Sega Genesis emulators
The Sega Genesis is a 16-bit, 4th generation console released by Sega in 1989 in North America. In other regions, it was known as the Mega Drive. It had several addons, including the Sega CD (a CD addon) and the 32X (a 32bit addon).
Genesis emulation is very good, with high degree of game compatibility (many of them claiming nearly 100% compatibility with commercial games). They are available on many platforms. Many Genesis emulators also feature compatibility with the Sega Master System (SMS), and the Game Gear (GG).
Emulators
Name | Operating System(s) | Latest Version | SMS | GG | Mega Drive | Sega CD | 32X | Recommended |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kega Fusion | Windows, Linux, OS X | 3.64 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
GenesisPlusGX | Wii, Gamecube | 1.7.4 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
RetroArch (GenesisPlusGX) | Multiplatform | 1.7.4 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
Exodus | Windows | 1.0.0 | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
GENS | Windows, Linux | 2.14 | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✗ |
PicoDrive | Multiplatform | 1.80 | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
DGen | Multiplatform | 1.32 | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
Comparison
Kega Fusion is a very good emulator with high compatibility. It is easy to use as well.
GenesisPlusGX is also very good with high compatibility. The only thing it lacks is 32X support. The port for RetroArch adds shader support, dynamic sync and the other features of RetroArch.
Exodus is cycle-accurate, and has high system requirements. It is the newest Genesis emulator, and is likely far from complete. It currently only supports the regular Sega Genesis and no other systems.