Create a temporary folder on your PC. Copy chdman.exe into this folder, along with the folders of the Sega Saturn games you wish to convert. Step 3: Create the Batch File Open Notepad and paste the following script:
For a single game:
This public link is valid for 7 days and shares a thread, including any personal information you added. This link or copies made by others cannot be deleted. If you share with third parties, their policies apply. Can’t copy the link right now. Try again later.
: Supported by most Saturn cores like Beetle Saturn and Kronos.
Method 2: Using a Graphical Interface (NamDHC or CHD-O-Matic)
Previously known as Yabause (but vastly improved). Kronos has better performance on low-end PCs than Mednafen.
Transitioning your Sega Saturn ROM collection to the CHD format is a massive quality-of-life upgrade for retro gamers. It honors the intricate engineering of Sega's 32-bit powerhouse by archiving its complex multi-track games into sleek, space-saving single files. Whether you are building an emulation setup on a Steam Deck, configuring a RetroArch rig, or loading up a micro SD card for your physical Saturn ODE, CHD is undisputedly the definitive format for Sega Saturn preservation.
CHD (Compressed Hunk of Data) files are a type of compressed file used to store Sega Saturn game data. CHD files are specifically designed for Sega Saturn games and are used by emulators to load and play games. CHD files are an excellent way to store and distribute Sega Saturn games, as they can significantly reduce the file size of a game while maintaining its original quality.
To avoid converting files one by one, most enthusiasts use a simple "CUE to CHD" batch script. You place chdman.exe and the script in your game folder, run it, and let it do the heavy lifting.
Double-click cue_to_chd.bat . A command prompt window will open. CHDMAN will automatically scan all sub-folders, find the .CUE files, compress the associated .BIN audio and data tracks, and output a clean .chd file right next to the original game folder. Once finished, you can safely delete the old .BIN/.CUE files.
Not all emulators are created equal when it comes to CHD support. To avoid errors or the need for external mounting tools, consider these top-tier options:
