Skip to content

PC-FX

PC-FX icon PC-FX logo

Overview

NEC released the PC-FX in 1994 as a polygon-free fifth-generation console aimed at anime-style FMV and visual novels. Its tower-like case borrowed PC conventions, and the machine leaned on pre-rendered sprites rather than polygons.

Quick reference

  • ROM folder: /userdata/roms/pcfx
  • Accepted formats: .cue, .ccd, .toc, .chd, .zip, .7z
  • Emulator: libretro: pcfx
  • System group: pcfx

Technical specifications

  • CPU: NEC V810 32-bit RISC processor running at roughly 20–21 MHz.
  • Memory: 2 MB main RAM with an additional 2 MB video RAM bank dedicated to sprite/tile buffers.
  • Display: Custom video pipeline delivering interlaced 640×480 output with 24-bit colors, scaling and sprite effects.
  • Sound: Yamaha YMF292 (OPL4) with FM and PCM channels plus stereo DAC output.

BIOS

The single BIOS file bios/pcfx.rom is mandatory. Store it in /userdata/bios/ before running any game. The checksum 08e36edbea28a017f79f8d4f7ff9b6d7 identifies the standard BIOS image used across REG-Linux builds.

ROMs

Put PC-FX disc images in /userdata/roms/pcfx. CHD containers are preferred because they bundle cue metadata; keep the .cue/.ccd descriptor next to the .iso/.bin if you are not using CHD.

Emulators

RetroArch

RetroArch runs the libretro: pcfx core. Open the Quick Menu ([HOTKEY] + south face button) for shader tweaks, overrides, and controller options. REG-Linux exposes pcfx.videomode, pcfx.ratio, pcfx.smooth, pcfx.shaders, pcfx.pixel_perfect, pcfx.decoration, pcfx.game_translation, as well as backend toggles (pcfx.gfxbackend, pcfx.audio_latency, pcfx.video_threaded) in EmulationStation.

libretro: pcfx

The single libretro core focuses on authenticity. Important options:

  • global.pcfx_nospritelimit: disable the 16-sprites-per-line hardware cap.

Controls

PC-FX pads resemble the Genesis controller with six face buttons. Adjust inputs via the Quick Menu or save a custom remap (/remapping_controls_per_emulator) if you need to remap the six-button layout.

Troubleshooting

  • If a disc refuses to boot, make sure the .cue points to the .bin/.iso and try converting the image to CHD.
  • Consult the generic support pages when you encounter general issues.