MAME vs Redream
MAME
mamedev.org
Redream
redream.ioSide by side
| Figure | MAME | Redream |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Emulator Software | 8.5 (#8) | 7.3 (#31) |
| Spec score · Dreamcast Emulators | 8.5 (#3) | 7.1 (#8) |
| Features | MAME can save and load state files, record inputs for playback, and capture screenshots or video. | The homepage lists widescreen codes, automatic cover art, save states, and cheat support. |
| Platforms | The current source can be compiled for Windows, Linux, FreeBSD and macOS; official binary packages are designed for Windows. | The homepage lists Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and Raspberry Pi 4; the download page lists Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and Raspberry Pi. |
| Support | Users can report information or code through the MAME GitHub page, MAME Forums, or the project contact page. | The download page directs users to the GitLab issue tracker to report issues with development releases. |
Plans
In their own words
MAME
MAME is a free emulation framework intended to preserve software history by documenting and reproducing the inner components of arcade machines, computers, consoles, calculators, and other electronic amusement systems. It can emulate over 32,000 individual systems from the last five decades. Alongside emulation, it includes an interactive low-level debugger for investigating software behavior, diagnosing emulation issues, and developing software for vintage systems. Its Lua interface can inspect device state, access CPU registers, read and write memory, and draw overlays, though the API may change without notice. Plugins support uses such as external-program communication and alternate interfaces; included examples are Discord Presence and a GDB Stub. MAME can save and load states, record inputs for playback, and capture screenshots or video. It is available for Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows; official Windows binaries require Windows 10 or later. BIOS dumps and copyrighted software are generally not included. The project is distributed under GPL-2.0 overall, while more than 90% of files, including core files, are under BSD-3-Clause.
Redream
Redream is a Dreamcast emulator for Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows. It lets players run Dreamcast games, with the homepage listing rendering at 1080p or 4K and play without controller setup or adding BIOS or flash files. The homepage says more than 95% of the Dreamcast library can be played from start to finish; the download page gives a figure above 96% and says that share can be played at no cost. Listed features include widescreen codes, automatic cover art, save states, and cheat support. The package is under 4 megabytes, and the homepage says it can produce a smooth 60 Hz on decade-old desktops and mobile phones. Redream is free to use on supported platforms. Premium is a one-time purchase that works across those platforms, with pay-what-you-want amounts of $6, $8, $10, or $20. It adds high-definition rendering, multiple save-state slots per game, and a custom Discord server role.