ares vs PicoDrive
ares
ares-emu.netPicoDrive
github.comSide by side
| Figure | ares | PicoDrive |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Spec score · Game Gear Emulators | 9.0 (#1) | 7.5 (#21) |
| Spec score · Sega Genesis Emulators | 9.0 (#1) | 7.4 (#21) |
| Spec score · Multi-System Emulators | 8.9 (#2) | 7.5 (#39) |
| Spec score · Sega CD Emulators | 9.0 (#1) | 7.5 (#15) |
| Spec score · Sega Master System Emulators | 9.0 (#2) | 7.5 (#12) |
| Purpose | ares is a cross-platform, open-source multi-system emulator focused on accuracy and preservation. | PicoDrive is a Sega 8-bit and 16-bit console emulator that supports systems up to and including the 32X. |
| Supported systems | The catalogue includes Arcade, Atari 2600, WonderSwan, ColecoVision, NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, Sega systems, Neo Geo Pocket and PlayStation. | It runs games for Mega Drive/Genesis, Sega/Mega CD, 32X, Sega Pico, SG-1000, SC-3000, Master System/Mark III and Game Gear. |
Plans
In their own words
ares
ares is a free, open-source emulator for multiple systems, with a stated focus on accuracy and preservation. It supports systems including Arcade, Atari 2600, WonderSwan, ColecoVision, NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, and PlayStation, though some listed systems are experimental. Playback options include save states, run-ahead, rewind, and fast-forward. Pixel shaders and optional color correction can alter display characteristics, while Virtual Game-Pads let users configure controls for use across emulated systems. The interface framework uses WinAPI on Windows, Cocoa on macOS, and GTK2 or GTK3 on POSIX platforms. Simple debugging features such as trace logging support development of original software for supported systems. Windows builds support Windows 7 or later; AMD64 binaries require at least Intel Nehalem or AMD Jaguar architecture. macOS binaries require Catalina 10.15 and support Intel and Apple Silicon. The project prefers Linux users compile from source and points to third-party packages rather than official Linux binaries. Source code uses the ISC license. Android is not supported, and a BIOS is required.
PicoDrive
PicoDrive is a freeware, open-source emulator for Sega 8-bit and 16-bit consoles through the 32X. It runs Mega Drive/Genesis, Sega/Mega CD, 32X, Sega Pico, SG-1000, SC-3000, Master System/Mark III, and Game Gear games, with save states. The emulator supports enhanced CD audio for compatible cartridge games in MSU, MD+/32X+ and Mode 1 formats loaded from CUE or CHD files. Sega Pico Storyware pages and pad overlays can be displayed from PNG files beside a cartridge image. Physical mice can emulate a Sega Mouse or Pico Pen, and keyboard support covers Sega Pico and SC-3000 devices, including a virtual overlay. SC-3000 cassette emulation accepts WAV and bitstream files and advances tapes when accessed. The project documents generic Unix-like and libretro builds. Release packages or ZIP archives are installed manually. Windows, Linux, and self-hosted use are listed. The PicoDrive plan costs nothing.