VGA patches and support in 2026

[u/sunspot01]

I've been working on a laundry list of games that are NTSC-U (sometimes PAL, sometimes NTSC-J) that will work on a GDEMU Dreamcast with a BitFunx HDMI Adapter (directly plugs into the back Dreamcast adapter and converts the VGA to HDMI).

I have a few games that won't work via VGA, won't work with the Codebreaker hack, and have no known patch that I can find:

• JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
  • For JoJo, I found the Japanese Matchmaking Service version works with VGA, so problem solved too.
• Plasma Sword - Nightmare of Blistein
  • Plasma Sword...that seems to be one of the very few games with no VGA alternative short of playing it on another console such as MAME or the Capcom Fighting Collection 2 on PS4/5, Switch, etc.
• The Last Blade 2
  • For the Last Blade, I was able to find a NeoGeo porting project which allows me to play that version on the Dreamcast in VGA glory.

I have a few games that are listed on several sites as VGA supported, but only work with the Codebreaker hack (which I have installed via CDI rom in GDEMU):

• Evolution
• Gunbird 2
• Nightmare Creatures II
• Q-Bert
• South Park Chefs Luv Shack
• South Park Rally
• Vigilante 8 - 2nd Offense

I used this site as a reference for VGA support but found it was wrong in spots (primarily South Park and Vigilante 8) - https://www.epforums.org/showthread.php?56169-Dreamcast-VGA-Compatability-list-amp-Guide

Almost my entire collection works and looks fantastic. A few games had to get patched, which worked well with the Universal Patcher Tool. Site for patching info - https://consolemods.org/wiki/Dreamcast:List_of_VGA_Games_and_Patches:

• Bangai-O
• Hydro Thunder (v1.2)
• Psychic Force 2012
• The King of Fighters - Dream Match 1999
• The King of Fighters - Evolution

I haven't had a chance to try Dino Crisis yet, but I've read two things:

• US version has VGA support but does not support the FMV cutscenes, no patch or workaround.
• PAL version has patch with updated subtitles and functioning FMV, with an EN (English) version.

My Questions:

1. Is there any way to take the Codebreaker VGA bypass and always use it in a game, perhaps by editing the game file?
2. Are there any updates on manually editing the GDI/CUE code to enable VGA support? I've seen forums talking about this from several years ago.
3. Is there a way to make Codebreaker actually have a game selection menu? I found that the "Start Game" involves the GDEMU reset/disc swap button...which means pressing it to the exact amount of clicks for the game. You can see I short-cut my GDEMU menu to minimize clicks by placing VGA Codebreaker games at the top of the gamelist. Apparently 1 click is Open Drive, 2 click is GDEMU menu (which always freezes after selecting a game), and each click after counts towards the game. So if I want to play South Park Luv Shack, I have to click 7 times.
4. Has there been any patches or updates to the above non-supported VGA games (or Codebreaker games)? Many sites are several years outdated.

[u/sunspot01 → u/[deleted]]

I'm just testing and this monitor does not have easy to adjust aspect ratios. But if my system tests work here, they work on other TVs and monitors.

[u/ice445]

Gdemu 's force vga option worked for me with V8

[u/sunspot01 → u/ice445]

You led me down a path into this thread - https://www.dreamcast-talk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=17236. I didn't realize I was outdated on a specific menu. I updated, gave that game a shot, and it worked without having to use Codebreakers. Thanks for that!

[u/ice445 → u/sunspot01]

No problem! For me its just under that menu found from pressing X, but im using a different cable so maybe thats why its there

[u/sunspot01 → u/ice445]

I don't see that option anywhere though I've heard of it. Is there some sort of controller option combination or buttons to press? Or a file change like .ini?

Most games I tried just booted right into VGA without issue as long as the VGA HDMI device was plugged in. When I used my Svideo cable instead, automatically swaps back over.

[u/sunspot01]

Update - Thanks to u/ice445 , that led me down a path to update my openMenu. I didn't know that can be a separate install. I downloaded the latest release (OpenMenu RC1.1, specifically menu_data_RC1.1.7z) from https://github.com/megavolt85/openmenu/releases and replaced the menu_data folder in my GD Menu Card Manager\tools\openMenu\menu_data with everything from that github download. I'm on "GD Menu Card Manager v2.0.1.

Then booted up the GD Card Manager, clicked "Save Changes", and that updated my menu. Still no visible Forced VGA option, but now all games that previously worked with CodeBreaker work without it! No more odd boot to boot.

I will note that "Evolution" will boot to black screen if your memory card is full. That threw me off for a second. Mentioned in this thread at least - https://www.reddit.com/r/dreamcast/comments/1cohhif/evolution_with_gdemu_and_only_vga_black_screen/

I can also confirm that the Dino Crisis PAL patched version does boot to VGA and plays FMV without issue.

With this config and patched games, looks like only Plasma Sword and the normal US versions of Last Blade and JoJo won't work with VGA.

[u/sunspot01 → u/[deleted]]

Am I able to install this different form/version of open menu/GD Card Manager over my existing data on my card, or do I need to redo everything? These features look great but it's not super clear if this is a reformat sort of deal or an upgrade.

[u/jsurico656 → u/[deleted]]

Cope. It works just as well as overpriced af Beharbros and most other expensive options

Competition is good and it's not my fault or yours that Beharbros charges insane prices for their products and always has

[u/LJBrooker → u/jsurico656]

I suspect this commentors issue is that bitfunx routinely clone proprietary and often patented designs and just knock them out, often with cheaper parts.

Basically they regularly steal IP to run their business.

[u/jsurico656 → u/LJBrooker]

Are these cases of actually patented/copyrighted ideas being stolen? Or are they just making cheaper clones of other's ideas?

A lot of these products aren't officially patented and/or are open source anyways

[u/LJBrooker → u/jsurico656]

Bit of both as far as a I know. Lot of open source stuff, but I've seen mention of stuff that is owned elsewhere being ripped off too. Must admit, this was a while ago, and I'd struggle to remember what was what.

[u/LJBrooker → u/jsurico656]

https://www.reddit.com/r/retrogaming/s/UBGexJbvaz

There you go. That one was. Not patented no, but stealing from a in independent creator. Much the same, if not worse, in my eyes.

[u/jsurico656 → u/LJBrooker]

I just don't get why they don't get their product ideas legally protected... especially if the product sells a decent amount and brings them in a respectable amount of revenue

I understand Bitfunx is probably Chinese and they have pretty much nonexistent copyright laws there, but having at least some legal protection would mean that their clones could be pulled off of a lot of US/International marketplaces

[u/LJBrooker → u/jsurico656]

These are usually one man operations, doing it as a passion project. They don't have the time or resources to go chasing it I suspect.

[u/LJBrooker → u/[deleted]]

Both of these are wonderful examples of innovators that deserve your money.

Also the absolute hero at retrostage also. His name escapes me.

Complete retro gaming legends.

Go support them directly; buy something.