JollyCV

The people behind JollyCV

What JollyCV supports

• ColecoVision (including Super Game Module)
• CreatiVision (experimental)
• My Vision
• Input devices: ColecoVision Paddle, Roller Controller, Steering Wheel, Super Action Controller; CreatiVision paddles; My Vision input

Download and availability

JollyCV setup guide

1. Option A — Install via RetroArch (preferred for most users): 1) Install RetroArch on your platform. 2) Open RetroArch, go to Online Updater (or Cores → Download a Core), and search for the ColecoVision/CreatiVision core entry (JollyCV may be listed). 3) Download the core; RetroArch places it in its cores directory. 4) Configure core options in RetroArch if desired (input mappings, region NTSC/PAL, overscan masking, palette choices, resampler quality). 5) Load a supported ROM file with RetroArch’s Load Content menu and, if a CreatiVision ROM is not auto-detected, set the system type to crvision manually in the frontend per the core’s notes.
2. Option B — Build from source (for custom builds or platforms): 1) Clone the official repository and examine the README. 2) Ensure you have The Jolly Good API headers (the project was written for that API) or supply header paths as required. 3) On Linux or macOS run make; on BSD use gmake; on Windows use MSYS2 and make. Cross-compilation examples (Make environment variables) are included in the README for MinGW/Windows targets. 4) The Makefile supports options such as ENABLE_SHARED, ENABLE_STATIC, ENABLE_EXAMPLE, and DISABLE_MODULE. 5) The build output is a jollycv binary/core directory which you can copy into RetroArch’s cores folder or install system-wide using the install target in the Makefile. 6) After installation, configure input mappings and core options as needed.
3. Core options and device mapping: Key configurable settings available in the core (from the project README): input_coleco (auto / paddle / roller / Super Action / Super Sketch / steering wheel), mask_overscan (show or mask overscan), palette_tms9918 (several palette presets), rsqual (resampler quality 0–10), and region (NTSC or PAL). Roller controller and steering wheel are implemented through the mouse axis/buttons; Super Action Controller rollers are simulated via buttons that can be held to mimic continuous roll.
4. CreatiVision specifics: CreatiVision detection can be unreliable for ROMs that are not present in the core’s internal database. For such ROMs manually set the system type to crvision in your frontend before loading. Tape drive support for CreatiVision BASIC is not implemented at the time of the repository documentation.
5. Notes on compatibility and legal concerns: The project README claims 100% compatibility with the original commercially released ColecoVision library and known dumped homebrew within the limits of provided dumps and documentation; treat compatibility claims conservatively until you test specific titles. The core does not include commercial ROMs, firmware, or BIOS—obtain those separately and only if you have legal right to use them.
6. Troubleshooting: If a core doesn't load or behaves oddly: confirm you have the correct core binary for your RetroArch build and platform, update RetroArch to a recent version, check input mappings for controllers vs. mouse (for roller/steering emulation), and consult the core’s README for options. When building from source, ensure dependency headers (Jolly Good API) are visible to the compiler and check make options used.

Sources and further reading

• Official Libretro documentation: JollyCV core page
• Official repository: libretro/jollycv on GitHub (README and build instructions)
• Libretro core download / core list guidance
• Libretro memory monitoring / core features listing (JollyCV noted)