatibility databases].

* An user called 'FreeckyCake' has produced an useful, detailed overview and guide to setting up SSF and uploaded it to a website in early December 2021. It also contains 15 table of content items and small information on decent alternatives such as Mednafen and [[RetroArch]]'s cores of Beetle Saturn and Kronos, although the user probably didn't try Mednafen with a GUI frontend, which marred his experience somewhat.<ref name="FC-Guide_reddit">{{cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/EmulationOnPC/comments/r80f95/ssf_emulator_guide_for_beginners_saturn_emulator |title=SSF Emulator Guide For Beginners (Saturn Emulator) |author='FreeckyCake' |publisher=Reddit |date=3 Dec 2021}}</ref><ref name="FC-Guide_AoG">{{cite web|url=https://altarofgaming.com/how-to-play-sega-saturn-games-on-windows-pc/ |title=How to Play Sega Saturn Games on Your Windows PC |author='FreeckyCake' |publisher=Altar of Gaming |date=3 Dec 2021}}</ref>

* The website FantasyAnime, which is well known for hosting fan-translation patches for many SNES RPGs among others has detailed guides for many advanced emulators of old consoles before 2000 and 2010. They have a much more detailed guide than FreeckyCake's guide above to setting up and running SSF, which was last updated on March 2022.<ref name="FA-Tutorial>{{cite web|url=https://fantasyanime.com/emuhelp/ssf |title=SSF Tutorial |publisher=FantasyAnime |date=31 March 2022}}</ref>

===Troubleshooting===
A rough translation of Shima's FAQ about compatibility issues with various games and fixes for them. The original can be found [https://web.archive.org/web/20190331080907/http://www.geocities.jp/mj3kj8o5/ssf/setting.html here].

The configuration closest to accurate hardware emulation would be: Enable "Bus Wait". Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 0. Enable "SH2 DMA Real Transfer". Alternatively, "Setting5" (holding the 5 keyboard button at startup) achieves similar results.

General issues:
* '''Character sprites in SNK games don't appear:''' Change "Cartridge" to "1MBytes RAM Cartridge".
* '''Flickering in FMVs:''' Enable "Check Cycle Pattern".
* '''No sound:''' Enable "Memory Access Wait".
* '''Stuttering sound:''' Enable "Scanline Base Timing".

Game-specific issues:
* '''Astal''', '''Denpa Shounenteki Game''' : Enable "SH2 Cache".
* '''Baroque''' (FMV issues): Enable "Check Sprite Priority".
* '''Castlevania Symphony of the Night''' (fix for data select screen), '''Macross Do You Remember Love''', '''World Heroes Perfect''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Chaos Seed''': Enable "Check Cycle Pattern". Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Daina ☆ Airan, Deep Fear, Mr. Bones, X-Men Vs. Street Fighter''': Enable "Memory Access Wait".
* '''Dark Savior''': Enable "Bus Wait" (fix for logo). Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access" (fix for save data screen).
* '''Daytona USA Circuit Edition''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Galjan''': Enable "SH2 DMA Real Transfer".
* '''Gokujou Parodius Da! Deluxe Pack (aka Fantastic Journey)''': Enable "Bus Wait", Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 0.
* '''Grandia''' (FMV issues): Set "Dot Clock" on 3.7 or above. Set "SlaveSH2 Speed" to 90%, Set "EZ Setting" to Highest.
* '''Idol Janshi Suchie-Pai II''' (fix for cutscenes): Enable "Check Cycle Pattern" and "VDP2 RAM Revision Access".
* '''Lunar Silver Star Story''' (FMV issues): Enable "SCU DMA Delay Interrupt".
* '''Marvel Super Heroes Vs. Street Fighter''' (fix for sound noise): Disable "Sound Thread".
* '''Megaman X3''', '''Pro Mahjong Kiwame S''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3.7 or above. Set "1Block Clock" to a value as low as possible.
* '''Quovadis 2''' (fix for FMVs): Set "Dot Clock" to 3.0 or above, and "EZ Setting" to "High".
* '''Riglord Saga 2''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3 or above.
* '''Ruri Iro no Yuki''' (fix for company logo among other stuff): Enable "Check Cycle Pattern".
* '''Sol Divide''': Set "Dot Clock" to 3.4 or above.
* '''Sonic Jam''': Set "Dot Clock" to 2.7 or above. Enable "Check Cycle Pattern" (fix for 2P Mode in Sonic 2).
* '''Taito Chase HQ Plus SC'''I: Enable "CD Track/Index".
* '''Toshinden URA''' (if FMVs skip): Set "1Block Clock" to 50. Disable "Check SlaveSH2 Idle Loop". Enable "Bus Wait". Set "Bus Wait Clock" to 1. Enable "Enable Instruction Cache".
* '''The Tower:''' Enable "VDP2 RAM Write Timing".
* '''Thunder Hawk II, Whizz''': Enable "Bus Wait".
* '''Virtua Fighter 2''': Enable "VDP2 RAM Revision Access" (fix for key config screen). Enable "Memory Access Wait".

===SSF Drag and Drop Loader===
[https://www.reddit.com/r/emulation/comments/e9cqrd/drag_drop_rom_loader_for_ssf_emulator_sega_saturn/ The best option] for SSF. Put it in your SSF directory. It works with normal Saturn filenames. Just drag and drop the game file, like Mednafen.

'''Note:''' Unfortunately, the web-link shown in the 2019 Reddit post linked above is since erased. Other sources will need to be found. It is probably found in [https://playnite.link/forum/thread-62.html this thread] at [[Playnite]] Forums. Be sure to grab the file quickly as it is on an unstable host at MediaFire.<ref name="PF_ROMLoader">{{cite web|url=https://playnite.link/forum/thread-62.html |title=Romloader app for SSF Emu (sega saturn) |author='cos37' |publisher=Playnite Forums |date=11 December 2019}}</ref>

===CHDSSF===
[https://github.com/batteryshark/CHDSSF This loader] allows you to use disc image without having to mount them at all with the only major caveat being that it requires you to convert your rips to .CHD beforehand using [http://forums.bannister.org//ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=68262#Post68262 chdman] or one of it's forks.

===Cheating with CEP===

# [https://gamehacking.org/downloads/cep022.zip download CEP] and prepare your CODELIST.TXT file. You can find an [https://eadmaster.altervista.org/pub/index.php?page=cheatpacks#ssf example with some codes and an handy converter here].
# start SSF.exe and wait for the game to load, then click About->cep, and leave the dialog with the base address opened.
# start cep.exe
# click "Process" tab, and select the correct emulator version and code type (usually "60codes")
# make sure the address in the field in the 2nd line matches the one in SSF (NO NEED TO CLICK "Search"). Usually it won't match and you will have to change a few digits.
# click "Codes" tab, select the current game and the cheat codes you want to enable
# click the "On" button to activate codes

===Free Virtual Drive Software===
As said above one of the ways to get SSF to use disc images is using a virtual disc drive. Sadly, most of the good free ones don't work with SSF for one reason or another. They either have a bunch of adware or they don't support some formats. The ones that do work (along with some that don't) will be listed below.

As of [https://twitter.com/FessX/status/1151502018185293824 Preview Version R4], you can mount CD images that use .cue and .bin files by going to Options > Peripherals, then in the ''CD Image'' section, select '''Enable''', then select the .cue file of your choosing, and restart the emulator. Mind you that this feature is still experimental, ergo the game will likely crash at certain points, so it's best to use the software below.

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|+List of Free Virtual Drive Software
|-
! scope="col"|Program Name
! scope="col"|Pros
! scope="col"|Cons
|-
|[https://www.elby.ch/en/download.html Virtual CloneDrive]
|
* Isn't a cut-down version of a paid software.
* Very lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
|
* Doesn't support .mdf/.mds files. This is kind of a big deal, since quite a few of the Saturn's popular titles are only available as mdf/mds.
* Can't mount .cue files. DON'T mount the .bin instead, as SSF will boot you back to the bios whenever it feels like it if you do. Instead, make a .ccd/.img copy with CloneCD and another virtual drive program.
|-
|[http://yubsoft.com/imgdrive/ ImgDrive]
|
* Very lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
* Can be used from the command line.
|
* Doesn't seem to work with .cue/.bin or .cue/.iso files (disc gets mounted, but without audio tracks).
.mds/.mdf & .ccd/.img/.sub files are fine, though.
|-
|[http://www.softpedia.com/get/CD-DVD-Tools/CD-DVD-Rip-Other-Tools/Alcohol-52.shtml Alcohol 52% Free Edition]
|
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
* Very reliable.
|
* Installer contains optional adware.
* Mounting the images causes the sound files to autoplay.
* The installer forces you to install crapware called Smart File Advisor, which you can't uninstall without uninstalling Alcohol.
(You can mostly ignore the program by stopping it from running on startup, or you can install the program while completely offline using an [http://www.free-codecs.com/download/alcohol_52.htm offline installer] and the crapware will fail to install itself and won't cause any further issues at any point)
|-
|[http://www.daemon-tools.cc/products/dtLite Daemon Tools LITE]
|
* Nice UI.
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
|
* Installer tries to fill your computer up with adware, and newer versions force you to install adware (Version 4.30.4 does not force it).
* Sends data on every image you mount to an outside location. <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.neowin.net/news/daemon-tools-knows-what-you-mounted-last-summer|title=Daemon tools spying}}</ref> (mostly applies to versions 4.4x and on, [https://mega.nz/#!ZLwFXJYL!CYc0yn38agyZcfcJm487Id2XoJZ9JrzfyGpZ-nGY9AQ version 4.3x] seems unaffected and still works with modern systems but might be buggier)
* No longer run by the original team. Possibly Chinese spyware at this point.
|-
|[http://wincdemu.sysprogs.org/ WinCDEmu]
|
* Isn't a cut-down version of a paid software.
* Open-source.
* Very lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
|
* SSF isn't compatible with it.
|-
|[http://www.magiciso.com/tutorials/miso-magicdisc-overview.htm MagicDisc]
|
* Lightweight.
* Doesn't try to install unwanted software.
* Supports every Saturn image extension.
|
* SSF isn't compatible with it.
|}

==External links==
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20200417060901/http://aaaaaaaa.g2.xrea.com/ssf/ Shima's Site (archived from xrea.com)]
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20190331134556/http://www.geocities.jp/mj3kj8o5/ssf/ Shima's Site (archived from geocities.jp)]
* [https://ssftribute.csdprojects.co.uk/ English Tribute Site]
* [http://segasaturn.org/ Updated Compatibility List Based On Game Region]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

[[Category:Emulators]]
[[Category:Console emulators]]
[[Category:Home console emulators]]
[[Category:Sega Saturn emulators]]
[[Category:Windows emulation software]]
[[Category:Android emulation software]]
[[Category:Closed-source emulators]]

Sega Saturn emulators

2022-11-26T07:12:12Z

SMB99thx: I'll give this an "~" due to recent bickering over recommendations.

Template:VMwareWorkstationVer

2022-11-26T07:06:40Z

SMB99thx: A new version (17.0) has recently released

17.0

Template:Bsnes-mtVer

2022-11-17T04:44:20Z

SMB99thx: Has been updated to version 1.3.4 as of September 5, 2022

1.3.4

Nintendo DS emulators

2022-11-17T04:23:23Z

SMB99thx: /* Emulators */ sort

{{Infobox console
|title = Nintendo DS
|logo = DSlitewhite.png
|developer = [[:Nintendo]]
|type = [[:Category:Handheld consoles|Handheld game console]]
|generation = [[:Category:Seventh-generation video game consoles|Seventh generation]]
|release = 2004
|discontinued = 2013
|predecessor = [[Game Boy Advance emulators|Game Boy Advance]]
|successor = [[Nintendo DSi emulators|Nintendo DSi]]
|emulated = {{✓}}
}}

{{for|other emulators that run on NDS hardware|Emulators on DS}}

The '''[[wikipedia:Nintendo DS|Nintendo DS]]''' (NDS) is a handheld console produced by Nintendo on November 21, 2004, and had 2 ARM CPUs (ARM9 and ARM7) with 4MB of RAM. The main selling point was the use of dual screens for gameplay, with one being a touchscreen. It is the only console to have come close to the [[PlayStation 2 emulators|PlayStation 2]] in lifetime sales (154.02 million units), as a result of attracting a large number of casual players, and even non-gamers, into the gaming community.

==Emulators==
<div style="max-width:100%; overflow:auto;">
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest Version
! scope="col"|[[Game Boy Advance emulators|GBA]]
! scope="col"|[[Nintendo DSi emulators|DSi]]
! scope="col"|[[libretro]]
! scope="col"|<abbr title="Free/Libre and Open-Source Software">FLOSS</abbr>
! scope="col"|Active
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
|-
!colspan="9"|PC / x86
|-
|[[melonDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[http://melonds.kuribo64.net/downloads.php {{MelonDSVer}}] [https://github.com/Arisotura/melonDS/actions Dev Builds]
|{{✗}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[DeSmuME]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://desmume.org/download/ {{DeSmuMEVer}}]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[DeSmuME#DeSmuME X432R|DeSmuME X432R]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|[http://web.archive.org/web/20150920170430im_/http://shikaver01.webcrow.jp/desmume_x432r/index.html 2015-04-19]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[GBE+]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/shonumi/gbe-plus/releases {{GBEVer}}]
|{{✓}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}} (WIP)
|-
|[[mGBA#medusa|medusa]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://mgba.io/downloads.html alpha 2]
|{{✓}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}} || {{✗}}<ref name="medusa suspended"/>||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://corgids.wordpress.com/ CorgiDS]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/PSI-Rockin/CorgiDS/releases git] [http://www.emucr.com/search/label/CorgiDS SVN]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}<ref>https://corgids.wordpress.com/2018/02/12/extended-break/</ref> ||{{✗}}
|-
|ndsemu
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[https://github.com/rasky/ndsemu git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[No$|No$GBA]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|DOS}}
|[http://problemkaputt.de/gba.htm {{No$GBAVer}}]
|{{✓}} ||{{~}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://web.archive.org/web/20110225190819/http://neonds.com/ NeonDS]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[https://web.archive.org/web/20100925152735/http://neonds.com/system/files/NeonDS_0.2.1.zip 0.2.1]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|dasShiny
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[https://github.com/Cydrak/dasShiny git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[http://ds-duos.blogspot.com/ DuoS]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[http://www.emulator-zone.com/download.php/emulators/nds/duos/DuoS.zip 8/25/2012 Beta]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[Ensata]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}
|[http://www.mediafire.com/file/x0odmalrndt9m7a/Ensata+v1.4d.rar 1.4d]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[https://web.archive.org/web/20111130005614/http://ideasemu.biz/ iDeaS]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux}}
|[http://www.emulator-zone.com/files/emulators/nds/ideas/ideas1040.7z 1.0.4.0]
|{{✓}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|[[NooDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[https://github.com/Hydr8gon/NooDS/releases git]
|{{✓}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}} (WIP)
|-
!colspan="9"|Mobile / ARM
|-
|[[DraStic]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android|Pandora|Pyra}}
|[https://forum.mobilism.org/viewtopic.php?f=422&t=3629008 {{DraSticVer}}] [https://pyra-handheld.com/repo/apps/32 0.1 Pyra]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[melonDS]] (unofficial)
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://github.com/rafaelvcaetano/melonDS-android git][https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=me.magnum.melonds 1.7.0]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}} (WIP)
|-
|[[Delta]]
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
|[https://github.com/rileytestut/Delta git]
|{{✗}} ||{{~}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[https://inds.nerd.net/ iNDS] (nds4ios derived) (DeSmuME based)
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
|[https://github.com/iNDS-Team/iNDS/releases git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[NooDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://github.com/Hydr8gon/NooDS git]
|{{✓}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}} (WIP)
|-
|nds4ios
|align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
|[http://nds4ios.angelxwind.net/i/?page/downloads SVN]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[http://jeffq.com/blog/nds4droid/ nds4droid] (DeSmuME based)
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
|[https://github.com/jquesnelle/nds4droid git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|-
!colspan="9"|Console
|-
|[[Virtual Console]]
|align=left|{{Icon|WiiU}}
|
|{{✓}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[DeSmuME PSP]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PSP}}
|[https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/590011753849421846/870274164748079104/desmume_psp_4.zip V4][https://github.com/Xiro28/DeSmuME-PSP git][https://github.com/Xiro28/desmume_psp_experimental Exp.]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✗}}
|-
|DesmumeX
|align=left|{{Icon|Xbox}}
|[https://www.1emulation.com/forums/topic/35774-desmumex-v087-new-update 0.87]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[melonDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Switch}}
|[https://github.com/rsduck/melonDS/releases git]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[NooDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Switch|Vita|PSP}}
|[https://github.com/Hydr8gon/NooDS git] (Switch/Vita) [https://github.com/Xiro28/NooDS_PSP git] (PSP port)
|{{✓}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}} ||{{~}}
|-
|[[DeSmuME PSP|DSonPSP]]
|align=left|{{Icon|PSP}}
|[https://wololo.net/downloads/index.php/download/1235 0.7]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||? ||{{✗}} (POC) ||{{✗}}
|}
</div>

===Comparisons===
;[[melonDS]]
:Unlike DeSmuME, melonDS can use wifi, and has some DSi support. In terms of being user-friendly, options in melonDS are more simplified. Has similar DS game compatibility as DeSmuME. Both can run games at a higher internal resolution (sharper 3D objects) and can open roms inside an archive (zip, rar, 7z). Both can display the two screens in a variety of ways, but melonDS has a hybrid mode. [https://i.imgur.com/S73Eb4m.jpg (Example)] While the developers of No$GBA had documented the Wi-Fi capabilities first, melonDS is the first and only emulator that's gotten as far as it has and it has been found to work reasonably well with a handful of games. Switching to OpenGL in core options may give a performance boost.

;[[DeSmuME]]
:DeSmuME has had significant improvements since 2018; new features since that time include the use of less CPU/GPU resources and high-resolution 3D rendering, though WiFi capability remains neither emulated nor supported. v0.9.13 from May 2022 is the first "Stable" build in over 7 years and is highly recommended over all previous builds. [[OpenEmu]] uses a shallow fork of the v0.9.11 build and should be avoided as well. If you do run into issues on the v0.9.13 build, then try switching back to the v0.9.11 build (see [[Common Problems and Solutions]] for tips).

;[[DraStic]]
:A payware, closed-source emulator for [[Android emulators|Android]] devices that can run games at a decent speed even on potato phones. It's on par with (or in some cases better than) DeSmuME, and emulating it through BlueStacks on PC may actually be a viable and fast alternative aside from a slight input delay. Some rumors have spread around that the developers deliberately put in issues to mess with pirated copies, though this is considered unsubstantiated. At the very least, you shouldn't expect any support from Exophase and company if you use a pirated copy, though it is available for free on the Raspberry Pi and Odroid via RetroPie.

;[[Delta]]
:An open source application for iOS with the ability to emulate many consoles and handhelds including the Nintendo DS. Since version 1.3, Delta Emulator allows you to emulate Nintendo DS with DeSmuME or melonDS core, you will need to have DS BIOS or DSi BIOS to play DS/DSi games in Delta using melonDS core, it also allows you to boot into DS/DSi home screen and functions similar to melonDS.

;[[No$|No$GBA]]
:Focuses on speed, and has major compatibility issues and glitches as a result. Because it was originally a GBA emulator, the DS's 3D features are still very poorly handled. However, it's a good option for low-end machines but don't expect a lot of games to run perfectly. A fan program, No$Zoomer, was released for version 2.6 which increases compatibility and options, as well as the titular zooming and resizing abilities. The biggest addition is noise cancellation which clears up static that No$GBA makes with its 3D rendering. It doesn't change accuracy though. No$Zoomer never rebased to newer no$gba versions, and looks like it's abandoned so likely never will. In v2.8, No$GBA became the first emulator to supports DSi games, which has been their most notable feature. Only use No$GBA for DSi games that don't work on other emulators, debugging (if you've taken up romhacking for DS games or homebrew development), if you value speed above everything, if you're using a potato PC, or just as a last resort.

;[[mGBA#medusa|medusa]]
:[[mGBA]] developer endrift is also creating a DS emulator, but it's very much a work-in-progress and isn't nearly as far as melonDS in terms of the capabilities it's covered. As of March 2018, medusa's development is "suspended until further notice".<ref name="medusa suspended">https://mgba.io/2018/03/09/holy-grail-bugs-revisited/#postscript-a-several-month-late-explanation</ref>

;iDeaS
:An abandoned and experimental DS emulator that uses a plug-in system, it's very slow and buggy but has partially gotten some features working like the camera and slide accessories.
;[[Ensata]]: Nintendo's official DS emulator that was leaked to the public. It's not very usable or compatible but it can run a few games.

'''Comparisons of several Nintendo DS emulators:'''
* [https://emucross.com/the-next-generation-of-ds-emulators/ Looking Toward the Next Generation of DS Emulators] (By [[Dolphin]] tester, [https://dolphin-emu.org/blog/authors/JMC47/ JMC47], AKA Justin M. Chadwick. 5 June 2017. Tested emulators: melonDS (0.2 and 0.3), medusa (Alpha 2) & GBE+ (1.1) compared to the mature DeSmuME.)

===High resolution===
;[[melonDS]]
:Has an OpenGL renderer with upscaling as of version 0.8.<ref name="melondsopengl">http://melonds.kuribo64.net/comments.php?id=90</ref> The renderer is much faster than DeSmuME's and supports increasing the internal resolution up to 16x native resolution. More features such as texture filtering are planned.

;DeSmuME X432R
:A fork of DeSmuME that has graphical enhancement such as an option to increase internal resolution and use MSAA. The devs of DeSmuME have now included an option for increased internal resolution (see below), making X432R outdated. See the [[DeSmuME]] page for more details.

;[[DeSmuME]] ([[libretro]])
:Also has an option to increase internal resolution since [https://github.com/libretro/desmume/commit/5e430dfbc22f9d54c77f291304a38352ee1e5a63 August 8, 2015 git commit]. It requires a very high-end CPU to run at a reasonable framerate.
;DraStic:Has released a beta version supporting double the original resolution.
;Virtual Console (Wii U):Has a configuration file with support for x2 internal resolution without any significant performance hit (as well as a brightness setting). However, there's no legit way to enable it without a homebrew-enabled console.

==Connectivity==
The DS offers five types of connections:
* '''Local wireless communications''' - ''(Multiple cartridges)''
* '''DS Download Play''' - ''(Single cartridge)''
* '''Wi-Fi Connection''' - ''(Online multiplayer)''
* '''DS/Wii connectivity'''
* '''GBA/DS connectivity'''

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;"
|-
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest Version
! scope="col"|Local
! scope="col"|Download Play
! scope="col"|Wi-Fi
! scope="col"|GBA/DS
|-
|[[melonDS|melonDS]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS}}
|[http://melonds.kuribo64.net/downloads.php {{MelonDSVer}}] [https://github.com/Arisotura/melonDS/actions Dev Bulids]
|{{~}} ||{{~}} ||{{✓}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[DeSmuME]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|[https://desmume.org/download/ {{DeSmuMEVer}}]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{~}} ||{{✓}}
|-
|[[No$|No$GBA]]
|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|DOS}}
|[http://problemkaputt.de/gba.htm {{No$GBAVer}}]
|{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}} ||{{✗}}
|}

The major challenge with emulating multiplayer functionalities is timing inaccuracies, which have made many projects, such as DeSmuME, not want to implement them. So far, the only emulator to actually make any progress is melonDS, but even that is still under development.

===Local wireless communication===
Players who have a copy of the same game can link together using the DS's wireless signals (given that the game offers this feature).

melonDS supports wireless communication with several games, including ''New Super Mario Bros.'' and the ''Pokémon'' games, but you need to have either multiple instances opened, which can slow down overall performance, or connect multiple computers via LAN. No$GBA can connect but fails before the actual connection is finished.

===DS Download Play===
This feature allows players with a DS device, and only one copy of a game, to play together. This way, everyone doesn't need to have a copy of the game. The player with the physical cartridge will host the game while the other players connects using a "downloaded" version received from the host. Normally they are either simple mini-games, stripped-down demos of the main game, or a limited version of multiplayer. In most cases it's better to use multi-cart instead, however, there are some games, like ''Mario Party DS'', that require Download Play to use its multiplayer.

Download Play is supported by melonDS. Like with local multiplayer, it is very hit and miss but unlocking the framerate helps. melonDS will often fail during the download process, but some games actually go as far as booting and sometimes in-game as well.

===Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection===
Nintendo's online service that was available for the Wii and DS and was free to use. It was shut down on May 20, 2014, due to the company GameSpy, the ones who were managing these servers, shutting down its multiplayer services after being bought out. A popular game that used this feature was ''Mario Kart DS''.

There was a third-party DeSmuME fork that successfully emulated WFC but has quite a bit of requirement (Ethernet cable, though this can be circumvented with external software). After the service shutdown, there was a version compatible with the fan servers (restoring all DLC data but sadly most multiplayer games had their content lost forever). melonDS is one of the only emulators to offer Wi-Fi capabilities. It's still a work-in-progress, but it works relatively well.

===DS/Wii connectivity===
Uses wireless communication on the DS to connect to the Wii. The idea is parallel to the GBA Link Cable for the GameCube, and just like the Link Cable, only a handful of games actually have this feature. Some notable examples are ''Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time'' which is essentially the same as the DS port but can connect with other DSs with the game, ''Pokémon Battle Revolution'' in which players could transfer their Pokémon from the Generation IV main series games and use the DS as a controller, ''Animal Crossing: City Folk'' in which data could be transferred between the DS version ''Animal Crossing: Wild World'', and the ''Nintendo Channel'' on the Wii where players could download demos of DS games to their console using Download Play (basically the same idea as the Download Station kiosk).

So far, no emulator has been able to emulate this feature, nor have attempted to. If this was ever going to be emulated, it would require work on both ends.

===GBA/DS connectivity===
Inserting a GBA cartridge in the Slot-2 of the Nintendo DS while a game is running can unlock various gameplay features for [https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/List_of_Nintendo_DS_games_with_GBA_connectivity several DS games].

It's unknown if No$GBA supports this, but it can be done in DeSmuME by going to Config > Slot 2 (GBA Slot) and selecting GBA Cartridge. Select the GBA ROM file, make sure it's <code>.sav</code> file is in the same folder. You may need to reset the game for it to take effect.
As of version 0.9, melonDS supports GBA connectivity and even added support for the solar sensor on GBA Boktai cartridges used in Boktai DS (Lunar Knight), something DeSmuME has yet to support. Either drag and drop the GBA ROM onto the program before starting or open the file before loading the NDS file.

==Nintendo DSi==
{{Main|Nintendo DSi emulators}}

==Special hardware==
;Guitar Hero pad: Used in the "Guitar Hero: On Tour" series (required) and Band Hero DS. Supported by DeSmuME (Slot 2).
;Piano for Easy Piano: Supported by DeSmuME (Slot 2).
;Taito paddle controller: Compatible with Arkanoid, Space Invaders Extreme, Space Invaders Extreme 2, and Space Bust-a-Move. Supported by DeSmuME (Slot 2).
;Tilt sensor: Used in "Tony Hawk's Motion/Hue's Pixel Painter." No emulators support this add-on yet. (Slot 2)
;Rumble pack: Supported by DeSmuME (Slot 2). Requires compatible Joystick.
;Slide controller: Required by "Slide Adventure Mag Kid". Yasu made a shoddy [http://home.usay.jp/pc/etc/nds/iDeaS_slide.zip plug-in] for iDeaS (the recommended version was 1.0.2.9.) to try to emulate it. No emulators support this add-on at the moment.
;Nintendo Wireless Keyboard: Bundled with "Learn with Pokémon: Typing Adventure" (JP/EU/AU). The game refuses to boot without a keyboard, but it can be run on emulators with an anti-piracy fix and another DeSmuME-specific save bug fix. There is also [http://pokemonlog.com/pokemon-fuligin-download-rom/ a pre-patched ROM.] While it's playable using the on-screen keyboard on the lower screen, the keyboard isn't actually emulated. There is [https://github.com/AnimeCommander/Learn.With.Pokemon-Typing-Adventure.lua/blob/master/Pok%C3%A9mon%20Typing%20DS%20Keyboard%20Script.lua a Lua script] that permits using the actual keyboard by mapping presses of the actual keyboard to taps of the virtual Touch Screen. However, you are going to need to blank out all the control/hotkey bindings of DeSmuME if you are going to play this game because some of the keyboard keys also activate some controls; otherwise, pressing the Q key would also pause the game, given one example. A recommendation would be to have a separate copy of 32-bit DeSMuMe which purpose is playing *only* this game. In that copy, place the patched ROM, the Lua script, and a 32-bit version of [https://sourceforge.net/projects/luabinaries/files/5.1.5/Windows%20Libraries/Dynamic/ lua51.dll.] (The platform used in building the <code>.dll</code> should not matter.) Even then, not only is the emulated workaround a little slow but saving is still broken. Use savestates, instead.
;DS camera: Accessory bundled with the Japan-only Face Training (a European localization for Christmas 2007 was canceled, and it was released as a retail DSi game in 2010 using the internal camera rather than the original accessory). Not to be confused with the built-in DSi camera. No emulators exist for it at all.
;Bayer DIDGIT: A glucose meter for diabetic children with a game called ''Knock 'Em Downs: World's Fair'' that rewards them for checking their blood sugar levels regularly. The game has been dumped but no support for the glucose meter peripheral exists as of the time of this writing; it may, however, be possible to add reward points through Action Replay codes, not to mention that the game will still function without the glucose meter attachment anyway (albeit with reduced functionality, of course).

===iQue DS region lock===
iQue is Nintendo's Chinese subsidiary (previously a partnership between them and Wei Yen until 2013), so when they released the DS with a few localized games, their ROMs had special flags set in them to check if the hardware that ran the cartridge was iQue's or Nintendo's as a sort of region lock. Nintendo's own hardware would fail this check, throwing an "Only for iQue DS" error in white text on a black background. No other DS games have this mechanism; not even for Korean releases. This region lock is bypassed by the 3DS for these DS games, even though 3DS games have their own region lock. It's weird.

Emulators differ in their behavior to this region lock. No$GBA crashes. DeSmuME can load them. However, for melonDS, you need a [[Emulator Files|Firmware Dump]] from an iQue DS, otherwise, it will replicate the region lock.

The only way the ROM will accept other hardware (and thus emulators) is with a hack, involving a simple byte change. Use a hex editor to change the byte located at <code>0x1D</code> from value <code>80</code> to <code>00</code>.

===Other issues===
Certain games, such as American Girl titles (e.g. ''Julie Finds a Way'' and ''Kit Mystery Challenge'') suffer from severe flickering issues which keep those games from being playable on most emulators. [[DraStic]] was the first emulator able to run the two games properly, and while DeSmuME r5043 had an initial fix that worked around the glitch, it was removed in later revisions as it broke compatibility with ''Pokémon SoulSilver Version'' among others; this has since been patched on r5531 once the true nature of the [https://sourceforge.net/p/desmume/bugs/1134/ bug] was better understood. The fix would be later incorporated in other emulators. ''Ultimate Mortal Kombat'' suffers from flickering and slowdown due to the way it loads sprites, though it isn't as serious in DraStic. ''Star Wars: The Clone Wars – Jedi Alliance'' is an even more egregious example, crashing due to timing differences between actual hardware and an emulated system.

==References==
<references />

==See also==
* [[Nintendo DSi emulators]]

{{Nintendo}}

[[Category:Consoles]]
[[Category:Handheld consoles]]
[[Category:Nintendo consoles]]
[[Category:Seventh-generation video game consoles]]
[[Category:Nintendo DS emulators|*]]

Template:MelonDSVer

2022-11-17T04:22:06Z

SMB99thx: oops

0.9.5

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2022-11-17T04:21:37Z

SMB99thx: Updated on November 4

0.9.6