I don't think playing any game that involves a controller where you can't feel the buttons would be fun at all. Imagine pushing a piece of glass every time you wanted to jump- it seems like over time you would lose track of where your thumb was and have to keep glancing down.

kyosuke9999

@RSGun: "Custom Reality" did seem awfully fitting after that set of tirades. Or perhaps "iPhilibuster"?

I think he was already mad because of the earlier article saying iphone isn't a viable gaming platform.....and like most fanboys (and consumers in general) he felt the need to justify his purchase.

I can't recall ever seeing a fanboy preemptive strike before that one. That was just funny. Basically asking to get flamed.

What's funny is that nobody really bashed the iphone that much. Rather, the argument broke out over skewed logic instead.

One would expect a top of the line phone to be able to run emulators. My Palm can do it, as can my mp3 player from 2004 or so (along with Doom). The issue for me would be the lack of tactile feedback.

Billkwando

1) HAY GUYS WE MADE A PROGRAM SO YOU CAN PLAY ILLEGAL COPIES OF OLD GAMES ON ANOTHER SYSTEM. GIVE US YOUR MONIES.
(I am not devaluing their work, I think it's quite impressive. But to ask for donations for it, or for any emulator, seems... wrong, somehow)

2) Invest in a tripod! Seriously. Need two hands to play? Free up one hand by NOT holding the camera!

BPM X: Soul Eraser

mr. fahey, don't wishfully browse the at&t options, just buy an ipod touch instead!

xbulletholes

@Custom Reality: Assuming that software runs better on technically proficient hardware would make TKWarrior's argument quite correct. There is no way that a laptop (made circa 1996) could be bested on a technical standpoint by an iPhone, I'm sorry.

Your arguments are redundant often dodgy. Most reasons people change the subject in an argument are either one of two: their argument is obviously weaker, so they change the subject in hopes of distorting the actual issue, or the other situation where they know that no only is their argument inferior, they are in fact incorrect, thus attempting to skew the issue.

Watching you two banter on like children was quite amusing, actually. You state, "There you go, again, - assuming - that a person is going to download and test each and every single emulator until they 'perfect' one is found." This is quite humourous in itself. You see, first of all, you ignorantly typed "they 'perfect' one'. Nice. Now to the real problem. If this comment was about something more recent, let's say a DS or (why not) a PS3 emulator. You would have a bit more substance in your argument. Unfortunately, NES emulators have ben around for some time now. Since 1997, they have been being produced, and any issue they had was with software, not necesarily hardware, which you argue has nothing to do with it. There are multiple emulators that perform excellently; examples include JNes, Nestopia, Console Classix and Nintendulator.

Reading your early comments, immediately assaulting the integrity of Kotaku commenters immediately shined that gross, piss-yellow coloured fanboy light right into my eyes. I was blinded by your blunt ignorance and cocky disposition. You proudly defended your sub-par chocolates until TKWarrior stepped up and began feeding you logical sense. You began to straighten up your English a bit to make your fanboy-ish undertones less evident but it was at this point it was evident to me. You weren't going to use any form of logic until someone poked at your side with a stick until it hurt enough.

You're inexperience in proper arguing was evident in this quote: "However, you'll have to promise better insults. Just to keep things interesting. In return, I'll retire the "kid" remarks. Ok, Angela? =)" Is this supposed to give the readers an "Oh, that's cute!" vibe? No, sir. You aren't to insult someone in an argument, as that makes the assumption that you can't trump your foes statements with logic, thus resulting in petty insults. Angela? If you're going to insult him, try something along the lines of 'darling', or 'sweetheart', at least you'll sound a bit smart.

It has been quite fun typing all this, why not. I'm quite bored and have an art assignment that I've been putting off since I felt it was a load of horse bollocks and should participate in naps instead. I woke up, young and refreshed, ready to take on the world and another bowl of Honey Nut Cheerios, and what-ho! I'm presented with delicious e-drama that makes my need to write so much more demanding. Bowl of scrumptious cereal at my side, I read, collect information and begin to write. If weren't for people like you, I wouldn't have this thirst that makes me so happy by the sun's set (or what have you).

Good day!

RSGun

genesis4iphone? Okay, cool, but what about the rest of the books from the Old Testament?

DJ-KINETIC

EXACTLY what it sounds like?...c'mooon...

I was expecting some sort of Peter Gabriel type application.

Seriously, thats what I thought of first.

infamyRISE

@Custom Reality: No wait, PLEASE don't answer that.

remakechrono

@Custom Reality: @TKWarrior:

For the love of Jebus please STFU! I hope TKW does not respond because some of us actually wanted to read/discuss the damn emulator.

TK - You had your fun. Now go to bed. I was so ready to berate you, but I can tell by your comment history you're not one to normally clog the comment sections with this nonsense. Play your cards right and you can be my first friend, maybe. But you'll have to GTFU first.

CR - Dude, learn to read. YOU are the reason I finally created my damn account. I guess, thanks? I hate people who bitch without actual debate. I wanted to yell at you both, but TK actually brought up some good points, albeit being childish like you.

Show me where TK said a PC was BETTER at running 20+ year old games. That's as dumb as say, saying a iPhone is better at running 20+ year old games? What next, arguing over which +$250K car can drive 25MPH better? You like your iPhone, we get it. I like mine too, but I don't have to be a douche about it whenever someone questions my devotion.

And my 9 year old nephew figured out how to play all the old emulators on his PC, but I'm more impressed he wanted to play the classics to begin with. If in 2008 you can't get an NES emulator running on a PC, then I agree, you're an idiot. What female name will you give me now?

remakechrono

TKWarrior>Custom Reality

Billkwando

@TKWarrior: "From comment one it was about you stating how your iPhone was better at running a NES emulator, of all things, then your 'superior' laptop."

Exactly. You argued that a PC was better for emulation and that I was "retarded" for even suggesting that my iPhone ran an emulator smoother than my PC. Lo and behold, you kept wavering off course and were more interested in insults, than acknowledging the fact that it was very possible the code for my iPhone ran smoother than the two emulators I had on my laptop. You keep insisting that I went off topic, when all I did was show you how an emulator on the iPhone ran smoother than one programmed for the PC.

Ironically enough I wasn't even going to respond to you but I wanted to see how far you would go. Your using an insult to respond to someone was what piqued my interest, I wanted to see if you'd continue. Sure enough you did, while ignoring the fact that I had stated (re: explained) my original argument over and over again. I.E. the iPhone code is far better programmed than the emulators I cared to try on my laptop.

Yes, I was stubborn, I wanted to see where you're insult initiative would lead. Guess it leads here. In a circle. Do you propose we continue or are we both satisfied? I will restate my argument: The code for my iPhone is far better programmed than the handful of PC emulators. I really hope repeating myself yet again wouldn't be necessary.

Though, if you want to continue, I have at least another forty-five minutes before I need to hit the gym. However, you'll have to promise better insults. Just to keep things interesting. In return, I'll retire the "kid" remarks. Ok, Angela? =)

Custom Reality

@Custom Reality: I love you man, really. This has been so much fun for me. I normally never give kids like you the time of day after one reply, but I had to see where this would go. Call it morbid curiosity. Call it boredom. Call it insomnia at this point. I was really hoping I could actually talk some sense into the conversation but you keep on lowering the bar. It's hilarious!

If you refuse to try another app, even though the one you have doesn't work the way you want, then be stubborn. I knew you were a long time ago when you refused to keep your argument on topic when you were called out on it. But don't blame anyone/thing else because you don't/can't figure out an emulator unless if pre-packaged for you.

From comment one it was about you stating how your iPhone was better at running a NES emulator, of all things, then your 'superior' laptop. It was never (at least for me) about anything else. Your refusal to respond to the actual issue, your classiness of starting the child comments and name calling, and just your showing how you cannot comprehend basic English were all just entertainment for me, and hopefully someone else out there.

The only thing I 'assumed' was that you would eventually 'get it'. But alas, I was asking to much from someone of your... stature? The 13 year old comments was a nice parting gift. Thanks for making my day kid, I needed the laughs. Don't forget to stay classy.

TKWarrior

Take those NES emulators and get them running on something with less processing power left over from the OS than a Gizmondo, and then you'll see it's not a simple process. Keep in mind you're also working with source code designed for a much faster x86-based computer, instead of a completely different CPU architecture like ARM is. You might have a lot of assembly to completely port over. If it's using a dynamic recompiler such as gpSPhone (GBA) does, then you're talking about creating your own execution buffer to shove instructions made down to each bit, all being translated and cached on the fly.

Basically, an extreme amount of work goes into each emulator made. There are times even porting them can be a huge mess. Especially when taking an emulator to a handheld system.
So yes you can install, for instance, NES emulators on the PC easily. But you can't install a PC emulator on an iPhone along with most other handhelds/phones. It has to be redesigned and compiled over again.

It's also about seeing a phone or music player do what wasn't thought possible. :)

zodttd

That dude was listening to pump up the jam... wow.

Kewk

@TKWarrior: There you go, again, - assuming - that a person is going to download and test each and every single emulator until they 'perfect' one is found. Do you just want the last word? Are you trying to impress someone on Kotaku? This isn't even about the iPhone anymore. It's about you - assuming - things left and right, assuming all code is perfect on every emulator and that a person is going to try out and download every single one of them until the most perfectly coded emulator is found.

Kid, I give up on you. If you want the last word go for it. In fact, if you want, I'll email anyone you want and explain to them how superior you are online. Heh. I'm done with you, kid. Thirteen-year-olds, go figure.

Custom Reality

(Sorry Josh*)
@Custom Reality: Wow, you really do have a reading comprehension problem, don't ya child? I never suggested anything of the sort, hence the IF before the sentence. It's late for ya, don't worry about it -kid-.

But just to name a few dozen or so NES emulators:
[www.emulator-zone.com]
[www.zophar.net]

Again, if you can't get ANY of these to work well on your laptop, 'retard' is not an insult, it's a compliment. My fault for trying to repeat that lone, simple fact to someone with 'special needs' gushing over his 'iPown'. Thanks for proving my point time and time again.

TKWarrior

@TKWarrior: "Um, actually yes, if it was programmed correctly and the hardware was at least on par with the original equipment."

Therein lies your problem. You're suggesting all code on all versions are perfect. When they're not. So no, not all coded versions will run perfectly. Next time you doubt that download an emulator that can't even sync the sound or speed of the original ROM. =)

Look, if you're going to insult me, kid, then at least be original. Retard insults are as tired as... well, your insults. C'mon, I'm sure there's better in your repertoire than calling someone retarded.

Custom Reality

There's no possible way this could be good; the iPhone doesn't have any blast processing.

IGoogledMurder

Genesis for iPhone. Hmm. My honest-to-goodness first thought was:

She seems to have an invisible touch WOAHAAHOAH

Time to turn in my gamer card.

Spelunkarr

@Josh*: [cartman voice] I'm sorrry Dad. (Great episode tonight BTW) I'll stop teasing the kids on the short-bus. I'll behave, I promise.

TKWarrior

So what he heck is this all about this Iphone news? What about the news about all other cellphones whos been able to play this types of games for like??? Forever???

I feel sick that the most overprised cellphone and least tenicaly advanced out on the market right now get this much flood of news... LOL

eg My 5 year old bloody phone, tutchscreen and so fort, and yes can play Snes and megadrive games on it, oh by the way it only costed a fraction of what Iphone cost, and :P even more functionality then Iphone... amazing huh.

MugiMugi

@Custom Reality: , @TKWarrior: Shut up kids, or I will turn this website around and there will be no Disneyworld for anyone!

Josh*

Thanks for the news as always. :)
This emulator is supported on both the iPhone and iPod Touch. For those who don't like their thumbs getting in the way of the action, there's portrait mode, as well as non-scaled landscape mode.

More controller skins, performance, and overall polish is included within the v1.0.1 beta update.

I'm also considering a nice MAME port or possibly Gameboy+Gameboy Color emulators. I currently have Gameboy Advance (gpSPhone) and Super Nintendo (snes4iphone) covered. snes4iphone will be receiving a update to include much needed sound (sound on the SNES tends to slow down emulators by quite a bit). psx4iphone will be receiving a much need update as well. Lots of betas to come. :)

Thanks for the feedback everyone. :)

zodttd

@Custom Reality: Awww, don't get upset now little buddy. What happened to 'regardless of hardware specifications'? How quickly we twist the subject to suit our needs.

We're not talking about Vista on a Pentium II, especially since it was not programed for one. I'm sure if it was recompiled for the task it would work just fine, with less features of cource.

"The NES is emulated on everything including toasters and radios. Does that mean all versions of the software run smoothly as the software did on native NES hardware?" Um, actually yes, if it was programmed correctly and the hardware was at least on par with the original equipment. Do you even remember what you said in your previous posts? Or can you handle remebering that far back? Please read your words above if you need some help fella.

But you are avoiding what you said. You stated the golden code programed for your iPhone worked better then a similar program on your laptop that you boasted had much better hardware. So yeah, if you can't get one to work on your laptop as well, that's YOUR problem, nothing to do with the hardware.

I'm not insulting people on the internet. I'm simply stating FACT to a special little guy that needs to go polish thats sexy football helmet, even though it's not used for football. You're so cute when you get angry! (see, I can do it too)

TKWarrior

I've dealt with this guy already with some of his other emulators. This developer is really greedy. All he ever talks about is people giving him money or "Donations" to get access to any of his programs. All the other Emulators he has worked on are the same thing. "In order for you to even Help test it you need to give me lots of money."

I mean I understand that he is spending a lot of time recompiling existing source code to the iPhone... but why act so greedy all the time. I'd donate a few bucks for the final version if I used it, but this guy is a real prick about the entire thing. You can cruise his forums if you don't believe me. He's making a killing by using other peoples source code and doing recompiles on the iPhone.

None of them are with the iPhone SDK, it is a custom app that only works on Jailbreaked iPhones.

I hope he changes his attitude a bit and goes with the SDK.. Lord knows he has more than the $100 a year it costs to register with Apple to do it officially.

Again sorry if I sounded mean. =|

Patient

Looks cool. Anyone know if there's some sort of keyboard attachment for the iphone?

NessD12

I dig my iPhone. I love games. But I have 1,000 versions of emulators up and running. These emulator ports are getting kind of old.

Love that the devs took the time on this, but with the SDK release I can't imagine many folks are jailbreaking their phone anymore...

WaterMedia

Pretty cool...until you actually try to play without looking at your thumbs the whole time.

bob-e

How does the screen handle excessive use from the hands?? Won't it get all greasy and disgusting after a while??

Ali

@TKWarrior: You can get Vista to run on a computer built from the Windows ME era. However, it will not run smoothly. If at all.

The NES is emulated on everything including toasters and radios. Does that mean all versions of the software run smoothly as the software did on native NES hardware?

No.

Quit insulting people over the internet, you supirior, manly macho internet man. =)

Custom Reality

@Custom Reality: "Especially in that my iPhone's NES emulator, for example, works far better than my laptop with a faster processor, more RAM and a GPU."
OK...Are YOU serious?

So you're saying you cannot setup a -=NES=- emulator, an 8-bit game emulator that has numerous versions that have been programed to run on just about any/every platform in excistance with the exception of the toaster oven, to run as effecient on your laptop as your iPhone? The fact that your laptop has a faster CPU, more RAM, and (gasp) a GPU is irrelevent when you are talking about A N-E-S E-M-U-L-A-T-O-R.

If that's what you are saying, then yes, you are a tech-retard. Please turn in your laptop to someone that knows how to use it.

TKWarrior

No iphone I don't care if you can do all that and a bag of chips, I'm still not buying you

excel_excel

@Heartless1: Nope, you can throw my name into that column as well. Except I'll take it one further by saying I hate the phone, whether cell or land line, it doesn't matter. If it's ringing that means I forgot to turn the ringer off. For a while there our message was "we're not answering the phone cause our ringers are turned off, leave a message". The wife made me change it :(

Further... if I want to play games on the go, I'll use my DS or PSP.

Adam

@slomo788: I agree with you. Dumping a PSP and phone just for an iPhone would be stupid. However if your phone dies and your PSP is no longer used, then I would push for a smartphone (iPhone, BlackBerry or Sony P1). Again, I agree with you, tossing things that still work for you would just be a waste of money.

Custom Reality

@Heartless1: You are not alone, my friend, you are not alone.

Zaxxon Q Blaque

@TKWarrior: Are you serious?

Are you questioning the fact that one program could be be better coded on one platform over another regardless of hardware specifications? Heh heh. Good one. You made me laugh. I like that. Let's be friends!

Goodnight Kotaku! =D

Custom Reality

@Custom Reality: Lol I was talking about the emulating capabilities, not the overall thing. There's a reason the iPhone is more expensive than a PSP (although there's NO reason it's more than twice as expensive but, let's move on). I thought it was a piece of crap too but when I informed myself I realized it was't that bad. The case of the iPhone is not that different from that of the PS3, just that Apple is far, far better than Sony in advertising: problems at launch, *same* launch price, "overpriced," missing standard features, etc. But when you get through that fog of uneducated hatred and learn what there actually is in the thing, and its potential, it's actually quite impressive. Personally, I don't have that kind of money, and since I have a PSP, a DS and a phone, there's absolutely no reason to shell out $400-$500 on a phone. But again, I just look at it like a Benz. Expensive, very nice but not for me.

slomo788

Controls look and feel awkward. I'll stick to using my slim flip phone and psp.

FusionHype

@Custom Reality: If your iPhone's NES emulator runs better the your PC's NES emulator (I don't care if your laptop is 10 years old), any tech-savy you claim to have is in serious question.

TKWarrior

Hmm, subliminal m & m's ad, anyone?

bangbangblah

Ummm, sweet. Too bad I would never shell out the money for an iPhone. I don't even own an iPod.

peAr_nectAr

This is pretty sick, only because not only does the iPhone how internet, telephone service and is a media player, it can now also play Roms as well making it pocket virtual console. It may be worth the money after all or maybe after AT&T's deal is up.

TimLyons

@Custom Reality:
N64 emulator?
good luck with that.

roflwaffles

@slomo788: Fair enough, but I would rather poke my eyes out before I rely on Skype for text and voice communication. My boss forced it on me at work and Lord help me, there is a special place in hell for Skype designers. In my opinion. The iPhone isn't a gaming device and wasn't meant to be either. So seeing the SNES and Genesis emulated along with the PSOne is very impressive. Especially in that my iPhone's NES emulator, for example, works far better than my laptop with a faster processor, more RAM and a GPU.

The iPhone isn't for everyone, but the critics are just hating for the sake of hating, at least it seems that way on Kotaku.

Custom Reality

I'm sorry, but am I the only one in this world that doesn't give a fuck about the iPhone?

Heartless1

@Custom Reality: Apparently I'm not a Kotaku kommenter then.

That said, when it does something my PSP can't (besides smoother PSOne emulation) I'll start taking it more seriously.

slomo788

I'll do what every discerning and smug gamer should do.

Put Snatcher on my phone. Snatcher and Heart Of The Alien.

pylon_trooper

According to Kotaku commenters, the iPhone can't do any games at all, in any way, ever. This video is a hoax! The iPhone is evil and how dare anyone attempt gaming on it! It's not a RROD Xbox 360 or $600 PS3, how dare this infidel try to fool us into thinking our precious games can be put on a smartphone! It's mainstream! Mainstream can't be cool! Teen angst!

In all seriousness though, I think that's pretty cool. My computer is too heavy to lug around for my emulators. I would love to import my SNES, Genises and GBA games onto my phone. Here's hoping for an N64 emulator for smartphones.

Custom Reality

The music for Sonic sounds way off.
This is cool, but I am not hot on the controls either being very very cramped or having the game imprinted over them.

Demonbird

Sega CD? Holy Fuck!

KnaveX