Sega - MS/GG/MD/CD (Genesis Plus GX) - Libretro Docs
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Sega - MS/GG/MD/CD (Genesis Plus GX)

Background

Genesis Plus GX is an open-source Sega 8/16 bit emulator developed by Eke-Eke which focuses on accuracy and portability. The source code, originally based on Genesis Plus 1.3 by Charles MacDonald, has been heavily modified & enhanced, with respect to initial goals and design, in order to improve the accuracy of emulation, implementing new features and adding support for extra peripherals, cartridge & systems hardware such as various lightguns, the FM Sound Unit and Lock-On cartridge technology.

Genesis Plus GX has 100% compatibility with Genesis / Mega Drive, Sega/Mega CD, Master System, Game Gear, SG-1000 & Pico released software (including all unlicensed or pirate known dumps), also emulating backwards compatibility modes when available.

Keep in mind that 32X games are not supported.

The Genesis Plus GX core has been authored by:

  • Eke-Eke
  • Charles McDonald

The Genesis Plus GX core is licensed under:

A summary of the licenses behind RetroArch and its cores can be found here.

BIOS

Required or optional firmware files go in the frontend's system directory:

Please note that BIOS choice isn't locked to any specific revisions.

BIOS files that are labeled (bootrom) and (lock-on) must have their corresponding core option ('System bootrom' core option or 'Cartridge lock-on' core option) configured correctly in order for them to be loaded.

Filename Description md5sum
bios_MD.bin MegaDrive startup ROM (bootrom) - Optional 45e298905a08f9cfb38fd504cd6dbc84
bios_CD_E.bin MegaCD EU BIOS - Required for MegaCD EU games e66fa1dc5820d254611fdcdba0662372
bios_CD_U.bin SegaCD US BIOS - Required for SegaCD US games 854b9150240a198070150e4566ae1290
bios_CD_J.bin MegaCD JP BIOS - Required for MegaCD JP games 278a9397d192149e84e820ac621a8edd
bios_E.sms MasterSystem EU BIOS (bootrom) - Optional 840481177270d5642a14ca71ee72844c
bios_U.sms MasterSystem US BIOS (bootrom) - Optional 840481177270d5642a14ca71ee72844c
bios_J.sms MasterSystem JP BIOS (bootrom) - Optional 24a519c53f67b00640d0048ef7089105
bios.gg GameGear BIOS (bootrom) - Optional 672e104c3be3a238301aceffc3b23fd6
sk.bin Sonic & Knuckles ROM (lock-on) - Optional 4ea493ea4e9f6c9ebfccbdb15110367e
sk2chip.bin [Sonic & Knuckles UPMEM ROM]: Link 1; Link 2 (lock-on) - Optional b4e76e416b887f4e7413ba76fa735f16
areplay.bin Action Replay ROM (lock-on) - Optional a0028b3043f9d59ceeb03da5b073b30d
ggenie.bin Game Genie ROM (lock-on) - Optional e8af7fe115a75c849f6aab3701e7799b

Extensions

Content that can be loaded by the Genesis Plus GX core have the following file extensions:

  • .m3u
  • .mdx
  • .md
  • .smd
  • .gen
  • .bin
  • .cue
  • .iso
  • .chd
  • .bms
  • .sms
  • .gg
  • .sg
  • .68k
  • .sgd

RetroArch database(s) that are associated with the Genesis Plus GX core:

Features

Frontend-level settings or features that the Genesis Plus GX core respects:

Feature Supported
Restart ✔
Saves ✔
States ✔
Rewind ✔
Netplay ✔
Core Options ✔
RetroAchievements ✔
RetroArch Cheats ✔
Native Cheats ✕
Controls ✔
Remapping ✔
Multi-Mouse ✔
Rumble ✕
Sensors ✕
Camera ✕
Location ✕
Subsystem ✕
Softpatching ✕
Disk Control ✔
Username ✕
Language ✔
Crop Overscan* ✕
LEDs ✔

* Overscan cropping available via the 'Borders' core option instead of frontend-level settings

Directories

The Genesis Plus GX core's library name is 'Genesis Plus GX'

The Genesis Plus GX core saves/loads to/from these directories:

Frontend's Save directory

File Description
*.srm MS/GG/MD/Pico/SG-1000 Cartridge backup save
cart.brm Sega/Mega CD RAM Cart
scd_U.brm Sega CD US Backup RAM - When the CD System BRAM core option is set to 'Per-BIOS'
scd_E.brm Mega CD EU Backup RAM - When the CD System BRAM core option is set to 'Per-BIOS'
scd_J.brm Mega CD JP Backup RAM - When the CD System BRAM core option is set to 'Per-BIOS'
*.brm Sega CD/MegaCD Backup RAM - When the CD System BRAM core option is set to 'Per-Game'

Frontend's State directory

File Description
*.state# State

Geometry and timing

  • The Genesis Plus GX core's provided FPS is dependent on the loaded content
  • The Genesis Plus GX core's provided sample rate is 44100 Hz
  • The Genesis Plus GX core's base width is dependent on the loaded content
  • The Genesis Plus GX core's base height is dependent on the loaded content
  • The Genesis Plus GX core's max width is dependent on the loaded content
  • The Genesis Plus GX core's max height is dependent on the loaded content
  • The Genesis Plus GX core's provided aspect ratio is dependent on the 'Core-provided aspect ratio' core option

Loading Sega CD games

When loading Sega CD games, Genesis Plus GX needs a cue-sheet that points to an image file. A cue sheet, or cue file, is a metadata file which describes how the tracks of a CD or DVD are laid out.

If you have e.g. foo.bin, you should create a text file and save it as foo.cue. If the Sega CD game is single-track, the cue file contents should look like this:

 FILE "foo.bin" BINARY
  TRACK 01 MODE1/2352
   INDEX 01 00:00:00

After that, you can load the foo.cue file in RetroArch with the Genesis Plus GX core.

Certain Sega CD games are multi-track, so their .cue files might be more complicated.

Here's a cue file example done with Lunar - Eternal Blue (USA)

For Sega-CD games, ISO + WAV, BIN + CUE and ISO + OGG formats are supported; ISO + MP3 is not supported. Audio files must be in the 16-bit stereo 44100Hz format. If using a cue sheet, WAV or OGG tracks should be denoted as AUDIO.

When loading ISO + WAV or ISO + OGG format games, the core will attempt to load a cue named the same as the iso first. If one is not found, the following audio track naming formats are accepted for a data track of "game.iso":

  • game02.ogg
  • game 02.ogg
  • game-02.ogg
  • game - 02.ogg
  • game_02.ogg

Loading Multiple Disk games

If foo is a multiple-disk Sega CD game, you should have .cue files for each one, e.g. foo (Disc 1).cue, foo (Disc 2).cue, foo (Disc 3).cue.

To take advantage of Genesis Plus GX's Disk Control feature for disk swapping, an index file (a m3u file) should be made.

Create a text file and save it as foo.m3u. Then enter your game's .cue files on it. The m3u file contents should look something like this:

foo.m3u

foo (Disc 1).cue
foo (Disc 2).cue
foo (Disc 3).cue

After that, you can load the foo.m3u file in RetroArch with the Genesis Plus GX core.

Here's a m3u example done with the Sega CD 32x version of Night Trap

Attention

Adding multi-track games to a RetroArch playlist is recommended. (Manually add an entry a playlist that points to foo.m3u)

Swapping Disks

Disks can be swapped through Quick Menu -> Disk Control in RetroArch.

If not using .m3u files, .cue files must be manually selected via the Load New Disk legacy feature.

If using .m3u files, disks can be swapped by selecting Eject Disk, changing the Current Disk Index to your desired disk, and finally selecting Insert Disk.

CHD

Alternatively to using cue sheets with .bin/.iso files, you can convert your Sega CD games to .chd (MAME Compressed Hunks of Data) to reduce file sizes and neaten up your game folder.

To convert content to CHD format, use the chdman tool found inside the latest MAME distribution and point it to a .cue file, like so:

chdman createcd --input foo.cue --output foo.chd

Attention

For multi-disc content, make an .m3u file that lists all the .chd files instead of .cue files (content must be added to playlists manually).

Playing with MD+ / MSU-MD modes

Comparable to how MSU-1 modifcations can enhance SNES games; Mega Drive Plus / Genesis Plus (MD+) and MSU-MD (Mega SD flash cartridge) patches can be used to add CD quality level of audio to certain Sega Genesis and Mega Drive games via the emulated Sega CD hardware and its CDDA track functionality.

Regarding Genesis Plus GX's implementation of MD+ mode operation, all CD overlay commands (incl. cue loop commands) described in MegaSD dev manual (see referenced PDF at the end of this section) are supported except the ones that deal with opening/reading files from SD card (starting from command 1Ch) but afaik no MD+ hacks use these commands so far.

Since there is no way to auto-detect a MD+ patched ROM, MegaSD add-on emulation needs to be enabled in core options (through the newly added "CD add-on" core option). However, when "CD add-on" core option is set to Auto, if a cue file with same basename as loaded ROM file is found in same directory AND that cue file contains MegaSD specific keywords ("REM LOOP xxx", "REM NOLOOP",...), MegaSD CD overlay emulation will be automatically enabled (instead of full Sega/Mega CD hardware emulation).

By setting the "CD add-on" core option to "Sega/Mega CD", you can force Sega/Mega CD hardware emulation when any MD game (<8MB) is loaded even if there is no cue file found in loaded game directory (this can be useful for demos or homebrew games that want to use Mega CD extra hardware without necessarily having a loaded CD beforehand).

And by setting the "CD add-on" option to "None", Sega/Mega CD hardware emulation will be forced disabled, even if a cue file is found in loaded game directory or when the loaded game is known to have Sega/Mega CD support (like Pier Solar, Flux or Wonder Library). This emulates the behavior where there is no Sega/Mega CD unit attached.

Although no known games are using them, MegaSD extended SSF2 mapper and limited ROM write mapper (automatically enabled when respectively "SEGA SSF2" and "SEGA MEGASD" are found in loaded ROM header) are also emulated, according to the description in MegaSD dev manual. Note that MegaSD overlay will also automatically be enabled when these mappers are detected, no matter of the "CD Add-on" core option.

Please peruse the official MegaSD manual for further information: https://downloads.terraonion.com/public/MegaSD_DEV_Manual.pdf

Also, there's an useful reference wiki here for MSU-MD games/patches and its technical specifications here: https://arcadetv.github.io/msu-md-patches/

Attention

Make sure that your files match what's specified in your MD+/MSU-MD cue file!

Core options

The Genesis Plus GX core has the following options that can be tweaked from your frontend's core options menu or manually changed via core configuration files. Options are listed below in the following format:

Option Name [option_key]

(setting1/setting2/...)

To manually change an option, search for that option's key in the core configuration file you want to edit and set it to your desired setting value, enclosed in quotations. For example, if you had set the CD-DA Volume to 50% and wanted to revert it to 100%, you would change genesis_plus_gx_cdda_volume = "50" to genesis_plus_gx_cdda_volume = "100". Manually editing core configuration files is typically unnecessary unless your frontend does not have a method for toggling options.

The default setting for each option will be highlighted in bold. Settings with (Restart) means that core has to be shut down for the new setting to be applied on next launch.

System

Configure base hardware selection / region / BIOS / Sega CD save file parameters.

System hardware [genesis_plus_gx_system_hw]

Runs loaded content with a specific emulated console.

System region [genesis_plus_gx_region_detect]

Specify which region the system is from. For consoles other than the Game Gear, PAL is 50hz while NTSC is 60hz. Games may run faster or slower than normal if the incorrect region is selected.

  • Auto [auto] - Changes the system's region to whatever is most appropriate for the game which is based on the loaded game's ROM information like its ROM type, product code/version, checksum, size and region code.
  • NTSC-U [ntsc-u] - Changes the system's region to NTSC-U.
  • PAL [pal] - Changes the system's region to PAL.
  • NTSC-J [ntsc-j] - Changes the system's region to NTSC-J.

System Boot ROM [genesis_plus_gx_bios] (disabled/enabled)

Use official BIOS/bootloader for emulated hardware, if present in RetroArch's system directory. Displays console-specific start-up sequence/animation, then runs loaded content. Look above at the BIOS section for supported BIOS types/files.

  • Off [disabled] - Disables using the user supplied System Boot ROM.
  • On [enabled] - Enables using the user supplied System Boot ROM.

CD System BRAM [genesis_plus_gx_system_bram]

When running Sega CD content, specifies whether to share a single save file between all games from a specific region (Per-BIOS) or to create a separate save file for each game (Per-Game). Note that the Sega CD has limited internal storage, sufficient only for a handful of titles. To avoid running out of space, the 'Per-Game' setting is recommended.

  • Per-BIOS [per bios] - All games from a specific region share a single save file.
  • Per-Game [per game] - Creates a separate save file for each game.
CD System BRAM diagram

CD Backup Cart BRAM [genesis_plus_gx_cart_bram]

When running Sega CD content, specifies whether to share a single backup ram cart for all games (Per-Cart) or to create a separate backup ram cart for each game (Per-Game).

  • Per-Cart [per cart] - All games share a single backup RAM cart.
  • Per-Game [per game] - Creates a seperate backrup RAM cart for each game.

CD add-on (MD mode) (Requires Restart) [genesis_plus_gx_add_on]

Specify which add-on to use for CD audio playback with supported Mega Drive/Genesis games.

  • Auto [auto] - Loads a CD game with the most appropriate CD add-on based on the loaded game's ROM information like its ROM type, product code/version, checksum, size and region code. (when "CD add-on" core option is set to Auto, if a cute file with same basename as loaded ROM file is found in same directory AND that cue file contains MegaSD specific keywords ("REM LOOP xxx", "REM NOLOOP",...), MegaSD CD overlay emulation will be automatically enabled (instead of full Sega/Mega CD hardware emulation))
  • Sega/Mega CD [sega/mega cd] - Loads the game using the Sega/Mega CD add-on. (this can be useful for demos or homebrew games that want to use Mega CD extra hardware without necessarily having a loaded CD beforehand since it forces Sega/Mega CD hardware emulation when any MD game (<8MB) is loaded even if there is no CUE file found in loaded game directory)
  • MegaSD [megasd] - Loads the game using the MegaSD FPGA cartridge. Look at the # section for more information.
  • None [none] - Disables loading a CD game with any CD add-on. (Sega/Mega CD hardware emulation will be forced disabled, even if a CUE file is found in loaded game directory or when the loaded game is known to have Sega/Mega CD support (like Pier Solar, Flux or Wonder Library). This emulates the behavior where there is no Sega/Mega CD unit attached.)

Cartridge Lock-On [genesis_plus_gx_lock_on]

Lock-On Technology is a Mega Drive/Genesis feature that allowed an older game to connect to the pass-through port of a special cartridge for extended or altered gameplay. This option specifies which type of special 'lock-on' cartridge to emulate. Look above at the BIOS section for supported BIOS types/files.

  • Off [disabled]
  • Game Genie [game genie] - Connects the loaded game to a Gamie Genie.
  • Action Replay (Pro) [action replay (pro)] - Connects the loaded game to an Action Replay (Pro).
  • Sonic & Knuckles [sonic & knuckles)] - Connects the loaded game to Sonic & Knuckles.

Video

Configure aspect ratio / display cropping / video filter / frame skipping parameters.

Core-Provided Aspect Ratio [genesis_plus_gx_aspect_ratio]

Choose the preferred content aspect ratio. This will only apply when RetroArch's aspect ratio is set to 'Core provided' in the Video settings.

  • Auto [auto] - Chooses the aspect ratio based on the loaded game's ROM information like its ROM type, product code/version, checksum, size and region code.
  • NTSC PAR [NTSC PAR] - Sets the game's aspect ratio to NTSC PAR.
  • PAL PAR [PAL PAR] - Sets the game's aspect ratio to PAL PAR.

Borders [genesis_plus_gx_overscan]

Enable this to display the overscan regions at the top/bottom and/or left/right of the screen. These would normally be hidden by the bezel around the edge of a standard-definition television.

  • Off [disabled] - Disables displaying the game's overscan regions.
  • Top/Bottom [top/bottom] - Enables displaying the game's Top and Bottom overscan regions.
  • Left/Right [left/right] - Enables displaying the game's Left and Right overscan regions.
  • Full [full] - Enables displaying the game's Top/Bottom and Left/Right overscan regions.

Hide Master System Side Borders [genesis_plus_gx_left_border]

Cuts off 8 pixels from either the left side of the screen, or both left and right sides when running Master System games.

  • Off [disabled] - Disabling cutting off pixels from the screen of a Master System game.
  • Left Border Only [left border] - Cuts off 8 pixels from the left side of the screen of a Master System game.
  • Left & Right Borders [left & right borders] - Cuts off 8 pixels from the right side of the screen of a Master System game.

Game Gear Extended Screen [genesis_plus_gx_gg_extra]

Forces Game Gear titles to run in 'SMS' mode, with an increased resolution of 256x192. May show additional content, but typically displays a border of corrupt/unwanted image data.

Off [disabled]

On [enabled]

Blargg NTSC Filter [genesis_plus_gx_blargg_ntsc_filter] - Apply a video filter to mimic various NTSC TV signals.

Disabled vs All Filters (video)

https://youtu.be/buZPDyDzvPY

Off [disabled]

Monochrome [monochrome]

Composite [composite]

S-Video [svideo]

RGB [rgb]

LCD Ghosting Filter [genesis_plus_gx_lcd_filter]

Apply an image 'ghosting' filter to mimic the display characteristics of the Game Gear and 'Genesis Nomad' LCD panels.

  • Off [disabled] - Disables ghosting filter.
  • On [enabled] - Enables ghosting filter.
Disabled vs Enabled (video)

https://youtu.be/Us13sJPEUD8

Enabled

Interlaced Mode 2 Output [genesis_plus_gx_render]

Interlaced Mode 2 allows the Mega Drive/Genesis to output a double height (high resolution) 320x448 image by drawing alternate scanlines each frame (this is used by 'Sonic the Hedgehog 2' and 'Combat Cars' multiplayer modes). 'Single Field' mimics original hardware, producing each field (320x224) alternatively with flickering/interlacing artefacts. 'Double Field' simulates the interlaced display, which stabilises the image but causes mild blurring.

  • Single Field [single field] - Sets Interlaced Mode 2 Output as Single Field.
  • Double Field [double field] - Sets Interlaced Mode 2 Output as Double Field.
Single Field vs Double Field (video)

https://youtu.be/xZc58OSPj4Y

Single Field

Double Field

Frameskip [genesis_plus_gx_frameskip]

Skip frames to avoid audio buffer under-run (crackling). Improves performance at the expense of visual smoothness. 'Auto' skips frames when advised by the frontend. 'Manual' utilises the 'Frameskip Threshold (%)' setting.

  • Off [disabled] - Disables frameskip.
  • Auto [auto] - Automatically skips frames to avoid audio crackling.
  • Manual [manual] - Allows the user to utilises the 'Frameskip Threshold' core option's set percentage to manually adjust frameskip.

Frameskip Threshold (%) [genesis_plus_gx_frameskip_threshold]

When the 'Frameskip' core option is set to 'Manual', specifies the audio buffer occupancy threshold (percentage) below which frames will be skipped. Higher values reduce the risk of crackling by causing frames to be dropped more frequently.

15% to 60% in increments of 3%, 33% is default.

Audio

Change audio device settings.

Master System FM (YM2413) [genesis_plus_gx_ym2413]

Enable emulation of the FM Sound Unit used by certain Sega Mark III/Master System games for enhanced audio output.

  • Auto [auto] - Automatically enables emulation of FM Sound Unit based on the loaded game's ROM information like its ROM type, product code/version, checksum, size and region code.
  • Off [disabled] - Manually disables emulation of FM Sound Unit.
  • On [enabled] - Manually enables emulation of FM Sound Unit.

Master System FM (YM2413) Core - [genesis_plus_gx_ym2413_core]

Select method used to emulate the FM Sound Unit of the Sega Mark III/Master System. 'MAME' option is fast, and runs full speed on most systems. 'Nuked' option is cycle accurate, very high quality, and has substantial CPU requirements.

  • MAME [mame] - Uses the MAME option for emulating the FM Sound Unit for Sega Mark III/Master System games which is fast and full speed for most games.
  • Nuked [nuked] - Uses the Nuked option for emulating the FM Sound Unit for Sega Mark III/Master System games which is high quality but has substantial CPU requirements.

Mega Drive/Genesis FM [genesis_plus_gx_ym2612]

Select method used to emulate the FM synthesizer (main sound generator) of the Mega Drive/Genesis. 'MAME' options are fast, and run full speed on most systems. 'Nuked' options are cycle accurate, very high quality, and have substantial CPU requirements. The 'YM2612' chip is used by the original Model 1 Mega Drive/Genesis. The 'YM3438' is used in later Mega Drive/Genesis revisions.

  • MAME (YM2612) [mame (ym2612)] - Selects MAME (YM2612) [original Model 1 Mega Drive/Genesis] as FM synthesizer method which is fast and fullspeed.
  • MAME (ASIC YM3438) [mame (asic ym3438)] - Selects MAME (ASIC YM3438) [later Mega Drive/Genesis revisions] as FM synthesizer method which is fast and fullspeed.
  • MAME (Enhanced YM3438) [mame (enhanced ym3438)] - Selects MAME (Enhanced YM3438) [later Mega Drive/Genesis revisions] as FM synthesizer method which is fast and fullspeed.
  • Nuked (YM2612) [nuked (ym2612)] - Selects Nuked (YM2612) [original Model 1 Mega Drive/Genesis] as FM synthesizer method which is high quality but has high CPU requirements.
  • Nuked (YM3438) [nuked (ym3438)] - Selects Nuked (YM3438) [later Mega Drive/Genesis revisions] FM synthesizer method which is fast but has high CPU requirements.

Sound Output [genesis_plus_gx_sound_output]

Select stereo or mono sound reproduction.

  • Stereo [stereo] - Selects stereo output.
  • Mono (mono) - Selects mono output.

Audio Filter [genesis_plus_gx_audio_filter]

Enable a low pass audio filter to better simulate the characteristic sound of a Model 1 Mega Drive/Genesis.

  • Off [disabled] - Disables low pass audio filter.
  • Low-Pass [low-pass] - Enables low pass audio filter.
  • EQ [EQ] - Enables internal audio equalizer.

Low-Pass Filter % [genesis_plus_gx_lowpass_range]

Specify the cut-off frequency of the low-pass audio filter. A higher value increases the perceived 'strength' of the filter, since a wider range of the high frequency spectrum is attenuated. This core option requires the 'Audio Filter' core option to be set to 'Low-Pass".

  • 5% to 95% in increments of 5. 60% is default*.

PSG Preamp Level [genesis_plus_gx_psg_preamp]

Set the audio preamplifier level of the emulated SN76496 4-channel Programmable Sound Generator found in the SG-1000, Sega Mark III, Master System, Game Gear and Mega Drive/Genesis.

  • 0 to 200 in increments of 5. 150 is default.

FM Preamp Level [genesis_plus_gx_fm_preamp]

Set the audio preamplifier level of the emulated Mega Drive/Genesis FM sound synthesizer or Sega Mark III/Master System FM Sound Unit.

  • 0 to 200 in increments of 5. 100 is default.

CD-DA Volume [genesis_plus_gx_cdda_volume]

Adjust the mixing volume of the emulated CD audio playback output.

  • 0 to 100 in increments of 5. 100 is default.

PCM Volume [genesis_plus_gx_pcm_volume] - Adjust the mixing volume of the emulated Sega CD/Mega-CD RF5C164 PCM sound generator output.

  • 0 to 100 in increments of 5. 100 is default.

EQ Low [genesis_plus_gx_audio_eq_low]

Adjust the low range band of the internal audio equalizer.

  • 0 to 100 in increments of 5. 100 is default.

EQ Mid [genesis_plus_gx_audio_eq_mid]

Adjust the mid range band of the internal audio equalizer.

  • 0 to 100 in increments of 5. 100 is default.

EQ High [genesis_plus_gx_audio_eq_high]

Adjust the high range band of the internal audio equalizer.

  • 0 to 100 in increments of 5. 100 is default.

Input

Change light gun and/or mouse input settings.

Light Gun Input [genesis_plus_gx_gun_input]

Use a mouse-controlled 'Light Gun' or 'Touchscreen' input.

Show Light Gun Crosshair [genesis_plus_gx_gun_cursor]

Display light gun crosshairs when using the MD Menacer, MD Justifiers and MS Light Phaser input device types.

  • Off [disabled] - Disables light gun crosshair for the aftermentioned input device types.
  • On [enabled] - Enables light gun crosshair for the aftermentioned input device types.
Disabled vs Enabled (video)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6iYysbni2g

Invert Mouse Y-Axis [genesis_plus_gx_invert_mouse]

Inverts the Y-axis of the 'MD Mouse' input device type.

  • Off [disabled] - Enables Y-Axis inversion for the 'MD Mouse' device type.
  • On [enabled] - Disables Y-Axis inversion for the 'MD Mouse' device type.

Emulation Hacks

Change processor overclocking and emulation accuracy settings that affect low-level performance and compatibility.

Remove Per-Line Sprite Limit [genesis_plus_gx_no_sprite_limit]

Removes the original sprite-per-scanline hardware limit. This reduces flickering but can cause visual glitches, as some games exploit the hardware limit to generate special effects.

  • Off [disabled] - Keeps the per-line sprite limit.
  • On [enabled] - Disables the per-line sprite limit.
Disabled vs Enabled (video)

https://youtu.be/IZp5epy-hBM

Enhanced per-tile vertical scroll [genesis_plus_gx_enhanced_vscroll]

Allows each individual cell to be scrolled vertically, instead of 16px 2-cell, by averaging out with the vscroll value of the neighbouring cell. This hack only applies to few games that use 2-cell vertical scroll mode.

  • Off [disabled] - Enables enhanced per-tile vertical scrolling.
  • On [enabled] - Disables enhanced per-tile vertical scrolling.
Disabled

Enabled [16]

Enhanced per-tile vertical scroll limit [genesis_plus_gx_enhanced_vscroll_limit]

Only is usable when the 'Enhanced per-tile vertical scroll' core option is enabled. Adjusts the limit of the vertical scroll enhancement. When the vscroll difference between neighbouring tiles is bigger than this limit, the enhancement is disabled.

  • 2 to 16 in increments of 1. 8 is default

CPU Speed [genesis_plus_gx_overclock]

Overclock the emulated CPU. Can reduce slowdown, but may cause glitches.

  • 100% to 500% in increments of 25%. 100% is default.
!00% vs 200% (video)

https://youtu.be/yE8qzwVuy5Q

System Locks-Ups [genesis_plus_gx_force_dtack]

Emulate system lock-ups that occur on real hardware when performing illegal address access. This should only be disabled when playing certain demos, homebrew and ROM hacks that rely on illegal behavior for correct operation.

  • On [enabled] - Enables emulation of system lock-ups.
  • Off [disabled] - Disables emulation of system lock-ups.
Enabled vs Disabled (video)

https://youtu.be/B1n1wQGzzYk

68K Address Error [genesis_plus_gx_addr_error]

The Mega Drive/Genesis main CPU (Motorola 68000) generates an Address Error exception (crash) when attempting to perform unaligned memory access. Enabling this will simulate this behavior. It should only be disabled when playing ROM hacks, since these are typically developed using less accurate emulators and may rely on invalid RAM access for correct operation.

  • On [enabled] - Enables simulation of 68K Address Error.
  • Off [disabled] - Disables simulation of 68K Address Error.
Enabled vs Disabled (video)

https://youtu.be/zjBPz9QWRqI

Enabled

CD access time [genesis_plus_gx_cd_latency]

Simulate original CD hardware latency when initiating a read or seeking to a specific location on loaded disc. This is required by a few CD games that crash if CD data is available too soon and also fixes CD audio desync issues in some games. Disabling this can be useful with MD+ or MSU-MD games as it makes CD audio tracks loops more seamless.

  • On [enabled] - Enables simulation of original CD hardware latency.
  • Off [disabled] - Disables simulation of original CD hardware latency.

Advanced Channel Volume Settings

Change the volume of individual hardware audio channels.

Show Advanced Audio Volume Settings (Reopen menu) [genesis_plus_gx_show_advanced_audio_settings]

Enable configuration of low-level audio channel parameters core options listed below. NOTE: Quick Menu must be toggled for this setting to take effect.

  • On [enabled] - Enables configuration of low-level audio channel parameters.
  • Off [disabled] - Disables configuration of low-level audio channel parameters.

PSG Tone Channel 0 Volume % [genesis_plus_gx_psg_channel_0_volume]

Adjust the volume of Channel 0 of the PSG Tone.

  • 0% to 100% in increments of 10%. 100% is default.

PSG Tone Channel 1 Volume % [genesis_plus_gx_psg_channel_1_volume]

Adjust the volume of Channel 1 of the PSG Tone.

  • 0% to 100% in increments of 10%. 100% is default.

PSG Tone Channel 2 Volume % [genesis_plus_gx_psg_channel_2_volume]

Adjust the volume of Channel 2 of the PSG Tone.

  • 0% to 100% in increments of 10%. 100% is default.

PSG Tone Channel 3 Volume % [genesis_plus_gx_psg_channel_3_volume]

Adjust the volume of Channel 3 of the PSG Tone.

  • 0% to 100% in increments of 10%. 100% is default.

Mega Drive/Genesis FM Channel 0 Volume % [genesis_plus_gx_md_channel_0_volume]

Adjust the volume of Channel 0 of the Mega Drive/Genesis FM. Only works with MAME FM emulators ('Mega Drive/Genesis FM' core option).

  • 0% to 100% in increments of 10%. 100% is default.

Mega Drive/Genesis FM Channel 1 Volume % [genesis_plus_gx_md_channel_1_volume]

Adjust the volume of Channel 1 of the Mega Drive/Genesis FM. Only works with MAME FM emulators ('Mega Drive/Genesis FM' core option).

  • 0% to 100% in increments of 10%. 100% is default.

Mega Drive/Genesis FM Channel 2 Volume % [genesis_plus_gx_md_channel_2_volume]

Adjust the volume of Channel 2 of the Mega Drive/Genesis FM. Only works with MAME FM emulators ('Mega Drive/Genesis FM' core option).

  • 0% to 100% in increments of 10%. 100% is default.

Mega Drive/Genesis FM Channel 3 Volume % [genesis_plus_gx_md_channel_3_volume]

Adjust the volume of Channel 3 of the Mega Drive/Genesis FM. Only works with MAME FM emulators ('Mega Drive/Genesis FM' core option).

  • 0% to 100% in increments of 10%. 100% is default.

Mega Drive/Genesis FM Channel 4 Volume % [genesis_plus_gx_md_channel_4_volume]

Adjust the volume of Channel 4 of the Mega Drive/Genesis FM. Only works with MAME FM emulators ('Mega Drive/Genesis FM' core option).

  • 0% to 100% in increments of 10%. 100% is default.

Mega Drive/Genesis FM Channel 5 Volume % [genesis_plus_gx_md_channel_5_volume]

Adjust the volume of Channel 5 of the Mega Drive/Genesis FM. Only works with MAME FM emulators ('Mega Drive/Genesis FM' core option).

  • 0% to 100% in increments of 10%. 100% is default.

Master System FM (YM2413) Channel 0 Volume % [genesis_plus_gx_sms_fm_channel_0_volume]

Adjust the volume of Channel 0 of the Master System FM.

  • 0% to 100% in increments of 10%. 100% is default.

Master System FM (YM2413) Channel 1 Volume % [genesis_plus_gx_sms_fm_channel_1_volume]

Adjust the volume of Channel 1 of the Master System FM.

  • 0% to 100% in increments of 10%. 100% is default.

Master System FM (YM2413) Channel 2 Volume % [genesis_plus_gx_sms_fm_channel_2_volume]

Adjust the volume of Channel 2 of the Master System FM.

  • 0% to 100% in increments of 10%. 100% is default.

Master System FM (YM2413) Channel 3 Volume % [genesis_plus_gx_sms_fm_channel_3_volume]

Adjust the volume of Channel 3 of the Master System FM.

  • 0% to 100% in increments of 10%. 100% is default.

Master System FM (YM2413) Channel 4 Volume % [genesis_plus_gx_sms_fm_channel_4_volume]

Adjust the volume of Channel 4 of the Master System FM.

  • 0% to 100% in increments of 10%. 100% is default.

Master System FM (YM2413) Channel 5 Volume % [genesis_plus_gx_sms_fm_channel_5_volume]

Adjust the volume of Channel 5 of the Master System FM.

  • 0% to 100% in increments of 10%. 100% is default.

Master System FM (YM2413) Channel 6 Volume % [genesis_plus_gx_sms_fm_channel_6_volume]

Adjust the volume of Channel 6 of the Master System FM.

  • 0% to 100% in increments of 10%. 100% is default.

Master System FM (YM2413) Channel 7 Volume % [genesis_plus_gx_sms_fm_channel_7_volume]

Adjust the volume of Channel 7 of the Master System FM.

  • 0% to 100% in increments of 10%. 100% is default.

Master System FM (YM2413) Channel 8 Volume % [genesis_plus_gx_sms_fm_channel_8_volume]

Adjust the volume of Channel 8 of the Master System FM.

  • 0% to 100% in increments of 10%. 100% is default.

User 1 device types

The Genesis Plus GX core supports the following device type(s) in the controls menu, bolded device types are the default for the specified user(s):

User 2 device types

Other devices

  • PICO tablet - The Genesis Plus GX core can emulate PICO tablet inputs but this is done automatically; based on the loaded game's ROM information and cannot be manually selected as a device type.
  • Terebi Oekaki tablet - The Genesis Plus GX core can emulate Terebi Oekaki table inputs but this is done automatically; based on the loaded game's ROM information and cannot be manually selected as a device type.

Multitap

Activating multitap support in compatible games can be configured by the 4-WayPlay, Teamplayer or Master Tap device types for the User 1 and/or User 2 ports.

Joypad

RetroPad Inputs User 1 - 8 input descriptors MD Joypad 3 Button MD Joypad 6 Button MS Joypad 2 Button MS Paddle Control MS Sports Pad MD XE-1AP
B B B 1 1 1 E2
A A A E1
Mode Mode Select
Start Start Start Start Start Start Start
D-Pad Up D-Pad Up D-Pad Up D-Pad Up
D-Pad Down D-Pad Down D-Pad Down D-Pad Down
D-Pad Left D-Pad Left D-Pad Left D-Pad Left
D-Pad Right D-Pad Right D-Pad Right D-Pad Right
C C C 2 2
Y Y
X X C
Z Z A
D
B
X Paddle Trackball X Thumb-stick X
Y Trackball Y Thumb-stick Y
X Slider Y
Y Slider X

Mouse

RetroMouse Inputs MD Mouse
Mouse Cursor MD Mouse Cursor
Mouse 1 MD Mouse Left
Mouse 2 MD Mouse Right
Mouse 3 MD Mouse Start
Wheel Down MD Mouse Center

Pointer

RetroPointer Inputs MS Graphic Board
or Pointer Position MS Graphic Board Stylus
Mouse 1 MS Graphic Board Pen
Mouse 2 MS Graphic Board Menu
Mouse 3 MS Graphic Board Do

Lightgun

RetroLightgun Inputs MD Menacer MD Justifier MS Light Phaser
Gun Crosshair MD Menacer Crosshair MD Justifier Crosshair MS Light Phaser Crosshair
Gun Trigger MD Menacer A MD Justifier A MS Light Phaser A
Gun Aux A MD Menacer B MD Justifer B MS Light Phaser B
Gun Aux B MD Menacer C MD Justifer C MS Light Phaser C
Gun Start MD Menacer Start MD Justifer Start MS Light Phaser Start

Other

Inputs PICO tablet Terebi Oekaki tablet
or Pointer Position PICO tablet Stylus Terebi Oekaki tablet Stylus
Mouse 1 PICO tablet Pen Terebi Oekaki tablet Pen
Mouse 2 PICO tablet Red
Mouse 3 Terebo Oekaki tablet Start
Wheel Up PICO tablet Previous page
Wheel Down PICO tablet Next page
PICO tablet Up (White)
PICO tablet Down (Orange)
PICO tablet Left (Purple)
PICO tablet Right (Green)

Sega 8/16-bit cores

Last update: 2024-04-18