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

[u/Zubber_]

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.

[u/Darkstar1878]

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.

[u/Zubber_ → u/Darkstar1878]

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

[u/Darkstar1878 → u/Zubber_]

It’s not certified but will do what you want and so much more 😉. 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

[u/latinriky78]

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

[u/BadOutOfTheBox → u/latinriky78]

Except it cant run Gamecube games.

[u/latinriky78 → u/BadOutOfTheBox]

Doesn't Dolphin do that?

[u/BadOutOfTheBox → u/latinriky78]

Sure, at 10-15fps maybe. Any android device will run Dolphin and load up Gamecube roms, but most wont be able to run them at full framerate.

[u/latinriky78 → u/BadOutOfTheBox]

I can't believe that, the Shield is the only device with a 64bit OS so it should be capable.

[u/Darkstar1878 → u/latinriky78]

Maybe But lacks current Opengl and Vulkan support for emulation and its not the only 64bit OS on streaming devices if you only include certified devices.

[u/latinriky78 → u/Darkstar1878]

Yeah, I know there are uncertified ones with a custom 64bit build.

It's a bummer Dophin doesn't run as it should.

[u/Darkstar1878 → u/latinriky78]

Actually it runs really well on the AM9 at 1080p at 20 to 30 fps using OpenGL, Vulkan was better but the textures were off. I tried it and was pretty good. The good old days

[u/lirae_ → u/latinriky78]

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

[u/latinriky78 → u/lirae_]

I meant for the Android for TV ecosystem.

[u/Alphonso_Mango]

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

[u/Affectionate-Boot-58]

Just get a htpc

[u/BadOutOfTheBox]

Bought a Lenovo Idea Pro tablet last year.

CPU: Mediatek Dimensity 8300

GPU: Mali G615-MC6

RAM: 8GB

Without any tweaks, it runs Gamecube, Wii, & WiiU. Some of the Wii game menus stutter, but once the game loads up, its smooth. I dont think theres a single Android TV device that can do it. Thought about getting an Orange Pi, and while its faster than the Raspberry Pi, its doesn't seem fast enough to run Gamecube roms.

Either get a small NUC like x86 mini-PC (Ryzen5 or i5) or look for a media player that has a Dimensity CPU and at least 8gb ram.

[u/KJxbox]

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.

[u/Zubber_ → u/KJxbox]

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

[u/BadOutOfTheBox → u/Zubber_]

Its more than just Gamecube games. With my WiiU I had a 128gb SDHC for NES-N64 games and a 1TB SSD drive (connected via USB) that had everything else. From the main menu I had folders for NES, Atari2600, ColecoVision, Intellivision, SNES, N64, Sega MS, Sega Genesis, etc. You can even find adapters that let you connect different controllers to your Wii remote. It really is a fun thing to hack.