Vulkan integration, Release Candidate testing flow, and upstream updates from melonDS.

New Features:

• Vulkan Integration
  This release candidate introduces my Vulkan integration work for melonDS Android.
  The integration covers both the Android/frontend side in the main project and the renderer/backend side in the subproject.
  This includes:
  • Vulkan wired into the frontend flow
  • renderer selection and configuration support
  • validation and initialization flow
  • JNI bridge integration
  • Android presentation path support
  • Vulkan renderer/backend integration in the subproject
  • core backend pieces required for Vulkan rendering to function

New Workflow:

• Release Candidate Testing Flow
  Starting with 0.7.0.rc1, the project will now use Release Candidates before updating the main release.
  This will allow broader public testing, better report organization, and earlier regression detection before changes are promoted to the main release.

• GitHub Discussions Based RC Testing
  Testing for each Release Candidate will now be handled through GitHub Discussions.
  A dedicated discussion thread will be opened for every RC so reports stay organized and easy to follow.
  This will be the main place for feedback, bug reports, compatibility observations, and renderer comparisons.

• 3D Renderer Comparison Testing Request
  For this RC, the main testing goal is to compare Software, OpenGL, and Vulkan across as many 3D games as possible.
  Reports are especially useful for:

  • visual differences
  • missing effects
  • broken geometry
  • lighting or fog issues
  • performance differences
  • crashes
  • black screens
  • games that work correctly in one renderer but not in another

Upstream Changes @rafaelvcaetano

This RC also includes a set of upstream improvements merged into my fork.

• Renderer stability improvements
• Dual screen behavior improvements
• Layout editor fixes and usability work
• Audio related improvements
• RetroAchievements fixes and improvements
• Screenshot handling improvements

Testing Request

If you test this Release Candidate, please report your results in the dedicated GitHub Discussion thread for this RC:

https://github.com/SapphireRhodonite/melonDS-android/discussions

Please include when possible:

• game name
• device model
• Android version
• renderer used
• what looks correct (Image)
• what looks wrong (Image)
• comparison against another renderer
• screenshots or video if available

This RC is especially focused on 3D game testing on Vulkan and on comparing Software/OpenGL vs Vulkan.

Support & Early Access

If you'd like early access to upcoming builds, help shape development priorities, or participate in feature testing and feedback discussions, consider supporting the project on Patreon:

https://patreon.com/SapphireRhodonite

Early builds and work-in-progress features are released there before public GitHub releases, and community feedback directly influences what gets polished and shipped.

Thanks to everyone testing, reporting issues, and contributing.