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Socrates

Socrates icon Socrates logo

Overview

The VTech Socrates (1988) is an educational console that launches cartridge-based learning titles tied to the socrates metadata group. REG-Linux exposes it through RetroArch/MAME so those rare kit cartridges remain playable.

Technical specifications

  • Manufacturer: VTech
  • Release year: 1988
  • Hardware type: console

Quick reference

  • ROM folder: /userdata/roms/socrates
  • Accepted formats: .bin, .zip, .7z
  • Emulators: RetroArch (libretro: mess), MAME
  • System group: socrates

BIOS

Place the official Socrates BIOS bundle (socrates.zip) inside /userdata/bios/. Several MD5 versions are accepted, so use the one you have:

Checksum Filename
0efac0c2cc168c0d495e1c4e04ea9f5a bios/socrates.zip
99af124aa300ecd44f5dc9d5a2599778 bios/socrates.zip
7046c2b27f51c9a5d33b4d6103f29acf bios/socrates.zip
6878302c362321eeee7e40d285cf7d30 bios/socrates.zip
31c29c57e3d3e6788ba5817eaaa8b17a bios/socrates.zip

ROMs

Put each Socrates cartridge dump in /userdata/roms/socrates and make sure the filenames match the official release names; RetroArch and MAME prefer the socrates software list for metadata.

Emulators

RetroArch / libretro: mess

RetroArch launches libretro: mess for Socrates. Use [HOTKEY] + south face button to open the Quick Menu for socrates.videomode, socrates.shaderset, socrates.audio_latency, socrates.video_threaded, and light-pen mappings (socrates.lightgun_map). Additional settings include:

Setting Purpose
socrates.gfxbackend Choose OpenGL/GLCore/Vulkan
socrates.video_allow_rotate Allow rotated video output
socrates.lightgun_map Map controller buttons to light gun axes

MAME

Standalone MAME loads the socrates software list. Open the MAME menu ([HOTKEY] + south or [Tab]) to tweak CPU overclock (global.mame_cpu_overclock), rendering (global.mame_altres), and ensure socrates.softList is pointed to the Socrates entries.

Controls

The built-in overlay documents the two-button Socrates controller. If you require a light pen or alternate mapping, save a custom remap via /remapping_controls_per_emulator.

Troubleshooting

  • Confirm the BIOS zip matches one of the accepted MD5 hashes.
  • Switch between RetroArch’s mess core and standalone MAME if a ROM refuses to start.
  • Consult the generic support pages for broader emulator questions.