Introducing DC DevTools

Posted in dreamcast, emulators, tools

Over the years a set of web-based tools has grown around Dreamcast development. Here’s the full lineup:

  • pvrtex.js — PVR texture compression and format conversion, running client-side via WebAssembly. Supports all the Dreamcast texture formats (RGB565, ARGB1555, ARGB4444, YUV, palettized, bumpmap), with dithering, shared palettes, and real-time diff preview.

  • refsw-web — The PowerVR2 reference software renderer compiled to WebAssembly. Load VRAM dumps, render triangle passes, inspect tiles, browse textures with mipmaps, and debug vertex data — all in the browser.

  • devcast — A fork of Reicast maintained as a development aid for other Dreamcast emulators and refsw work.

  • nullDC DevTools — Web-based debugging tools for Dreamcast emulation.

  • SH4 Pipeline Simulator — Visualizes instruction scheduling, dependencies, hazards, and stall cycles for the SH4 CPU.

  • AICA DSP Playground — Write DSP assembly for the Dreamcast’s AICA sound processor, feed it audio, and see the waveforms in real time.

All browser-based, no install needed.