The Xbox and Mame: What is, and isn't possible?

[Anthony1]

When it comes to emulation and the XBOX, the XBOX can do some wonderfull things. SNES and Genny emulation is virtually perfect. NES emulation is virtually perfect. TG-16/PC Engine emulation is relatively decent and N64 emulation is somewhat spotty.


But what about Mame?

When it comes to MAME and the XBOX, what exactly can be played pretty good, and what can't?


I recently got MAME on my XBOX, and I also put the complete set of MAME Roms in there, and I'm discovering that some games simply don't run.

Sometimes it says that there isn't enough memory, and sometimes it says that certain files are missing. Sometimes a game like Mortal Kombat 2 will load up, but is basically unplayable.

Is there any rule of thumb as to what the XBOX can do with the MAME emulator?

Is there a FAQ somewhere regarding MAME and the XBOX?

[-hellvin-]

Well, here's what I've discovered using the various programs.

When it comes to NeoGeo games and Capcom Play System games, use Kawa-X to play those, not MAME. For some reason, MAME doesn't emulate them properly and has memory problems when running them. For some newer NeoGeo games like Metal Slug 4/5, SamSho 5, you're going to have to change around the encrypted/decrypted files to run those games because the author does not want the newer games being properly emulated. You can follow a simple tutorial on the Xbox-Scene Forums (http://www.xbox-scene.com) which will show you how to make the games work in Kawa. Kawa also plays Capcom's games a lot better. Most of the older CPS1 games work fine in MAME but most of the CPS2 ones (MvC, Mars Matrix) won't work.

I would recommend using MAME-OX over MAME. Seems to work a little better and I like how it's compiled but that's all personal preference. Head on over to the forums and check the emulators section. Most of the info you'll ever need it stickied at the top. Best recommended emulators, how to get those new Neo games kickin' and as well a complete list of games that work, have problems or simply will not be playable on your xbox is available.

Ahh...forums are slow, got ya the link:
So what the hell works on MAME?? (http://forums.xbox-scene.com/index.php?act=ST&f=17&t=55496)

Also don't forget to not let your filenames be longer than a certain amount of characters or they don't transfer correctly.

[buttasuperb]

mameox is the worst emu ive ever dealt with. so many games give you a malloc error its unbelieveable.

btw, use mame-x for mk2, its runs it WAY better.

and yes, kawax is the shit for neo/cps1/2

[-hellvin-]

mameox is the worst emu ive ever dealt with. so many games give you a malloc error its unbelieveable.

btw, use mame-x for mk2, its runs it WAY better.

and yes, kawax is the shit for neo/cps1/2

Hmm...you know, I have noticed that. I haven't tried mamex since I got my xbox modded so maybe I'll try it out again, probably is a little better.

[suppafly]

mame ox works very good for me...sometimes around 5% of games arent playable yet (dont work at all), but most games work great!!!

The problems are with some of the newer and bigger games, that dont fit in the 64 MB of memory. Its great to play MAme on my tv though, i cant complain! :)

[-hellvin-]

mame ox works very good for me...sometimes around 5% of games arent playable yet (dont work at all), but most games work great!!!

The problems are with some of the newer and bigger games, that dont fit in the 64 MB of memory. Its great to play MAme on my tv though, i cant complain! :)

Agreed, playin the games on the TV is just a total blast. After checking out MameX I really stand by MameOX, I don't think either works better than another from the games I play on them anyhow, and I like MameOx's menus and interface.