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openMSX

openmsx.org

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Spec score 8.3 #13 of 54 in Multi-System Emulators

What it is

openMSX is a free, open-source emulator for the MSX home computer system, with an aim of 100% accuracy. It emulates almost all MSX, MSX2, MSX2+, and turboR systems, plus some others experimentally. The project lists over 230 machine configurations and over 110 extension hardware configurations. A built-in graphical interface works across supported operating systems. Users can control the emulator with Tcl scripts or a command interface over pipes or a UNIX domain socket, and external applications can connect through that interface. The built-in debugger provides watchpoints, breakpoints, viewers, and real-time data display; save states and a reverse feature support replay or stepping back through time. MIDI connectivity is available through host frameworks on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Downloads include Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android builds, though listed versions differ by platform. Version 20.0 and later requires OpenGL 2 support. Android support is listed only through version 0.15.0, and the default C-BIOS machine does not provide all functionality for a complete MSX machine. Catapult is deprecated; the project recommends its built-in GUI.

Spec sheet

Purpose
openMSX is an emulator for the MSX home computer system that aims to emulate it with 100% accuracy.Read 9 Oct 2026 · openmsx.org
Platforms
The feature page lists Linux, Windows 7 or later, macOS, and Android 4.1 or later through openMSX 0.15.0; current downloads include Windows, macOS, Linux, and an older Android APK.Read 9 Oct 2026 · openmsx.org
Support
Users can ask questions in the Discord channel or IRC, use the openMSX forum, or file bugs and feature requests in GitHub’s issue tracker.Read 9 Oct 2026 · openmsx.org
Android limit
The features page lists Android 4.1+ support only up to openMSX 0.15.0.Read 9 Oct 2026 · openmsx.org
Built-in GUI
It includes a graphical user interface that works the same across supported operating systems.Read 9 Oct 2026 · openmsx.org
Debugger
The built-in debugger includes watchpoints, breakpoints, viewers and real-time data display.Read 9 Oct 2026 · openmsx.org
Downloads
The download list includes Windows, macOS, Linux x86 64-bit, Android ARM and source code builds; listed release versions differ by platform.Read 9 Oct 2026 · openmsx.org
Emulated systems
It emulates almost all MSX systems, including MSX, MSX2, MSX2+, and turboR generations.Read 9 Oct 2026 · openmsx.org
External integrations
The command interface can connect openMSX to external applications, and MIDI connectivity is available through host frameworks on Windows, Mac, and Linux.Read 9 Oct 2026 · openmsx.org
Graphical interface
It includes a built-in graphical user interface that works the same across supported operating systems.Read 9 Oct 2026 · openmsx.org
Graphics requirement
The project says openMSX 20.0 and later requires a system with OpenGL 2 support.Read 9 Oct 2026 · openmsx.org
GUI status
Catapult is deprecated and no longer maintained; the documentation recommends the built-in GUI in openMSX 20.0 and later.Read 9 Oct 2026 · openmsx.org
Hardware emulation
It emulates almost all MSX, MSX2, MSX2+ and turboR systems, plus several other systems on an experimental basis.Read 9 Oct 2026 · openmsx.org
Hardware library
The feature page lists over 230 machine configurations and over 110 extension hardware configurations.Read 9 Oct 2026 · openmsx.org
Host connectivity
MIDI connectivity lets applications on Windows, Mac and Linux connect to MIDI devices in the emulated MSX.Read 9 Oct 2026 · openmsx.org
Legacy GUI
Catapult is no longer maintained; the project encourages using the built-in GUI in openMSX 20.0 and later.Read 9 Oct 2026 · openmsx.org
Machine configurations
The project says it includes over 230 MSX and similar machine configurations and over 110 extension hardware configurations.Read 9 Oct 2026 · openmsx.org
Reverse and save states
It supports save states and a reverse feature for replaying actions or stepping back in time, with optional event-history recording.Read 9 Oct 2026 · openmsx.org
Save and rewind
It supports cross-platform save states and a reverse feature for replaying actions or stepping back through time.Read 9 Oct 2026 · openmsx.org
Scripting and control
Tcl scripts and a command interface over pipes or a UNIX domain socket let users and external applications control openMSX.Read 9 Oct 2026 · openmsx.org
Security and compliance
The official site does not provide security or compliance claims on the pages reviewed.Read 9 Oct 2026 · openmsx.org
Setup limitation
The documentation says the default C-BIOS machine does not provide all functionality for a complete MSX machine and points users to a setup guide for configuring actual MSX machines.Read 9 Oct 2026 · openmsx.org
Support and documentation
The project provides online manuals and documentation, and links to an MSX forum and its contact page.Read 9 Oct 2026 · openmsx.org
Technical requirement
The site says openMSX 20.0 and later requires a system with OpenGL 2 support.Read 9 Oct 2026 · openmsx.org

Plans and prices

openMSX Free MSX emulator; downloads and source code available Read 9 Oct 2026 · openmsx.org

Every openMSX plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Emulates almost all MSX, MSX2, MSX2+, and turboR systems.
  • Lists over 230 machine configurations.
  • Includes a debugger with watchpoints and breakpoints.
  • Supports save states and stepping back through time.
  • Built-in graphical interface works across supported operating systems.

Limits

  • Version 20.0 and later requires OpenGL 2 support.
  • Android support is listed only through version 0.15.0.
  • Default C-BIOS machine lacks some complete-system functionality.
  • Catapult is deprecated and no longer maintained.

Who it suits

openMSX suits people who want to run MSX software and configure emulated MSX systems across desktop platforms or Android. Its scripting, debugger, and reverse features also serve users who want detailed control over emulation.

Verdict

openMSX offers broad MSX system coverage, detailed debugging, and save-and-reverse controls. Check the platform-specific version availability and hardware requirements, especially for Android and releases 20.0 onward.

Where Specifiction places it

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