Flycast vs melonDS

Flycast Dojo is a free, open-source fork of the Flycast emulator for Sega Dreamcast, Naomi, Naomi 2 and Atomiswave. Its focus is netplay and replay, with training tools for supported games. Players can connect using Match Codes, direct IP connections or virtual LANs such as ZeroTier or Radmin. Match Codes use an internet relay to help start peer-to-peer sessions through firewalls without an account or extra software. Netplay sessions can be recorded and played back, or transmitted to a replay server or listening spectator. Training Mode supports RetroArch .cht cheats, savestates, and recording and playing back inputs. Players can compare ROM MD5 checksums, while successful peer-to-peer play requires matching ROM and BIOS files. The project is bundled with Fightcade and Arkadyzja. It is listed for Android, Linux, macOS and Windows, though the official site links downloads for Windows, Linux and Mac. The documentation notes that Match Codes may have problems on some cloud gaming services or corporate networks.

melonDS is a free, open-source emulator focused on Nintendo DS emulation, with builds listed for Windows, macOS, and Linux. Its feature list includes a nearly complete CPU, video, and audio core, a JIT recompiler, an OpenGL renderer with 3D upscaling, joystick support, savestates, RTC, microphone, and lid controls. The project also lists DLDI support. Wi-Fi features include local multiplayer and online connectivity, but are a work in progress and may not work with all games. DSi emulation and GBA slot add-ons are also in progress. DS emulation requires configured BIOS and firmware files; DSi emulation additionally needs a DSi NAND image. melonDS uses raw save files and can import saves from DeSmuME, DraStic, or a flashcard, but does not support the special save memory type used by WarioWare DIY and Jam with the Band. Direct online connectivity requires libpcap or WinPcap, Ethernet, and administrator or superuser privileges; indirect mode does not require Ethernet or those privileges. The software renderer is more accurate but more CPU intensive, while OpenGL may be faster but less accurate.