ZX-Poly Emulator
github.com
What it is
ZX-Poly Emulator is a free, GNU GPL-3.0 proof-of-concept emulator for a multi-CPU 128k ZX-Spectrum platform. It runs four ZX-Spectrum-128 systems in parallel, assigning each CPU a color component. The program opens in ZX-Poly mode, while ZX-Spectrum 128 mode is selectable in options. Video modes include 256×192 graphics with 16 colors per pixel and 512×384 graphics with two colors per pixel. It loads Z80, SNA, SZX, ZXP, Spec256 ZIP, ROM, PROM, TZX, TAP, WAV, TRD, and SCL files. Gamepads and joysticks are supported, with mapping under Service → Game controllers. The separate ZX-Poly Sprite Corrector imports Z80 and SNA snapshots, edits image data, and creates ZXP snapshots. The project targets adapting older games by editing graphics. Spec256 support is restricted, with some games potentially incorrect; listed issues include Knight Lore colors and Bubbler colorization. The zxpoly-emul module requires Java 22 or newer.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- ZX-Poly Emulator is a proof-of-concept emulator for a multi-CPU ZX-Spectrum 128 platform.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Intended users
- The project describes adapting older ZX-Spectrum games, especially those without complex sprite output or packed sprites, by editing their graphics elements.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- License
- The concept, emulator, and its parts are published under the GNU GPL-3.0 license.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Architecture
- The concept runs four ZX-Spectrum-128 systems in parallel, with each CPU handling a dedicated color component.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Color modes
- ZX-Poly video modes include 256×192 graphics with 16 colors per pixel and a 512×384 mode with two colors per pixel.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- File formats
- It supports Z80, SNA, SZX, ZXP, Spec256 ZIP snapshots, ROM and PROM images, TZX, TAP, WAV, TRD, and SCL files.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Game controllers
- The emulator supports gamepads and joysticks, with controller mapping available in Service → Game controllers.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Known limitations
- The project lists incorrectly colored graphics in Knight Lore and lost colorization in some Bubbler elements as known Spec256 issues.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Linux controller access
- On Linux, access to /dev/input/event* for controllers may require the input group or udev rules.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Spec256 support
- Spec256 emulation is restricted, and the project says some games may not work correctly.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Sprite editing
- The separate ZX-Poly Sprite Corrector can import Z80 and SNA snapshots, edit image data, and generate ZXP snapshots.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- System requirement
- The zxpoly-emul module is built for Java 22 or newer.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- ZX-Spectrum mode
- The emulator starts in ZX-Poly mode by default, and ZX-Spectrum 128 mode can be selected through options.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Plans and prices
Free Free GNU GPL-3.0 · prebuilt desktop downloads and cross-platform JAR Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Free GNU GPL-3.0 software
- Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Supports many snapshot and tape formats
- Gamepad and joystick mapping
- Separate sprite-editing utility
Limits
- Spec256 emulation is restricted
- Some games may not work correctly
- Requires Java 22 or newer
- Linux controller access may need configuration
Who it suits
It suits users adapting older ZX-Spectrum games, particularly titles without complex or packed sprites. It also fits people needing a cross-platform 128k emulator with broad snapshot and tape-format support.
Verdict
ZX-Poly Emulator provides a specialized, open-source route to ZX-Spectrum 128 and ZX-Poly experimentation. Its format support and sprite utility are useful, but Spec256 limitations and the Java requirement matter for setup and compatibility.
Where Specifiction places it
- ZX Spectrum Emulators#16 of 237.2
