Handheld Emulator?

December 28, 2008 11:13 PM

Recently I have been desiring a hand held gaming system (similar to a psp or a ds) that would allow me to just play my N64 Roms that I play on the computer. I do not need any extra features, just the ability to play legally owned ROMs with a hand held. Anybody have a solution?

I know that I can run emulators on the psp or other devices but it seems a like a waste of money to buy them if I wont be using most of their features. I am looking for a solution that would ideally cost less than $100.

posted by newtux to technology (8 answers total)

How about a used or refurbished DS with an R4DS card?
posted by radioamy at 11:44 PM on December 28, 2008

I am not entirely sure a device exists that meets your specifications entirely - most devices specifically designed for emulation are not really fast enough to emulate the N64 and vice versa. You might look at the GP2X, but that is expensive and probably doesn't emulate the N64 very well. Also keep an eye out for the OpenPandora when/if it launches.

To the best of my knowledge the most workable portable N64 emulator is Daedalus on the PSP.
posted by fearthehat at 12:07 AM on December 29, 2008

It doesn't seem that the DS has a good N64 emulator. A refurbished PSP is around $120, and there's a PSP emulator called Daedalus X64 that seems to be the best out so far. Here's the compatibility list -- there are only a few really good playable games, it seems.

Since the power of the emulator depends strongly on the speed of the processor, I don't see this as being really possible until the next generation of mobile gaming devices. Or, you could ask the guy who made this to make you another one...
posted by suedehead at 12:19 AM on December 29, 2008

OpenPandora once it comes out.

pricey, but it'll run better than the psp.

I found all of the existing handheld emus to simply run too slowly.
posted by ValkoSipuliSuola at 4:34 AM on December 29, 2008

It's not commercially available, but Master Console Modder Ben Heck made a portable N64 as one of his many projects.
If you're technically minded and fancy doing a similar mod, the forums on his site can answer just about any questions you may have.
posted by anagrama at 5:48 AM on December 29, 2008 [1 favorite]

The psp n64 emulator is pretty bad. It's been a while since I used it but when last I attempted to use it I found it too slow to be fun. I think what you want for the price you want is the wrong side of impossible right now.
posted by I Foody at 8:44 AM on December 29, 2008

Echoing that it's not possible right now. Your best bet is an Eee or similar netbook with a usb joystick, but that'll start in the high-200s.
posted by neustile at 10:35 AM on December 29, 2008

If you do decide to (become my hero and) pursue the modding route, Ben Heck was recently owned on his own forums by this.

I would add that it is basically impossible right now, as there are some SNES games that don't even run fast enough on my DS or PSP.
posted by papayaninja at 11:10 AM on December 29, 2008