Hi everyone!

This week I will release a new version of CEMU with an important fix for Download Graphic Packs when a custom data root is enabled.

This issue affected users who changed the default data location, causing the graphic pack downloader to not work correctly. With this new build, graphic packs should now download properly even when using a custom data root.

melonDualDS is evolving into WatermelonDS

I will also release a special testing version of melonDualDS for patrons.

This project will soon be renamed to WatermelonDS.

Huge thanks to PrebbLord for the WatermelonDS name idea:

https://github.com/PrebbLord

Massive Vulkan performance improvement

This new version includes a huge Vulkan performance improvement.

As a reference, in rc4, Spirit Tracks running on the RG476H with the T820 chip, Vulkan renderer, and IR 8x was running at around 8 FPS.

With this new version, the same test now reaches around 30 to 40 FPS.

That is a massive jump.

And this improvement is not only for Spirit Tracks. Performance should be better across many games, especially on devices where Vulkan was previously too slow or unstable at higher internal resolutions.

Patron testing first

This version will be released first only for patrons.

The goal is to validate performance, compatibility, and functionality across many different Android devices before making it public.

I need your help testing:

Different devices
Different GPUs
Different games
Different internal resolutions
Vulkan stability
Performance regressions
Visual bugs
RetroAchievements behavior
Save states and general gameplay

Public rc5 release later

After this patron testing phase, the plan is to release this build publicly as rc5.

Once rc5 is out, I will continue focusing on the open GitHub issues, fixing reported bugs, improving compatibility, and making the emulator more stable step by step.

What comes after this

Once WatermelonDS reaches a more stable point, I also want to continue with the Dolphin implementation.

The goal is to make Dolphin work better on dual-screen devices, including GameCube and Wii games.

For GameCube, GBA support in bottom screen is a must!.

For Wii, the idea is even more interesting: using the second screen as a touch surface for the Wii pointer, so the cursor can be controlled directly from the touch screen.

This could make Wii games feel much more natural on Android dual-screen handhelds.

But first, the priority is to make this new WatermelonDS performance update stable, tested, and ready for everyone.

Thank you so much for supporting the project and helping test these early builds.

Your feedback is extremely important for making WatermelonDS faster, more stable, and better for everyone.

- Sapphire 💙