Much of my time is scouring the web for interesting topics that I believe our community will be interested in, and one incredible little gem that I found this week is something called "Socket", an upcoming front-end for emulator enthusiasts that puts your cartridge art at the forefront of its user interface.
Created single-handedly by "Depmots" using the Godot game engine, this came to my attention first on Instagram, showing a very early version being played on the AYN Thor handheld. It's a super simple UI that takes your ROM files and automatically converts them into cartridges to be explored as if you were exploring your old, dusty collection. Not only does it convert cartridges, but it also discs and UMDs, creating a beautiful exploration of your ROM library in a way that will not overwhelm.
Credit: Depmots x Socket
If you've been a long time subscriber of our YouTube channel, you'll know that I am a big fan of the Android emulator front-end known as Beacon, which simplifies everything and adds box art, but this looks like it could be the front-end that replaces that, as i'm a huge fan of seeing disc art and cartridge art because it resembles my personal collection which lacks the actual boxes, unfortunately.
It does feel and look like Beacon, I'll admit, with a heavier focus on nostalgia, such as the pixelated typography, achievements section, and dotted background. The menu section shows off how easy it is to install your ROMs and consoles, alongside possible ways to change appearance and collect achievements when it launches. Though Retro Achievements brings a lot of complexity to emulators in terms of getting them to partner with front-ends.
"Games are organised per platform, with unique 3d models for each, with their original stickers (customizable, of course). Each platform also features custom sounds and a custom insert animation" states Depmots.
As of now, Depmost has shared no official release dates and isn't sure whether or not it will release on the Android Play Store officially, or if it will have to be manually installed and given out as a free download to begin with. Though in the official Discord Depmots says the first version will launch in "about a month", likely meaning an Alpha or Beta build, I can imagine, and will give Ko-Fi members early access to builds, similar to what the creator behind the Delta Emulator does.
I asked Depmots some questions about development, and he states he uses Godot game engine specifically because he is very capable with it and allows more freedom "to use 3D models, for squashing, and stretching to create playful animations". It also allows him to easily import this to platforms such as Android, iOS, Linux, PC and Mac, although "for now it's launching for Android".
For now, compatible consoles are "Nintendo 64, Nintendo DS, Nintendo Switch, GAME BOY Advance, PSP and PlayStation 1". Others will come eventually, but each one requires a lot of work to develop, so it may be that we only see a handful of consoles on here, and more come as updates start to flow.
"It's aimed towards smaller libraries, attempting to mimic the feeling of rummaging in your handheld collection when you were a kid to find the game you want to play", states Depmots. And I'll admit, it's somehow replicated that feeling incredibly well.
I love seeing new front-ends like this come to fruition; it's proof that the emulation scene is evolving and talented individuals in the space are allowing us more choice when it comes to organising our library the way we please, so I'm happy to see Socket come to fruition over the coming months. You can follow their journey on their official website here or via Depmots Instagram, which is growing rapidly!
