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Satellaview

Satellaview icon Satellaview logo

Overview

The Satellaview sat in the SNES cartridge slot and streamed episodic games and broadcast content via BS-X. REG-Linux treats those titles as a distinct platform so the satellaview theme set can display the right artwork while still using SNES-style emulators.

Technical specifications

  • CPU: Ricoh 5A22 (WDC 65C816 derivative) running at 3.58 MHz, identical to the Super Famicom processor.
  • Memory: SNES main RAM plus 512 KB of BS-X RAM and 8 MB of Flash storage for downloaded broadcasts.
  • Display: SNES PPU with Mode 7/scroll layers, rendering 256×224 resolution with up to 32,768 colors.
  • Sound: Sony SPC700 audio engine with 64 KB of dedicated PCM RAM for stereo playback.

Quick reference

  • ROM folder: /userdata/roms/satellaview
  • Accepted formats: .bs, .smc, .sfc, .squashfs, .zip, .7z
  • Emulators: libretro: pocketsnes, libretro: snes9x, libretro: snes9x_next, libretro: bsnes, libretro: bsnes_hd
  • System group: satellaview

BIOS

Satellaview games need the BS-X BIOS inside /userdata/bios/. Name the file BS-X.bin so the cores can locate it automatically.

MD5 checksum Filename Description
96cf17bf589fcbfa6f8de2dc84f19fa2 BS-X.bin BS-X/Satellaview BIOS

ROMs

Drop .bs archives (or zipped packages containing them) into /userdata/roms/satellaview. You can keep them alongside your SNES ROMs, but keeping this folder separate makes it easier to browse just the broadcast content. CHD or SquashFS containers that wrap .bs files are also acceptable.

Emulators

RetroArch loads the SNES cores listed above and uses the BS-X BIOS when the file is present. Use the Quick Menu ([HOTKEY] + south face button) to adjust shaders, audio, and controller overrides after selecting a Satellaview title.

Controls

Gameplay mirrors standard SNES input, so use the SNES overlay or map the pad however you prefer. Save custom remaps through /remapping_controls_per_emulator whenever a title expects unusual button combos.

Troubleshooting

  • Make sure /userdata/bios/BS-X.bin exists with the correct checksum before expecting a broadcast to boot.
  • If a .bs file refuses to load, double-check the archive contains a valid SNES ROM and the core supports Satellaview expansions.
  • For other issues consult the generic support pages.