CaVE v1.5 Beta - Public Release

Wednesday, December 25, 2024

Merry Christmas!

It's been a long time coming, and I'm still not sure it's ready... But I decided to release CaVE v1.5 publicly again!

For those who haven't been following development since v1.4.6, here is a list of notable changes.

  • Only Atmosphere is officially supported now. (SXOS, Yuzu and Ryujinx may still work, but wont be officially supported)
  • Enhanced UI. Reorganized, more aesthetically pleasing, and simplified.
  • Manual copying of files/folders is no longer officially supported. Instead, to copy your custom database to your SD Card you now select the "Sync Database" option when your SD Card is connected to your PC. Syncing currently supports.
    • DBI MTP Responder. (Recommended)
    • UMS Devices, A.K.A. SD Card Readers. (Clunky and limited. Not recommended.)
  • Brought back tracking of what version of the app your database is for.
  • New Mods management system. No manual installation. (Including the Full Unlock!)
  • New Saves management system. Browse/export/delete/add/replace saves directly on your NAND. (MTP Only)
  • Ability to reset your system-save.json. (Helps with some loading issues. MTP Only)
  • Code re-written to be more stable... in the long run...
  • Innate support for using NA/EU/BR/RU/KO languages in the JA/CH app. And vice versa.
  • New tutorial popups for new users, to help get them started.
  • Fixed, and improved automatic updates. Will now download and install mods too!
  • Fixes to ZebraEngine support.
  • First time user popup to better ensure your database locale matches your Switch's locale.
  • New Compatibility Rating feature.
    • Currently only SNES USA and N64 USA have a ratings database. But GBA and GB/GBC are ready for the community to submit ratings.
  • Important installation info is now displayed on the NSO apps loading screen. (Helpful when debugging issues, to know EXACTLY what versions of things you have.)
  • New Easter Egg game to find hidden in the app! =) (If you find it, post a pic or something. But don't spoil how to access it publicly!)

The download is now available on the page linked on the left.

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With this, the old setup guide is deemed obsolete. The new popups are meant to replace that and guide you.

Databases made with v1.4.6 and before... should be backed up before importing. Ultimately, you may have to remake them... but hopefully not. This is because of a issue that was one of the, if not THEE main culprit holding up progress towards a public release.

Fact is, v1.4.6 databases are corrupt. Some changes were made to the NSO apps shortly before v1.4 got discontinued, and were never resolved outside of with v1.5. In v1.5 I worked to have the code fix the corruption. But due to the nature of being private, the testing and feedback pool was not always large enough.

Automatic Updates were present in v1.4, but did not work. In v1.5 however, they do. I made sure the feature was thoroughly tested! CaVE will automatically download both the stock games database updates and new Hide Background/Hide Player Icons mods. And even now the Full Unlock for SNES. These will automatically be installed as needed.

Of note, the Widescreen mod for N64 is no longer available as it's been discontinued. I never used it. I simply maintained it in order to make certain people were not experiencing and reporting issues due to using out of date mods.

But... there is still an option for Widescreen support. A BETTER option!

While not public, I have developed a new mod I call DisplayEx! This is an extensive mod that allows various display related options to be accessible in the NSO apps. It incorporates and replaces the Hide Background and Hide Player Icons mods, and allows hiding the SP banner. But more importantly, it allows use of custom background/borders rather than just the default grey. Up to 20!

And with N64, it replaces the old Widescreen mod as it offers the same intended functionality, but WAY better!

There are also version app unique adjustments. A full page has been maintained on the Wiki to properly list and convey all the options. So please, join as a supporter, keep this project going, and enjoy the mods! There is even a special tool to help make your custom backgrounds now!

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I do not plan to take this public release down. For those who remember, it was previously, very briefly, made available. And then taken down. The reasoning for that is no longer a concern now that there is a supportive private community keeping me working on the project.

But... Things will be different now with the public release.

Previously, the public release was the only release. And users enjoyed prompt updates to the CaVE app and stock databases as NERD updated the NSO apps. Now, those prompt updates are exclusive to the supporters, as THEY are my main focus.

Updates for the public release will be on a delay. While the finer details will get figured out over time, the general plan is a 1 month delay. Meaning, if CaVE v1.5 is updated for supporters. Then 1 month later people using the public release will gain access to it. And more importantly, this includes stock database/mod updates too. When NERD updates a NSO app... CaVE will NOT support that version for up to 4 weeks.

This is to provide value and encourage people to continue to support this project, while offering the general public SOMETHING. Something better than a now 2 year out of date v1.4.6 of CaVE with zero updates in between.

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So yes. Please enjoy this public release now! At the time of release it is fully up-to-date with ALL NSO apps!

But in the future, consider supporting this project by supporting me on Patreon. With that support, you get:

  • Early access to CaVE updates.
  • Early access to Stock Database updates.
  • Access to the special DisplayEx mod.
  • Access to DisplayEx Tool.

1 comments:

Macharelo said...

Feliz Navidad! Thank you!

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