How to Turn Windows 8 #IntelTablets into a SNES #tabletcrew.
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In the 90s, everyone seemed to have their own needs. Beck needed two turntables and a microphone. Sir Mix-A- Lot needed big butts. And I needed my SNES (Super Nintendo Entertainment System).
Emulators are nothing new, unless, of course, you grew up using a iPod, iPhone or iPad, which Apple has closed off to emulators. I first found out about them in 1999 and proceeded to go on a crazy bender, replaying all of my favorite old school adventures on my desktop. This lasted about a week or so, before I moved back to my PlayStation, mostly because playing console games like Mario Brothers or Zelda on a desktop just wasn’t that fun with a keyboard.
I had pretty much forgotten all about emulators, until last weekend when it hit me that I could probably set one up on my Acer W510 Intel tablet. The first place I searched was the Windows 8 app store. I didn’t expect much, but to my surprise a few emulators came up, including Snes8x [Free]. Honestly, I couldn’t believe my luck. Not only were the reviews positive, the publisher’s also noted that the app included support for an xbox 360 controller. After using Snes8x for a week, I am happy to report that it works wonderfully, and I think a lot of that has to do with the fact that it is designed around Windows 8 and touch.
Growing up, I always enjoyed playing the SNES on a smaller TV (as opposed to my friends behemoth 27 inch), so my intel tablet is perfect for home use or when I am traveling. With that said, I was curious to see if I could emulate games through my tablets “Second Screen” function to a 48 inch HDTV. Obviously, it was a success else I wouldn’t be writing this story. It’s pretty simple to do, just follow my instructions below.
Things you’ll need
- Windows 8
- Snes8x
- HDMI Cord (micro HDMI if you are using the Acer W510)
- Wired Xbox 360 controller (or a Microsoft receiver for wireless controllers)
Instructions
1. With the power off on both devices, connect your tablet to the HDTV with the HDMI cord, and then turn on both.
2. Plug in your Xbox controller to the tablet or laptop. (I believe you can actually use two controllers with the app; however, I haven’t tried this out yet.)
3. In the Charms Bar, select Devices and then hit the Second Screen tab. This will give you four options for your display, select Extend. Your tablet will now be mirrored on to your TV.
4. Lauch Snes8x and load up a rom.
5. From the Charms Bar, you can change the settings of the emulator, which includes turning off the touch display.
Viola! You now have a Super Nintendo again.
*Full Disclosure: Intel Smart Squad sent us the Acer Iconia W510 to test drive; however, our thoughts and opinions are our own. Additionally, Beers and Beans does not condone piracy, and offers this information for entertainment purposes only.
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