Mega Drive / Genesis
emulator.

AozoraMD runs Mega Drive / Genesis games on Windows, macOS and Linux. Inspect the hardware in its built-in debugger, rewind a session, or try the optional AozoraVision shader.

Checking public build availability…

Builds & installation ↓Features →

C++20 · Open source · GPL-3.0

AozoraMD debugger showing the original video test ROM, VDP layer controls and hardware events — The built-in debugger: frame preview, VDP layers and hardware events. Full size

Downloads

Windows · macOS · Linux

Links below open GitHub Releases unless a published package is available. macOS instructions explain the unsigned build before any download.

Windows

x64 · ZIP

Check releases ↗

macOS

Apple silicon · DMG

Unsigned · first-launch steps required

macOS installation guide →

Linux

x86_64 · Flatpak

Check releases ↗

Installation notes

Windows: extract the entire ZIP and run aozoramd.exe.
macOS: builds are unsigned and not notarized. Follow the first-launch guide.
Linux: install Flatpak and add Flathub, then run flatpak install ./aozoramd-linux-x86_64.flatpak

Release notes and source archives ↗

System support

Mega Drive / GenesisPrimary target: 68000 · Z80 · VDP · YM2612 · PSG
Mega-CD / Sega CDExperimental: CUE, ISO and CHD. Requires your own BIOS.
32XExperimental: Requires your own SH-2 BIOS files.
SVPExperimental: Virtua Racing cartridge hardware.

Android arm64 is experimental. No Android package is offered here.

AozoraVision BETA

An optional shader for a remastered look: upscaling, less dithering and banding, and reconstructed transparency in checkerboard effects. Recent work improves artwork protection and lettering. Results still vary by game and scene.

Original video test pattern with shader processing off — Processing off

The same original video test pattern with AozoraVision enabled — AozoraVision

Original video test ROM · Same static pattern and output size, OpenGL. This is a test pattern, not game footage. Click either image for the full capture.

Test ROM · Source · GPL-3.0

Processing is optional. You can also use unprocessed output or CRT mode.

Features

Rewind and save states
Input recording and playback
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)
CRT shader and unprocessed output

Bring your own games

ROMs and BIOS files are not included. Open your own game files in the app. Settings and saves live in ~/.aozoramd.

Documentation ↗Report an issue ↗

Mega Drive / Genesisemulator.