Flycast

Overview

Flycast Dojo is a free, open-source emulator for Sega Dreamcast, Naomi, Naomi 2, and Atomiswave that adds a strong multiplayer and replay focus to Flycast. It suits players arranging online matches or reviewing sessions, while its training tools also give supported games an offline practice option. Its appeal depends on bringing the right game files and, for online play, a network that can connect.

Key features

Multiplayer connections

Match Codes initiate peer-to-peer sessions through an internet relay, so players can connect behind many firewalls without an account, extra software, or a separate virtual LAN. Direct IP and virtual LAN options such as ZeroTier or Radmin provide alternatives, but require players to choose the connection method that fits their setup. Match Codes can still run into problems on some cloud gaming services and corporate networks; firewalls or antivirus software may also block connections, and troubleshooting can involve allowing Flycast through the firewall or forwarding ports.

Dojo is bundled with Fightcade, an online matchmaking service for retro games, and with Arkadyzja, a matchmaking platform that uses its peer-to-peer and relay features. Those integrations complement the documented direct connection options. Players need appropriate ROM and BIOS files, and opponents need matching game files for a successful peer-to-peer session. MD5 checksum comparison helps check whether ROMs match before a session begins.

Replay, spectating, and training

Players can record netplay sessions and replay them from the emulator’s Replays screen, making it useful for reviewing matches rather than treating online play as a one-off. Sessions can also be transmitted to a replay server or a listening spectator. Training Mode supports cheats in RetroArch .cht format, savestates, and recording and playing back inputs for supported games. That makes Dojo more useful for practice and tournament preparation, though the input tools are limited to supported titles.

Pricing

Flycast Dojo is free, with a free plan and no paid tier to weigh against its multiplayer and training features. Its cost is not the main constraint: players must supply appropriate game and BIOS files, and multiplayer requires opponents’ game files to match.

Platforms

Flycast Dojo supports Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows. The official site links downloads for Windows, Linux, and Mac; the project is described as cross-platform.

Who it's for

Choose Dojo if you want Dreamcast, Naomi, Naomi 2, or Atomiswave emulation centered on peer-to-peer play, replay, and supported-game training. It is a particularly practical fit for players who want Match Codes to start sessions without an account or virtual LAN. It is a poorer fit if you cannot obtain matching game and BIOS files, or if your network environment obstructs Match Codes and you do not want to troubleshoot or use another connection method.

Pros and cons

• Pro: Match Codes can initiate peer-to-peer play through many firewalls without requiring accounts or extra software, reducing setup friction for online matches.
• Pro: Recording, playback, spectating, and supported-game training tools serve both match review and practice.
• Pro: MD5 checksums help opponents identify mismatched ROMs before connecting.
• Con: Opponents need matching ROM and BIOS files; a mismatch can prevent a peer-to-peer session from starting.
• Con: Some cloud gaming services and corporate networks can interfere with Match Codes, while firewalls or antivirus software may block connections.
• Con: Training input recording and playback apply to supported games, not every title.

Alternatives

For another free emulator covering the same console families, consider Flycast, which is also available across Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows, with no ads; game files remain the user’s responsibility. The separately listed Flycast is another free option for Dreamcast, Naomi, Naomi 2, and Atomiswave emulation on those platforms.

MAME is a free, GPL-2.0-or-later option for Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows; choose it if you want that alternative, noting that ROMs and copyrighted software are generally not included. Redream offers a free plan on the same four platforms, with a one-time Premium payment listed at $6, $8, $10, or $20; choose it if its premium option suits your needs.

For Linux or Windows alternatives, Deecy is free, and WashingtonDC is free and open-source under GNU GPL version 3. Nitrocast is a free Linux option, while nullDC 2.0.0 is free on web, Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Browse more options in Dreamcast Emulators or Game Console Emulators.

Verdict

Flycast Dojo is the right choice for players who want free, open-source Dreamcast-family emulation built around netplay, replay, and training tools. Match Codes and session review are its clearest reasons to choose it; look elsewhere if matching game files or network troubleshooting makes its multiplayer setup impractical.