How to Use Playback's Multiple Instancing Feature

Multiple instancing has been a highly requested feature, especially from users who like to shiny hunt on their original games. Keep on reading for details on this feature, as well as step-by-step instructions on how to activate it. 

What is multiple instancing?

In a nutshell, multiple instancing allows you to run the Playback app more than once at a time. You can have as many instances as the computer can handle; our personal record has been 11, and there were no performance issues. 

What do I need for multiple instancing?

There are a few requirements to make multiple instancing happen:

  • Install Playback from epilogue.co/downloads. We recommend always keeping up with the latest version for optimum performance.
  • Gather your GB Operators. One physical GB Operator device is required for each instance you'd like to run. Each device should be connected to the same computer, ideally directly to an USB port instead of through an USB hub because sometimes hubs do not have the capacity to transfer enough power to the devices.
  • Gather your game cartridges. Each GB Operator requires its own physical game cartridge to run, due to the mechanism/architecture of the device and how it interacts with cartridges.

What steps should I take to run multiple instances?

Here is a quick tutorial for Windows users:

  • Connect the first GB Operator to your computer.
  • Double click on the icon to open the Playback app.
  • Double click on the icon to open the Playback app again. This will open a separate instance, where the app will say 'Searching...'
  • Connect your second GB Operator. It will be automatically recognised by the second app instance.
  • Double click on the icon to open the Playback app again. This will open yet another separate instance, where the app will say 'Searching...'
  • Connect your third GB Operator. 

And a version for MacOS users as well:

  • Open the Terminal (or press ⌘ + Space and write Terminal, it will search for the app).

  • Copy-Paste the following command in the Terminal:​open -n /Applications/Playback.app

  • Run the command by pressing Enter. Each time you run this command, a new instance of the Playback app will open. 

Repeat the steps above as many times as necessary, depending on the number of instances you'd like to open. And that's all! You should now have three Playback windows open at the same time, each associated to a different GB Operator with a game cartridge inserted. You can now Launch the games and have fun!

Tip: Control all instances at once with the same controller/gamepad by selecting it in the Settings menu. This allows you to make the character move the same in all instances at once. 

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