Do I need the original game files to run SaturnRecomp - Sega Saturn Runtime and Recompilation Research Toolkit?

Yes. The project does not include the original game's assets, so you need your own copy.

Are games or firmware included?

No. You must dump the BIOS and game disc from hardware or media you own and keep those files local.

SaturnRecomp - Sega Saturn Runtime and Recompilation Research Toolkit

ToolActive

Tooling used for decompilation and recompilation work.

SaturnRecomp - Sega Saturn Runtime and Recompilation Research Toolkit screenshot

Links, repository & details

About

SaturnRecomp is an experimental, clean-room Sega Saturn runtime and static-recompilation research toolkit. It includes a disc and configuration command-line tool, an SH-2 execution core, a Windows SDL2 runner that boots a user-supplied game through a user-supplied Saturn BIOS, and a native launcher built with Qt. The playable path currently runs SH-2 code through an interpreter, and a complete public ahead-of-time recompilation emitter does not exist yet.

How it differs from the original

Compatibility is title-dependent and performance is below mature emulators such as Ymir. SCSP DSP and audio behavior is not yet bit-perfect. The runner also offers frame interpolation at a 60 to 240 Hz target and a shared settings panel.

Getting started

A command-line route using a per-game TOML file is also described.

Known issues & limitations

The project is experimental, compatibility depends on the title, performance is below mature emulators, and SCSP DSP/audio behavior is not bit-perfect.
A complete public ahead-of-time recompilation emitter is not available.
Import completion does not guarantee compatibility or full static recompilation.
Interpolation adds buffering latency, cannot restore original 3D depth or discarded subpixel transforms, and loading stalls can miss deadlines.

What you need to run it

Original game files required. The project ships code only; you provide your own copy of the game (Saturn version).

You must supply your own BIOS dump and game-disc dump and keep them local.

Features

The runtime supports keyboard and controller input.
The shared settings panel offers display, rendering, audio, and interpolation options that persist across games.
During play, F2 toggles frame interpolation at the selected rate.
The runtime can boot games through the authentic BIOS reset and IPL/CD path, including automatic disc boot.

How to install

Follow the launcher setup and play guide, install its listed dependencies, then run the provided PowerShell commands to install requirements and build the launcher.
In the launcher, choose a BIOS, add a game, select its cover, and click Play game. For mixed-mode discs, select the CUE with all track files available.

Controls

In the launcher, press Enter for Start, Z for Saturn A, and use the arrow keys to move.
F1 opens the native settings panel.
F2 toggles interpolation during play.

Summarised from the project's README.

Media

Additional notes

No games included: No BIOS, game images or extracted game code are included; the user must dump them from hardware or media they own.
Diagnostic mode: The nobios option uses incomplete HLE firmware stubs and is meant for diagnostics only.

FAQ

What is SaturnRecomp - Sega Saturn Runtime and Recompilation Research Toolkit?: SaturnRecomp - Sega Saturn Runtime and Recompilation Research Toolkit is an open-source tool. Tooling used for decompilation and recompilation work. The original game ran on Saturn.
Do I need the original game files to run SaturnRecomp - Sega Saturn Runtime and Recompilation Research Toolkit?: Yes. The project does not include the original game's assets, so you need your own copy.
Are games or firmware included?: No. You must dump the BIOS and game disc from hardware or media you own and keep those files local.