MasterGear

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Score7.1

Rank#7 of 30

PriceFree

Free planYes

Runs onAndroid, Linux, Windows

Summary

MasterGear is an emulator for 8-bit SEGA consoles and computers, including MasterSystem, GameGear, SG1000, SC3000, SF7000, Mark2 and Mark3. It is available for Windows, Linux and Android. The maker says hobbyists can use it to debug software for these systems without rare development hardware. Documentation reports that it runs about 98% of the maker’s SMS, GG, SF7000, SC3000 and SG1000 cartridge and disk images, while noting that compatibility is not complete. Emulated hardware includes the Z80 CPU, console video processors, SN76489 sound and Mark3 YM2413 FM sound. Users can save and load emulation states, though a state file is not guaranteed to work across versions on different hardware. Other listed features include automatic GZIP handling for ROM files and soundtrack logging to MIDI files. The Android app supports State Exchange, NetPlay over local networks or the Internet, and keyboard, gamepad, touchscreen or accelerometer input. The distribution does not include game ROM images, and the source code is not publicly available. Windows and Linux are free; Android costs 430.00 USD once.

Who it is for

MasterGear may suit hobbyists working with software for the listed 8-bit SEGA systems, including those who want to debug without rare development hardware. Android users can also use its listed NetPlay and input options.

What is good

Emulates several 8-bit SEGA systems.
Supports save and load states.
Android supports NetPlay and multiple input methods.
Windows and Linux plans are free.

What to know first

Compatibility is not 100%.
Game ROM images are not included.
Source code is not publicly available.
Android costs 430.00 USD once.

Verdict

MasterGear covers a range of 8-bit SEGA systems across desktop and Android, with save states and Android NetPlay. Users need to provide their own ROM images, and the Android plan has a one-time cost of 430.00 USD.

MasterGear plans and pricing

All plans

MasterGear Windows/Linux Free Windows: all versions · Linux: 64-bit Ubuntu fms.komkon.org · 29 Sept 2026

MasterGear Android $430 once Android 4.1 and newer play.google.com · 29 Sept 2026

Compared on game gear emulators

Free plan: Yesfms.komkon.org
Supported platforms: Windows, Linux, Androidfms.komkon.org
Source available: Nofms.komkon.org

Facts

Purpose: MasterGear emulates 8-bit SEGA consoles and computers, including MasterSystem, GameGear, SG1000, SC3000, SF7000, Mark2, and Mark3.fms.komkon.org · 29 Sept 2026
Intended users: The maker says MasterGear can help hobbyists debug software for these systems without rare and costly development hardware.fms.komkon.org · 29 Sept 2026
Compatibility: The documentation says it currently runs about 98% of the maker’s SMS, GG, SF7000, SC3000, and SG1000 cartridge and disk images, while noting compatibility is not 100%.fms.komkon.org · 29 Sept 2026
Emulation features: Supported hardware includes Z80 CPU, console video processors, SN76489 sound, and Mark3 YM2413 FM sound.fms.komkon.org · 29 Sept 2026
Save and load: MasterGear supports saving and loading emulation states, though a state file is not guaranteed to work across versions running on different hardware.fms.komkon.org · 29 Sept 2026
Media features: The documentation lists automatic GZIP ROM handling and soundtrack logging to MIDI files.fms.komkon.org · 29 Sept 2026
Android features: The Android app supports State Exchange, NetPlay over local network or Internet, and play using keyboard, gamepad, touchscreen, or accelerometer.play.google.com · 29 Sept 2026
Android accessories: The Android listing names Bluetooth gamepads, Xperia Play buttons, iCade, Sixaxis, and Moga gamepads as supported.play.google.com · 29 Sept 2026
Android security: Google Play states that the app does not share data with third parties, may collect app info and performance and device or other IDs, encrypts data in transit, and does not allow data deletion.play.google.com · 29 Sept 2026
Support: The Android listing directs users to the EMUL8 discussion group for problems and provides [email protected] as the support email.play.google.com · 29 Sept 2026
ROMs excluded: The maker says the distribution contains no game ROM images and users must provide their own files.fms.komkon.org · 29 Sept 2026
Source availability: The maker says MasterGear source code is not publicly available.fms.komkon.org · 29 Sept 2026
Integration and licensing: The maker says companies can license MasterGear for products using SEGA games and can contact him about licensing the games themselves.fms.komkon.org · 29 Sept 2026