N64FlashcartMenu/README.md
Robin Jones 9113d1c949
[main] Next release changes (#162)
<!--- Provide a general summary of your changes in the Title above -->

## Description
<!--- Describe your changes in detail -->
This PR merges `develop` and `main` for a tagged release so it can be
used by most users (utilising debug flags where required).

## Release Notes

- **New Features**
- Introduced menu sound effects for enhanced user experience (the
default is off).
- Added N64 ROM autoload functionality, allowing users to set a specific
ROM to load automatically.
- Added menu boot hotkey (hold `start` to return to menu when autoload
is enabled).
- Added context menu and settings management options GUI for managing
various settings in `config.ini`.
- Added functionality for editing the real-time clock (RTC) within the
RTC menu view.
- Improved flashcart info view for showing supported flashcart features
and version.
- Enhanced UI components with new drawing functions and improved
organization.
	- Added emulator support for `SMS`, `GG`, and `CHF` ROMs.
- Enhanced joypad input handling for menu actions, improving
responsiveness.
	- Optimized boxart image loading from filesystem.
	- Improved various text to make the functionality more clear.

- **Bug Fixes**
- Improved error handling in multiple areas, particularly in save
loading and ROM management.
- Enhanced memory management to prevent potential leaks during error
conditions.
	- Fixed text flickering in certain circumstances.

- **Documentation**
- Updated README and various documentation files to reflect new features
and usage instructions.
- Added detailed setup instructions for SD cards and menu customization.
- Enhanced clarity in documentation for RTC settings and menu
customization.
- Improved organization and clarity of SD card setup instructions for
various flashcarts.

- **Refactor**
- Standardized naming conventions across UI components for better
organization.
- Restructured sound management and input handling for improved
responsiveness.
- Streamlined the loading state management for ROMs and disks within the
menu system.
- Improved clarity and usability of the developer guide and other
documentation files.

### Current known Issues
* The RTC UI requires improvement (awaiting UI developer).
* BETA_SETTING: PAL60 when using HDMI mods has regressed (awaiting
libdragon fix).
* ALPHA_FEATURE: ED64 X Series detection does not occur properly
(however this is not a problem as not tag released asset).
* ALPHA_FEATURE: ED64 V Series only supports loading ROMs (however this
is not a problem as not tag released asset).
* Menu sound FX may not work properly when a 64 Disk Drive is also
attached (work around: turn sound FX off).

### Breaking changes
* Disk drive expansion ROMs are now loaded with `Z|L` instead of `R` to
align with ROM info context menu (and future functionality).

## Motivation and Context
<!--- What does this sample do? What problem does it solve? -->
<!--- If it fixes/closes/resolves an open issue, please link to the
issue here -->
Merge the changes:
#110 
#106 
#101 
#89 
#74
and other improvements.

## How Has This Been Tested?
<!-- (if applicable) -->
<!--- Please describe in detail how you tested your sample/changes. -->
<!--- Include details of your testing environment, and the tests you ran
to -->
<!--- see how your change affects other areas of the code, etc. -->
Locally on an SC64.

## Screenshots
<!-- (if appropriate): -->

![image](https://github.com/user-attachments/assets/799fc21c-8743-4c21-8449-b4f531d5c62c)


## Types of changes
<!--- What types of changes does your code introduce? Put an `x` in all
the boxes that apply: -->
- [x] Improvement (non-breaking change that adds a new feature)
- [x] Bug fix (fixes an issue)
- [x] Breaking change (breaking change)
- [x] Documentation Improvement
- [ ] Config and build (change in the configuration and build system,
has no impact on code or features)

## Checklist:
<!--- Go over all the following points, and put an `x` in all the boxes
that apply. -->
<!--- If you're unsure about any of these, don't hesitate to ask. We're
here to help! -->
- [x] My code follows the code style of this project.
- [x] My change requires a change to the documentation.
- [x] I have updated the documentation accordingly.
- [ ] I have added tests to cover my changes.
- [ ] All new and existing tests passed.

<!--- It would be nice if you could sign off your contribution by
replacing the name with your GitHub user name and GitHub email contact.
-->
Signed-off-by: GITHUB_USER <GITHUB_USER_EMAIL>


<!-- This is an auto-generated comment: release notes by coderabbit.ai
-->
## Summary by CodeRabbit

## Summary by CodeRabbit

- **New Features**
- Enhanced documentation for N64 Flashcart Menu, including new emulator
support and features like menu sound effects and N64 ROM autoload.
- Added support for additional flashcart features and firmware version
retrieval in the flashcart subsystem.
- Introduced new settings for sound effects and ROM autoloading in the
menu system.

- **Bug Fixes**
- Improved error handling in various menu functions to prevent memory
leaks and ensure proper resource management.

- **Refactor**
- Updated naming conventions for UI component functions to improve
clarity and organization.
- Restructured the sound management functionality to enhance user
interaction feedback.

- **Documentation**
- Expanded sections in README and other documentation files for clarity
on emulator support and usage instructions.

- **Chores**
- Updated dependencies and version references in Dockerfile and other
configuration files.
<!-- end of auto-generated comment: release notes by coderabbit.ai -->

---------

Signed-off-by: GITHUB_USER <GITHUB_USER_EMAIL>
Co-authored-by: Suprapote <111246491+Suprapote@users.noreply.github.com>
Co-authored-by: Christopher Bonhage <me@christopherbonhage.com>
Co-authored-by: Mateusz Faderewski <sc@mateuszfaderewski.pl>
Co-authored-by: Fazana <52551480+FazanaJ@users.noreply.github.com>
Co-authored-by: Guillermo Horacio Romero Villa <65469983+E1ite007@users.noreply.github.com>
2024-12-30 15:08:28 +00:00

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Markdown

![Build](https://github.com/polprzewodnikowy/N64FlashcartMenu/actions/workflows/build.yml/badge.svg)
# N64 Flashcart Menu
An open source menu for N64 flashcarts.
## Supported Flashcarts
### Fully supported
* SummerCart64
* 64Drive
### Work in Progress
* ED64
* ED64P
## Current (notable) menu features
* Fully Open Source.
* Loads all known N64 games (including iQue and Aleck64 ROMs (even if they are byteswapped)).
* Fully emulates the 64DD and loads 64DD disks (SummerCart64 only).
* Emulator support (NES, SNES, GB, GBC, SMS, GG, CHF) ROMs.
* N64 ROM box image support.
* Background image (PNG) support.
* Comprehensive ROM save database (including HomeBrew headers).
* Comprehensive ROM information display.
* Real Time Clock support.
* Music playback (MP3).
* Menu sound effects.
* N64 ROM autoload.
## Documentation
* [Getting started guide](./docs/00_getting_started_sd.md)
* [Menu controls](./docs/01_menu_controls.md)
* [Menu customization](./docs/07_menu_customization.md)
* [Developer guide](./docs/99_developer_guide.md)
## Video showcase (as of Oct 12 2023)
[![N64FlashcartMenu Showcase](http://img.youtube.com/vi/6CKImHTifDA/0.jpg)](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CKImHTifDA "N64FlashcartMenu Showcase (Oct 12 2023)")
## Aims
* Support as many N64 FlashCarts as possible.
* Be open source, using permissive licensed third party licensed libraries.
* Be testable, using unit and smoke tests in ares emulated environment.
* Encourage active development from community members and N64 FlashCart owners.
* Support as many common mods and features as possible.
## Experimental features
These features are subject to change:
### N64 ROM autoload
To use the autoload function, while on the `N64 ROM information` display, press the `R` button on your joypad and select the `Set ROM to autoload` option. When you restart the console, it will now only load the selected ROM rather than the menu.
The autoload setting is stored in `config.ini` and persists until changed. This feature may slightly increase boot time as the menu needs to check for the Start button state.
NOTE: To return to the menu, hold the joypad `Start` button while powering on the console.
### GamePak sprites
To use N64 GamePak sprites, place PNG files within the `sd:/menu/boxart/` folder.
#### Supported sprites
These must be `PNG` files that use the following dimensions:
* Standard N64 GamePak boxart sprites: 158x112
* Japanese N64 GamePak boxart sprites: 112x158
* 64DD boxart sprites: 129x112
Supported PNG formats:
* RGB/RGBA color formats
* 8-bit color depth
They will be loaded by directories using each character (case-sensitive) of the full 4 character Game Code (as identified in the menu ROM information).
i.e. for GoldenEye NTSC USA (NGEE), this would be `sd:/menu/boxart/N/G/E/E/boxart_front.png`.
i.e. for GoldenEye PAL (NGEP), this would be `sd:/menu/boxart/N/G/E/P/boxart_front.png`.
To improve compatibility between regions (as a fallback), you may exclude the region ID (last matched directory) for GamePaks to match with 3 letter IDs instead:
i.e. for GoldenEye, this would be `sd:/menu/boxart/N/G/E/boxart_front.png`.
**Warning**: Excluding the region ID may show the wrong boxart.
**Note**: For future support, boxart sprites should also include:
* `boxart_back.png`
* `boxart_top.png`
* `boxart_bottom.png`
* `boxart_left.png`
* `boxart_right.png`
As a starting point, here is a link to a boxart pack following the new structure, including `boxart_front.png` and failback images:
* [Link](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1IpCmFqmGgGwKKmlRBxYObfFR9XywaC6n/view?usp=drive_link)
#### Compatibilty mode
If you cannot yet satisfy the correct boxart layout, The menu still has **deprecated** support for filenames containing the Game ID.
**Note:** This will add a noticeable delay for displaying parts of the menu.
Each file must be named according to the 2,3 or 4 letter GamePak ID (matched in this order).
i.e.
* for GoldenEye 4 letters, this would be `sd:/menu/boxart/NGEE.png` and/or `sd:/menu/boxart/NGEP.png`.
* for GoldenEye 3 letters, this would be `sd:/menu/boxart/NGE.png`.
* for GoldenEye 2 letters, this would be `sd:/menu/boxart/GE.png`.
As a starting point, here are some links to boxart packs:
* [Japan Boxart](https://mega.nz/file/KyJR0B6B#ERabLautAVPaqJTIdBSv4ghbudNhK7hnEr2ZS1Q6ub0)
* [American Boxart](https://mega.nz/file/rugAFYSQ#JHfgCU2amzNVpC4S6enP3vg--wtAAwsziKa7cej6QCc)
* [European Boxart](https://mega.nz/file/OmIV3aAK#kOWdutK1_41ffN64R6thbU7HEPR_M9qO0YM2mNG6RbQ)
* [64DD Boxart](https://mega.nz/file/ay5wQIxJ#k3PF-VMLrZJxJTr-BOaOKa2TBIK7c2t4zwbdshsQl40)
### Menu Settings
The Menu creates a `config.ini` file in `sd:/menu/` which contains various settings that are used by the menu.
If required, you can manually adjust the file on the SD card using your computer.
## Flashcart specific
### SC64
* Ensure the cart has the latest [firmware](https://github.com/Polprzewodnikowy/SummerCart64/releases/latest) installed.
* Download the latest `sc64menu.n64` file from the [releases](https://github.com/Polprzewodnikowy/N64FlashcartMenu/releases/) page, then put it in the root directory of your SD card.
### 64drive
* Ensure the cart has the latest [firmware](https://64drive.retroactive.be/support.php) installed.
* Download the latest `menu.bin` file from the [releases](https://github.com/Polprzewodnikowy/N64FlashcartMenu/releases/) page, then put it in the root directory of your SD card.
### ED64 - WIP - UNTESTED AND UNSUPPORTED - USE AT OWN RISK
Currently not supported, but work is in progress (See [PR's](https://github.com/Polprzewodnikowy/N64FlashcartMenu/pulls)).
**Warning**: The menu may be able to load ROMs but cannot guarantee save functionality. Existing saves may be corrupted.
#### ED64 (Vseries)
The aim is to reach feature parity with [ED64-UnofficialOS](https://github.com/n64-tools/ED64-UnofficialOS-binaries) / [ED64-OfficialOS](https://krikzz.com/pub/support/everdrive-64/v2x-v3x/os-bin/).
Download the `OS64.v64` ROM from the latest [action run - assets] and place it in the `/ED64` folder.
#### ED64 (X series)
X Series support is currently awaiting fixes. Please use the official [OS](https://krikzz.com/pub/support/everdrive-64/x-series/OS/) for now.
#### ED64 (P clone)
Download the `OS64P.v64` ROM from the latest [action run - assets] and place it in the `/ED64P` folder.
The aim is to reach feature parity with [Altra64](https://github.com/networkfusion/altra64)
# Open source software and licenses used
* [libdragon](https://github.com/DragonMinded/libdragon) (UNLICENSE License)
* [libspng](https://github.com/randy408/libspng) (BSD 2-Clause License)
* [mini.c](https://github.com/univrsal/mini.c) (BSD 2-Clause License)
* [minimp3](https://github.com/lieff/minimp3) (CC0 1.0 Universal)
* [miniz](https://github.com/richgel999/miniz) (MIT License)
## Sounds
See [License](https://pixabay.com/en/service/license-summary/) for the following sounds:
* [Cursor sound](https://pixabay.com/en/sound-effects/click-buttons-ui-menu-sounds-effects-button-7-203601/) by Skyscraper_seven (Free to use)
* [Actions (Enter, back) sound](https://pixabay.com/en/sound-effects/menu-button-user-interface-pack-190041/) by Liecio (Free to use)
* [Error sound](https://pixabay.com/en/sound-effects/error-call-to-attention-129258/) by Universfield (Free to use)