Warn 32-bit app users on 64-bit Windows

[NABN00B]

We've talked on Discord about the possibility of encouraging users of the 32 bit exe to move to the 64 bit one.

One way would be display an OSD message on startup. That way we can keep the 32-bit build for those who explicitly want to use that one.

Win11 dropped x86_32 CPU support, but it will take a lot of years before Win10 is out of circulation.

Here's what it looks like after launching a desktop shortcut: (text shown is from a previous build)

[danssmnt]

Just passing by to say using the 32-bit version helped me develop some game cheats with Cheat Engine (for easier memory address reading and Cheat Engine sometimes refusing to work with the 64-bit version).

While I think it could be helpful for the general public it also seems annoying to have a popup warn you EVERY time u boot up a game (especially for developers). I mean, I don't think you need to be constantly reminded that you're running the 32-bit app.

But that's just my opinion.

PS: Are there actually any significant differences between the 32-bit and 64-bit versions? (Talking about that "optimal performance")

[hrydgard]

The 64-bit version probably runs about 10% faster and is more resilient to memory corruption due to games doing bad things, due to the complete separation of the PSP's memory space, which we can't achieve in 32-bit.

But in practical terms you won't notice much difference, no. So I'm not really sure it's worth it to annoy the user...

32-bit support on Windows is not going away any time soon.

[Domiiniik]

This is invasive, popup nag notification upon every game boot ain't a good idea at all imo, people might use the emulator in this setup for a reason, let's not disturb and annoy them.

[NABN00B]

This is invasive, popup nag notification upon every game boot ain't a good idea at all imo

Note that the popup happens upon the launch of the emulator, not the launch of a game. In the screenshot I've just showcased the scenario of launching the emulator through desktop shortcuts for specific games.

[hrydgard]

Thinking about it more, if we do this I think the way to go would be a single time popup that does not return and nag, and/or maybe a subtle message somewhere in settings.

[NABN00B]

One issue with only showing the popup once, is that it won't encourage users to recreate/edit all of their desktop shortcuts (or paths in a launcher, if somebody uses one).

Perhaps a setting hidden under Development tools to disable it? Just thinking out loud...

[NABN00B]

The 64-bit version probably runs about 10% faster and is more resilient to memory corruption due to games doing bad things, due to the complete separation of the PSP's memory space, which we can't achieve in 32-bit.

Is there a way to actually measure this? Because I think 5-10% is a lot.