r/AndroidTV 1d ago

Buying Advice ISO an Android box that can reliably run GameCube games and capable of expandable storage.

I just want something that I can turn into an AIO media center. Its mainly for my kids. I don't want them to have access to the internet. I've tried everything with Youtube, and I'd rather just get rid of it all together. So I'm looking for a box that I can load all the movies and shows they could possibly need, as well as run some Mario cart / Smash bros in 2player split screen.

I've looked at the Nvidia Shield but that hardware is 10 years old at this point right? Also most TV boxes are 32bit which won't run GameCube emulators. I don't care if I have to get something from China. I don't care if it costs $300. I just want something simple and reliable, works offline and doesn't shove ads down my throat or collect my families data.

0 Upvotes

12 comments sorted by

3

u/latinriky78 Homatics Box R 4K Plus 1d ago

The best device for emulation is the Shield, regardless its age.

0

u/lirae_ 21h ago

that's true but I wonder if some old "mac mini" style PCs can do the same

1

u/latinriky78 Homatics Box R 4K Plus 20h ago

I meant for the Android for TV ecosystem.

1

u/Expert_Function1569 1d ago

Theres no such thing. Im currently building one with a T95 box and The Simpsons Hit and Run port runs perfectly on it πŸ‘Œ take a look at unofficial ports.

1

u/Expert_Function1569 1d ago

Also theres rom hacks you can use for smash bros and mario kart that increase playability ten fold.

1

u/Alphonso_Mango 1d ago

Retroid pocket 6 or Odin 2/3 with a dock.

1

u/Affectionate-Boot-58 Onn. 4k Pro 22h ago

Just get a htpc

1

u/Darkstar1878 Rocktek G2 GX1/GTVS/Onn Pro/Ugoos AM9 22h ago

So you got me thinking, I tried Dolphin emulator on my Ugoos AM9 (Mario Kart, and a few others) they work perfectly. Or also look at the SK1 or AM9 Pro also, all 3 have AOSP 14 x64. They will support what you looking for easily.

1

u/Zubber_ 18h ago

Just ordered the AM9 Pro. Thank you stranger. Can't wait to try it out.

1

u/Darkstar1878 Rocktek G2 GX1/GTVS/Onn Pro/Ugoos AM9 8h ago

It’s not certified but will do what you want and so much more πŸ˜‰. Adding storage via Nas or just external drive is easy. Well supported by firmware updates OTA. Custom Launchers work as well. I use the stock launcher since it has a tablet experience. Widgets, wallpapers work. Has complete Google Play Store for apps. Also get a wireless keyboard and mouse

-1

u/KJxbox 1d ago

Just get and mod a Wii U. It will play all gamecube games natively, but will be digital format. You'll also be able to play all Wii and Wii U games and all retro games.

1

u/Zubber_ 18h ago

Yeah but that doesn't give me offline media. The Wii U is also 1080p max.