Skip to content

Dreamcast

Dreamcast icon Dreamcast logo

Overview

The Sega Dreamcast is Sega’s sixth-generation console released in 1998/1999. It combines an SH-4 CPU, PowerVR2 GPU, Yamaha AICA audio and built-in modem for online play. REG-Linux treats the platform under the dreamcast group so compatible themes can surface the dreamcast artwork set.

Supported ROM extensions

.cdi, .cue, .gdi, .chd, .m3u

Quick reference

  • ROM folder: /userdata/roms/dreamcast
  • Accepted formats: .cdi, .cue, .gdi, .chd, .m3u
  • Emulators: libretro: Flycast, Flycast (standalone), Redream (if available)

BIOS

Copy the Dreamcast BIOS and flash ROM files into bios/dc/ with the exact filenames below:

MD5 checksum Share file path Description
e10c53c2f8b90bab96ead2d368858623 bios/dc/dc_boot.bin Dreamcast BIOS (World)
0a93f7940c455905bea6e392dfde92a4 bios/dc/dc_flash.bin Dreamcast flash (USA)
d407fcf70b56acb84b8c77c93b0e5327 bios/dc/dc_boot.bin Dreamcast BIOS (Region-free)
93a9766f14159b403178ac77417c6b68 bios/dc/dc_flash.bin Dreamcast flash (Region-free)
23df18aa53c8b30784cd9a84e061d008 bios/dc/dc_flash.bin Dreamcast flash (Europe)
69c036adfca4ebea0b0c6fa4acfc8538 bios/dc/dc_flash.bin Dreamcast flash (Japan)

The USA/World pair is sufficient for most games; keep additional region files handy for compatibility testing.

ROMs

Dreamcast titles appear as GD‑ROM dumps. Launch the descriptor (.gdi or .cue) rather than individual .bin/.raw tracks. CHD compression is recommended—use chdman 0.230+ and convert from .gdi rather than .cue to avoid issues.

Multi-disc games

Use .m3u playlists containing each .gdi/.cue entry:

Shenmue (Disc 1).gdi
Shenmue (Disc 2).gdi
Shenmue (Passport).gdi

Load the playlist in EmulationStation to let Flycast swap discs automatically.

Disc compression

  • Convert .gdi dumps to CHD for smaller storage.
  • If compressed games fail, reconvert from a fresh .gdi dump.

Emulators

libretro: Flycast

Flycast is the RetroArch core of Dreamcast emulation. It exposes Dreamcast-specific options (upscaling, widescreen, texture packs, crosshairs). Access them through the Quick Menu while a game runs.

Flycast (standalone)

The standalone Flycast emulator provides the same features via its native UI and can be launched through the flycast entry.

Redream

Redream is a standalone emulator with high compatibility. On newer versions, a license key is stored in /userdata/system/configs/redream/redream.key. On ARM platforms the key is not required. Redream was removed on Wayland builds due to compatibility issues.

Texture packs

To load custom textures in Flycast: 1. Extract the pack into saves/dreamcast/flycast/textures/<game ID>/. 2. Run flycast-config, enable “Load Custom Textures” in Settings → Video. 3. Relaunch the game.

Controls

The default Dreamcast layout maps to the REG-Linux Retropad overlay:

Dreamcast controller overlay

Each emulator also uses its own [HOTKEY] combos—consult the EmulationStation menu or the emulator’s documentation for precise bindings.

Troubleshooting

  • Ensure the BIOS/flash files in bios/dc/ match the checksums above.
  • Use CHD conversions from .gdi to avoid loader issues.
  • Multi-disc games should always be launched from .m3u playlists for automatic swapping.