Bizhawk Emulator

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Jun 01, 2019 Re: how use BizHawk emulator? It is just one of those things, RA is like a huge emulation operating system that does it all where BH is an attempt to make an all in one emulator. There are problems with that so RA decided to make it modular. BizHawk 2.3 is a Playstation (PSX) emulator that runs on Windows platform. BizHawk 2.3 was developed by BizHawk Team and you can run Playstation (PSX) games with it. The emulator's size is 33.3MB and you can download it by clicking the button below. Have in mind that the emulator does not include game roms. While Bizhawk is the officially supported emulator for multiworld, it is known to be a resource-intensive emulator in addition to being Windows only. If using Bizhawk is impossible for any reason, try the emulator ModLoader64 (Windows and Linux compatible), as DemoXin has modified the multiworld script to work with it.

You want the first file located under the Assets heading for both downloads. It should have '.zip' at the end. Version numbers will vary, ask in #setup-support on Discord if you're not sure which versions you want.

BizHawk is a frontend for small number of emulators and is targeted at Tool-Assisted Speedrunners. The advantage of this is that it means the emulators you use on it are targeted towards accuracy so you are unlikely to run into too many bugs that aren't also found when running the games on hardware. A small disadvantage to this is that these emulators also have various debugging tools enabled, which generally means they run slightly slower than emulators without these features enabled. But this also allows further manipulation of the game via Lua scripts which is how Multiworld functions. This also means that as of right now, BizHawk is the only emulator that can be used for playing Multiworld. Please also read the Multiworld page while setting up Bizhawk for that purpose.

First, you must download BizHawk and the files it requires to have installed to even run.

  • Prerequisite Files Installer
    • You want version 2.1 of the pre-requisites if you are using Bizhawk 2.3.x and the newest version of the pre-requisites if you are using the newest version of BizHawk.
  • 2Emulator Setup
  • 3Controls Setup
    • 3.1XBOX Controller Troubleshooting
  • 4Optional Settings
  • 5Troubleshooting
    • 5.4Audio Issues

Installing

Once you have downloaded the files for installation, you have to extract them. Right-click the zip files and choose 'Extract All...' and click next a couple of time. Make sure you do this for both zip files you downloaded.

You should now have a folder with a name like bizhawk_prereqs_vX.X where X.X is the version of the prerequisites that you downloaded such as 2.1. This version can be different than the BizHawk version. Open this folder.

LibTASfor ELF (Linux desktop apps) — requires GNU+Linux host; also emulates other emulators

Inside there should be a file called bizhawk_prereqs.exe. Double-click this file and click next a couple of times, then wait for all of the files to install. Once the installer has completed you can continue.

Emulator Setup

You can now start up BizHawk. Open the folder BizHawk-X.X.X where X.X.X is the BizHawk version you downloaded, such as 2.3.0. This version can be different than the Prerequisites version. Inside this folder is a file called EmuHawk.exe. Open this file.

You have to load a ROM before you can change N64 emulator-specific settings. Go to File > Open ROM in the menu bar up top. Locate your ROM and open it.

Enable RAM Expansion

Now that you have loaded a ROM a new menu entry N64 will show up in the menu bar. Ensure N64 > Use Expansion Slot has a check-mark beside it indicating it is enabled. If it does not click on it to enable it. Once you have enabled the setting you have to reboot the core for it to take effect. Navigate to Emulation > Reboot Core to do so. You'll have to do this for every randomizer rom you create due to how Bizhawk works.

Enable Save Backup In Case of Crashes

Go to Config -> Customize and navigate to the Advanced tab. You should check the box for AutoSaveRAM and set it to a reasonable time, such as 30-45 seconds (keep in mind that setting this too low could increase lag and decrease overall emulator performance, while setting it too high can cause save data corruption if you crash mid-save). This will allow Bizhawk to write your in-game save to your drive. This is NOT a form of save state - it simply periodically creates/updates a file on your hard drive with your in-game save data, and is wonderful for mitigating the effects of crashes. In the event of a crash (or if you open TAStudio by accident) DO NOT RELOAD THE ROM! DO NOT RELOAD THE ROM! Doing so will overwrite your backups, meaning that your save files will be gone. To recover your save file follow the instructions over here.

Hotkey Settings

It is strongly recommended to remove most, if not all, of the default hotkeys. Some are bound to your controller by default and can cause frustration while trying to play. Go to Config > Hotkeys..., select a hotkey, and simply press the Esc key on your keyboard to unbind it. You can also click Misc and Clear All to unbind all of the hotkeys at once.

Required Settings for Racing

If you wish to partake in our community's races, then don't forgot to also configure the settings mentioned here.

Controls Setup

First, take a look at the Controller Setup guide. Ensure your controller is calibrated, and if you are using one of the controllers with additional setups steps in that guide make sure you follow them.

With the ROM still running, go to Config > Controllers... and set up your controls by clicking on the textboxes and pressing the button on your controller or keyboard you wish to have mapped to the displayed N64 control. If your controller isn't registering inputs you are missing the required drivers for your controller and must find them and install them.

XBOX Controller Troubleshooting

XBOX controllers can be a bit finicky with BizHawk.

XBOX One Analog Stick Doesn't Work As Background Input

In versions prior to 2.5, BizHawk does not reliably communicate with the XBOX One controller, and on Windows 10, Windows itself will take control over the controller's left analog stick when the window isn't focused. To fix this, update to BizHawk 2.5 or later.

Can Only Press 1 Trigger At A Time or Background Input Buttons Don't Work

Bizhawk Emulator Linux

In versions prior to 2.5 BizHawk does not reliably communicate with XBOX controllers. To fix this, update to BizHawk 2.5 or newer. In these versions, you can go to Config > Customize... and under the General tab there is an Input Method (requires restart) option. Choose the radio button by OpenTK. Click OK, then close BizHawk. When you relaunch BizHawk you should rebind all of your controls again, including the analog sticks. You should no longer have issues with your controller.

Better Analog Stick Accuracy

Provided by Retzioka

Make sure the first 4 boxes under Normal Controls are empty as displayed above. If they are not, click the box and hit Esc to clear the bind. These settings will force your controller to always input the control stick at 100% rather than by how much you press the stick in a direction. This makes aiming in the game very difficult. You never want these set if you are using a controller with an analog stick which is why we unbind them.

Now go to the Analog Controls tab and click the Bind button.

X-Axis Move your stick Left to Right once.

Y-Axis Move your stick from Up to Down once.

Be sure to also adjust your sensitivity to make it easier to aim as well. The image above shows an example, but everyone has a different setting that 'feels good' to them. Experiment with them, especially once you've found a Bow or Slingshot.

Optional Settings

Bizhawk emulator cheat codes

Better Graphics

Under Config > Cores > N64 Video Plugin Settings you should see a dropdown box titled Video Resolution. The recommended resolution is 640x480 and the maximum recommended resolution is 800x600. Higher resolutions will affect the performance of the emulator and is a major cause of slowed and laggy gameplay.

If you computer has up-to-date OpenGL drivers (fairly modern Nvidia and AMD cards, and only very, very recent Intel graphics) you should change the Active Video Plugin to GLideN64 as it is the most accurate video plugin. If the game boots to a black screen while after activating this plugin try Glide64 mk2 instead. Use Rice plugin only as a last resort as it is quite inaccurate.

Background Inputs

As a Streamer, you may have to click around often. This will make sure that whatever you do, the Emulator will register the inputs from your Controller. Go to Config > Customize... and make sure Run in background and Accept background input are both checked. It is also recommended to uncheck the Pause when menu activated box.

If you selected a high resolution in the previous step your FPS might go down if you click somewhere other than on the Emulator.

Save States

In order to use save states in OoTR you will need to go to N64 > Use Expansion Slot and enable it. Savestates made before this change will fail, but any made after will be fine.

Note that the N64 dropdown bar will not appear until after you've loaded a rom.

Aspect Ratio

If you decide to make your emulator’s window fullscreen, your game will look stretched. This does not look very nice for either you or your viewers. This will ensure the game will stay in its original 4:3 Ratio. Go to Config > Display and check the Maintain aspect ratio (letterbox) box and select Use 1:1 pixel size.

Troubleshooting

Help! My emulator crashed!/I accidentally opened TAStudio and got a black screen!

First of all, DO NOT RELOAD THE ROM! DO NOT RELOAD THE ROM! Doing so will overwrite your backups, meaning that your save files will be gone. To recover your save files follow these instructions.

  1. In your Bizhawk folder navigate to N64SaveRAM.
  2. Identify the SaveRAM and AutoSaveRAM files corresponding to your seed. Sorting by date may help. Note that the AutoSaveRAM files will only exist if you've enabled that beforehand.
  3. Optional: manually make a backup of these files somewhere on your pc.
  4. Delete the SaveRAM file and rename AutoSaveRAM to take the place of the SaveRAM file you've just deleted.
  5. Now you can safely load your seed again and continue playing.

I am getting (Random) Crashes

Bizhawk is Laggy

Go to Config -> Cores -> N64 Video Plugin Settings and take a look at your Video Resolution setting. If this is set too high then that can cause lag. Even if your pc is very powerful we still recommend not going over 800x600, because it will demand a lot of resources from your computer without increasing the graphics all that much (it's a 20 y/o game). If you're still experiencing lag then consider decreasing the resolution even further. Remember: Bizhawk is a very resource-intensive emulator. Playing in full screen could also be a cause of lag.

Audio Issues

Audio issues can be just that, audio issues, but if you have a reasonably powerful graphics card in your computer audio issues can be a result of Bizhawk using the integrated GPU on your CPU instead of the actual powerful dedicated GPU.

Ensure Proper GPU is Being Used

Follow this resource to ensure Bizhawk is using your high performance GPU if you have one.

Decrease Resolution

If your high performance GPU is being used, or you don't have one, then try reducing the output resolution. Refer back to here to help guide you.

Increase the Audio Buffer

Sometimes the audio buffer BizHawk uses runs out and causes audio skipping, or crashes the emulator. To prevent this issue you should increase the audio buffer size. Go to Config > Sound... and increase the 'Buffer Size' from 100 milliseconds to at least 250 milliseconds. This will slightly delay audio playback but should reduce how often the emulator crashes.

Change the Output Method

If you are still having audio issues you can also try changing the 'Output Method.' You'll have to try each option and see which one works best for you as there is no guaranteed best option.

Multiworld

Testrunner made a coop mod for the OoT Randomizer: Nothing is shared communally by all players, however there are now player-specific items which are mixed between all the worlds. So if you obtain an item for yourself, only you get it. If you obtain an item for another player, then only they get it. This effectively means everyone will be playing different intermingled seeds.

For more information and instructions check the Multiworld setup guide.

Texture Packs

N64

The following link will let you set up texture packs for Bizhawk

Aspect Ratio Enhancement

This is not Race/Competition Legal. For race legal advice regarding Aspect Ratio click here.

In the N64 Graphics Plugin Settings change the resolution on the main tab to a custom resolution of whatever Aspect Ratio you desire, then on the GlideN64 tab scroll down to the video section and set Aspect Ratio to Adjust. This will cause the emulator to expand the camera view port in the game to match the specified resolution, allowing you to see more of the game at any given moment.

This can be used to avoid black bars around the game without introducing stretching nor cropping of the image. The downsides to this are that Frame Buffer effects will only render in the original 4:3 view port space and some visual tricks will be rendered incorrectly, in the case of Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask this mostly affects the Lens of Truth effect and Shops.

Bizhawk
Retrieved from 'https://wiki.ootrandomizer.com/index.php?title=Bizhawk&oldid=2183'

Do you want to play PS3 games on PC? Well, if yes then continue reading. Choosing the best Emulators can be tricky, but not hard at all. We are back with a list of best PS3 Emulator For PC Windows 10/8/7, using which you can easily enjoy PS3 games on your Windows PC.

All of the emulators shown in this article are very comprehensive, free to use and have more features than an ordinary emulator which you can ever expect. We will be sharing our list of best PS3 Emulators For Windows PC in below sections.

But before doing so, you might want to know all the best usage of PS3 Emulators. Knowing them will help you to handle these applications with ease. I have also shared these Xbox One emulators for PC.

Must Read:

Contents

  • 2 5 Best PS3 Emulator For PC Windows 10/8/7

What is PS3 Emulator?

As you know, Sony PlayStation 3 has been a hit since the day it was released. But, it is only possible to experience the famous gaming console if you can afford it. Well, this statement above might not be true partially.

There are some ways by which you can experience PlayStation 3 games on your Windows PC. And that is when PS3 Emulators come to your rescue. If you can’t afford the normal PlayStation 3 to play, you can use the PS3 Emulators.

By using these best PS3 Emulator for PC, you would be able to install and play the Sony PlayStation games which you miss out when you are not using a PlayStation 3. If you want to play PUBG mobile on PC then try these PUBG mobile emulators.

Also Check:Best Android Emulators for PC

5 Best PS3 Emulator For PC Windows 10/8/7

So without getting carried away more, let’s jump into our list of best PS3 Emulators For Windows PC. Well, these are going to create a lot of memorable gaming experiences for you. I have also shared iOS emulators for Android phones.

1. RPCS3

The first PS3 Emulator which you will see in this list is RPCS3. We can say that it is quite a developed version of all the PS3 emulators combined which we will see later in this post.

Like the other emulators, RPCS3 is also a free and open-source emulator for Sony PlayStation 3 using which you can emulate the PS3 environment on any kind of Windows PC. The RPCS3 Emulator is still in an early stage where it is being tested within its users’ network.

Still, it’s the only true PS3 emulator for PC. The developers are still working on debugging the emulator, and yet the performance of the emulator is way above standard ones. Note that by using the RPCS3 emulator, you can easily emulate any kind of PlayStation 3 games till 60%. Isn’t that awesome?

The updating process is also simple and the developers are releasing the update patches more often. Still, the emulator is in beta stage, the developers will come up with a perfect PS3 Emulator for Windows PC which will make our gaming experiences way too nice than ever.

2. Mednafen

Mednafen is one of the best PS3 Emulator for PC which is a portable, multi-performance and easy to use emulator out there. All the settings of the emulator are pretty decent, up to user expectations and moreover, you can customize them as per your requirements.

Yes, as saying customizable, all the hotkeys you see in the PlayStation 3 can be remapped in your respective controllers such as keyboard or joystick. You can enjoy the whole Playstation game virtually in your Windows PC.

Not only PlayStation 3, but you can also emulate other PlayStation systems and other emulators for Nintendo, Gameboy (color), Gameboy Advance, and Neogen. Even, you can save game clips, take screenshots in PNG format as it supports save stats option.

3. BizHawk

BizHawk emulator is really powerful yet easy to use. It focuses on providing better user experience compared rather than any other PS3 Emulators For PC. The BizHawk PS3 Emulator also supports features like hotkey mapping, the game record support, and Lua scripting.

However, if you want to fetch the BizHawk coding documentation for any of your projects or something similar, then you can grab the codings from this GitHub page. And there is another GitHub page from where you can download the BizHawk Emulator itself.

Windows users still have to download the prereq installer first to install the application smoothly on their system which is very much important.

BizHawk supports major platforms like Apple, Playstation systems including the PlayStation 3, Virtual Boy, Nintendo 64, Super Nintendo Entertainment System & Super Famicom, and ZX Spectrum. Oh yes, with this range of options, I will go with BizHawk right after the Mednafen PS3 emulator for windows.

P.S – There is a PlayStation accuracy test available for non-users or who are new to this platform. You can check the accuracy test by this link.

4. ePSXe

ePSXe is another emulator in our list of the best PS3 emulator for PC. It is pretty much same as the above two emulators (Mednafen & BizHawk) mentioned. This emulator is also available for Android users via Google PlayStore. It is pretty much awesome to use.

You will be surprised to hear that, the ePSXe emulator created a ruckus after getting banned from the Google PlayStore. It was due to a minor policy violation back in 2016. It was a huge spectacle thing at that time, and a good number of fans were upset about it.

After a short time, it again grabbed its place in the Google PlayStore again to provide fun experiences of playing PS3 games on mobile. Well, the PC version of ePSXe comes in categories like MAC OS, Linux, and Windows which you simply download from the official site.

It’s one of the best PS3 Emulators for Windows PC. The configuration of this emulator is pretty much easy, and you can handle it very well.

5. RetroArch

RetorArch is another advanced cross-platform best PS3 Emulator for PC which you won’t regret using. This emulator usually works on platforms like Windows, MACos, and Linux, which fall inside the general devices which are used for gaming.

And more even, RetroArch can also be used on Apple & Android smartphones along with other consoles like PlayStation 3, PS P, Wii, and Wii U, etc. You can directly download the RetroArch for mobile from Apple App store or Google PlayStore.

The RetroArch has too many features which support recording and streaming, app library sorting, configure the application according to respective usage, Shader and Netplay.

Bizhawk

From the above features, Shader and Netplay render the display of old-time games efficiently and allow you to join or host a gaming network respectively. The RetroArch also comes with a Retroachievement system which unlocks different kinds of trophies and achievements.

Features & Benefits of PS3 Emulators

Well, as described above PS3 emulators for Windows can be very handy when you are missing out a normal PlayStation console to play. Most of the emulators support and can emulate modern gaming console environments on your personal computer so easily. Some of those gaming consoles are

  • PlayStation
  • PlayStation 3
  • Nintendo
  • Gameboy Color
  • Gameboy Advance
  • Virtual Boy
  • Sega Master System
  • Apple 2 / 2+

Wrapping Up

Well, that’s it for best PS3 emulator for PC (Windows 10/8/7). Now, it completely depends on you that which console environment you want to emulate on your pc. You can choose from the list according to your requirements, and the emulators will do their jobs.

LibTASfor ELF (Linux Desktop Apps) — Requires GNU+Linux Host; Also Emulates Other Emulators

If you are having any trouble or need assistance choosing a perfect emulator for yourself, then let us know the comments. Feel free to share the words with your gaming buddies too.