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WashingtonDC
What it is
washDC is a free, open-source SEGA Dreamcast emulator for Linux and Microsoft Windows PCs with x86 processors. Formerly known as WashingtonDC, it was made from scratch rather than based on an earlier emulator, and is licensed under GNU GPL version 3. The README lists GDI, CHD, CDI, ELF, and raw BIN game image formats, but BIOS and flash images are mandatory to run the emulator. It supports keyboard controls and up to four gamepads. Remote GDB and the WashDbg debugger are listed as TCP debugging options. Wash Emulation describes itself as a one-person team and washDC as its only product to date. The project also publishes homebrew programs for examining Dreamcast behavior, including tests of PowerVR2 backface culling and memory mirroring. A separate tool, gdisofs, mounts Dreamcast game images as read-only filesystems on Linux PCs. The maker says it continues to support Windows, and project updates, a Discord link, and an email contact are listed on the homepage.
For and against
For
- Free and open-source under GNU GPL version 3.
- Supports five listed game image formats.
- Supports keyboard controls and up to four gamepads.
- Offers TCP debugging options.
Against
- BIOS and flash images are mandatory.
- Supported systems are Linux and Windows.
- The separate gdisofs tool is described for Linux PCs.
The verdict
washDC is a free Dreamcast emulator with multiple listed image formats and controller options. The required BIOS and flash images are essential prerequisites, and its supported systems are Linux and Windows.
Who it suits
washDC may suit Linux or Windows users with x86 PCs who want to run Dreamcast games and can provide the required BIOS and flash images. Its debugger options may also interest users examining emulator behavior.
Plans and prices
washDC
Open-source Dreamcast emulator · GNU GPL version 3
Read 3 Oct 2026 · washemu.org
On the record
- Community and contact
- The homepage links to Discord and lists [email protected] as an email contact.washemu.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Contact and community
- The maker lists an email address and links to a Discord server from the official homepage.washemu.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Controllers
- The README says the emulator supports up to four gamepads and keyboard controls.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Debugging
- The README lists remote GDB and WashDbg debugger options over TCP.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Development
- The maker says development began on October 14, 2016, and the emulator was made from scratch rather than based on previous emulators.washemu.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Firmware requirement
- The README states that BIOS and flash images are mandatory to run the emulator.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Former name
- washDC was formerly known as WashingtonDC.washemu.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Game image formats
- The README lists GDI, CHD, CDI, ELF, and raw BIN as supported game image formats.github.com · read 3 Oct 2026
- Graphics test
- The culltest hardware test validates the PowerVR2's backface culling behavior.washemu.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Hardware tests
- The maker publishes homebrew programs used to investigate Dreamcast behavior and compare it against the emulator.washemu.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- License
- washDC is open-source under the GNU GPL version 3.washemu.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Linux support
- The maker describes gdisofs, a separate tool, as a way to mount Dreamcast game images as read-only filesystems on Linux PCs.washemu.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Maker
- Wash Emulation says it is a one-person team and washDC is its only product to date.washemu.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Open source
- washDC is open-source under the GNU GPL version 3.washemu.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Origin
- The maker says washDC was made from scratch and is not based on previous emulators.washemu.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Product
- washDC is a low-level SEGA Dreamcast emulator for playing classic Dreamcast games on a modern x86 PC.washemu.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Product scope
- The maker says washDC is the only product Wash Emulation has made to date.washemu.org · read 3 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- washDC is a low-level SEGA Dreamcast emulator for playing classic Dreamcast games on a modern x86 PC.washemu.org · read 3 Oct 2026
