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Sandopolis
What it is
Sandopolis is a free, portable Sega emulator available in a browser and through desktop binaries. It emulates Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, Sega CD, Master System, Game Gear, and SG-1000 systems. Controls can be configured for gameplay input, frontend hotkeys, and rendering settings. The command line accepts supported ROM files, ZIP archives containing ROMs, and Sega CD CUE/BIN or ISO disc images. Sega CD games require BIOS files that are not included. In Sandopolis Web, uploaded BIOS files remain in the browser being used. The project README links to a browser version and provides a Docker image for running it; pre-built desktop downloads are on GitHub Releases. Sandopolis uses the MIT license, which the README describes as allowing commercial use. Development is early, with imperfect compatibility, bugs, and breaking changes expected. The latest listed release is v0.1.0-alpha.9, a pre-release with Sega CD emulation support.
For and against
For
- Supports five Sega system families
- Browser version and desktop binaries
- Configurable controls and rendering
- MIT license permits commercial use
- Docker image provided for web version
Against
- Project is in early development
- Compatibility is imperfect
- Bugs and breaking changes are expected
- Sega CD BIOS files are not included
The verdict
Sandopolis offers broad Sega system coverage with browser and desktop access, configurable controls, and permissive licensing. Its early development status and BIOS requirement for Sega CD games are important considerations.
Who it suits
It suits users seeking a free, configurable emulator for several Sega systems on the web or desktop. It is best for users comfortable with early-stage software and supplying their own BIOS files when needed.
Plans and prices
Sandopolis
MIT-licensed · early development
Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
On the record
- BIOS requirement
- Sega CD games require BIOS files that are not included with the project.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Configurable controls
- The emulator can configure gameplay input, frontend hotkeys, and rendering settings.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Desktop downloads
- Pre-built desktop binaries are available from the project's GitHub Releases page.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Development status
- The project is in early development, and the maker says compatibility is imperfect and bugs and breaking changes are expected.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- License
- The project is licensed under MIT, which the README describes as permissive and allowing commercial use.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- Sandopolis is a portable multi-system Sega emulator.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Release stage
- The latest listed release is v0.1.0-alpha.9, described as a pre-release that includes Sega CD emulation support.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- ROM formats
- The command line accepts supported ROM files, ZIP archives containing ROMs, and Sega CD CUE/BIN or ISO disc images.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- The README directs users to GitHub Issues to report bugs or request features.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Systems emulated
- It supports Sega Genesis/Mega Drive, Sega CD, Master System, Game Gear, and SG-1000 emulation.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Web BIOS storage
- For Sandopolis Web, uploaded BIOS files are kept in the browser being used.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Web version
- The README links to a browser version and provides a Docker image for running Sandopolis Web.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
