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ESPectrum

ESPectrum is free, open-source firmware that emulates Sinclair ZX Spectrum computers on Espressif ESP32 boards.

Place
#15 of 23
Score
5.6
ESPectrum's website

What ESPectrum is

ESPectrum is free, open-source firmware that emulates Sinclair ZX Spectrum computers on Espressif ESP32 boards. It supports Spectrum 48K, 128K, +2A and Pentagon 128K models, as well as Microdigital TK90X and TK95. The project lists Lilygo TTGo VGA32 and Olimex ESP32-SBC-FabGL among supported boards. Video options include standard and machine-rate VGA, plus 15 kHz CRT output in 16:9 or 4:3. Emulation includes Z80, AY-3-8912 sound, beeper and microphone, contended memory and floating-bus effects. It handles tape, snapshot and Betadisk disk files, including TAP, TZX, SNA, Z80, SP, TRD and SCL. Input options include PS/2 keyboards, joysticks, a Kempston mouse and physical joysticks using a DB9-to-PS/2 converter. A FAT16- or FAT32-formatted micro SD card holds program and disk files, snapshots and screen captures. Firmware can be installed with an online flasher or release binaries; PlatformIO compilation and flashing is described for Windows, GNU/Linux and MacOS/X. The project is licensed under GPL-3.0.

Good

  • Free and open source under GPL-3.0
  • Emulates several Spectrum and Microdigital models
  • Supports VGA and 15 kHz CRT output
  • Reads tape, snapshot and disk formats

Watch out

  • Requires an Espressif ESP32-powered board
  • Micro SD must use FAT16 or FAT32
  • Physical joysticks need a DB9-to-PS/2 converter

Who it suits

ESPectrum suits retro-gaming enthusiasts who want to run classic Spectrum games on compatible ESP32 hardware. It is also relevant to makers comfortable with its board, display, storage and input-device requirements.

Verdict

ESPectrum offers a broad set of Spectrum emulation and peripheral options for compatible ESP32 boards. Check the supported hardware, display and file-format details against your setup before installing.

Plans and prices

From ESPectrum's own pricing page, checked 8 Oct 2026.

All about pricing
PlanPriceWhat it gives you
ESPectrumFreeEmulator firmware for compatible ESP32 boards

The facts

Each one read from ESPectrum's own pages, with the date it was checked.

Where it runs

Development platforms
The README describes compiling and flashing with PlatformIO on Windows, GNU/Linux and MacOS/X.checked 8 Oct 2026
Input devices
It supports PS/2 keyboards, joystick emulation, two physical joysticks through a DB9-to-PS/2 converter, and a PS/2 mouse as a Kempston mouse.checked 8 Oct 2026

What it does

Display
Video output supports standard VGA, machine-rate VGA and 15 kHz CRT modes, with 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios.checked 8 Oct 2026
Hardware
The project lists Lilygo TTGo VGA32 and Olimex ESP32-SBC-FabGL among supported boards.checked 8 Oct 2026
Installation
Users can install firmware with the online web flasher or flash release binaries directly to a compatible board.checked 8 Oct 2026
License
The GitHub repository identifies the project license as GPL-3.0.checked 8 Oct 2026
Media formats
The emulator supports tape and snapshot files, including TAP, TZX, SNA, Z80 and SP, plus Betadisk TRD and SCL disk files.checked 8 Oct 2026
Sound and emulation
Features include Z80 emulation, AY-3-8912 sound, beeper and microphone emulation, contended memory and floating-bus effects.checked 8 Oct 2026
Storage requirements
A micro SD card should be formatted as FAT16 or FAT32; the README lists it for program and disk files, snapshots and screen captures.checked 8 Oct 2026
Support
The project directs users to its README, release notes and public ESPectrum Telegram group for help.checked 8 Oct 2026
Supported models
It emulates Spectrum 48K, 128K, +2A and Pentagon 128K, as well as Microdigital TK90X and TK95 models.checked 8 Oct 2026
What it does
ESPectrum emulates Sinclair ZX Spectrum computers on Espressif ESP32 boards.checked 8 Oct 2026
Who it is for
The maker describes the project for retro-gaming enthusiasts who want to run classic Spectrum games on ESP32 hardware.checked 8 Oct 2026

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