How to Dump/Backup/Rip CD Games with RetroArch (PS1, Saturn, SEGA CD, NEO GEO...)

Introduction

This tutorial will guide you through the process of dumping, backing up, or ripping CD-based games using RetroArch. This method is applicable for PlayStation 1, Sega Saturn, Sega CD, and Neo Geo games, and will help you preserve your physical game collection in a digital format.

Step 1: Set Up RetroArch

1. Download and Install RetroArch

   • Visit the official RetroArch website and download the version suitable for your operating system (Windows, macOS, Linux).
   • Follow the installation instructions specific to your OS.

2. Configure RetroArch

   • Open RetroArch and navigate to the settings menu.
   • Adjust the input settings if needed, especially if you are using a controller (like the Xbox Series X Controller).

Step 2: Prepare Your CD Drive

1. Insert the Game CD

   • Place the CD game you wish to dump into your computer's CD/DVD drive.

2. Verify the Drive Recognition

   • In RetroArch, check if the CD drive is recognized. You can do this by going to the main menu and selecting the 'Load Disc' option.

Step 3: Dump the Game Data

1. Access the Dumping Feature

   • From the main menu, go to the 'Tools' section.
   • Select 'Dump CD' or 'Rip CD' depending on your version of RetroArch.

2. Choose the Dumping Format

   • Select the format you want to dump the game in (usually as a .bin file with a corresponding .cue file).

3. Start the Dumping Process

   • Confirm your selection and start the process. The dumped files will typically be saved in the 'Downloads' folder within the RetroArch directory.

Step 4: Renaming Files (if necessary)

1. Check the File Names

   • If you have multiple tracks, ensure that the .bin files are named correctly.

2. Edit the .cue File

   • Open the .cue file in a text editor and make sure the references match the new .bin file names if you changed them.

Step 5: Verify the Dumped Files

1. Load the Game in RetroArch
   • Go back to the main menu, select 'Load Content,' and navigate to the folder where your dumped files are located.
   • Open the .cue file to test if the game loads correctly.

Conclusion

In this tutorial, you learned how to effectively dump and backup your CD-based games using RetroArch. By following these steps, you can preserve your classic games for future play. If you encounter any issues, double-check your file names and ensure that your CD drive is functioning properly. Happy gaming!