DOSBox Optionals is a Windows-targeted emulator forked from DOSBox for MS-DOS, Windows 95, and Windows 98 software. Its video options include Surface, OpenGL, and OpenGL3 backends with shader support, plus extended 3Dfx graphics that can reach resolutions up to 8K depending on DOSBox resolution. It can launch on another monitor, including a third, and manage, mount, or create hard disk images up to 8 GB. Listed sound options include MAME sound, FluidSynth, Munt MT-32, Nuked OPL3, and SSI-2001 reSID emulation. It also lists MP3, FLAC, OPUS, WAVE, and OGG decoding in CDR-WIN cue sheets. For Windows 95 and 98, the README lists IDE support and virtual-mode CD-ROM emulation. Networking includes Novel NE2000 support and IPX mode. Listed memory limits are 1 GB for Windows 98, 512 MB for Windows 95, and 256 MB for DOS. The project integrates its libraries into a single DOSBox.exe file; the archive also includes Lite and Heavy Debug builds. It is free, and source is available.
Who it is for
DOSBox Optionals suits Windows users seeking to run MS-DOS, Windows 95, or Windows 98 software in an emulator. Its listed capabilities include multiple video, audio, disk image, and networking options.
What is good
- Supports MS-DOS, Windows 95, and Windows 98
- Offers Surface, OpenGL, and OpenGL3 video backends
- Can manage hard disk images up to 8 GB
- Free, with source available
What to know first
- Windows is the only listed host platform
- Memory limits vary by emulated system
- 3Dfx resolution depends on DOSBox resolution
Verdict
DOSBox Optionals is a free DOSBox fork with broad legacy-system and media support. Its Windows focus and system-specific memory limits are worth checking against your setup.
Compared on MS-DOS emulators
- Free plan
- Yes
- Supported host platforms
- Windows
- DOS target versions
- ms-dos
- Disk image formats
- hard disk images, floppy images, CD-ROM images, CDR-WIN CUE sheets, MAME CHD
- Gamepad support
- Yes
- Audio CD support
- Yes
- Source available
- Yes
