How to Add Multi-File CD Games to Your Pandora Using PandoryTool

At TeamPandory, we’ve made it incredibly easy to add normal console ROMs to your Pandora Games 3D, 3D+, EX2, and similar models using PandoryTool. Most ROMs are a simple drag-and-drop process, but CD-based games, such as those using BIN/CUE/GDI, files require a few extra steps to install correctly.

Don’t worry though! PandoryTool still makes this possible, and in a future version, we’re planning to make the process even simpler. In the meantime, here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide so you can enjoy CD-based games. We’ll use Thunder Storm & Road Blaster for PS1 as an example.

Tip: For Dreamcast games, which use GDI format instead of BIN/CUE, the process works almost the same. The GDI file can be edited just like a CUE file to ensure all tracks are referenced correctly.

Step 1: Rename the BIN File(s)

Take the BIN file for your game. For example:

Thunder Storm & Road Blaster (Japan) (Disc 2) (Road Blaster).bin

Rename it to something simple and unique, like:

roadblaster.bin

Tip: Avoid generic names like track1.bin. Each file on a Pandora must have a unique name. Using descriptive names prevents conflicts if you have multiple CD-based games installed.

If your game has multiple BIN files, give each one a unique name, such as:

roadblaster1.bin
roadblaster2.bin

Step 2: Edit the CUE (or GDI) File

Open the corresponding CUE file with Notepad++ (not the standard Notepad). Locate the line referencing each BIN file. For example:

FILE "Thunder Storm & Road Blaster (Japan) (Disc 2) (Road Blaster).bin" BINARY

Change it to match your renamed BIN file(s):

FILE "roadblaster.bin" BINARY

If your game has multiple BIN files, make sure each one is correctly referenced in the CUE file.
For Dreamcast games, open the GDI file instead, and update the track lines to reference the renamed files exactly, just like a CUE file.

Save the file after editing.

Step 3: Add Only the CUE (or GDI) File to PandoryTool

Place only the CUE or GDI file into the PandoryTool ROMs folder for the respective system:

C:\pandorytool\roms\playstation

or for Dreamcast:

C:\pandorytool\roms\dreamcast

Do not add the BIN files yet. We’ll do that after running pandory.

Step 4: Run PandoryTool to Add the Game

Open a command prompt and run:

pandory roms add X:

Replace X: with the drive letter of your USB stick. PandoryTool will create a folder called mcgames on your USB stick and generate a folder with a random-looking name, such as:

PS_A2731897

This is where your game files will live.

Step 5: Copy the BIN File(s) to the Game Folder

Inside the newly created folder (e.g., PS_A2731897), copy your renamed BIN file(s). Keep the names exactly as you set them in Step 1.

Tip for multiple BIN files: If your game has more than one BIN, make sure each file has a unique name, like roadblaster1.bin, roadblaster2.bin. Each file will need a corresponding <rom> line in the XML.

Step 6: Edit the XML File

In the same folder, you’ll find a file named something like PS_A2731897.xml. Open it with Notepad++ and locate the line for the CUE (or GDI) file:

<rom name="PS_A2731897.cue"/>

If your game has only one BIN file, add a single line below it:

<rom name="PS_A2731897.cue"/>
<rom name="roadblaster.bin"/>

If your game has multiple BIN files, add a <rom> entry for each BIN file:

<rom name="PS_A2731897.cue"/>
<rom name="roadblaster1.bin"/>
<rom name="roadblaster2.bin"/>

Save the XML file. This step tells PandoryTool that your game has all the files needed for installation.

Step 7: Install the Game on Your Pandora

If you’ve installed this game before, remove it first from the Pandora settings menu.
Insert your USB stick into your Pandora.
Start the installation as usual. PandoryTool will now install the CUE/GDI and all BIN file(s), giving you a fully playable game.

Tips and Best Practices

Give your BIN files unique, descriptive names rather than generic ones like track1.bin.
Ensure the CUE or GDI file references match your renamed BIN files exactly.
For multi-BIN games, each BIN file must have its own <rom> entry in the XML file.
Dreamcast GDI files can be edited the same way as CUE files to reference all tracks correctly.

Looking Ahead

We know this process can feel a bit technical, but it works reliably if you follow each step carefully. In a future version, we’ll make adding multi-file CD games as simple as adding normal ROMs, with no XML editing required.

Team Pandory

Team Pandory