Game ID

10/4/24 - This page is currently heavily work in progress.

Introduction

Game ID is a catch-all term for a system that allows a peripheral device to determine the current game or software title that is running on its host system. This information can then be used by the peripheral device to set per-game configuration options, or forwarded on to another device to enable similar functionality.

The purpose of this page is to provide a guide to setting up GameID on various systems. It is hoped that, eventually, Game ID will be expanded to cover most systems, either by means of loading home brew apps, typically on more recent systems, or by means of hardware modifications on older systems.

Currently supported (or planned) systems

This section will give an overview of the systems that support Game ID, and the peripherals and/or software that enables this functionality.

Nintendo 64

Support on the N64 requires a compatible flash cartridge and a compatible internal modification. Currently, there is no way to use Game ID with original cartridges.

N64 Advanced 2

The N64 Advanced 2 HDMI mod from Borti supports GameID when used with a compatible flash cartridge (Everdrive64 X7, Summer Card, Everdrive 64 3.0, 2.5 and 2.0 with Unofficial-Official OS binaries). This allows per-game settings on the device, or for the GameID to be forwarded to an external scaler (currently, the only scaler that supports GameID is the PixelFX Morph).

GameID data is sent via metadata in the HDMI signal to the external scaler.

N64 Digital / PixelFX RetroGEM

PixelFX N64 Digital Retro GEM or RetroGEM are aftermarket expansions that add HDMI output to the system. Various scaling and picture processing options are also included.

The N64 Digital and the PixelFX RetroGEM support GameID when used with a compatible flash cartridge (Everdrive64 X7, Summer Card, Everdrive 64 3.0, 2.5 and 2.0 with Unofficial-Official OS binaries). This allows per-game settings on the device, or for the GameID to be forwarded to an external scaler (currently, the only scaler that supports GameID is the PixelFX Morph).

GameID data is sent via metadata in the HDMI signal to the external scaler.

For more information on how to set up these devices, see PixelFX RetroGEM and RetroGEM Shiny (and legacy boards).

Everdrive 64 X7 & X5

Game ID is supported on the Everdrive 64 X7 from OS version V3.06 09.07.2021 and later. GameID is currently not officially supported on earlier model Everdrive cartridges.

When using this firmware, Game ID should work automatically with PixelFX products and the N64 Advanced 2. Upon loading a ROM, the flash cartridge will forward the game id via the controller wire to a compatible HDMI mod.

Everdrive 64 3.0, 2.5 and 2.0

Game ID support is available unofficially by using the Unofficial-Official OS binaries for the ED64 available here (version V2.12.9.1 or later).

When using this unofficial firmware, Game ID should work automatically with PixelFX products and the N64 Advanced 2. Upon loading a ROM, the flash cartridge will forward the game id via the controller wire to a compatible HDMI mod.

Nintendo Gamecube

Game ID support has been added to the popular homebrew utility/game launcher Swiss. Swiss can pass this GameID information on to the MemCard PRO GC. Support for PixelFX products is also planned.

MemCard Pro GC

The MemCard Pro GC is a modern implementation of the GameCube's memory card. Taking advantage of advances in storage technology, the device is able to use a MicroSD card to create virtual memory card files. Any MicroSD card is an order of magnitude bigger than the 8MB memory cards the system originally used, meaning that the device can store a virtually unlimited amount of Memory Cards and game saves.

MemCard Pro GC uses Game ID to create virtual memory card files. The device can create one virtual memory card file for each game you play, virtually eliminating the need to ever manage or swap memory cards on your console ever again.

Setup - (insert data here)

Sega Dreamcast

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Sony PlayStation 1

PSIO

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MODE

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Xstation

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Memcard PRO

(Insert Data)

PixelFX Retro GEM / GEM Shiny

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Sony PlayStation 2

MemCard PRO 2

The MemCard Pro 2 is a modern implementation of the PlayStation 2's memory card. Taking advantage of advances in storage technology, the device is able to use a MicroSD card to create virtual memory card files. Any MicroSD card is an order of magnitude bigger than the 8MB memory cards the system originally used, meaning that the MemCard Pro can store a virtually unlimited amount of Memory Cards and game saves.

MemCard Pro 2 uses Game ID to create virtual memory card files. The device can create one virtual memory card file for each game you play, virtually elminating the need to ever manage or swap memory cards on your console ever again.

Setup - As of firmware version 0.99.7 or later, the Memcard Pro 2 can detect the running game without the need for other hardware or software. This includes original discs for PS2 or PS1, and games launched through the Open PlayStation Loader.

PixelFX Retro GEM / GEM Shiny

PixelFX Retro GEM or RetroGEM is an expansion that adds HDMI output to the system. Various scaling and picture processing options are also included.

Retro GEM / GEM Shiny uses Game ID to enable per game settings such as scaler or deinterlacer settings, or to forward this information to the PixelFX Morph 4K.

Setup - Currently, Game ID on the PixelFX is supported through a special build of Open PlayStation2 Loader. It is not currently available when using original optical media. You can download the build using this link.

The zip file available on that page may contain multiple builds, there does not appear to be any documentation explaining what the different builds are, the build entitled OPNPS2LD_LATEST_GEM appears to be the most stable.

Copy this build to your PlayStation 2 using whatever method you usually use to manage homebrew on your console. Once copied, launch the app on your PlayStation 2 and it should run just the same as any other build of Open PS2 loader.

Start any game title from any source using this loader. Verify that GameID is working by following the steps under "RetroGEM setup". (insert link here)

Microsoft Xbox

GameID support has been proposed (but not yet implemented) for the recently released Stellar Xbox upgrade device.

Devices compatible with multiple systems

This section will detail those peripherals or expansions that support GameID and are compatible with multiple systems.

PixelFX RetroGEM and RetroGEM Shiny (and legacy boards)

PixelFX RetroGEM is an expansion board that adds digital video output options to a variety of retro games consoles. Various scaling and picture processing options are also included. This section also covers legacy PixelFX expansion boards, DCDigital HW2, N64 Digital, PS1Digital, and N64 Digital.

For best results with Game ID, make sure your RetroGEM board is running the latest firmware. At the time of writing, some Game ID options may only be available on the testing firmware channel.

Game ID options can be accessed on the RetroGEM/RetroGEM Shiny through the on screen menu. Use the following button combinations to open the menu.

• Dreamcast Open OSD: L Trigger + R Trigger + X + A + START
• N64 Open OSD: L Trigger + R Trigger + DPad Right + C Right
• PS1 / PS2 Open OSD: L1 Trigger + R1 Trigger + DPad Right + O

To verify that GameID is working, check the bottom of the RetroGEM's menu, you should then see the current game title at the bottom of the Retro GEM's menu, as illustrated in the picture.

You can access Game ID options by navigating to the "System" menu and then to "Game ID". The menu shown in the picture should then be displayed.

The "Settings mode" menu has two options:-

• Global - In global mode, GameID does not affect the Morph's settings.
• Per Game - In this mode, settings you change on the RetroGEM will be remembered on a per game basis (if game ID data is available).

If GameID does not appear to be working, toggle the "Settings mode" option. If, after doing this, you still do not see the current GameID at the bottom of the GEMs menu, verify that you set up your target console correctly (e,g that you used the correct game launcher with GameID support) and try again.

PixelFX Morph 4k

The PixelFX Morph 4k is a modular video scaler designed for video game material. More information on the Morph can be found on this page Morph_4k.

The PixelFX Morph can recieve GameID data from RetroGEM and RetroGEM shiny boards. This information can be used to set per-game configuration preferences on the Morph scaler. Both Morph and RetroGEM boards need to be connected to the same WiFi network in order for the GameID to be passed.

First configure your RetroGEM board and verify that the GameID function is working correctly. Now, connect your RetroGEM modded console to the Morph4k and open the menu on the Morph. The GameID should now be reported at the bottom of the Morph 4k’s menu, as shown in the picture below:-

PixelFX Companion App

The PixelFX Companion app for Windows, MacOS or Linux can read the GameID data from either Morph or Retro GEM. Both the PC and the Morph/Retro GEM need to be on the same local network in order for this to work.

This data can then be used to update your status on Discord chat, showing the game you are currently playing. (insert further documentation here).