As a few of you might know I’m not only a huge fan of gaming original systems but also like to dabble in the dark art of emulation. Yes, I understand many purists will be hitting the back button in disgust — however I am of the opinion that emulation has a place in each retro gamer’s lifestyle. Emulation allows you to experience games in near pixel-perfection which you could never be able to afford or find and from a historical perspective it’s a great way to archive and catalogue titles which would otherwise disappear.
My selection of emulation instrument is a self-modded first (some call it’classic’ today ) Microsoft XBox. I have been asked on several occasions on how to mod an XBox and exactly what a modded XBox is, so within this series of articles I will show you the capacities of my two components and explain to you just how to begin getting your own.Read more xbox 360 roms At website Articles
I opted to use this particular hardware after stumbling across sites run by fans and finding just how large the XBox mod scene is and also what a capable machine they are for emulation functions. Almost every emulator ever created has been ported to XBox and in the majority of instances continues to be improved still further by fans with the inclusion of video collections and art. Many of you have heard of or use XBMC on additional hardware (Apple TV etc.), well it all started about the humble XBox therefore it’s title (XBox Media Center). Of course it is possible to use an XBox as a wonderful networked Media Centre and it does a lot more things apart from but as this is RGC I’ll concentrate on the subject of retro computer and console emulation.
A modded Xbox is my own pick within PC/Mac emulation for the following 6 reasons:
1. The XBox is relatively easy to unleash your self (soft-modding a Typical 8gb XBox takes moments as Soon as You understand the way to have the tools/software)
2. The device fits under your telly, including a PC
3. A timeless XBox is cheap, I watched them being sold using a control for #14.99 lately at my regional GameStation. EBay is another great supply of inexpensive XBoxes.
4. I use Macs, have achieved since 1988 (Mac Plus, SE-30, IIx) and since Mac users will understand we’re the bad terms of PC consumers when it has to do with emulation. Unlike a Xbox 360, the first Xbox is extremely reliable — nearly bombproof.
6. The programmer scene is still going strong and fresh versions of hot emulators are published weekly
A modded XBox also has the following advantages:
1. Region free games and DVD
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3. You can update your HDD to something larger
4. You can save your DVD films and matches to your HDD and play from there (quicker loading times)
5. Capability to use a mouse and keyboard (good for those point and click adventure games )
6. Tremendous development scene resulting in hundreds of flashed emulators and utilities
7. Fully networkable more than LAN with every other devices you have
8. Good alternative to your PC at a House arcade cabinet setup
9. Once the HDD is upgraded they create adequate Network Media Centres (XBMC)
