OpenXDK

Here's a cool project...OpenXDK

I was successful in getting the sample to compile and run on the XBOX:

#include 

#include 

#include 



void WinMainCRTStartup()

{

    char  buffer[1024];

    float last = (float)KeTickCount;

    int   fps  = 0;



    RtlZeroMemory(buffer, 1024);



    // Currently, this is the only mode supported by xhal.lib

    InitMode( MODE_320x240x32 );



    // Animate up and down

    int y=25, ys=1;



    // XBox software does not typically ever return from its entry point

    while(true)

    {

        

        WaitVBlank();		// Wait for Vertical Blank

        Flip();		// Flip

        Cls();		// Clear screen



        fps  = (int)(1.0f/(((float)KeTickCount - last) / 1000.0f));

        last = (float)KeTickCount;

        

        // Print to screen

        sprintf(buffer,"OpenXDK Sample: %d fps", fps);

        Print(50,y, buffer);



        // Move text up and down

        y+=ys;

        if(y > 175 || y < 25)

            ys = -ys;

    }

}

This piece of code remindes me of the code we use to write for MODE 13 on the PC (320x200x256). Clear the buffer...write next frame...wait for vertical retrace....flip buffer to screen...cool stuff!

Looking through the library one could see it's still a bit limited however there's great potential!

XBOX Mod

The mod chip install went smoothly with my XBOX. At first the vendor sent me the wrong wiring diagrams which failed to work. Thankfully the XBOX is pretty resilient. It works perfectly now. Only 60+ soldering point (26 gauge wire using a 25watt iron).

contrary to some perspectives, I'm not interested in illegally copying xbox titles. As a software developer myself I respect the rights for other developers to get paid for their work.

I am mostly interested in homebrewed software. This is where the xbox has HUGE potential (IMHO). I don't know all the ramifications if MS were to open the platform but all I see is huge potential.

Here's a list of software I have running on my XBOX:

Avalaunch

XBox Media Player

FCEUltra (NES Emulator)

MAMEoX

I'm still a little fuzzy on the legal aspects of what I've done but this is how I see it. I own many NES games and have chosen to play my favorites on my xbox. Is copying the ROM of something I own illegal?

One more thought...what if somebody approached Nintendo with a deal to package their best selling NES games with an emulator for the XBOX? Do you think it would fly? My wife and I grew up on NES and we are having a blast playing the same titles now!