Multi-game solutions (arcade)¶
A multi puts a platform's whole library on an SD/flash kit that replaces ROMs, cartridge or CD — without modifying the original board, and handling the security (suicide) internally. This page details what to buy and how to install it per platform.
Official vs bootleg
Two worlds: the scene multis (Darksoft, Terraonion) — polished, documented, hardware-friendly; and the bootlegs ("N-in-1") — cheap, dubious quality/legality. This wiki favours the former.
Overview¶
| Platform | Multi (scene) | Replaces | Soldering? |
|---|---|---|---|
| CPS-1 | Darksoft CPS-1 | B-board (ROMs) | no (sits on the contacts) |
| CPS-2 | Darksoft CPS-2 | B-board ROMs + keys | no |
| CPS-3 | Darksoft CPS-3 | CD + cartridge + battery | no |
| Neo-Geo | NeoSD (Terraonion), Darksoft Neo | MVS/AES cartridge | no |
| Sega ST-V | Darksoft ST-V | cartridge | no |
| Sega NAOMI | netboot / GDEMU | GD-ROM / DIMM | no |
CPS-2¶
The Darksoft CPS-2 Multi replaces the B-board ROMs: all CPS-2 games on microSD, battery-less (no more game-side suicide). The "have it all" answer to manual converts and the suicide.
Kit contents: two PCBs that sit on the B-board ROM contacts (where the EPROM/mask ROMs were), joined by a small bridging PCB, + an LCD and buttons (selection menu), + microSD.
Installation (summary):
- Remove all EPROM/mask ROMs from the B-board (the multi takes their place on the contacts).
- Check the B-board jumpers (the kit expects a given config — follow the Darksoft instructions).
- Fit the two PCBs on the contacts + the bridging PCB.
- Connect LCD + buttons.
- Prepare the microSD (games) and insert it; the menu handles keys/region internally → no more key flashing or battery.
→ No soldering on a standard B-board: the kit sits on, it is reversible.
CPS-1¶
The Darksoft CPS-1 Multi replaces the B-board with an SD/flash board: all CPS-1 games, with the CPS-B-21 config handled by the kit (no more juggling the codes/C-boards of the CPS-1 converts). You keep the original A-board; menu selection. Solder-free install (sits on the B-board contacts).
CPS-3¶
The Darksoft CPS-3 Multi replaces CD + cartridge + battery with SD: all CPS-3 games, no laser or battery, fast boot. The kit provides BIOS + keys internally (end of suicide). See CPS-3 converts and CPS-3.
Installation: remove the original security cartridge (keep it!) and plug the kit in its place + SD card; no CD drive needed.
Neo-Geo¶
Two quality solutions, both cartridge form (no soldering):
| Multi | Maker | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NeoSD (MVS and AES, separate versions) | Terraonion | SD cartridge, whole library, menu, updates |
| Darksoft Neo multi | Darksoft | same, Arcade-Projects ecosystem |
Install/use: it's a cartridge — insert it in the MVS (or AES, depending on the version) slot, put the games on SD, and pick from the menu. The UniBIOS is a good companion (region, MVS/AES). Avoid the 161-in-1 bootlegs.
ST-V¶
The Darksoft ST-V Multi is an SD cartridge for the Sega ST-V (arcade Saturn): all ST-V games, insert in the cartridge slot, region at the BIOS. See ST-V.
NAOMI¶
The NAOMI doesn't "multi" via cartridge but via loading:
- Netboot (NetDIMM): the game is sent from a PC into the DIMM board (transfergame/netboot software) — no GD or critical battery.
- GDEMU / MODE: SD ODE in place of the GD-ROM.
→ Details and install: GDEMU / MODE (+ Naomi netboot) and NAOMI.
PGM¶
The IGS PGM (cartridges) has community solutions: re-key of the protected IGS027A (ARM) games, and grouped ROM boards. The late games' ARM protection has been reverse-engineered (MAME). → PGM converts guide · PGM.
Where to buy (makers)¶
- Terraonion (NeoSD, MODE) — https://www.terraonion.com/
- Darksoft (CPS-1/2/3, Neo, ST-V…) — via Arcade-Projects (group buys / instructions) — https://www.arcade-projects.com/
Sources & attribution¶
- CPS2 Multi Boot Installation Guide (Darksoft) — 2 PCBs on contacts + bridging PCB + LCD/buttons + microSD
- Terraonion — NeoSD — https://www.terraonion.com/
- Arcade-Projects — Darksoft multi — https://www.arcade-projects.com/
- Internal pages: CPS-1 · CPS-2 · CPS-3 · MVS · ST-V · NAOMI
Review & corrections
How this space is used
Spotted a wrong value, an outdated procedure, a chip reference that does not match your board? Say so here, with what you observed (model, board revision, serial number, measurement). Every report is cross-checked against a source before anything changes — an unverifiable correction is published as “reported by …, not cross-checked” rather than silently applied.
Reading is open to everyone; posting requires signing in with Discord. Reports from the wiki's declared reviewers are handled first; anyone else's are read too, but go through a human before anything is changed.