ZEsarUX
- Android app
- Not listed
- Free plan
- Yes
- Runs on
- Linux, Mac, self-hosted, Windows
Summary
ZEsarUX emulates Sinclair computers and a range of other systems, including ZX Spectrum, ZX80, ZX81, QL, Z88, Amstrad, MSX, ColecoVision, and Sega machines. It is free software under GNU GPL v3, and its source code and binaries cost nothing to use. For Spectrum emulation, listed details include timing behavior, undocumented Z80 flags and registers, contended memory, and ULA timing. It supports tape, snapshot, floppy, microdrive, MMC/SD, IDE, and cartridge formats, and can save audio and video captures to files. Debugging tools include reverse debugging, CPU history, breakpoints, watches, assembler and disassembler views, and memory inspection. Network Gaming supports multiplayer with up to 16 emulator instances or a central online server. The remote command protocol works with a telnet client, and the project mentions enhanced debugging from Visual Studio Code through DeZog. Text-to-speech support can read the menu and captured game text. Releases are listed for GNU/Linux, FreeBSD, Haiku, macOS, Windows, and Raspberry Pi; a Docker image is also linked. Included third-party content is outside the GPL license.
Who it is for
ZEsarUX suits people who want to emulate Sinclair and other listed systems, with options for debugging, multiplayer, and text-to-speech access. Its range of supported media and host systems may also suit users working across different formats or operating systems.
What is good
- Free software under GNU GPL v3
- Supports many tape and snapshot formats
- Includes reverse debugging and memory inspection
- Network multiplayer supports up to 16 instances
- Menu and game text can work with text-to-speech
What to know first
- Included third-party content is not covered by GPL
- Some supported systems are listed as tested, not released
Verdict
ZEsarUX combines broad machine and media support with detailed debugging and network multiplayer. Check the license status of included third-party content separately from the emulator's GPL license.
ZEsarUX plans and pricing
All plansCompared on ZX spectrum emulators
- Free plan
- Yesgithub.com
- Host platforms
- GNU/Linux, FreeBSD, Haiku, macOS, Windows, Raspberry Pi, Cygwingithub.com
- Tape formats
- RWA, SMP, WAV, TZX, PZX, CDT, TAP, P, P81, O, CASgithub.com
- Snapshot formats
- ZSF, ZX, Z80, SP, SPG, NEX, SNA, P, P81, O, Z81, ACEgithub.com
- Built-in debugger
- Yesgithub.com
- Open source
- Yesgithub.com
- Peripheral support
- joysticks, steering wheel, ZX Printer, light guns, light pen, Kempston mouse, ZX Microdrive, MMC/SD interfaces, IDE interfaces, DivMMC, DivIDE, Dandanator, SamRam, LEC Memory, HiLow DataDrivegithub.com
Facts
- Purpose
- ZEsarUX is an emulator for Sinclair computers and other machines, including ZX Spectrum, ZX80, ZX81, QL, Z88, Amstrad, MSX, ColecoVision, and Sega systems.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
- License
- The source code and binaries are distributed under GNU GPL v3, and the project says it is free software that costs nothing to use.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
- Accuracy
- The feature list includes Spectrum timing emulation, undocumented Z80 flags and registers, contended memory, and ULA timing behavior.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
- Media support
- It supports tape, snapshot, floppy, microdrive, MMC/SD, IDE, and cartridge formats, with audio and video capture to files.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
- Debugging
- Debug tools include reverse debugging, CPU history, breakpoints, watches, assembler and disassembler views, and memory inspection.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
- Multiplayer
- Its ZEsarUX Network Gaming protocol supports multiplayer through up to 16 emulator instances or a central online server.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
- Developer integration
- The ZEsarUX remote command protocol can be used with a telnet client, and the project mentions enhanced debugging from Visual Studio Code via DeZog.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
- Accessibility
- Print-character traps can capture game text and send it to text-to-speech software, and the emulator menu can also be read by text-to-speech software.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
- Operating systems
- The maker lists binary releases for GNU/Linux, FreeBSD, Haiku, macOS, Windows, and Raspberry Pi, and also links a Docker image.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
- Other tested systems
- The project says it has also been tested on AROS, FiwixOS, Minix3, and Sortix.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
- Third-party content
- The project notes that included third-party ROMs, media, programs, and games are not covered by the GNU GPL license.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
- Support
- The repository asks users to read the included feature, installation, and history documents; it provides a YouTube channel and donation link.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
- Latest release
- The GitHub releases page lists ZEsarUX 13.0, released on June 9, 2026.github.com · 30 Sept 2026
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Sources
- github.com/chernandezba/zesarux· checked 30 Sept 2026
- github.com/chernandezba/zesarux/releases· checked 30 Sept 2026