# Best Dreamcast emulator: Flycast, the Gold Cartridge pick

Page: https://whichemulator.wtf/dreamcast/ · Reference: WEM-DREAMCAST-WUKZ

The Ask API at `GET https://whichemulator.wtf/ask` answers questions from the same data as this page, and it is the only place the setup steps are published. It takes `q` (the question, 3 to 500 characters) and an optional `page` (a local path such as `/dreamcast/`). It returns JSON `{answer, consoles, sources, follow_ups}`, or Markdown when the request sends `Accept: text/markdown`. No key; 30 requests a minute per IP. Guide: https://whichemulator.wtf/skill.md

Sega Dreamcast, Sega, 1998.

## Recommended: Flycast

whichemulator.wtf calls its recommendation for each system the Gold Cartridge pick. For the Dreamcast, the Gold Cartridge pick is Flycast.

Open source, runs on nearly everything, and handles almost the whole library well, with upscaling, widescreen hacks and online play for the games that supported it. It also covers Naomi and Atomiswave arcade boards. There's no reason to start anywhere else.

Runs on Windows · Mac · Linux · Android. Open source. Download: https://github.com/flyinghead/flycast

**BIOS optional:** Flycast and redream both include a replacement BIOS, but a real one dumped from your own console fixes the odd problem game.

## Alternatives

- [redream](https://redream.io/) (Windows · Mac · Linux · Android, closed source): Closed-source but very polished and simple to set up. The free version renders at native resolution; HD rendering needs the paid Premium licence, a one-off pay-what-you-want purchase.

## RetroArch cores

- Flycast: Same emulator as the standalone app. The obvious choice.

Put any BIOS files in a 'dc' folder inside RetroArch's system directory.

## Hardware

- CPU: Hitachi SH-4, 200 MHz
- GPU: NEC PowerVR2 (CLX2), 8MB VRAM
- Resolution: 640×480
- Sound: Yamaha AICA, 64 channels
- Library: ~600 games

## Notes

### A solved problem, mostly

Dreamcast emulation is in good shape. The hardware is relatively straightforward compared with the Saturn before it, and Flycast now runs the vast majority of games at full speed on ordinary laptops and mid-range phones.

Where you'll still see issues is in a handful of games that rely on odd timing or the Windows CE runtime some titles shipped with.

### Flycast or redream

Flycast is the default: open source, free, and with more features. redream is the friendlier app and some people prefer its interface, but you'll pay for HD output and you can't see or fork the code. Note that Flycast has dropped iOS.

## Support the developers

- [Buy Me a Coffee (Flycast)](https://www.buymeacoffee.com/hhwtpernwq)
- [PayPal (Flycast)](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/FlycastEmu)

## Questions the Ask API answers

- [Which Dreamcast emulator should I use on an iPhone?](https://whichemulator.wtf/ask?q=Which+Dreamcast+emulator+should+I+use+on+an+iPhone%3F&page=%2Fdreamcast%2F&via=page)
- [Which RetroArch core should I use for the Dreamcast?](https://whichemulator.wtf/ask?q=Which+RetroArch+core+should+I+use+for+the+Dreamcast%3F&page=%2Fdreamcast%2F&via=page)
- [Does Dreamcast emulation need a BIOS?](https://whichemulator.wtf/ask?q=Does+Dreamcast+emulation+need+a+BIOS%3F&page=%2Fdreamcast%2F&via=page)