Flycast

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Score7.2

Rank#8 of 54

PriceFree

Free planYes

Runs onAndroid, Linux, macOS, Windows

Summary

Flycast is a free multi-platform emulator for Sega Dreamcast, Naomi, Naomi 2, and Atomiswave, derived from reicast. It is available for Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows, and the project offers stable tagged releases along with master and experimental nightly builds. Android installation is directed through Google Play; Linux instructions cover Flatpak and Flathub. macOS users can follow Homebrew commands for stable, master, and nightly channels, while the Windows instructions provide a bootstrap script for building from source. Xbox One and Series users can install a build through Xbox Device Portal. Release notes list modem-emulation improvements and fixes for online features in several games. They also describe DCNet as a free dedicated VPN service for Dreamcast games, with 30 game servers available at its release. Physical Dreamcast controllers can be used with DreamConn+ and DreamPicoPort adapters. Android save data can use Google Auto Backup for VMU saves and non-volatile memory. The project is licensed under GPL-2.0; its README says iOS support has been dropped.

Who it is for

Flycast suits people looking to emulate the listed Sega systems on Android, Linux, macOS, or Windows. Its documented releases and platform-specific installation paths may help users choose an appropriate build.

What is good

Emulates Dreamcast, Naomi, Naomi 2, and Atomiswave.
Stable, master, and experimental nightly builds are offered.
Supports physical Dreamcast controllers with listed adapters.
Android saves can use Google Auto Backup.

What to know first

iOS support has been dropped.
Windows instructions provide a source-build bootstrap script.
Linux build instructions list several toolchain and library requirements.

Verdict

Flycast covers four Sega systems and several desktop and mobile platforms, with installation guidance that varies by platform. iOS is not supported, and Windows users are directed to a source-build bootstrap script.

Flycast plans and pricing

All plans

Flycast Free Dreamcast, Naomi, Naomi 2, and Atomiswave emulation github.com · 30 Sept 2026

Compared on multi-system emulators

Free plan: Yesgithub.com
Dreamcast BIOS required: Nogithub.com

Facts

What it does: Flycast is a multi-platform emulator for Sega Dreamcast, Naomi, Naomi 2, and Atomiswave, derived from reicast.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Downloads: The project offers master builds, experimental nightly development builds, and stable tagged releases.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Android: The README directs Android users to install Flycast from Google Play.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Linux: The README gives Flatpak and Flathub installation instructions for Linux.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
macOS: The README gives Homebrew commands for master, stable, and nightly development channels on macOS.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Windows: The README provides a Windows bootstrap script for building Flycast from source.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Xbox: The README says Xbox One and Series users can install a build through Xbox Device Portal.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Online play: The v2.7 release notes list improved modem emulation and fixes for online features in several games.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
DCNet: The v2.5 release notes describe DCNet as a free dedicated VPN service for Dreamcast games and say 30 game servers were available at release.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Controllers: The v2.5 release notes list support for physical Dreamcast controllers with DreamConn+ and DreamPicoPort adapters.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Save data: The v2.7 release notes list Google Auto Backup support on Android for VMU saves and non-volatile memory.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Notable limitation: The README says Flycast support for iOS has been dropped.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Build requirements: The Linux build instructions list a C/C++ toolchain, CMake, make, libcurl, libudev, SDL2, and Vulkan or OpenGL.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
License: The repository identifies GPL-2.0 as its license.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
Community support: The README invites users to join the project's Discord server for chat.github.com · 30 Sept 2026