Flycast vs Flycast
Flycast
github.comFlycast
flyinghead.github.ioSide by side
| Figure | Flycast | Flycast |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 2 | 2 |
| Spec score · Dreamcast Emulators | 9.0 (#1) | 8.9 (#2) |
| Build requirements | The Linux build instructions list a C/C++ toolchain, CMake, make, libcurl, libudev, SDL2, and Vulkan or OpenGL. | The Linux source build requires a C/C++ toolchain, CMake, make, libcurl, libudev, SDL2 and Vulkan or OpenGL development support. |
| Documentation | Configuration and supported-feature guidance is delegated to TheArcadeStriker Flycast wiki, with community discussion on Discord. | The official README sends configuration and supported-feature information to TheArcadeStriker wiki and Discord. |
| Downloads | The project offers master builds, experimental nightly development builds, and stable tagged releases. | The project offers regular master builds, experimental nightly development builds, and versioned stable releases. |
| iOS availability | The maintainers state that iOS support has been dropped. | The README says support for iOS has been dropped. |
| Licence | The repository uses the GNU General Public License version 2. | The repository is licensed under GNU GPL version 2. |
| License | The repository identifies GPL-2.0 as its license. | The GitHub repository identifies its license as GPL-2.0. |
| Network emulation | Flycast emulates Dreamcast modem and LAN-adapter networking. | The app emulates Dreamcast modem and LAN adapters. |
| Praise: compatibility | A Reddit user reports Flycast runs roughly 100 titles that another major Dreamcast emulator could not run, while texture-pack users report solving issues through settings changes or developer fixes. | Chrome-Stats summarizes praise for smooth emulation on modest hardware, Bluetooth-controller support and coverage of Naomi and other arcade systems. |
| Rating on Google Play | 4.3 out of 5 from 1.79k reviews | 4.3 out of 5 from 1.79K reviews. |
| Release channels | The project publishes master builds, experimental nightly builds and stable tagged releases. | The project publishes master builds, experimental nightly builds and stable tagged releases. |
| Save states | The Android version provides ten save-state slots. | The Android listing provides 10 save-state slots. |
| Self-hosting | Because source and build instructions are public, users can compile and run their own Flycast builds. | LinuxServer documents a Flycast Docker image with browser access through Selkies. |
| Texture packs | Users can load custom high-definition texture packs. | Custom high-definition texture packs are supported. |
| What it does | Flycast emulates Sega Dreamcast, Naomi, Naomi 2 and Atomiswave systems and is derived from reicast. | Flycast emulates Sega Dreamcast, Naomi, Naomi 2 and Atomiswave systems. |
Plans
In their own words
Flycast
Flycast is a free emulator for Sega Dreamcast, Naomi, Naomi 2, and Atomiswave, derived from reicast. It runs on Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows, with releases available as stable tagged versions, master builds, and experimental nightly builds. Android users are directed to Google Play; Linux instructions cover Flatpak and Flathub, while macOS instructions use Homebrew. Windows documentation provides a bootstrap script for building from source. Xbox One and Series users can install a build through Xbox Device Portal. Flycast supports online play, with release notes describing modem-emulation improvements and fixes for online features in several games. Its DCNet service is a free dedicated VPN for Dreamcast games; 30 game servers were available when it was released. Physical Dreamcast controllers work with DreamConn+ and DreamPicoPort adapters. On Android, Google Auto Backup can back up VMU saves and non-volatile memory. The project lists GPL-2.0 as its license and says iOS support has been dropped.
Flycast
Flycast is a free emulator for Sega Dreamcast, Naomi, Naomi 2, and Atomiswave. Its Android listing says it runs most Dreamcast games, including Windows CE titles, and arcade games for Naomi, Naomi 2, Atomiswave, and System SP. Graphics options include OpenGL and Vulkan, high-definition and widescreen play, and custom high-definition texture packs. The Android listing specifies 10 save-state slots and names RetroAchievements, modem and LAN adapter emulation, and Power Smash online support in update notes. The project offers regular master builds, experimental nightly development builds, and versioned stable releases. The builds page describes master as relatively stable and cautions that other branches may be unstable, crash, or fail to run. Flycast is available for Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows, with controller support and online multiplayer listed. Game files are not included and must be owned by the user. The repository identifies the license as GPL-2.0.