# Best Mega CD emulator: ares, the Gold Cartridge pick

Page: https://whichemulator.wtf/megacd/ · Reference: WEM-MEGACD-MAPO

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 `/megacd/`). 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 Mega-CD, Sega, 1991. Sega CD in North America.

## Recommended: ares

whichemulator.wtf calls its recommendation for each system the Gold Cartridge pick. For the Mega CD, the Gold Cartridge pick is ares.

A mature, accurate standalone Mega CD emulator that also covers the Mega Drive and 32X, so CD 32X games work too. Point it at your BIOS files and it gets on with it.

Runs on Windows · Mac · Linux. Open source. Download: https://ares-emu.net/

**BIOS required:** Mega CD games need the console's BIOS, and the region has to match the game (US, Europe or Japan). Dump it from your own hardware.

## Alternatives

- [BlastEm](https://www.retrodev.com/blastem/) (Windows · Mac · Linux, open source): Superb Mega Drive accuracy, light on resources, and since version 1.0 (September 2026) it runs Mega CD games too. Most games work, but CD support is newer than in ares or Genesis Plus GX.
- [Genesis Plus GX](https://github.com/ekeeke/Genesis-Plus-GX) (Windows · Mac · Linux · Android · iOS, closed source): Excellent Mega CD compatibility, but on modern devices you'll use it through RetroArch (or OpenEmu on Mac); the only standalone build is for Wii and GameCube. The source is public but the licence forbids commercial use, so it isn't open source in the strict sense.

## RetroArch cores

- Genesis Plus GX: The best Mega CD core. Needs region-matched BIOS files.
- PicoDrive: Lighter, for weak hardware. Also needs the BIOS.

## Hardware

- CPU: Motorola 68000, 12.5 MHz (second one)
- Extra RAM: 768KB plus PCM sound RAM
- Graphics: Hardware scaling and rotation
- Sound: Ricoh RF5C164, 8-channel PCM + CD audio
- Library: ~200 games

## Notes

### What the Mega CD added

It bolted a second, faster 68000, extra RAM, a scaling and rotation chip and CD audio onto the Mega Drive. That gave us full-motion video games, CD soundtracks and better versions of games like Sonic CD and the Lunar series.

None of it is especially demanding to emulate today; the main hurdle is getting the BIOS files and disc images right.

### Standalone or RetroArch

If you want a normal desktop app, use ares, or BlastEm if you'd rather something lighter. If you already use RetroArch, the Genesis Plus GX core is as good as it gets and runs on practically anything.

Use proper cue/bin or CHD images rather than single ISOs, or you'll lose the CD audio tracks.

## Support the developers

- [GitHub Sponsors (ares lead)](https://github.com/sponsors/LukeUsher)
- [PayPal (Genesis Plus GX)](https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr?cmd=_s-xclick&hosted_button_id=2966212)

## Questions the Ask API answers

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