The latest generation of Xbox consoles stands out not only for its raw power, but also for its potential to run all kinds of emulators and special environments. One of the most popular options is RetroArch, which in turn provides access to an advanced edition of DOSBox called DOSBox Pure. Its latest build includes support for Windows 98 and 3dfx Voodoo graphics emulation, a combination that can turn the Xbox Series X and Series S into a retro computer.
Playing old titles on modern systems isn't as complicated as it seems. The real challenge lies in configuring and maintaining the actual hardware (especially when it comes to something like getting sound in MS-DOS), but today there's a wide range of ports and engine replacements that reduce the whole process to a couple of clicks. From Chocolate Doom and the open source version of Prince of Persia to ScummVM and OpenRCT2, the available software helps us avoid many headaches.
Obviously, we also have very advanced emulation tools, and the combination of RetroArch with DOSBox Pure is one of the most powerful. On one hand, RetroArch runs on dozens of platforms, and on the other, DOSBox Pure has compatibility with Microsoft operating systems, including Windows 98. Add to that the 3dfx Voodoo graphics emulation that blew our minds in the '90s. So RetroArch can be installed on PC with ease, but what happens when it's installed on an Xbox Series X? The folks at Digital Foundry decided to find out…
Windows 98 with 3dfx Graphics on an Xbox Series X
The procedure is completely manual, and that's not an exaggeration. The first step is installing RetroArch on the console, which generally requires developer access, but there are methods that work quite well in retail mode. Then you have to load the software into RetroArch using ISO images, and follow with the formal installations: Windows 98, the 3dfx Voodoo driver, each of the games, everything. The emulation environment lets us use the keyboard, but the mouse is controlled with the gamepad.
The last step is... accepting the performance loss in certain games. From RetroArch itself to the 3dfx graphics, everything is handled by the processor, and that means paying the price in framerate. With some tweaks we can optimize the experience, however, it's most likely that RetroArch and DOSBox Pure will need additional builds. Fortunately, the situation changes if we limit graphics to software mode: By removing the emulated 3dfx accelerator from the equation, the 60 FPS target isn't impossible.
Official RetroArch website: Click here
