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SPECIFICTION
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SMS

github.com

Free plan Linux
Visit github.com
Spec score 7.6 #10 of 20 in Mobile Data Backup Software

What it is

SMS is a free, open-source Sega Master System emulator written in Go for Linux. Its source repository is public on GitHub and described as MIT licensed. The emulator provides complete Zilog Z80 emulation and is described as concurrent. Graphics use an SDL backend with a 2x scaler and fullscreen support. Keyboard controls map the arrow keys to joypad directions, X to Fire 1, and Z to Fire 2. The README documents a Go installation command and shows launching an SMS ROM with the supplied executable. Sound support is listed as a project todo, and writing more tests is also listed as a todo. The stated free and open-source plan costs nothing. The project is focused on Sega Master System emulation, with the listed display and keyboard controls defining its documented user-facing operation.

Spec sheet

Purpose
SMS is a Sega Master System emulator.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Product
SMS is a free and open-source Sega Master System emulator written in Go.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
License
The repository describes SMS as free and open source under the MIT license.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Concurrency
The project lists concurrency as a feature.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Controls
Arrow keys control joypad directions, X maps to Fire 1, and Z maps to Fire 2.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Display
The project lists a 2x scaler and fullscreen support.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Emulation
It provides complete Zilog Z80 emulation.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Graphics
It has an SDL backend, a 2x scaler, and fullscreen support.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Graphics backend
The project lists an SDL backend.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Input
The README maps the arrow keys to joypad directions, X to Fire 1, and Z to Fire 2.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Installation
The quick-start instructions use `go get -v github.com/rafaelmdcarneiro/sms_go/` to install SMS.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Language
SMS is written in Go.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Notable limitation
The README lists sound support as a todo item.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Processor emulation
The listed features include complete Zilog Z80 emulation.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Project status
The README lists writing more tests as a todo item.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Run a game
The quick-start example launches the `roms/Sonic The Hedgehog (USA, Europe).sms` file with `./sms`.Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
Sound
The project lists sound support as a todo.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Source availability
The repository is public on GitHub.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com
Testing
The project lists writing more tests as a todo.Read 4 Oct 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

Free and open source Free MIT licensed · install and run with Go Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com

Every SMS plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free and open-source MIT-licensed project
  • Complete Zilog Z80 emulation
  • SDL graphics backend with fullscreen support
  • 2x display scaler included
  • Public GitHub source repository

Limits

  • Sound support is still listed as a todo
  • More tests are listed as a todo
  • Linux is the listed platform

Who it suits

It suits Linux users seeking a Go-based, MIT-licensed Sega Master System emulator whose source is publicly available.

Verdict

SMS offers a focused Linux emulator with documented installation, keyboard controls, SDL graphics, and complete Z80 emulation. The project notes unfinished sound support and additional tests as remaining work.

Where Specifiction places it

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