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SPECIFICTION
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ESPectrum

github.com

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Spec score 7.8 #9 of 23 in ZX Spectrum Emulators

What it is

ESPectrum is free, GPL-3.0 emulator firmware for Sinclair ZX Spectrum computers on Espressif ESP32 boards. It emulates Spectrum 48K, 128K, +2A, and Pentagon 128K systems, plus Microdigital TK90X and TK95 models. Supported boards include Lilygo TTGo VGA32 and Olimex ESP32-SBC-FabGL. Video output offers standard VGA, machine-rate VGA, and 15 kHz CRT modes in 16:9 or 4:3. Emulation includes the Z80, AY-3-8912 sound, beeper and microphone behavior, contended memory, and floating-bus effects. Users can connect PS/2 keyboards, joysticks, DB9 joysticks through a converter, and a PS/2 mouse acting as a Kempston mouse. It reads TAP, TZX, SNA, Z80, SP, TRD, and SCL files. Installation uses an online web flasher or release binaries. A FAT16- or FAT32-formatted micro SD card stores programs, disks, snapshots, and captures. PlatformIO builds are described for Windows, GNU/Linux, and MacOS/X.

Spec sheet

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

Plans and prices

ESPectrum Free Emulator firmware for compatible ESP32 boards Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every ESPectrum plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Supports several Spectrum and Microdigital models
  • VGA and 15 kHz CRT output modes
  • Tape, snapshot, and Betadisk formats
  • Multiple keyboard, joystick, and mouse options
  • Free open-source GPL-3.0 firmware

Limits

  • Requires compatible Espressif ESP32 hardware
  • Micro SD must use FAT16 or FAT32
  • No desktop or mobile platform is listed

Who it suits

It is for retro-gaming enthusiasts with compatible ESP32 hardware who want to run classic Spectrum software. Users should have the listed display, storage, and input equipment as needed.

Verdict

ESPectrum provides broad Spectrum emulation and peripheral support on a defined ESP32 hardware set. Compatibility with the board, display, storage format, and input devices should be checked before installation.

Where Specifiction places it

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