[360] Saving and Roms

Originally Posted by Yamamanama

It's stored in a seperate SRAM file. I'm not sure if you can play a SRAM made in SNES9X with ZSNES, mainly because I've never tried it.

It should work since the SRAM data saved is exactly the same as when it's saved to the cart, you might have to change the file extension though. There is a case when saving data will change your ROM, it only occurs in the case of Famicom Disk System ROMs and only if you specifically allow it.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by Magic

I think he means Save States, and they're not "superior" but they do load a lot faster. Basically, instead of loading your game data from within the game you have the emulator return to the exact state it was in at the moment you saved. Although there are some instances where this can actually screw up your game.

Here's the advantages and Disadavntages of SRAM and Savestates:

SRAM:
Advantages:
1. Very small filesize
2. Cross emulator compatible (at least it should be, unless the emualtor handles SRAM in a shitty way).
3. True to how the game should be played
4. Should work with every version of the ROM that uses it (occasionally in the case of the same ROM from different regions)
5. Doesn't crap out after 10 years like in the real carts (just had to say it)

Disadvantages:
1. Doesn't save exact state
2. Some games use an SRAM feature as copy protection (meaning it tries to save SRAM data, and if it succedes, the ROM won't run properly or at all)
3. Not all ROMs support it
4. Only good for game saves

Savestates:
Advantages:
1. Saves the EXACT state of the ROM
2. Lets you cheat
3. Serves functions other than just for gameplay (like ROM hacking).

Disadvantages:
1. Not always cross-emulator compatible
2. Faulty in some emulators (like Sega CD states in Gens, they are a hack/bug)
3. Lets you cheat
4. Large filesize
5. Doesn't always work with different versions of the same game

There's nowhere I can't reach.