So, I’m searching the best console to run 240p games thru RetroArch on a CRT (14" feels the best size for this): I’ve read the most mature homebrew console for this are Wii and PS2. PS2 is less powerfull but it has native 240p output and can run PSX native. Wii doesn’t have native 240p but ppl claim 480i/480p is sharp enough and the difference is minimal, also it’s more powerfull and can run more platforms. I would exclude more expansive options like FPGA or an ad-hoc raspberry.
[Edit] Title fixed since retroarch isn’t needed in this scenario
I’d go with the Wii. It’s super easy to get homebrew running on a Wii and only requires a compatible SD card (technically it’s not required to actually install the Homebrew Channel, but you’ll need one to actually run and store your emulators and ROMs). Just note that later produced consoles had the GameCube backwards compatibility removed.
Homebrew on a PS2 is more complicated. The easiest way to run homebrew is by purchasing a memory card with FreeMCBoot pre-installed. A better way (in my opinion) is to use a SATA modded Sony network adapter (it must be an original Sony unit) with a 1TB or less SSD (for compatibility reasons) and install PlayStation Broadband Navigator Definitive Edition. If you just want to use FMCB you’ll still want a network adapter and drive, but you can use a third-party one that comes with SATA support out of the box. Another thing is that there were a lot of revisions to the PS2 and not all methods of accessing homebrew work with all models.
Edit: I forgot about the PS2 Slim. You can’t use a network adapter with one, which means you can’t use PSBBN without hardmods.
Edit 2: If you go with a Wii, then follow this guide to hack it.
You can stream ps2 games from your network to the Ethernet port. I want to try it someday.
If I’m not wrong you need a sever always on for that (a raspberry or a laptop it’s ok I suppose). Good if you have a slim model but a fat with hdd seems preferable.
I would also go with a Wii. Just know that you will probably need a Y-cable to use an external drive (even an SSD), since the Wii’s USB ports max out at a pretty low current.
I think that only a small number of Wiis were produced that don’t support GCN games. It should be easy to tell by looking for the 4 GCN controller ports under a side flap.
SATA modded Sony network adapter (it must be an original Sony unit) with a 1TB or less SSD (for compatibility reasons)
Is that 1TB compatibility issue with SSDs or with PSBBN? I’m using FHDB (basically FMCB on internal storage) and OPL with a 2TB SATA HDD without any issues. My understanding is that 2TB is the limit with this setup.
It probably needs a Y-cable for external drives that require power. Only og Wii (rvl-001) can run gamecube natively.
One of the optional add-ons for PSBBN maxed out at a 1 TB drive, but they’ve since made it compatible with 2 TB drives.
Having done an IDE Resurrector mod on a slim, I would encourage people to just get a fat.
Also, what advantage does the PSBBN have over just FMCB and OPL?
There’s a Macho Nacho video on the project that goes over setup and features, but a lot has changed between then and now. I highly recommend checking out the GitHub page afterwards for an updated feature list.
(I personally just use it as a fancy launcher.)
PS2 can only run PS1 games (close to) natively from optical discs. The system that switches the PS2 over to PS1 mode can only be triggered physically by the drive, and once in PS1 mode the console can no longer access most of the PS2 hardware, including any storage attached to the network adapter.
There is a way to “convert” PS1 games to run from internal storage (POPStation), but it actually just wraps the PS1 image in a software emulator for PS2.
Oh thanks for this info! [edit] Do PSX roms play well on Wii?
Sorry, I don’t have any experience with that. I only played Wii and GCN games on my Wii. I switched to a Wii-U for the convenience of direct HDMI output.
