New MODE Firmware Brings Fixes for Saturn, Features for Dreamcast

New firmware for Terraonion’s MODE optical drive emulator released Wednesday to fix outstanding issues with the Saturn and add features to the Dreamcast.

Firmware version 1.05 R3 is the first new firmware for the MODE since May 21, 2021. To download it, MODE owners must log in to the Terraonion shop website , go to “registered products” under “my products” and click the settings cog on the top right on desktop (or the three dashes on the Terraonion banner on cell phones). Make sure your MODE serial number is listed and click “downloads.” You should see the newest firmware there, version 1.05 R3.

The patch notes are as follows:

With the new firmware, Saturn users now can reset back to MODE menu and reset to the Saturn’s multiplayer menu — from there, select launch to boot into MODE menu.

Disabling fastboot for Panzer Dragoon Saga fixes a compatibility issue.

Derek “ateam” Pascarella, a prominent member of both the Saturn and Dreamcast homebrew communities, talked a little about the new Dreamcast VMU support in the SHIRO! Discord server .

“Just note if you’re using the generic game ID function with VM2+MODE (i.e., icon-based detection), you will have to manually migrate all your virtual VMUs to the folders that get created automatically after launching a game via MODE menu,” ateam said.

Both new Dreamcast features refer to the VMU Pro , an enhanced memory card made by UK-based 8bitmods that features a color screen and has the ability to run applications and 8-bit console emulators. The features are compatible with Dreammods’ VMU2 as well.

The MODE, which stands for Multi Optical Disc Emulator, is an optical drive emulator that can be installed into either a Saturn or Dreamcast to run games off an SD card, a USB stick or a hard drive. It’s a no-solder solution that replaces the console’s CD-ROM drive. First released in 2020, the MODE supports both 20- and 21-pin Saturns and has 99% compatibility with the library — only a few outstanding issues remain. It can be bought from Terraonion’s website for €200, about US$260.

	Danthrax
		Danthrax is a contributor to the SHIRO! Media Group, writing stories for the website when Saturn news breaks. While he was a Sega Genesis kid in the '90s, he didn't get a Saturn until 2018. It didn't take him long to fall in love with the console's library as well as the fan translation and homebrew scene. He contributed heavily to the Bulk Slash and Stellar Assault SS fan localizations, and he's helped as an editor on several other Saturn and Dreamcast fan projects such as Cotton 2, Rainbow Cotton and Sakura Wars Columns 2.