7 votes

The Polymega hoax exposed

4 comments

  1. [4]
    balooga
    Link
    We recently discussed the launch trailer for the Polymega, an upcoming modular platform for playing console games. Today I came across this video that breaks down some of Polymega’s claims and...

    We recently discussed the launch trailer for the Polymega, an upcoming modular platform for playing console games. Today I came across this video that breaks down some of Polymega’s claims and declares the whole thing to be snake oil. I think this guy makes some good arguments.

    Last time we talked about this I mentioned that Saturn emulation was the most compelling feature for me, because it’s a problem that hasn’t been solved anywhere else. I don’t believe, after watching this, that Polymega has solved it either. RetroPie remains one of the best options currently available for multi-platform emulation, though it does require a fair bit of technical knowhow. It runs Libretro under the hood, FWIW.

    4 votes
    1. [3]
      vakieh
      Link Parent
      Why do you need to make it a standalone thing like a Pi? I can run all sorts of emulators on my PC and laptop without any issues at all. Mednafen for the older ones, specialised like PCSX2 for the...

      Why do you need to make it a standalone thing like a Pi? I can run all sorts of emulators on my PC and laptop without any issues at all. Mednafen for the older ones, specialised like PCSX2 for the newer ones.

      1. CedarMadness
        Link Parent
        I think it's mostly about having a dedicated box for this stuff, so your controllers are already paired via Bluetooth, your roms and emulators are ready to go. It's the same as the appeal of...

        I think it's mostly about having a dedicated box for this stuff, so your controllers are already paired via Bluetooth, your roms and emulators are ready to go. It's the same as the appeal of console games vs PC games, you just turn it on and play on your TV without having to set anything up.

        3 votes
      2. balooga
        Link Parent
        I think the best argument for a console is the couch experience. Gaming PCs aren't typically connected to the living room TV. The operating system and emulator UIs are meant for keyboard and mouse...

        I think the best argument for a console is the couch experience. Gaming PCs aren't typically connected to the living room TV. The operating system and emulator UIs are meant for keyboard and mouse input, and for viewing from a couple feet away. Of course all those objections can be overcome, but the problem is also already solved by platforms like these that are built for gamepad control from across the room.

        This is a decades-old debate that's not going to be decided here; ultimately it comes down to personal preference. I have a gaming laptop and a bunch of consoles (including a RetroPie), but I prefer the consoles because the form factor's a more comfortable way for me to play. I also have emulators on that laptop but I don't want to bust out an HDMI cable and my USB controller just to match an experience that's ready to go on a dedicated device in my entertainment center.

        1 vote