AozoraMD

Mega Drive / Genesisemulator.

AozoraMD is a Mega Drive / Genesis emulator built around accurate hardware emulation and the feel of playing on the original system.

Play in browserDesktop downloads

v0.9.0 available for Windows, macOS and Linux.

Video settings

1 / 4

Downloads

Download v0.9.0 for Windows, macOS or Linux. macOS builds are unsigned; read the first-launch guide before downloading.

v0.9.0

Changelog

  • Added realtime rewind with a timeline for browsing recent gameplay.
  • Added animated weather backgrounds, with rain, clouds, sunshine and a starry night.
  • Updated the game library, pause controls and save-state previews.
  • Improved AozoraVision transparency reconstruction, dithering reduction and artwork processing.
  • Improved 32X performance and PWM audio.
  • Fixed VDP rendering and timing, including effects in Overdrive 2.
  • Improved Mega-CD audio, disc subcode handling and device timing.
  • Added cheat-code importing from a database, with matching codes for your game.
  • Added optional desktop update checks.
  • Improved keyboard and gamepad navigation and text legibility.

Older releases

Desktop requirements

CPU

Windows and Linux: 64-bit Intel or AMD (x86-64). macOS: macOS 15 or newer on Apple silicon (M1 or later).

Graphics

OpenGL 3.2 or newer, or Vulkan 1.0 or newer when using the Vulkan renderer.

Linux setup

Flatpak with the Flathub runtime installed.

AozoraVision puts more load on your GPU at higher resolutions. If it runs slowly, lower the output resolution or turn off the shader.

Supported systems

Mega Drive / Genesis

Cartridge games, including Sonic & Knuckles lock-on.

Mega-CD / Sega CD

CUE, ISO and CHD; requires your own BIOS.

32X

Experimental. Requires your own SH-2 BIOS files.

Virtua Racing (SVP)

Experimental support for the Virtua Racing cartridge.

AozoraVision

AozoraVision increases image resolution, reduces visible dither patterns and color banding, and turns checkerboard effects into transparency. It aims to keep the original artwork and lettering while making the picture clearer. It is still in beta, and results vary by game and scene.

Streets of Rage 2

Bar lighting, floor shading and sprite edges, captured for v0.9.0.

Drag the divider, or focus it and use the arrow keys, to compare AozoraVision off and on.

AozoraVision off
AozoraVision on

Same scene and output size. © SEGA

The Adventures of Batman & Robin

First-level street gameplay: smoke, lighting and character outlines.

Drag the divider, or focus it and use the arrow keys, to compare AozoraVision off and on.

AozoraVision off
AozoraVision on

Same scene and output size. © DC Comics / SEGA

Ranger X

Gameplay: sky gradients and rocky terrain.

Drag the divider, or focus it and use the arrow keys, to compare AozoraVision off and on.

AozoraVision off
AozoraVision on

Same scene and output size. © SEGA

Earthworm Jim

First-level gameplay: background and junkyard shading.

Drag the divider, or focus it and use the arrow keys, to compare AozoraVision off and on.

AozoraVision off
AozoraVision on

Same scene and output size. © Shiny Entertainment / Playmates Interactive Entertainment

Desktop features

Load a game, adjust the picture, and play. AozoraMD keeps the hands-on feel of older emulators in a simple desktop app. Rewind your game, inspect the hardware with the built-in debugger, or try AozoraVision to change the picture. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux.

  • Rewind and save states

  • Input recording and playback

  • Sonic & Knuckles lock-on cartridge support

  • Cheat codes

  • Configurable controllers

  • Built-in debugger with CPU, memory and VDP inspection

  • OpenGL and Vulkan rendering

  • AozoraVision upscaling, dithering reduction and transparency reconstruction (beta)

  • Unprocessed output

Frequently asked questions

“Aozora” (青空) means “blue sky” in Japanese. “MD” stands for Mega Drive. Blue reminds me of Sega. I wanted the name to suggest a clear blue sky: an emulator that feels clean, easy to use and fun, with plenty to explore. The filters and enhancements aim to give games a clearer, higher resolution look while keeping their original feel.

Bring your own games

Bring your own game files. No games are provided on this site.