A new Evercade firmware update, which introduces a chunk of useful new features to the platform.
Evercade users can now download firmware v1.3.1 through their computers to add a host of fixes and improvements, from buzzing audio over HDMI to better ROM handling and a critical battery alert. All in all it’s a collection of features you might have expected to see already. On the other hand, with the Evercade VS due out soon, all of these improvements have no doubt been made with the new console in mind.
Those new features:
- Added better ROM run handling (performance boost)
- Added auto smart cartridge repair (fixes bad saves etc)
- Added automated cart ROM patching + ROM patch logs on cart
- Added better handling of vertical overscan cropping on handheld mode for all games. (Less clipping behind the top bezel)
- Added better version control to assist with support
- Added critical battery alert. (When battery at 10% or less, Green LED will flash)
- Added new advanced savestate menus for all games. (Shows save state selection menu and playtime duration for each state)
- Added new MAX BRIGHTNESS setting.The screen is now capable of much higher brightness with minimal impact on battery life.
- Added sound priority to emulator backends to reduce sound stuttering and improve performance
- Added sync routine directly after game launch to help prevent game save and savestate corruption
- Completely overhauled input handling for MUCH more responsive input and no more dropped inputs
- Defaulted screen brightness (if not set) to MAX.
- If running blastem or in HDMI then auto boost clock to MAX before ROM execution for performance boost
- Improved Emulation resolution handling for more realistic resolutions.
- Improved HDMI switching process. (Will improve further in next firmware)
- Improved emulation backend
- Streamlined and compressed a lot of on console content
- When switching between HDMI and handheld, Intro video will be skipped instead of waiting 10 seconds
- Improved savestate backend functionality
- Improved handheld resolution handling
Meanwhile, Evercade’s software engineers have fixed these bugs:
- Fixed and improved cartridge mounting
- Fixed buzzing audio when HDMI connected to the device from the handheld speakers
- Fixed buzzing audio when booting from HDMI
- Fixed launching issue when switching HDMI (performance boost)
- Fixed issue with graphics library and improved performance
- Fixed issue with the menu which prevented hot-swapping certain cartridges
- Fixed resolution bug with a bunch of titles
- Fixed typos with German Language
- Fixed typos with main menu option strings
- Fixed and improved thermal safety checks
- Fixed savestate clean up routine
There are also some fixes for specific games:
- Added “Drakkhen” ROM patch (fixed the ending)
- Added “Power Pigs” ROM patch (no more glitched screen on level complete)
- Added “Top Racer” ROM patch (no more infinite boost)
- Added “Mystery World Dizzy” ROM patch (disable the PAL option which doesn’t work properly)
- Audio glitches/stutte.ring on handheld and HDMI should no longer occur now
- Fixed emulator to handle large game files i.e. large PS1 titles
- Overhauled battery handling for much more accurate battery life readout (Now havean curate drain and charge feedback)
- Pac-Man should now not suffer from dropped inputs due to overhauled input handling
Updating the firmware on Evercade is straightforward, but requires a Windows PC.
- Start by downloading the firmware: Evercade_Updater_1.3.1.zip
- Unzip the downloaded file then run EvercadeUpdaterLauncher.exe – click Yes if prompted by Windows
- Use a USB cable to connect your Evercade handheld to your PC
- Hold the MENU button down as you switch on the Evercade
- Follow the instructions to complete the firmware update
Note that if you haven’t updated your Evercade before, some drivers will need to be installed before the firmware update is applied.
(Via Evercade)
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Christian Cawley is a writer and editor who covers consumer electronics, IT, and entertainment media. He has written for publications such as Computer Weekly, Linux Format, MakeUseOf.com, and Tech Radar.
He also produces podcasts, has a cigar box guitar, and of course, loves retro gaming.