FPGA technology has revived yet another piece of gaming nostalgia. Developer 'Jotego' has recently announced the release of a beta version of a Neo Geo Pocket FPGA core, a project that brings the classic handheld console experience to more modern hardware. Currently, this new core is available to Jotego's Patreon supporters and is specifically designed for use on the MiSTer and Analogue Pocket.
To put this into context, FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) is a technology that allows hardware to be configured to emulate other hardware systems accurately. Enthusiasts enjoy FPGA cores because they can recreate the performance and behavior of vintage gaming consoles without relying on traditional emulation. This approach often results in an experience closer to the real hardware.
Jotego is known within the enthusiast community for his work on various FPGA cores, which have allowed gamers to experience classic titles with a much higher level of authenticity than traditional software emulation. His latest offering is the Neo Geo Pocket, SNK's handheld console released in the late 1990s.
The journey to this beta release wasn't straightforward. Due to the Neo Geo Pocket's unique architecture and the limitations of the devices in question, supporting cores such as SiDi or MiST was not feasible. The primary hurdle was the internal RAM size requirements, which couldn't be met by those platforms. However, MiSTer and Analogue Pocket owners are in luck, as their devices can handle the Neo Geo Pocket FPGA core.
The current state of the beta is promising but not without its shortcomings. Game compatibility has not yet reached full coverage, which is typical for beta releases. There are additional limitations to be aware of: the current core only supports monochrome games, and players cannot save their in-game data. Every time the core boots up, users will have to reset the date and language settings – a quirk reminiscent of the original hardware that used a battery to remember these details.
Moreover, the core isn't cycle-accurate yet, meaning it doesn't replicate the timing of the original Neo Geo Pocket's processor perfectly at this stage. Nevertheless, Jotego has confidence in the core's current state, stating that while many good games work seamlessly, there's still room for refinement and the addition of new features in the future.
For those eager to try out the beta core, here's a simplified guide to get it running:
On the MiSTer:
- Utilize the Arcade menu to trigger the core, which is necessary for the beta key loading.
- Copy the Neo Geo Pocket core files to the appropriate directories.
- Eventually, look forward to the core being moved to the dedicated consoles folder.
On the Analogue Pocket:
- Place core files in the necessary Asset folders.
- Place game ROM files accordingly.
For both MiSTer and Analogue Pocket:
- When starting the core, a settings menu appears. Interaction with the core is mostly similar between devices, with slight variations in the commands.
- Game cartridges can be swapped with a series of button presses, a process which involves powering off and on the Neo Geo Pocket emulation.
- Note that some aesthetic features, like the initial Neo Geo animation, can be skipped.
Despite the limitations, enthusiasts are excited about the potential of this core. Jotego's work represents a profound respect and dedication to accuracy and quality that bolsters the vibrant community of retro gaming aficionados. Color games will have to wait, as currently attempting to load them results in an apology screen, sometimes in Japanese.
Communication with the developer and bug tracking are streamlined via GitHub, where users can report issues and follow updates on previously reported concerns.
The core is a work in progress, with Jotego reassuring that enhancing the beta, including adding color game support, isn't expected to be overly complicated. This reassurance is crucial for backers who are supporting Jotego's projects in hopes of revisiting classic gaming experiences with a high degree of authenticity.
As the beta advances, other projects, particularly arcade core work, will also continue to move forward. This balance demonstrates the developer's commitment not only to the Neo Geo Pocket core but also to the broader scope of preservation and enjoyment of various classic gaming systems through FPGA technology. The future looks bright for retro gaming enthusiasts, and they have developers like Jotego to thank for these new yet nostalgic experiences.
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