Sega Dreamcast Receives Cloud Save Support in 2025

In a surprising but welcome development, the Sega Dreamcast is getting modernized with cloud save support. Just like the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch, Sega's final console is receiving a feature that was once thought impossible for legacy hardware. Thanks to the dedicated efforts of indie developers and the retro gaming community, Dreamcast owners will soon be able to back up and access their saved data online.

The cloud save functionality is being implemented via a new homebrew software initiative, developed by Robert Dale Smith -  enabling Dreamcast users to store their VMU (Visual Memory Unit) data on a dedicated server. This advancement means no more worrying about lost or corrupted save files, a common issue with ageing VMU batteries. With cloud integration, players can now switch between consoles and restore their progress seamlessly.

This update breathes new life into the Dreamcast, which remains a fan-favourite console due to its innovative library of games like Shenmue, Jet Set Radio, and Skies of Arcadia. The cloud save feature will be accessible through a simple online setup, with initial reports suggesting it will be compatible with original hardware and modified Dreamcast units.

While the Dreamcast may have been discontinued in 2001, its enduring fanbase continues to keep it relevant through advancements like this. The addition of cloud saves marks another milestone in the system’s impressive afterlife, proving once again that retro gaming isn’t just about nostalgia—it’s about innovation, too.

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