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32x

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Overview

The Sega 32X is an add-on for the Mega Drive/Genesis that equips the console with dual SH-2 processors and pixel-rich layers. REG-Linux tracks the sega32x metadata set so themes can show the unique branding while still optionally grouping titles alongside the base Mega Drive listing.

Technical specifications

  • CPU: Dual Hitachi SH-2 32-bit RISC cores running at 23 MHz alongside the Genesis 68000.
  • Memory: 256 KB general RAM, 256 KB video RAM, and 128 KB ROM for firmware.
  • Display: 32-bit color rendering with two extra sprite layers on top of the Genesis video output, plus hardware scaling/rotation.
  • Sound: Genesis YM2612 FM and SN76489 PSG chips with supplementary PCM support from the 32X hardware.

Quick reference

  • ROM folder: /userdata/roms/sega32x (can be grouped with Mega Drive if preferred)
  • Accepted formats: .32x, .smd, .bin, .md, .zip, .7z
  • Emulator: libretro: picodrive
  • System group: sega32x, megadrive

Technical specifications

  • CPU: Dual Hitachi SH-2 RISC chips clocked at 23 MHz working alongside the Genesis 68000.
  • Memory: 256 KB general RAM, 256 KB video RAM, 128 KB firmware ROM.
  • Display: 32-bit color layers with additional sprite hardware plus scaling/rotation assistance.
  • Sound: Genesis YM2612/SN76489 audio augmented by 32X PCM pathways.

Emulators

RetroArch / PicoDrive

libretro: picodrive is the go-to core for running 32X games. It exposes the usual Quick Menu and supports options such as global.picodrive_sprlim (sprite limit removal), global.picodrive_cropoverscan (hide borders), and per-port controller entries (global.picodrive_controller1/2). Use [HOTKEY] + south face button or EmulationStation’s advanced options to configure the backend (sega32x.gfxbackend), audio latency (sega32x.audio_latency), and threaded video (sega32x.video_threaded).

ROMs

Drop each 32X title into /userdata/roms/sega32x. You can keep them in /userdata/roms/megadrive as well, but keeping a separate folder simplifies browsing. The core reads .32x, .smd, .bin, .md files, so avoid double-compressing them inside .zip/.7z.

Controls

The default launchpad uses the Mega Drive overlay (../images/controller-overlays/megadrive-1.png). Save a remap if you need to add extra buttons or switch players.

Troubleshooting

  • If a game fails to boot, verify the extension is supported and the ROM isn’t corrupted.
  • Switch between picodrive and genesisplusgx (if available) when a title shows graphical glitches.