The functional emulation software/hardware market is booming. Playmaji’s Polymega console is perhaps one of the most recognizable devices in the space and offers compatibility with games from older systems such as NES, SNES, Sega Saturn and original Playstation. And of course, the Analogue Pocket offers a premium retro handheld gaming experience at a price. Now another contestant will try to enter the field – RetroArcha company known for its “front-end software for emulators, game engines and media players”, is looking to produce a physical device.
In one announcement done this week, RetroArch said it had “partnered with a hardware manufacturer for a commercial release,” which would realize the vision of an open hardware and software solution, working in tandem.
Similar to the Polymega, the RetroArch console would also be modular – a base unit to start with, with additional modules for a range of console hardware to mix and match at the user’s discretion. Where the two differ though is that RetroArch intends to focus on the Nintendo 64.
Still in preparation— Importantly, RetroArch aims to keep the hardware project true to the DIY nature of the software (open source, with room for collaboration). In fact, near the end of the previously mentioned announcement, the company included two links: one to a survey, where interested people can write down what they would like to see with this project and one to a newsletter that would include updates along the way.
While RetroArch would like to go into production in mid-2022, it is aware of the current global supply chain constraints and has hilariously included the following caveat: “Knowing today’s global shipping, there will be nightmares about the road.
If a more community-based emulation option is something you’d like to see come to fruition, I recommend signing up for RetroArch’s newsletter. In the meantime, you can download the front-end software for use on Steam and itch.io.
