Software Emulation VS FPGA Emulation

[Vardalis]

I'm blaming the transparent blue Super Station One for giving me brainworms about the device, and the whole concept of FPGA emulation. Analogue, MISTer, the Super Station One, they all promise higher accuracy emulation comparable to real hardware, but with the traded convenience software emulation brings, such as shaders, higher resolutions, generally less setup time, etc. I think FPGA devices seem kind of cool, but I'm also a sicko who's fascinated with stuff like the Polymega and other more "console-like" hardware experiences despite the flaws and redundancy. Fascinated enough to buy them? Not often, thankfully. But I enjoy looking at them quite a bit.

Do you have an FPGA device? If so, what do you think of it? Is it worth the hassle compared to software emulation?

If you don't, share your thoughts too. I think I'm firmly in the camp of "software emulation is good enough for me". Maybe if I had a way to spend time with an FPGA device to see and feel the experience first hand I'd be convinced by the marketing hype, but with the price tags I'd be better off just getting actual hardware (for the consoles I do like since it's mostly Sony stuff) and modding them.

 

[NardoBoom]

I think it's almost the same shit and FPGA fanboys are just elitists who want to feel special. I don't mind the FPGA users, to each his own and alternatives are always good but when they starts to shit on emulators is when i have a issue.

 

[Dr.Kisaragi Dr.Kisaragi]

I don't what is FPGA Emulation all I know I use emulator on phone and pc this emulator enough for me to play Atari to Ps2 era.

 

[Clippy]

First and foremost, software emulators are free. FPGA devices do look interesting but what little supposed advantages they have aren't worth it in my book.

If I wanted to pay for a box to play, for example, PS2 games I'd just buy a PS2.

 

[Kovlak]

Do you have an FPGA device? If so, what do you think of it? Is it worth the hassle compared to software emulation?

If you don't, share your thoughts too. I think I'm firmly in the camp of "software emulation is good enough for me".

I don't own one, and I do think they are interesting, but they are not nearly as powerful compared to other devices in the same price range.

For that price I'd go for other gaming hardware. A modded PS3, a beefed up retro handheld.

It's a market more for purists and virtue-signalers.