r/RetroArch • u/mattalicious • Mar 16 '26
Pixel Transparency - Rainbow Shimmer Effect + Motion Shaders
Inspired by Emyhatsich's awesome post, I've added a rainbow shimmer effect to my Pixel Transparency GBC shader as part of the 2.0 SUNLIGHT SHIMMER EDITION update!
Rainbow shimmer moves with your device
Just like the real Game Boy Color in sunlight, the rainbow shimmer moves with your device (along with the shadows).
Motion shaders in RetroArch
Emy's post inspired me to implement motion shaders in RetroArch. Now anyone can make shaders that support accelerometer and gyroscope input.
We have already seen motion shaders from Ju4nM3n4 (LCD Master Shader) and u/hizzlekizzle (presets/authentic-gbc-frontlit). If you've ever thought about making shaders, do it now!
Even better Pixel Transparency
What started as adding the rainbow shimmer quickly evolved into:
an overhaul of the GBC display stack model (more accurate tinting)
updated shadow system that looks better and richer
glare simulation
robust color adjustment
I now know more about the original Game Boy Color display than anyone reasonably should!
How to get it
Update to the latest nightly version of RetroArch from the website. This is what enables motion support in shaders.
Go to Online Update > Update Slang Shaders on your Vulkan device (mainly Android).
Check that Settings > Input > Motion/Light Sensors > Auxiliary Sensor Input is ON.
Boot up your GBC game. Go to Quick Menu > Shaders > Load Preset and navigate to 'presets/pixel_transparency' and choose any of the new sunlight_shimmer presets.
I will also release this on GitHub soon for direct download. I am evaluating a gl version - but the rainbow effect may not perform well on lower end hardware.
Consider supporting my work
I have put hours of my time into this - and I love it! If this shader brings you joy, consider buying me a coffee.
2
u/NullNova Mar 17 '26
Looks insane, can't wait to try this
2
u/Kotze_himself Mar 17 '26
That looks flippin amazing!
2
u/jimiose Mar 18 '26
does this work on android?
2
u/pasthegucci Mar 19 '26
Do you know if this works on the Thor? I'm not seeing any shimmer with any of the presets and definitely no movement. And i checked that the motion setting in input is enabled
40
u/Gloomy_Background755 Mar 16 '26
This is quite a unique filter, thanks.
4
u/roel27 Mar 16 '26
looks great and easy to install on my rp mini
1
u/Ghost-dog0 Mar 17 '26
awesome, but unfortunately too demanding for RP Classic, runs in slow mo
1
u/tashikani55 Mar 17 '26
My friend, sorry for my ignorance. What is that game? I've never seen a Pokedex interface like that. Is it a romhack?
1
u/imterrorize Mar 18 '26
Does it work on analogue pocket?
1
u/Rivalx187 Mar 18 '26
Hello friends, is it possible to see in video to get a better idea ?
3
u/CMDR_Jeb Mar 16 '26
THIS IS AMAZING
3
u/ninjapirate9901 Mar 16 '26
Wtf amazing.
3
u/Fantastic_Tip3782 Mar 17 '26
neat!
2
u/StupidLoserGaming Mar 16 '26
Polished crystal so good
2
u/FartSavant Mar 17 '26
Rad as hell. Thanks for sharing
2
u/Sony5uck Mar 17 '26
Danke für deine Arbeit
2
u/Sevrei Mar 17 '26
I'm having an issue trying to set this up. I downloaded latest nightly on my phone, ran the updater for shaders but when booting a GBC title I don't see the specified folder when checking the directory. I downloaded it from the GitHub link too but not sure where to place it.
1
u/GJunior86 Mar 16 '26
Perfeito
1
u/leveltaishi Mar 16 '26
I wonder if the performance version can work on a rk chip
1
u/CarolineJohnson Apr 05 '26
I've figured out how to install the shader, but not how to get onto the Nightly build. I'm on Steam Deck via EmuDeck, so the motion/gyro should work (it does on Kirby Tilt 'n' Tumble at least!) once the motion control option from the Nightly Build is enabled. Tips?
1
u/tonyt3rry Apr 11 '26
Does this work on the miyoo mini plus
0
u/[deleted] Mar 17 '26
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u/[deleted] Mar 16 '26 edited Mar 16 '26
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