Retro games are a blast, and even more so when you can bring the fun on the go. [mac2612] has developed a custom retroarch-based firmware for the Leapster GS and LeapPad2. (via Bringus Studios on YouTube)
We covered Linux on the Leapster before, but Retroleap seems better documented (and still up on the internet). Installation is done over the command line with sshflash, also by [mac2612], after booting the Leapster or LeapPad2 into “Surgeon Mode.” Since the stock bootloader remains intact, you can always return the LeapFrog to its default state if anything gets wiggy by reflashing the device via the LeapFrog Connect App.
The default system includes emulators for NES, SNES, GBA, Genesis, Atari 800, and MAME. Performance varies, but some PS1 games have even run successfully on the device.
If you’d like to see some other LeapFrog hacks, checkout this LeapFrog TV Running DOOM or Composite Video Out on the DIDJ.
Really cool project, thanks! Many of these systems are tossed after a kid grows out of them or gets bored. New life brethed in.
If you put retroarch on it the kid might not get bored of it so quickly.
I bought one for cheap, just because I found people modding those. Now I have a platform to go through romhacks of Pokemon finally :D
Which leapster model has the fastest CPU? Most storage?
I’m not an expert, but it seems the GS is faster than the Explorer which is why it’s better suited for running RetroArch?
Leapster/Leapster2
Custom ASIC containing an ARCTangent-A5 CPU, running at 96 MHz.
Memory: Original Leapster: 2 MB onboard RAM, 256 bytes non-volatile. Leapster2: 16 MB RAM, 128 KB non-volatile storage
LeapFrog Didj
LeapFrog LF-1000 (Pollux SoC) ARM9 @ 393 MHz[1
32MB Storage 256MB
Leapster explorer
ARM9-based processorclocked at 393 MHz with 64 MB DDR SDRAM, 512 MB user storage
We bought our daughter a Leapster, we have no idea what she did with it.
But we still have several cartridges.
Did it run doom!
It runs on the Explorer, so I suspect it shouldn’t have any issues running on the GS as well?
From the Retroleap YT page: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=soDHQsPRHFs
I love it! Everytime I nearly sell my nieces old Leapfrogs, some brilliant person comes up with a new use. Looks like some fun weekend tinkering!
anybody got a fix for the ssh password problem?
This is VERY SICK, execpt how much battery life does the 4 aa batterys give if i chose the overclocked version?