rom-dumping.md

ROM Dumping

!!! danger

An obligatory warning about downloading ROMs:

Emulators are generally _legal_, as long as they don't include copyrighted software such as a console BIOS. Downloading ROM files that you do not own is piracy which is _illegal_ in many countries.

!!! info

[Dumping.Guide](https://dumping.guide/start) and [Emulation General Wiki](https://emulation.gametechwiki.com/index.php/Ripping_games) are some of the best resources for legally creating ROM files from games you own.

Here is a condensed version that isn't guaranteed to be up to date.

Generation 1-5 cartridge-based consoles

Dumpable with special hardware	Open Source Cartridge Reader (Save the Hero Builders)	INLretro Dumper	Retrode	Other hardware
Nintendo - GB, GBC, GBA	✅	✅	✅ (w/ adapter)	GB Operator
Nintendo - NES/Famicom	✅ (V3 w/ adapter)	✅	❌
Nintendo - Nintendo 64	✅ including controller pak saves (V3 w/ addon for EEPROM saves)	✅	✅ including controller park saves (w/ adapter)
Nintendo - SNES/SFC	✅ (V3 w/ addon for some)	✅	✅
Sega - Game Gear	✅ (w/ Retrode Master System adapter)	❌	✅ (w/ Master System adapter)
Sega - Genesis/MD	✅	✅	✅
Sega - Master System	✅ (V3 w/ adapter)	❌	✅ (w/ adapter)

Generation 6+ and disk-based consoles

Dumpable with software	Software for native hardware
Nintendo - 3DS	GodMode9
Nintendo - DS, DSi	GodMode9 (w/ 3DS), GodMode9i (w/ DSi), wooddumper (w/ DS)
Nintendo - Famicom Disk	FDSStick
Nintendo - Switch	nxdumptool
Sony - PSP	PSP Filer
Sony - PlayStation Vita	psvgamesd

Optical-based consoles

Optical-based consoles	Media Preservation Frontend (MPF) (w/ PC)	Software for native hardware
Microsoft - Xbox, 360, One	✅
Nintendo - Gamecube	⚠️ with specific drives and workarounds	CleanRip (w/ Wii)
Nintendo - Wii	⚠️ with specific drives and workarounds	CleanRip
Nintendo - Wii U	❌	wudump
Sega - Dreamcast	⚠️ with specific drives and workarounds	SD Rip
Sega - Saturn	✅
Sony - PlayStation 1, 2	✅
Sony - PlayStation 3	❌	ManaGunZ, multiMAN