melonDS-android v0.7.0.rc1 Vulkan Release!

[SapphireRhodonite]

Vulkan integration, Release Candidate testing flow, and upstream updates from melonDS.

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New Features:

• Vulkan Integration
  This release candidate introduces my Vulkan integration work for melonDS Android.
  The integration covers both the Android/frontend side in the main project and the renderer/backend side in the subproject.
  This includes:
  • Vulkan wired into the frontend flow
  • renderer selection and configuration support
  • validation and initialization flow
  • JNI bridge integration
  • Android presentation path support
  • Vulkan renderer/backend integration in the subproject
  • core backend pieces required for Vulkan rendering to function

New Workflow:

• Release Candidate Testing Flow
  Starting with 0.7.0.rc1, the project will now use Release Candidates before updating the main release.
  This will allow broader public testing, better report organization, and earlier regression detection before changes are promoted to the main release.

• GitHub Discussions Based RC Testing
  Testing for each Release Candidate will now be handled through GitHub Discussions.
  A dedicated discussion thread will be opened for every RC so reports stay organized and easy to follow.
  This will be the main place for feedback, bug reports, compatibility observations, and renderer comparisons.

• 3D Renderer Comparison Testing Request
  For this RC, the main testing goal is to compare Software, OpenGL, and Vulkan across as many 3D games as possible.
  Reports are especially useful for:

  • visual differences
  • missing effects
  • broken geometry
  • lighting or fog issues
  • performance differences
  • crashes
  • black screens
  • games that work correctly in one renderer but not in another

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Upstream Changes @rafaelvcaetano

This RC also includes a set of upstream improvements merged into my fork.

• Renderer stability improvements
• Dual screen behavior improvements
• Layout editor fixes and usability work
• Audio related improvements
• RetroAchievements fixes and improvements
• Screenshot handling improvements

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Testing Request

If you test this Release Candidate, please report your results in the dedicated GitHub Discussion thread for this RC:

https://github.com/SapphireRhodonite/melonDS-android/discussions

Please include when possible:

• game name
• device model
• Android version
• renderer used
• what looks correct (Image)
• what looks wrong (Image)
• comparison against another renderer
• screenshots or video if available

This RC is especially focused on 3D game testing on Vulkan and on comparing Software/OpenGL vs Vulkan.

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Support & Early Access

If you'd like early access to upcoming builds, help shape development priorities, or participate in feature testing and feedback discussions, consider supporting the project on Patreon:

https://patreon.com/SapphireRhodonite

Early builds and work-in-progress features are released there before public GitHub releases, and community feedback directly influences what gets polished and shipped.

Thanks to everyone testing, reporting issues, and contributing.

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This discussion was created from the release melonDS-android v0.7.0.rc1 Vulkan Release!.

[biomagnet]

Thor Max, putting the renderer on Vulkan doesn't seem to be doing anything for Golden Sun: Dark Dawn (US version).

[SapphireRhodonite]

Thanks I got this bug!, will be fixed on the next RC!

[JordonVW]

Open GL at 8x resolution looks far better than Vulkan at the same resolution, both also have the coverage fix for ground textures but Vulkan shows no gaps where Open GL still does.

Device: AYN Thor Pro \ Game: Pokémon Soulsilver \ Android 13

Open GL Pics:

Vulkan Pics:

[SapphireRhodonite]

Thanks I got this bug!, will be fixed on the next RC!

[matty0]

Custom layouts have the background image flipped 180'. Issue not present on latest nightly of MelonDS.

Performance is hugely better. I can crank the Resolution here over double what I can on OGL with the same performance.

Device = Samsung Galaxy S23U on OneUI 8

[SapphireRhodonite]

Thanks for the report I will fix this!

[Matthew-Lanni]

I am playing on the AYN Thor. Internal resolution upscaling is broken when using Vulkan. In fact, it seems to control the frame rate. 1x is very choppy and raising the internal res makes it smoother.

I am also having a desync between retroachievements’ server and my local device. I am unlocking achievements that I already have unlocked which causes an error. I am not using encore mode and am using hardcore mode which I always do.

[SapphireRhodonite]

yup there is a bug where the top screen does not upscale content only DS Bottom screen

[Matthew-Lanni]

yup there is a bug where the top screen does not upscale content only DS Bottom screen

Thanks for the response! Have you experienced the achievements issue? It was happening specifically with New Super Mario Bros. I haven't tried anything else.

[Matthew-Lanni]

I’m having the achievements issue with every game. It says that the achievements have loaded when booting up a game, but it shows that they are all locked.

[SapphireRhodonite]

I am looking into some achievements issues, can you please replicate the error with melonDualLog enable and upload it here please?, so I can take a look

[HJMBgit84]

My device is not accepting Vulcan I have a Xiaomi 10 T pro with Snapdragon 865 Adreno 650

[SapphireRhodonite]

Just got an 865 device next RC will have compability with this

[zepto-byte]

Same issue as the person above. I own a Redmi Note 9S with a Snapdragon 720g, Adreno 618.

[SapphireRhodonite]

yup I had some features not valid for all snapdragon, just fixed that, will be on the next RC

[Unknowncat1991]

MelonDS keep crashing in any game when I'm using the vulkan backend.
redmi 15 5G snapdragon 6s gen3

[SapphireRhodonite]

does it output a black screen, or it only crashes when its starting?

[Unknowncat1991]

Yes! it output a black screen then it crash return to main menu.

[SapphireRhodonite]

I got a fix for some chips please test the new rc that is dropping soon

[JoeysRetroHandhelds]

Bug in both 0.6.1 and RC.

When I load Pokemon White, it crashes to Game list after a few seconds. Deleting save data doesn't fix. Replacing rom doesn't fix. Using the same rom on another device, it loads.

Also, if I open the ingame menu within the first seconds, game loads and plays just fine. If I don't open the menu, it crashes.

I don't think this error is specific to Pokemon White, just a bug that's happening to only that game for whatever reason.

screen-20260419-223222.mp4

[SapphireRhodonite]

Can you try RC3 hotfix 2, please? If it crashes, can you send me your MelonDualLog?

[SapphireRhodonite]

and wich devices where you testing?

[JoeysRetroHandhelds]

Can you try RC3 hotfix 2, please? If it crashes, can you send me your MelonDualLog?

Works perfectly so far! It was a Thor, but awesome update, looks great. Thanks!