Once you go CHD, you never go back. The format is now supported for , Sega CD , and Dreamcast (Flycast) . If you are building a "top" retro collection for a Steam Deck, Batocera, or RetroPie, consider converting all your disc-based systems to CHD. It saves terabytes of storage.

Originally created by the developers of the MAME (Multiple Arcade Machine Emulator) project, the CHD format was designed to compress hard drive and CD-ROM images from arcade cabinets. Over time, developers adapted it for disc-based home consoles like the Sega Saturn, Dreamcast, and PlayStation 1.

format is currently the top-tier recommendation for storage and performance. This review breaks down why it has become the gold standard, where to find quality files, and any potential drawbacks. The Verdict: Why CHD is Preferred CHD has largely superseded older formats like due to several key factors: Lossless Compression : CHD reduces file sizes by roughly without any loss of data or audio quality. Cleaner Library : It compresses multiple tracks and the sheet into a single file , eliminating the clutter of multi-track games. Broad Compatibility : Most modern top-tier emulators, such as DuckStation , support CHD natively. Performance

Packed with licensed music tracks, this game compresses beautifully into CHD without sacrificing a single beat of its iconic soundtrack.

Why it's top tier: Hundreds of cars and realistic (for 1999) physics. CHD Benefit: Arcade and Simulation discs can be stored as two separate CHD files, making swapping "discs" in emulators seamless.