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OpenEmu v2.4.1 Requires macOS 10.14.4 or above

  • This is a quick fix to resolve launching on Apple silicon (ARM) Macs. For now, OpenEmu is still Intel-only and will require the use of Rosetta 2 in order to launch on a Mac with Apple silicon.

OpenEmu v2.4

  • This long-awaited release contains many bug fixes, performance improvements, compatibility for later macOS, localization updates, framework upgrades, UI/UX tweaks, and a massive codebase modernization with the majority rewritten in Swift. This large undertaking was a few years in the making, and while there may be a few minor regressions in the short term, the result will leave OpenEmu future-proof and easier to maintain. A full list of changes may be added later.

OpenEmu v2.3.3

  • Fixed a crash that can occur on app launch with macOS Big Sur.

OpenEmu v2.3.2

  • Added List View saving for column sort and visiblity (right click column to enable/disable) between app launches.
  • Improved UX and relaxed requirements for mitigation of App Translocation / Gatekeeper Path Randomization.
  • Fixed quitting the app during gameplay not showing confirmation alert or saving progress.
  • Fixed List View being unsorted if it was the initial view mode.
  • Fixed red bars that may appear in the background of fullscreen mode on macOS Big Sur.
  • Fixed a crash that can occur in the "Change Game Library Folder Location" open panel if navigating using the keyboard.
  • Fixed a crash that can occur with international language input keys and possibly others.

OpenEmu v2.3.1

  • Fixed shader configurations not persisting.
  • Fixed fullscreen mode "Fill Screen" scale option only resizing to a maximum integer scale when integer scaling is enabled. Instead, it now fills the entire screen as expected.
  • Fixed a hang that can occur when loading a game if the app is affected by App Translocation / Gatekeeper Path Randomization.
  • Improved UX to mitigate game launch issues related to Gatekeeper. — Now prompts with requirement to move to your Applications folder on app launch.
  • Improved UX for fullscreen popout window. — Now fills the entire screen by default, if no previous scale was set. Seperate scale settings between windowed and fullscreen modes are also remembered.

OpenEmu v2.3

  • Initial macOS 10.11 Big Sur support. Note: Native Apple Silicon support (no Rosetta 2) in a future update.
  • Redesigned most UI in native macOS style, replacing custom theming.
  • Added redesigned app icon ready for Big Sur.
  • Added import failure messages.
  • Added shader compiler optimization pass for faster performance.
  • Added integer scaling options to the HUD bar for fullscreen popout window, by default keeping the last used integer scale. Note: HUD bar > cog wheel > Scale > "Fill Screen" to fill the whole screen.
  • Added "Always snap popout gameplay window to integer scale" when dragging. Note: Hold "shift" before dragging to disable snap resizing.
  • Added "Always use popout gameplay window" as default.
  • Added "Always float popout gameplay window on top" Gameplay Window Management option.
  • Added menu bar items and keyboard shortcuts (⌘3–6) for changing category.
  • Added increase/decrease buttons to slider control.
  • Added keyboard shortcuts (⌘+/⌘–) for changing grid size.
  • Added toolbar customization (Right click > Customize Toolbar…).
  • Added light gun support for PS1 and Sega Saturn.
  • Improved error message when a core plugin crashes.
  • Improved UX for core download failures.
  • Improved UI polish and HIG conformance.
  • Improved the codebase with huge refactoring to Swift, modernization and cleanup.
  • Improved accessibility of in-game notifications and VoiceOver.
  • Fixed multi-output audio device crash.
  • Fixed a rare import-related crash.
  • Fixed a rare issue where games might not start due to permissions.
  • Fixed rare issue where screenshots would be a black screen.
  • Fixed case where duplicate save states could appear.
  • Fixed using shared/split fullscreen.
  • Fixed the first fullscreen animation of the popout game window after it is moved to another screen.
  • Fixed associating common file extensions with OpenEmu.
  • Updated XADMaster framework.
  • Updated localizations.
  • Other bug fixes and performance improvements.

OpenEmu v2.2.1

  • Added BSNES, an accurate SNES emulator with "Display Mode" screen options for HD mode 7 graphics, as the new secondary SNES core plugin. Higan core plugin is now deprecated and will be removed in 6 months.
  • Added support for GameCube hybrid analog/digital triggers. — Requires gamepad with true analog triggers, such as the PS4 DualShock 4 or Xbox One S.
  • Added automap support for Xbox One S Wireless Controller.
  • Added automap support for Retro-Bit Official Sega Genesis/Sega Saturn Bluetooth Controller 8-Button Arcade Pad.
  • Added missing GameCube system icon and controller Retina graphics.
  • Fixed analog-related input regression introduced in OpenEmu 2.2 where one may be unable to map certain controls or directions may get stuck or not respond in-game.
  • Fixed PS4 DualShock 4 delayed inputs and high CPU usage on macOS 10.15 Catalina. — This work arounds a performance issue in IOHIDElementGetParent.
  • Fixed column width when resizing and row highlight system color in List View.
  • Fixed rare crash at startup when dealing with unsupported plugins.
  • Updated localizations.
  • Other bug fixes and performance improvements.

OpenEmu v2.2

  • Added GameCube system support. — This core port is absolutely unsupported by Dolphin emulator developers, so please DO NOT report game glitches/compatibility issues upstream. A fast CPU is required for full speed emulation. Saves states are currently NOT enabled due to future updates breaking compatibility. Multi-disc games are currently NOT supported.
  • Added support for custom shader bundles.
  • Added automatic analog axis calibration. — Minimum and maximum values learned as the stick is moved.
  • Added rotation and additional Display Mode screen options for NDS games.
  • Added support for multi-port adapters that use multiple USB HID interfaces (e.g. Mayflash).
  • Fixed issue where using multiple "automapped" gamepads with similiar HID profiles would not work (e.g. Logitech series, DualShock 4 and DualShock 4 v2, Wii U Pro and Wiimote Plus).
  • Fixed Rename Game not working in List View.
  • Fixed rare issue where zipped ROMs that failed to load would get deleted.

OpenEmu v2.1.1

  • Fixed audio not working for Bluetooth and other secondary audio output devices.
  • Fixed newly imported Sega Saturn games crashing when loading on macOS 10.15 Catalina. — Saturn games imported using OpenEmu 2.1, as well as N64 and Sega/Mega CD, MUST be reimported to fully resolve the crash.
  • Fixed toggling Display Mode screen options for NDS games.
  • Fixed a rare crash when starting games in a fullscreen popout window.
  • Fixed a rare crash when quitting gameplay.
  • Fixed a rare case where a compressed ROM might not reimport.
  • Updated XADMaster framework.

OpenEmu v2.1

  • Initial macOS 10.15 Catalina support.
  • Added new Metal renderer and display architecture, significantly improving frame pacing, performance and battery life - no more video latency at increased window sizes or fullscreen.
  • Added new configurable, multi-pass post processing shader system using Slang - several preset shaders for impressive effects included.
  • Added Rapid Fire Toggle and Rapid Fire Clear special keys in Controls preferences - used in-game when pressing a button + the toggle key to enable.
  • Improved support for Nintendo Switch Pro Controller, including automatic analog calibration and support for USB connectivity.
  • Improved support for USB Audio output devices.
  • Fixed stuck search filter when switching between Save States and Screenshots collections.
  • Removed Cg and Syphon frameworks.
  • Updated localizations.
  • Other bug fixes and performance improvements.
Known Issues since v2.1
  • IMPORTANT: Due to new security rules in macOS 10.15 Catalina, in order for keyboard input to work you MUST grant OpenEmu "Input Monitoring" access in the Privacy pane of Security & Privacy preferences.
  • There may be a slight delay the first time after launching a game due to shaders compiling.
  • The old Cg "filters" are not compatible with the new shader system.
  • Control mappings may be reset due to changes in macOS 10.15 Catalina.

OpenEmu v2.0.9.1

  • Fixed input not working for some users in the initial 2.0.9 release.
  • Fixed the Library grid view appearing red in some instances on macOS 10.14 Mojave.
  • Fixed "Consolidate Files" not copying all the referenced files for CD-based games.
  • Added Chinese (Traditional) localization.
  • Updated Catalan, Italian localizations.

OpenEmu v2.0.8

  • Added "Display Mode" change support to the HUD bar for display-related options, currently available for Atari 2600, Game Boy, Game Gear, NES, Nintendo DS, Virtual Boy.
  • Added Next/Last Display Mode change hotkeys.
  • Improved the UI to better fit macOS 10.14 Mojave native menus and system colors.
  • Fixed case where a directional button could get stuck.
  • Fixed a rare input-related crash.

OpenEmu v2.0.7

  • Initial macOS 10.14 Mojave support. Users that updated to Mojave before updating OpenEmu will need to manually download the update from openemu.org
  • Added support for mapping controls with Touch Bar buttons.
  • Added Step Frame Forward and Step Frame Backward special keys in Controls preferences.
  • Added Fast Forward and Rewind notifications.
  • Added "Show in Finder" menu item in Save States and Screenshots collections.
  • Improved the Import Issue Resolver with a new modal UI.
  • Improved using controls for digital buttons mapped onto an analog stick.
  • Fixed audio becoming slightly out of sync after fast forwarding gameplay.
  • Fixed audio glitches for PSP games.
  • Fixed leftover window after quitting gameplay in a fullscreen popout window.
  • Fixed empty windows in Mission Control after quitting gameplay.
  • Fixed HUD bar remaining visible after closing popout window.
  • Fixed games not sorting by "Last Played" in List View.
  • Fixed case where bad/incomplete PSP game ISOs could be allowed to import.
  • Fixed various UI issues in the Homebrew collection.
  • Fixed a crash from mapping non-standard keys on external keyboards.
  • Fixed a crash when a button profile for a previously mapped controller changed.
  • Fixed a rare crash when deleting a game from a collection.
  • Fixed a rare case where a ROM hack might not import.
  • Fixed the appearance of localized text in various UI.
  • Updated localizations.
  • Updated Sparkle and XADMaster frameworks.

OpenEmu v2.0.6.1

  • Added Sega Saturn system support. - Very CPU intensive, minimum requirement of a quad-core i7 processor for full speed.
  • Added GLideN64 as the new default Mupen64Plus GPU plugin, significantly improving N64 graphics. - Overall game compatibility will further improve in a future update.
  • Added Quick Look support in the Screenshots collection by pressing Space bar.
  • Added light gun support for Sega Master System.
  • Removed deprecated core plugins and their save states on launch.
  • Improved N64 graphics.
  • Improved UX for deleting games so they cannot be orphaned in the Game Library folder.
  • Improved UX for importing M3U files where they could fail or crash.
  • Improved Touch Bar graphics.
  • Improved algorithm for reading the serial of a PlayStation game.
  • Fixed a hang that occurs on 10.13 High Sierra.
  • Fixed regression with compressed files not being correctly imported. - Would import decompressed but with the original compressed file extension.
  • Fixed case where changing Game Library folder location could fail.
  • Fixed case where clearing a control mapping would not save between launches.
  • Fixed a crash accessing Game Library on NAS/SMB shares or external drives.
  • Fixed a crash when deleting a game that was already deleted.
  • Fixed a crash when downloading nonexistent cover art for a Homebrew collection game.
  • Fixed a rare crash using cheat codes.
  • Fixed Wii U Pro Controller analog axis range.
  • Fixed fast forwarding interfering with pausing gameplay.
  • Fixed sidebar not remembering width changes between launches.
  • Fixed unwanted interpolation in screenshots.
  • Fixed "Battle Heat" for PC-FX being falsely identified as TurboGrafx-CD/PCE CD.
  • Fixed various 10.13 SDK issues and runtime warnings.
  • Updated Japanese localization.
  • Updated Sparkle framework.

OpenEmu v2.0.5

  • Added automap support for Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
  • Added localized PC Engine controller graphic.
  • Improved TurboGrafx controller graphic with pixel perfect Retina version.
  • Fixed library error alerts not displaying.
  • Fixed a crash with games in fullscreen.
  • Fixed a crash when importing an invalid cue sheet.
  • Fixed a crash when importing an unmatched multi-disc game.
  • Fixed rare crash at startup.
  • Fixed a potential hang when migrating game library and preferences to a new machine.
  • Fixed various 10.12 SDK UI issues.
  • Updated localizations.
  • Note: Touch Bar users should update to the latest macOS 10.12 for full support.

OpenEmu v2.0.4

  • Added support for the new MacBook Pro Touch Bar.
  • Added gameplay preference to allow playing with controllers while in the background.
  • Added automap support for PS4 Slim DualShock 4 (model CUH-ZCT2).
  • Improved importing Multi-Disc Games.
  • Fixed case where games would not load if a previous game failed to load.
  • Fixed a potential crash when checking for and downloading core plugin updates.
  • Fixed a crash when using the popout gameplay window and accessing the Services submenu on macOS 10.12.
  • Fixed main window toolbar appearance for some localizations.
  • Fixed various 10.12 SDK UI issues.
  • Added Catalan localization.
  • Updated localizations.

OpenEmu v2.0.3

  • Fixed analog controllers that send excessive input events (e.g. DualShock 4 and others) interfering with frontend and core functions.
  • Fixed case where some bluetooth mice (e.g. Logitech MX Anywhere 2) break the input system.
  • Fixed Steam Controller support when properly configured through Steam.
  • Fixed case where cancelling an alert could make it impossible to stop or reset gameplay.
  • Updated localizations.
  • Other bug fixes and performance improvements.
  • Note: Preferences for Default Cores have been reset.

OpenEmu v2.0.2

  • Added mGBA, a faster and more accurate GBA emulator, as the new default GBA core plugin.
  • Added automap support for Horipad Ultimate controller.
  • Optimized input handling and core helper process to further reduce latency.
  • Improved search results in Save States and Screenshots libraries to be more precise.
  • Fixed N64 games running too fast.
  • Fixed controllers with a hat switch not retaining their proper D-pad mappings.
  • Fixed reversed Y-axis for MFi devices.
  • Fixed case where BIOS files might not import correctly after a new core plugin install.
  • Fixed case where suppressing an alert might not remember the choice correctly.
  • Fixed the appearance of localized text in Library and Preferences with Auto Layout.
  • Fixed screenshots not saving for game titles with forward slashes.
  • Added Chinese (Simplified), Dutch, Japanese localizations.
  • Updated localizations.
  • Other bug fixes and performance improvements.

OpenEmu v2.0.1

  • Fixed new system plugins not being available.
  • Fixed save states not saving if alert is suppressed.
  • Add Odyssey²/Videopac controller graphic.
  • Note: If BIOS files were not importing correctly after a new core install, please remove the imported files, restart the app and import your BIOS files again.
Changes since v2.0
  • Added support for new systems:
    - Atari 5200
    - Atari 7800
    - Atari Lynx
    - ColecoVision
    - Famicom Disk System
    - Intellivision
    - Nintendo 64
    - Odyssey²/Videopac+
    - PC-FX
    - SG-1000
    - Sega CD
    - Sony PSP
    - Sony PlayStation
    - TurboGrafx-CD/PCE-CD
    - Vectrex
    - WonderSwan
  • Redesigned UI with a beautiful, modern look.
  • Added real-time gameplay rewinding.
  • Added Save States and Screenshots organizers.
  • Added Homebrew collection with over 80 great games.
  • Added automap support for SteelSeries Nimbus and Stratus XL controllers.
  • Optimized input handling to eliminate latency.
  • Fixed performance for certain GPUs.
  • Updated translations.
  • Other bug fixes and performance improvements.
Known Issues since v2.0
  • Control mappings have been reset due to changes with the input system.
  • Previous Sega Genesis/Mega Drive save states have been removed due to unresolvable incompatibilities with the Genesis Plus GX emulator.
  • Using f.lux while playing games can cause performance issues or crashes, please disable f.lux to avoid problems.
  • If using a Mac with dual GPUs, consider using gfxCardStatus to switch to the higher-end discrete GPU for improved performance.