SuperStationOne's Console Mode is Taking Shape! New Dev Blog Drops

Taki Udon has just dropped a video showcasing the significant evolution of the SuperStationOne, the Retro Remake take on a PlayStation-themed MiSTer FPGA console. This device has evolved so much during production that it could genuinely be the definitive, or “final,” form of the MiSTer FPGA.

We recommend watching the full video, but here are some key takeaways:

Core Philosophy: Console Mode was designed to make the system more user-friendly and to ensure that every function is accessible entirely through a controller, eliminating the need for a keyboard for core operations
Main Menu Options: The new main menu is simplified and includes: Load Game, Resume Game, Load Core, History, Favorites, Update, and Settings. (Disc options for PS1 and other CDs are mentioned but are not shown in the video)
Load Game Simplification: Selecting a game from the menu automatically loads the correct core (e.g. Atari 2600 core) and the game file with minimal friction, a process facilitated by the Zaparoo API
Box Art Support: The system supports box art, which scrolls smoothly when the images are optimized and compressed to match the CPU’s performance. Unoptimized, high-resolution images will load slowly
History View: A new feature that shows a list of the last games played, which does not exist in the stock MiSTer FPGA menu
Favorites with Art: The Favorites list is similar to the MiSTer version but is faster and now includes box art support
Simplified Bluetooth Pairing: Bluetooth controllers can be paired directly from the menu without needing a keyboard, addressing a major friction point in the stock UI. The mode also displays the controller name and address for up to four paired controllers
Improved Controller Remapping: The Define Joystick Buttons setting simplifies remapping by only presenting the main controller inputs, allowing users to quickly swap buttons without going through unnecessary configuration steps
Flexible Keyboard Remapping: The Remap Keyboard function allows a user to map a key they do have to one they do not have (or one that is broken), which is an improvement over the stock UI that requires the user to press the key they want to change
Language Goals: While currently on the back burner, a primary goal for Console Mode is to eventually support many different languages, as the stock MiSTer UI only supports English
CRT Compatibility: The Console Mode UI is functional on CRT monitors, though some work is still needed to fine-tune the scaling at lower resolutions