3DO emulators: Difference between revisions

The system was discontinued in late 1996, as it proved uncompetitive in the fifth-generation market due to its weaker hardware compared to other systems like the [[PlayStation 1|Sony PlayStation]] and [[Saturn|Sega Saturn]], as well as its expensive price.  

{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;line-height:1.5;width:74%;font-size:90%;"

|+Before editing, review the [[Getting involved]] and [[Recommended emulators|Recommended]] pages. See [[Computer_specifications#Recommended_Specifications|system requirements]] page for performance demand of the emulators.<br>See tables for <span style="font-weight: bold; color: #CC0000; border: 1px solid #CC0000; padding: 2px;">[[#Hardware variants|hardware variants]], [[#Enhancements|enhancements]], [[#Hardware_features_and_peripherals|hardware features and peripherals]].</span><br>For more details such as [[licensing]], [[Source_code#Language_levels|programming language]], [[High_and_low-level_emulation|emulation method]], visit each emulator’s dedicated page.

!Arcade variant(s)<ref group="lower-alpha">https://github.com/mamedev/mame/blob/master/src/mame/misc/3do.cpp</ref>

![[Recommended Emulators|Recommended]]

! colspan="8" |PC

|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|macOS|Linux|FreeBSD}}<small><ref group="lower-alpha" name=libretro>''Only available outside of Windows as a libretro core (e.g., [[RetroArch]]).''</ref></small>

|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly libretro core]||{{Na}} ||{{Yellow}} {{License|NC}}<ref name="FreeDOLicense">FreeDO's source code is licensed under a {{License|Custom}}, {{License|NC}} {{License|LGPL}}-derivative</ref>  

|

|{{Na}}||{{Ya}}

|[http://www.arts-union.ru/node/23 2.8.JAG]||{{Na}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}}

|{{Na}}||{{~}}

|align=left|{{Icon|Windows}}

|[https://sourceforge.net/projects/fourdo 1.3.2.4]||{{Na}} ||{{Yellow}} {{License|NC}}<ref name="FreeDOLicense">FreeDO's source code is licensed under a {{License|Custom}}, {{License|NC}} {{License|LGPL}}-derivative</ref>  

|{{Emulator compatibility|link=https://www.3dum.net/wiki/4do-compatibility-list.htm |157|182}}  

|{{Na}}||{{~}}

|[[MAME]]

|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|macOS|Linux|FreeBSD}}

|git artifacts<ref group="lower-alpha">[https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-windows/master CI-Windows] [https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-linux/master CI-Linux] [https://nightly.link/mamedev/mame/workflows/ci-macos/master CI-Macos]</ref><br>[http://www.mamedev.org/release.html {{MAMEVer}}]<br>[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]<ref group="lower-alpha">As 0.251, 0.139 (2010), 0.78 (2003), 0.37b5 (2000)</ref>||{{Ya}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}}<br>{{License|BSD3}}  

|

|{{Na}}||{{Na}}[https://github.com/mamedev/mame/blob/master/src/mame/misc/3do.cpp#L278 *]

|align=left|{{Icon|Linux}}

|[https://code.google.com/p/3doh/source/list SVN]||{{Na}} ||{{Green}} {{License|GPLv2}} ({{License|Copyleft}})  

|

|{{Na}}||{{Na}}

|align=left|{{Icon|Windows|macOS}}

|1.9 beta||{{Na}} ||{{Yellow}} {{License|NC}}<ref name="FreeDOLicense">FreeDO's source code is licensed under a {{License|Custom}}, {{License|NC}} {{License|LGPL}}-derivative</ref>  

|

|{{Na}}||{{Na}}

|[[BizHawk]]<br><small>(Opera)<small>

|align=left|{{icon|Windows|Linux}}

|[https://tasvideos.org/BizHawk/ReleaseHistory {{BizHawkVer}}]||{{Ya}}||{{Green}} {{License|MIT}}<br>{{License|GPL}}

|

|{{Na}}||{{Dunno}}

! colspan="8" |Mobile

|align=left|{{Icon|Android|iOS}}

|[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly libretro core]||{{Na}} ||{{Yellow}} {{License|NC}}<ref name="FreeDOLicense">FreeDO's source code is licensed under a {{License|Custom}}, {{License|NC}} {{License|LGPL}}-derivative</ref>  

|

|{{Na}}||{{Ya}}

|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}

|[http://www.arts-union.ru/sites/default/files/real3DOPlayer_free_1.0.32.zip 1.0.32]||{{Na}} ||{{Red}} {{License|Proprietary}}  

|

|{{Na}}||{{~}}

|[[Provenance]]

|align=left|{{Icon|iOS|iPadOS}}

|{{Dunno}}||{{Dunno}}

|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}

|0.3.1 {{YouTubeVideo|gPM1PGFWQOY|test video}}

|

|{{Na}}

! colspan="8" |Console

|align=left|{{Icon|XB1|XboxSXS}}{{Icon|3DS}}

|[https://www.retroarch.com/?page=platforms libretro core]||{{Na}} ||{{Yellow}} {{License|NC}}<ref name="FreeDOLicense">FreeDO's source code is licensed under a {{License|Custom}}, {{License|NC}} {{License|LGPL}}-derivative</ref>  

|

|{{Na}}||{{Ya}}

===Comparison===

;FreeDO

:An older abandoned emulator that never left beta.  Paved the way for preliminary 3DO emulation development while spawning 4DO and Phoenix. Was open source at one point but became closed due to fear of legal issues<ref name="open to closed">http://www.freedo.org/HTML/faq.html</ref>.

:;3d'oh!

::Based on the FreeDO emulator. Seems to have lower compatibility, however most of the more popular 3DO titles are compatible. It's a source-only release, so it has to be compiled.

:;[[4DO|4DO]] / [https://docs.libretro.com/library/opera/ opera_libretro]

::4DO is a fork of the FreeDO emulation project, only available for Windows and no longer active. It offers [[#Enhancements|enhancement features]]. Severe audio glitches are very common, no matter what settings are used. A libretro port named '''Opera''' is still in active development, with many of the same features.<ref>https://docs.libretro.com/library/opera/#core-options</ref>.

;[[Phoenix (emulator)|Phoenix]]

:A closed-source project by a long-time FreeDO contributor. It is the most compatible 3DO emulator (claiming "100%?!" compatibility). The PC versions are completely in Russian (you can download an English translation patch [https://www.rlauncher.com/forum/index.php?threads/help-with-3do-phoenix-2-8.4160/ here]). Most of the settings are translated [[:File:3DO_Phoenix_Translated.png|in this picture]].

;[[MAME]]

:Has seven preliminary <code>3do</code> drivers (One for NTSC models, one for PAL models and five related to American Laser Games). Commercial games do not load in the drivers yet (As it is reported as not working and the sound is unimplemented). None of the games are playable so MAME is currently not recommended at this point. <ref>https://github.com/mamedev/mame/blob/master/src/mame/misc/3do.cpp (Bottom of page)</ref>

;[[Phoenix (emulator)|Real3DOPlayer]]

:The Phoenix emulation project is released as separate emulators for Android; this is the 3DO version. Identical compatibility to the PC version, according to the author. Requires 1.5 GHz dual-core ARM or better for full speed.

==Enhancements==

{| class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"

! colspan=2 style="width:50%" | Name

! Opera

|{{Enhancements/Controls/Input lag mitigating}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Enhancements/Controls/Mouse injector}}

|{{Na}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Enhancements/Controls/Turbo button}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

| rowspan="3" | Graphics

| [[Resolution|Resizable internal resolution]]

| {{Ya}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

| [[Texture_packs#Texture_Replacement_.283D.29|Texture replacement]]

| {{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

| [[Widescreen_hacks#Emulators_.283D.29|Widescreen hack]]

| {{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|[https://blurbusters.com/frame-generation-essentials-interpolation-extrapolation-and-reprojection/ Frame generation technologies]<br><small>([https://store.steampowered.com/app/993090/Lossless_Scaling/ LSFG], [https://github.com/NVIDIAGameWorks/Streamline/blob/main/docs/ProgrammingGuideDLSS_G.md DLSS-FG] and [https://nvidia.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/5621/~/enabling-smooth-motion-in-nvidia-app SM], [https://www.techpowerup.com/316835/extrass-framework-paper-details-intels-take-on-frame-generation XeSS-FG], [https://community.amd.com/t5/gaming/amd-fluid-motion-frames-is-out-now-on-amd-radeon-rx-7000-series/ba-p/634372 AFMF] and [https://gpuopen.com/fidelityfx-super-resolution-3/#:~:text=Features-,Frame%20Generation,-Insert%20interpolated%20frames FSR FG])</small>

| colspan="3" | <small>Implementing frame generation technology in an emulator is unfortunately quite challenging and unlikely to be feasible in the near future, however post-processing techniques such as [[Wikipedia:Motion_interpolation|motion interpolation]] is quite possible. [[Input_lag|Input latency]] will be a crucial factor, but its impact likely varies depending on the specific technique employed, it's recommended to use '''after applying the "Internal Framerate Hack"'''.<br>While '''AFMF''' or '''LSFG''' can be used with MAME, please be aware that some visual glitches and artifacts may occur at this time.

| [[30/60_FPS_cheat_codes|Internal frame rate hack]]

| {{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

| [[Overclocking#3DO|Overclock]]

| {{Ya}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

| Preload [[Wikipedia:Template:Disk_images|optical disc image]] to RAM<br><small>For users with sluggish multi-platter HDDs or plagued by horrible seek times, this enhancement '''might''' offer smoother experience, potentially reduced power consumption; it also shines when disc images reside on a network drive.<br>Although keep in mind that preloading image would take some time, and it will require additional amount of RAM capacity.</small>

|{{Enhancements/Post-processing/AI-powered filter compatible}}

| {{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

| {{Enhancements/Post-processing/Filters}}

| {{Ya}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|[[High_dynamic_range#Inverse_tone_mapping|Inverse tone mapping compatible]]

| {{Ya}}[https://www.libretro.com/index.php/category/hdr/ *]

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

| [[Wikipedia:Category:Anti-aliasing_algorithms|Post-rendering anti-aliasing]]<br><small>(FXAA, TXAA and MLAA/SMAA)</small>

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

| [[Wikipedia:Comparison_gallery_of_image_scaling_algorithms|Post-rendering scaling]]<br><small>(Sharp bilinear, Lanczos and [[Wikipedia:GPUOpen#FidelityFX_Super_Resolution|FSR 1]])</small>

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

| {{Enhancements/Post-processing/Shader chain}}

| {{Ya}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|Automatic emulated controller connect/disconnect<br><small>Automatically connects or disconnects emulated controllers when a new or current controller is connected or disconnected.</small>

|{{n}}

|{{n}}

|{{n}}

|Automatic updater

| {{Ya}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

| [[Frontends#Graphical_User_Interfaces_.28GUIs.29|Big Picture Mode]]

| {{Ya}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|cheat manager]]

| {{Na}}[https://docs.libretro.com/library/opera/#features *]

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

| {{Enhancements/Quality of life/Built-in custom resolution}}

| colspan="3" | Exclusive to [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/crtswitchres/ libretro cores] and [[GroovyMAME]] at the moment.<br>Also there is a [https://github.com/psakhis/Groovy_MiSTer project] for achieving software emulators like libretro cores and GroovyMAME send the raw RGB data over a network to a core running on MiSTer, it basically turns the MiSTer into a GPU for the emulator allowing for easy setup and use with CRT TVs/Arcade monitors.

| Built-in [[Mods,_hacks_and_fan-translations#Built-in mod editor and manager for emulators|mod editor and manager]]

| {{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|patch manager]]

| {{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

| Command-line options

| {{Ya}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|Pause/Resume emulation

| {{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

| Per-game profiles

| {{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|[https://www.portablefreeware.com/faq.php#portable Portable] and [https://www.portablefreeware.com/faq.php#stealth stealth]<br><small>Useful enhancement feature for non-personal computer use or plug-and-play scenarios. However, the software may still require the necessary [[Computer_specifications#Operating_System|prerequisites and dependencies]] for your operating system if it is not statically linked.</small>

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

| [[Save_disk_space_for_ISOs|Streamable compression format]]

| {{Ya}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|Fast forward/Turbo speed

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|[[Wikipedia:Macro_(computer_science)|Macros/Scripts]]/[https://tasvideos.org/LuaScripting Lua]

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|[https://tasvideos.org/Movies Movie recording/playback]

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|Rewind

|{{Ya}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|Save states

|{{Ya}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|[[Sound and audio#Ambient_sounds_simulation|Ambient sounds simulation]]<br><small>Simulation of audio from original hardware and environments, such as mechanical hard drive, floppy diskette, and optical drive noises (e.g., head seeks, spin-up/down, tray loading, disc spinning, and clicking), variable CRT flyback transformer whine (the classic high-pitched "coil whine" that dynamically changes pitch based on screen brightness and content), arcade cabinet effects (e.g., fan hum or button rattles), and other background ambient noises.</small>

|[[Sound and audio#Audio filters and presets|Audio filters and presets]]<br><small>Simulation of characteristic playback limitations and coloration of vintage consumer audio hardware, such as CRT television speakers, arcade cabinets, handheld consoles, early PC sound outputs, and low-fidelity integrated speakers. These filters are not intended to be perfectly accurate recreations, but rather to evoke the tonal qualities, distortion, bandwidth limits, resonance, and compression associated with 8-bit and 16-bit era devices. Examples include mono or narrow stereo output, reduced frequency response, speaker cone distortion, mild saturation, aliasing, and preset lo-fi profiles inspired by classic TVs, portable game systems, radios, and retro multimedia hardware.</small>

| [[Wikipedia:Category:Debugging|Debug features]]

| {{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

| [[Virtual_reality#VR_game_room_simulations|EmuVR support]]

| colspan=3 | Exclusive to [https://www.emuvr.net/wiki/Installation_Guide#Downloads libretro cores] at the moment.

|{{Na}}

|{{Na}}

| Free Look<br><small>Free Look is a enhancement feature that allows manipulation of the in-game camera.</small>

| colspan="3" | <small>While freecam would be technically possible, it will require per-game patches.<br>Said patches would require a significant amount of time to reverse the game's engine, which means that only someone talented with enough dedication to a single game could do it.</small>

| [[Netplay]]

| {{Ya}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

| [[RetroAchievements]]

| {{Ya}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|Rich Presence (RPC)<br><small>Allows the emulator to share real-time game session details (e.g., current game title, level, boss, playtime, or custom status) with external applications. This enables features such as displaying what you're playing on your profile, inviting friends to spectate, or triggering join-in-progress functionality where supported.</small>

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|Screen translator<br><small>Using optical character recognition (OCR) and other techniques, this feature can provide live translation of in-game text, text-to-speech for visually impaired users, and more — either on demand or automatically.</small>

==Hardware features and peripherals==

{|class="wikitable sortable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"

! colspan="3" style="width:50%" | Name

! Opera

! Phoenix

! 4DO

| colspan="2" |[[System BIOS emulation|System BIOS]]

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

| colspan="2" |Dolby Surround

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

| colspan="2" |[[Disc Drive emulation|3DO CD Drive]]

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|[[Wikipedia:Gamegun#Supported_games|3DO Light gun]]

|{{Ya}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|6-button controller

|{{Na}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|[[Wikipedia:Gamegun#Supported_games|Arcade light gun]]

|{{Ya}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|[https://www.pixsoriginadventures.co.uk/3do-ch-flightstick-pro-first-impressions/ CH Flightstick Pro]<br><small>Has more inputs than the 3DO controller. Only compatible with selected titles.</small>

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|[[#Mouse|Mouse]]

|{{Ya}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|Orbatak Trackball

|{{Ya}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|[[Wikipedia:3DO_Interactive_Multiplayer#Other|Racing wheel]]

|{{Na}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

| rowspan="3" |[[#Home media accessories|Home media]]

|3DO Digital Video Module GPA511M

|{{Na}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|3DO Karaoke Mixer

|{{Na}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|3DO REAL Video CD Adaptor

|{{Na}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

| colspan="2" |[[Wikipedia:3DO_Interactive_Multiplayer#Other|Panasonic FZ-EM256]]

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|AT&T Modem<br><small>This modem was going to support [[cross-play]] between [[Sega Genesis]] via its Edge 16 Modem and 3DO.</small>

|Game Guru<br><small>Action Replay-like cheat tool</small>

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

| colspan="2" |Up to 8 daisy-chained controllers

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

|{{Dunno}}

===Mouse===

:[[Wikipedia:3DO_Interactive_Multiplayer#Mouse|Wikipedia - 3DO Mouse (Panasonic FZ-JM1 and Logitech 3DO)]]

===Home media accessories===

;Panasonic 3DO Karaoke Mixer

;3DO REAL Video CD Adaptor

;3DO Digital Video Module GPA511M

:See [[Home_media_players#Emulators|this dedicated page]] for more information about home media playback support for emulation software.

:See [[Disc Drive emulation]].