Hey everyone! I've been into retro games for a while, and now I really want to dive into developing my own homebrew games for classic consoles like the NES, SNES, Game Boy, and Game Boy Color. I'm enthusiastic about the idea but honestly don't know where to begin. What kind of tools, programming languages, or game engines should I explore? Are there any resources, tutorials, or communities that cater to beginners interested in making games for these systems? I would appreciate any pointers or advice! Thanks!
4 Answers
Before you dive into retro consoles, maybe try creating a simple game for PC using Python and PyCharm. It can help familiarize you with game design and programming without the complexity of assembly. That way you can build your skills and then transition to retro development later!
Getting into homebrew game development for old consoles can be quite a challenge, especially if you're looking at 6502 assembly programming right off the bat. I found a useful tutorial [here](https://www.vbforums.com/showthread.php?858389-NES-6502-Programming-Tutorial-Part-1-Getting-Started) that lays the groundwork for setting up your environment and debugging with an emulator. Just know you'll be working with ROMs and testing in emulators for a while before you get to actual hardware.
This is a big undertaking, and it's really crucial to have a good grasp of programming and how the hardware works. For beginners, consider starting with more modern languages and tools to build basic game concepts. Check out:
- Python with PyGame
- GoLang with EbitEngine
- Godot or JavaScript with Phaser.io
Also, looking into Arduino projects can help you get used to working with lower-level systems. Plus, if you're willing to explore beyond NES/SNES, systems like Amiga or C64 can offer a different challenge.
What did you find when you Googled "How do I make homebrew games for NES, SNES, GB, and GBC?" Learning to find answers independently is part of programming. It might seem overwhelming now, but digging in can help you clarify the confusion around terms like assembly language and ROM headers. Don't shy away from that—it's part of the journey!
I did try Googling it, but I got lost in all the tech jargon. Hearing things like assembly language and dev kits made me doubt whether this was achievable for a beginner like me. That’s actually why I reached out here!