- 1Runs onLinux, Mac, Windows
- 2CostsFree plan
- 3Host platformsWindows, macOS, Linux
- 4Built-in debuggerYes
Overview
CSpect is a ZX Spectrum Next emulator for Windows, macOS, and Linux, intended mainly as a development tool. It can also run games and the full ZXNextOS environment. The maker describes it as an emulator, assembler, and debugger. Its ULA overlay support provides access to an extra 24 kB of RAM; the debugger can be resized, and the `-dscale` option enlarges its text. CSpect supports z88dk map files directly and lists plugins for symbols, Pasta/80 symbol loading, and z88dk map-file loading. The iCSpect interface includes `AddSymbol()` and `HexToInt64(string)`. Linux shell scripts are included in the release archive. To run the full machine environment, the release notes describe a `ZXOS.BAT` file for downloading and installing the ZX Spectrum Next SD card image. CSpect is free. The maker says there is no support or warranty and advises users to assume updates will not be released. Password-protected Patreon beta builds are a perk for Builder-level Patreons, and redistribution is not permitted.
Who it is for
CSpect suits ZX Spectrum Next developers who want an emulator with assembler and debugger capabilities, as well as users who want to run games or the full machine environment.
What is good
- Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Includes an assembler and debugger.
- ULA overlays provide an extra 24 kB of RAM.
- Supports z88dk map files and plugins.
- Free to use.
What to know first
- No support is provided.
- No warranty is provided.
- Updates are not guaranteed.
- Redistribution is not permitted.
Verdict
CSpect is a free development-oriented emulator with debugger, assembler, and plugin support across three desktop platforms. The maker offers no support or warranty and does not promise updates.
CSpect plans and pricing
All plansCompared on ZX spectrum emulators
- Free plan
- Yesmdf200.itch.io
- Host platforms
- Windows, macOS, Linuxmdf200.itch.io
- Built-in debugger
- Yesmdf200.itch.io
Facts
- Purpose
- CSpect is a ZX Spectrum Next emulator for PC, macOS, and Linux, primarily intended as a development tool; it can also run games and the full ZXNextOS.mdf200.itch.io · 3 Oct 2026
- Developer tools
- The maker describes CSpect as a ZX Spectrum Next emulator, assembler, and debugger.mdf200.itch.io · 3 Oct 2026
- ULA overlays
- The public release notes say ULA overlay support provides access to an extra 24 kB of RAM.mdf200.itch.io · 3 Oct 2026
- Debugger
- The release notes say the debugger became resizable and describe a -dscale command-line option for larger debugger text.mdf200.itch.io · 3 Oct 2026
- File support
- The maker says the release added direct support for z88dk map files.mdf200.itch.io · 3 Oct 2026
- Plugins
- The product page lists a plugin system with a symbol interface, a Pasta/80 symbol loader, and a z88dk map-file loader plugin.mdf200.itch.io · 3 Oct 2026
- Interface
- The product page says its iCSpect interface includes AddSymbol() and HexToInt64(string).mdf200.itch.io · 3 Oct 2026
- Operating systems
- The maker lists Windows, macOS, and Linux as supported platforms and says Linux shell scripts are included in the release archive.mdf200.itch.io · 3 Oct 2026
- ZXNextOS setup
- The release notes describe a ZXOS.BAT file intended to download and install the ZX Spectrum Next SD card image to run the full machine.mdf200.itch.io · 3 Oct 2026
- Support and warranty
- The maker says there is no support and no warranty, and recommends using the software at the user's own discretion.mdf200.itch.io · 3 Oct 2026
- Updates
- The product page advises users to assume there will never be updates.mdf200.itch.io · 3 Oct 2026
- Beta access
- The product page says password-protected Patreon betas are for Builder-level Patreons as a perk.mdf200.itch.io · 3 Oct 2026
- Distribution
- The maker says redistribution of CSpect is not permitted and directs people to the product page.mdf200.itch.io · 3 Oct 2026
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Sources
- mdf200.itch.io/cspect· checked 3 Oct 2026
- mdf200.itch.io/cspect/devlog/1106341/v30152-public-rel· checked 3 Oct 2026