Making an emulator app of my own
N-EMU began with the idea of making an emulator app of my own. I worked through the systems, screens and save features one by one.
I like retro games and wanted to try making an emulator app of my own. That was the starting point for N-EMU.
Before writing the app, I spent about a month designing its features. Deciding which systems to support and how to choose games and save progress gave it shape.
As I built the app, I put games from several systems in one library. Save states and settings use familiar menus across systems.
I used the pixel fonts and angular buttons I like. I wanted the menus before a game starts to keep the feel of an old console.
Building it teaches me a lot. I have to work out where buttons belong and how to protect save data. I wanted to grow as a developer by making something I like.
It started as something for me, but I want to refine it so others can enjoy it comfortably too. What I learn from building and running N-EMU will guide future services shaped by my own tastes and ideas.
Features added at the timeExpandCollapse
More systems on Android
Added SNES, Nintendo DS, and PSP to Android. It now supports the same systems as iOS.
Korean PSP fonts on Android
PSP games can use Korean fonts on Android too.
SNES and PSP save backups
Back up saves from both systems to your own Google Drive on Android too.
Save slot management
Name save slots and add notes. Lock, move, copy, or undo an overwrite.
Button layouts by system
Save a button layout for each system, with separate layouts for portrait and landscape.
Nintendo DS microphone
Microphone permission is requested only when you turn the microphone on. The Blow button works without permission.
Controller connections
Assign four controllers to 1P~4P. Controllers also navigate the library and pause menu.
On-screen button artwork
Use your own skin file to change button artwork. Button positions and sizes stay the same.
Loading screen
A terminal-style screen shows the progress of a task.
Portrait WonderSwan games
The screen and controls follow the layout of portrait games.
Master System FM sound
Use the Japanese model's FM sound. Paddle and Sports Pad controls are also supported.
PSP display settings
On iOS, choose Original, Frame rate, or Sharpness. The change takes effect when you restart the game.
Audio latency options
Choose Stability if audio breaks up, or Low latency if sound arrives late after a button press.
Screen effects
Sharpen the image or add an LCD grid or CRT scanlines. You can adjust ghosting too.
Layouts for each game
Save the layout and aspect ratio for each game. Nintendo DS screens can also swap positions.
Multiple windows on iPad
Switch between multiple windows. An external display can show just the game.
Games from the Home Screen
See recent games in a widget and create shortcuts for games you play often.
Related development stories
- Development storiesv0.5.0Early development
Open a game where you left off
With auto-resume enabled, opening a game loads its autosave. You can choose a different startup behavior for each game.
- Development storiesv0.2.0Early development
A personal taste for pixels
Angular buttons, pixel fonts and blinking cursors: how I kept the atmosphere without slowing down interaction.
- Development storiesv0.2.0Early development
Bringing several systems into one app
Several emulator cores are connected so you can choose games and manage saves from the same library across systems.