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SPECIFICTION
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ZEsarUX

github.com

Free plan WindowsmacOSLinuxSelf-hosted
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Spec score 7.5 #14 of 23 in ZX Spectrum Emulators

What it is

ZEsarUX is free, open-source emulation software for Sinclair computers and other systems, including ZX Spectrum, ZX80, ZX81, QL, Z88, Amstrad, MSX, ColecoVision, and Sega machines. For Spectrum emulation, its listed details include timing behavior, undocumented Z80 flags and registers, contended memory, and ULA timing. It handles tape, snapshot, floppy, microdrive, MMC/SD, IDE, and cartridge formats, and can capture audio and video to files. Debugging tools include reverse debugging, CPU history, breakpoints, watches, assembler and disassembler views, and memory inspection. Its Network Gaming protocol supports multiplayer across up to 16 emulator instances or through a central online server. The remote command protocol can be used with a telnet client, and the project mentions enhanced debugging from Visual Studio Code via DeZog. Text-to-speech software can read the emulator menu and captured game text. Host platforms include GNU/Linux, FreeBSD, Haiku, macOS, Windows, Raspberry Pi, and Cygwin; a Docker image is also linked. ZEsarUX is distributed under GNU GPL v3 and costs nothing to use. Included third-party ROMs, media, programs, and games are not covered by that license.

Spec sheet

Purpose
ZEsarUX is an emulator for Sinclair computers and other machines, including ZX Spectrum, ZX80, ZX81, QL, Z88, Amstrad, MSX, ColecoVision, and Sega systems.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Support
The repository asks users to read the included feature, installation, and history documents; it provides a YouTube channel and donation link.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
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.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
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.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Accuracy
The feature list includes Spectrum timing emulation, undocumented Z80 flags and registers, contended memory, and ULA timing behavior.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Debugging
Debug tools include reverse debugging, CPU history, breakpoints, watches, assembler and disassembler views, and memory inspection.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
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.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Latest release
The GitHub releases page lists ZEsarUX 13.0, released on June 9, 2026.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Media support
It supports tape, snapshot, floppy, microdrive, MMC/SD, IDE, and cartridge formats, with audio and video capture to files.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Multiplayer
Its ZEsarUX Network Gaming protocol supports multiplayer through up to 16 emulator instances or a central online server.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Operating systems
The maker lists binary releases for GNU/Linux, FreeBSD, Haiku, macOS, Windows, and Raspberry Pi, and also links a Docker image.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Other tested systems
The project says it has also been tested on AROS, FiwixOS, Minix3, and Sortix.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
Third-party content
The project notes that included third-party ROMs, media, programs, and games are not covered by the GNU GPL license.Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com

Plans and prices

ZEsarUX Free Free software · use costs nothing · optional donations Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com

Every ZEsarUX plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Emulates Sinclair, Amstrad, MSX, ColecoVision, and Sega systems.
  • Includes reverse debugging and memory inspection.
  • Supports audio and video capture to files.
  • Network Gaming supports up to 16 emulator instances.
  • Free software under GNU GPL v3.

Limits

  • Third-party ROMs and other included content are outside the GPL license.
  • Host platform releases vary; listed platforms include Cygwin and Raspberry Pi.

Who it suits

ZEsarUX suits people looking to emulate the listed Sinclair and other machines, or to use emulator debugging and media tools. Its text-to-speech support may also suit users who want the menu or captured game text read aloud.

Verdict

ZEsarUX offers a wide range of emulated systems alongside debugging, media, and multiplayer tools. Note that included third-party content is not covered by its GNU GPL v3 license.

Where Specifiction places it

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