v2.05

PicoDrive release 2.05

Update: new windows binary fixes problem with fullscreen mode
Update: new opendingux binary fixes crash on some Ambernic devices with stock firmware

Limited Changelog:

2.05:

• added lightgun support for SDL platforms, using the host mouse for Menacer, Justifier, and Light Phaser
• improved handling of OpenGL (may enable hardware scaling in OpenGL video mode on devices with JZ4770 CPUs)
• improved SDL Joystick/Pad support (should now work with what devices are supported by SDL 1.2)
• improved support for Windows platform
• slightly improved SDL window resize handling
• slightly improved UI for keyboard settings
• fixed major VDP window rendering regression (games using a VDP window with color table != 0)
• fixed interlaced mode rendering in ARMv7 assembly
• fixed VDP sprite parsing for MD (fixes a test case in SpriteMaskingTestRom)
• fixed crash in VDP rendering (DMA pointer wraparound)
• fixed pads not initialized correctly after state load
• fixed 32X VINT timing
• improved 32X interrupt handling (needs work, still not fully as the SH7604 handles it)
• improved 32X WDT handling
• several 32X CPU snychronisation fixes

Lightgun support

PicoDrive now supports using the host mouse for emulating a light gun. It is operating similar to the mouse support. For emulating a light gun, the mouse buttons are mapped (from left to right) to A, B and START. This assignments should fit with the button assignment of the emulated device.

Binaries for:

• gph (gph gp2x, wiz, caanoo)
• pandora
• dge (ritmix rzx-50, dingoo a320, possibly other similar devices having a JZ4740/JZ4755 cpu running early opendingux (mips32 w/o fpu))
• retrofw (rs97, possibly other similar devices having a JZ4760 cpu (mips32 w/ fpu))
• gcw0
• opendingux (rg280/350, gkd350h/gkdmini with stock firmware, possibly other similar devices having a JZ4770 or newer (mips32r2 w/ fpu))
• miyoo
• odbeta (JZ4770 (gcw0, rg280/350), JZ4760 (rg300, rs97, ldk, k3), JZ4725 (rg99) running the newer opendingux beta)
• psp
• ps2
• windows

These may (or may not) work on other similar devices. If you have tried other devices, please report back. I'll add those reported working to the above list.

v2.04

PicoDrive release 2.04

Limited Changelog:

2.04:

• added mouse support for SDL platforms, using the host mouse for Sega Mouse, Pico Pen
• improved scaling when resizing the window on SDL platforms (Linux, OSX, Windows)
• added preselect window sizes for integer scaling for SDL platforms
• added fullscreen mode for SDL platforms (well, sort of)
• attempted to improve pad detection for ps2
• noticeably improved save state accuracy (for retroarch run-ahead)
• made the DC filter reacting faster (closer to real MD according to notaz' measurements)
• fixed a crash when using MD VDP hscroll in conjunction with 2-cell mode
• fixed handling shadow/highlight in MD VDP layer A window (fixes Int. Super Star Soccer)
• added toggling the field bit in MD VDP status for interlace modes
• added some support for MD VDP non-linear color DAC (Knuckles Chaotix color test)
• fixed MD+ playing binary tracks as audio (fixes a bug in DOOM Fusion)
• improve MCD CPU sync (fixes Shadow of the Beast)
• fixed 32X handling of MD H32 mode (MD and 32X layer have 4 px offset)
• fixed GG region code reading (fixes Pop Breaker)
• fixed GG screen in 224 and 240 line mode (fixes Micro Machines)
• fixed GG/SMS display off after scanline start (fixes Madou I)

Mouse support

PicoDrive now supports using the host mouse for emulating a Sega Mouse or the Pico Pen. The mouse can be used in either captured or uncaptured mode. Roughly said, a captured mouse will result in mouse movements from the entire screen to be sent to PicoDrive, while the uncaptured mode will do so only when the mouse is inside the window. Captured mode is IMHO almost always preferable, but YMMV.
When emulating a Sega Mouse, the mouse buttons are mapped (from left to right) to B, START and C. For the Pico Pen, they are mapped to pen button, red button, and pen up/down. The Pen state hotkey has been moved to the pad START key, and a new hotkey for activating the mouse capture mode has been added.

Binaries for:

• gph (gph gp2x, wiz, caanoo)
• pandora
• dge (ritmix rzx-50, dingoo a320, possibly other similar devices having a JZ4740/JZ4755 cpu running early opendingux (mips32 w/o fpu))
• retrofw (rs97, possibly other similar devices having a JZ4760 cpu (mips32 w/ fpu))
• gcw0
• opendingux (rg280/350, gkd350h/gkdmini with stock firmware, possibly other similar devices having a JZ4770 or newer (mips32r2 w/ fpu))
• miyoo
• odbeta (JZ4770 (gcw0, rg280/350), JZ4760 (rg300, rs97, ldk, k3), JZ4725 (rg99) running the newer opendingux beta)
• psp
• ps2
• windows (untested)

These may (or may not) work on other similar devices. If you have tried other devices, please report back. I'll add those reported working to the above list.

v2.03

PicoDrive release 2.03

Limited Changelog:

2.03:

• added support for Pico keyboard (thanks @qufb for supplying this, literally years ago. Mea maxima culpa!)
• added support for SC-3000 keyboard and cassette drive
• added configurable mapping for physical keyboard
• added virtual keyboard for devices not having a physical keyboard
• improved window handling
• added window size option (mouse resizing is additionally available)
• added uploading of libretro-linux-x86 build artifact (no official release, access to this via the action tab)
• fix bug in libretro frontend for Pico pad handling (thanks @theLilaQ)
• fixes for PS2 vsync handling (thanks @fjtrujy; this is still not being perfect)
• fix a crash for MD when rendering in 2-cell VSRAM mode (thanks @notaz for pointing this out)
• more fixes for MD+ (for running Doom 32x Resurrection and Fusion)
• fix for 32X screen rendering (for running Sonic Robo Blast 2)
• fix handling of the 32X cycles UI option
• other minor bug fixes and optimizations

Binaries for:

• gph (gph gp2x, wiz, caanoo)
• pandora
• dge (ritmix rzx-50, dingoo a320, possibly other similar devices having a JZ4740/JZ4755 cpu running early opendingux (mips32 w/o fpu))
• retrofw (rs97, possibly other similar devices having a JZ4760 cpu (mips32 w/ fpu))
• gcw0
• opendingux (rg280/350, gkd350h/gkdmini with stock firmware, possibly other similar devices having a JZ4770 or newer (mips32r2 w/ fpu))
• miyoo
• odbeta (JZ4770 (gcw0, rg280/350), JZ4760 (rg300, rs97, ldk, k3), JZ4725 (rg99) running the newer opendingux beta)
• psp
• ps2
• windows (experimental, untested)

These may (or may not) work on other similar devices. If you have tried other devices, please report back. I'll add those reported working to the above list.

v2.02

PicoDrive release 2.02

Limited Changelog:

2.02:

• fixes for MSU and MD+ (for running Doom 32x Resurrection and Fusion)
• minimal SMS 3D glasses support
• updates to libretro common (apparently fixes some obscure bugs)
• some CD fixes
• fix a cartridge mapping bug for ARM32 (cyclone)
• fixes for 32X watchdog timer handling (for running Sonic Robo Blast 2, thanks @notaz)
• other minor bug fixes

Binaries for:

• gph (gph gp2x, wiz, caanoo)
• pandora
• dge (ritmix rzx-50, dingoo a320, possibly other similar devices having a JZ4740/JZ4755 cpu running early opendingux (mips32 w/o fpu))
• retrofw (rs97, possibly other similar devices having a JZ4760 cpu (mips32 w/ fpu))
• gcw0
• opendingux (rg280/350, gkd350h/gkdmini with stock firmware, possibly other similar devices having a JZ4770 or newer (mips32r2 w/ fpu))
• miyoo
• odbeta (JZ4770 (gcw0, rg280/350), JZ4760 (rg300, rs97, ldk, k3), JZ4725 (rg99) running the newer opendingux beta)
• psp
• ps2
• windows (experimental, untested)

These may (or may not) work on other similar devices. If you have tried other devices, please report back. I'll add those reported working to the above list.

v2.01

PicoDrive release 2.01

Update: for running Doom 32X Fusion use the CI version from here

Limited Changelog:

2.01:

• added windows build
• added integer scaling for SDL window mode
• added support for mode 1
• added support for MD+/32X+
• improved CD emulation compatibility
• added support for J-cart games (with 2 additional on-cart controller ports)
• added some more mappings for Mega Drive games
• added PS2 support for multitap and up to 4 controllers
• fixes for PS2 and PSP (audio, menu)
• other bug fixes

Binaries for:

• gph (gph gp2x, wiz, caanoo)
• pandora
• dge (ritmix rzx-50, dingoo a320, possibly other similar devices having a JZ4740/JZ4755 cpu running early opendingux (mips32 w/o fpu))
• retrofw (rs97, possibly other similar devices having a JZ4760 cpu (mips32 w/ fpu))
• gcw0
• opendingux (rg280/350, gkd350h/gkdmini with stock firmware, possibly other similar devices having a JZ4770 or newer (mips32r2 w/ fpu))
• miyoo
• odbeta (JZ4770 (gcw0, rg280/350), JZ4760 (rg300, rs97, ldk, k3), JZ4725 (rg99) running the newer opendingux beta)
• psp
• ps2
• windows (experimental, untested)

These may (or may not) work on other similar devices. If you have tried other devices, please report back. I'll add those reported working to the above list.

Special thanks go to notaz (pandora), sydarn (odbeta), Apazcer (miyoo), and fjtrujy (psp, ps2) for support and patches.

v2.00

PicoDrive release 2.00

Update: experimental Windows build added, feedback welcome
this is not going to be well maintained though, I don't even have a Windows system for testing.

Update: replaced PS2 binary to fix audio problems with sound rates lower than 44100

Limited Changelog:

2.00:

• improved system detection by extension
• improved save/load (Z80, VDP state)
• improved some auto mappings for SMS
• added stereo for YM2612 DAC output
• updated libchdr for zstd support
• fixes for pandora
• changed miyoo build to ipk
• switched miyoo menu key to RESET
• added some more MD cartridges
• added more keys for some opendingux devices
• several fixes for SH2 DRC
• several VDP rendering fixes
• a lot of other bug fixes (32X reset, Z80 timing, etc.)

2.00-beta3:

• bug fixes (VDP reset, Z80 reset)
• improvements for Sega/Mega CD

2.00-beta2:

• substantial overhaul of Sega Pico UI:
  supports png images for pad overlays and storyware, new hotkeys, new option (see below)
• improved z80 and 68k timing for md and alike
• improved timing for 68k access to z80 bus
• improved 68k open bus read
• implemented "busy" status bit in ym2612
• fixes for big endian CPUs for state save/load

2.00-beta1:

• added ps2 standalone target (thanks to fjtrujy for the fundamentals)
• improved psp support
• fixed menu RGB/BGR handling
• fixed several Z80 related timing inaccuracies
• slightly increased volume for CD audio
• other bug fixes

2.00-alpha3:

• improved pandora layer handling
• added handling of "fantom bitmap" (DMA to background color)
• added SMS option to select TMS bitmap for legacy gfx modes
• added stereo sound support for GG
• overall revision of Pico support (correct sound, better handling of pen, better save/load handling)

2.00-alpha1+2:

• improved MD FM sound (DAC ladder effect/clipping, filtering, native rate)
• added support for 32X using MD H32 mode
• added support for MSU-MD (cartridge+audio CD for MD and 32X)
• added basic MD multiplayer support (team player, 4-way play)
• added mapping for some additional Mega Drive games
• added support for both Overdrive demos
• improved save/load handling (SVP, MD mapping, MCD/32X cycle counter)
• added more mappers for SMS cartridges
• added some support for GG cartridges running in SMS mode
• improved SMS graphics if 1st column is blanked
• added missing TMS9918 modes
• added SG-1000/SC-3000 support (no kbd yet, upcoming)
• added additional handhelds/host systems (miyoo, gkd, rg99, odbeta)
• improved handling of files by extension
• revised menu (more consistent options handling, option profiles)
• added dynarec support for PS3 using libretro
• add CI to repo (including artifact uploading for the curious)
• improved psp support
• revived pandora support
• a plethora of bug fixes and minor improvements (also most probably new bugs ;-))

Sega Pico support

The Pico support has undergone large changes and has been vastly improved. Specifically, images in png format for pad overlays and storyware pages are now supported, pen support has improved a lot, hotkeys have changed to reflect these changes, and ADPCM audio has been rewritten. IMHO it should now be much closer to the real thing than before.
There are now 2 hotkeys for changing display and input to storyware or pad. If there are images for either, they are automatically loaded and displayed. There's also an additional hotkey for the pen state to denote the pen being on the surface or not, indicated by the pointer icon being changed. See platform/base_readme.txt for details on how to name the images.

Binaries for:

• gph (gph gp2x, wiz, caanoo)
• pandora
• dge (ritmix rzx-50, dingoo a320, possibly other similar devices having a JZ4740/JZ4755 cpu running early opendingux (mips32 w/o fpu))
• retrofw (rs97, possibly other similar devices having a JZ4760 cpu (mips32 w/ fpu))
• gcw0
• opendingux (rg280/350, gkd350h/gkdmini with stock firmware, possibly other similar devices having a JZ4770 or newer (mips32r2 w/ fpu))
• miyoo
• odbeta (JZ4770 (gcw0, rg280/350), JZ4760 (rg300, rs97, ldk, k3), JZ4725 (rg99) running the newer opendingux beta)
• psp
• ps2

These may (or may not) work on other similar devices. If you have tried other devices, please report back. I'll add those reported working to the above list.

Special thanks go to notaz (pandora), sydarn (odbeta), Apazcer (miyoo), and fjtrujy (psp, ps2) for support and patches.

v1.99

New features added:

• improved Master System support
• added SRAM save support for SMS cartridges
• added a lot of mappers for SMS cartridges
• added Game Gear support
• added Master System TMS9918 modes 0 and 2
• added upscaling for improved aspect ratios
• improved Sega/Mega CD support
• added mapping for some additional Mega Drive games
• improvements for libretro support (new menu structure courtesy of jdgleaver)
• a load of bug fixes and minor improvements (also most probably new bugs ;-))

Binaries for (with list of devices I tested with):

• gph (gp2x, caanoo, probably also working on wiz)
• dge (ritmix rzx-50, possibly other similar devices having a JZ4740/JZ4755 cpu running early opendingux (mips32 w/o fpu))
• retrofw (rs-97, possibly other similar devices having a JZ4760 cpu (mips32 w/ fpu))
• gcw0
• opendingux (rg280, rg350, gkd350h with gcw0-based stock firmware, possibly other similar devices having a JZ4770 or newer (mips32r2 w/ fpu))

Not tested on other similar devices, and not tested on the current opendingux beta, but it may (or may not) work nonetheless. If you have tried other devices, please report back. I'll add those reported working to the above lists.

Binaries courtesy of other users (not tested by me since I don't have the hardware):

• psp (compiled by myself, but only tested on ppsspp emulator)
• miyoo (compiled by freq_mod; you may need to delete the config file to get the buttons working, see issue #42)

v1.98

*** If you have downloaded a release file before Apr 12, please do so again. The old files partially contained debug stuff ***

New features added:

• CHD support for CD images
• mp3 playback support via minimp3
• big endian host platform support
• sound low pass filtering for more realistic sound (original HW has analog low pass filter)
• menu revision
• improvements for 8bit fast rendererer (mainly better PAL support)
• basic support for legacy dingux (somewhat limited) and retrofw devices
• experimental support for PSP (incomplete)
• a load of bug fixes and minor improvements (also most probably new bugs ;-))

Binaries for (with list of devices I tested with):

• gph (gp2x, caanoo, probably also working on wiz)
• dge (ritmix rzx-50, possibly other similar devices having a JZ4740/JZ4755 cpu running early opendingux (mips32 w/o fpu))
• retrofw (rs-97, possibly other similar devices having a JZ4760 cpu (mips32 w/ fpu))
• gcw0
• opendingux (rg280, rg350, gkd350h with gcw0-based stock firmware, possibly other similar devices having a JZ4770 or newer (mips32r2 w/ fpu))

Not tested on other similar devices, and not tested on the current opendingux beta, but it may (or may not) work nonetheless. If you have tried other devices, please report back. I'll add those reported working to the above lists.

v1.97

This is mostly a bug fixing release (more than 2 dozen bugs). New features added:

• powerpc support for DRC
• 2x mode in SDL video overlay mode for better color resolution
• FM support for Master System (YM2413) (thanks to @hiroshica for supplying)

2x mode:
This is only available if "Video Overlay" is available in "Display Options/Video output mode". Video overlays use the YUV 4:2:2 color model, which has a brightness value for every pixel, but reduces the color resolution to one U/V chroma value for every 2 pixels. 2x mode circumvents this by doubling every megadrive pixel to have the complete color information for this pixel in the YUV output. Output scaling halves the width again, which then produces one chroma value per output pixel.

Binaries for gp2x and caanoo (zip), rg350 and gcw-zero (opk, mips32r2), and generic opendingux (opk, mips32r1).

v1.96

New features added:

• added YM2612 SSG-EG emulation
• optimisations for SH2 DRC
• added a DC filter to 32X PWM sound to reduce clipping
• improved VDP emulation (some Overdrive 2 support)
• completely rewrote VDP FIFO handling for improved timing accuracy
• revived SVP DRC for ARM

Binaries for caanoo (zip) and gcw-zero (opk). Please let me know should you encounter any problems.

The zip can also be used on a gp2x, if the ARM940 binary (pico940_v3.bin) from the v1.91 gp2x release is added manually to it. I omitted it for licensing issues with helix mp3 decoder.