• Introduction
• Setting up the Server
• Using Mednafen's netplay console

Introduction

Mednafen's netplay is standalone-server based, with multiple clients(players) connecting to the same server. Save states are utilized upon connection, and whenever a player loads a save state on their end, so having decent bandwidth is critical, especially for newer systems with large save states like PS1 and Sega Saturn. Since nonvolatile memories(save RAM, floppy disks, etc.) are preserved in save states, you may want to backup any important save game files before netplaying with the corresponding game(s). Using a different Mednafen installation, or Mednafen base directory, solely for netplay, is an option as well. Be aware that the utilization of save states does bring about some potential security issues.

Players with lower ping times to the server will have a latency/lag advantage. To reduce latency, it's recommended to make the setting changes described here. If emulating SNES games, try the alternate snes_faust emulation module, with setting "snes_faust.spex" set to "1".

Setting up the Server

Download the latest "Mednafen-Server" release. Untarballize it, and read the included "README" files for further instructions and caveats.

Using Mednafen's netplay console

Pressing the 'T' key will bring up the network play console, or give it input focus if focus is lost. From this console, you may issue commands and chat. Input focus to the console will be lost whenever the Enter/Return key is pressed. The 'Escape' key(by default, shares assignment with the exit key) will exit the console entirely. Whenever text or important information is received, the console will appear, but without input focus.