BlastEm vs Nostalgist.js
BlastEm
retrodev.comNostalgist.js
nostalgist.js.orgSide by side
| Figure | BlastEm | Nostalgist.js |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 2 |
| Spec score · Sega Genesis Emulators | 9.0 (#2) | 8.0 (#10) |
| Save states | The feature list includes save-state support. | Applications can save a game state and load it later through saveState and loadState. |
| What it does | BlastEm emulates Sega 16-bit and 8-bit consoles, with emphasis on speed and hardware accuracy. | Nostalgist.js is a JavaScript library for running retro-console emulators such as NES and Sega Genesis inside web browsers. |
Plans
In their own words
BlastEm
BlastEm is a free, open-source emulator for Sega's 16-bit and 8-bit consoles. It supports Genesis/Mega Drive, Sega CD, 32X, Master System, Game Gear, SG-1000, SC-3000, Sega Pico, and Yamaha Copera. Downloads are listed for Linux, macOS, and Windows, with an experimental web version. Gameplay features include save states, cartridge save RAM and EEPROM support, turbo and slow modes, controller input, and VGM logging. Its integrated debugger can inspect and modify state, set conditional breakpoints, run scripts, and show visual VDP tools. Developers can use the GDB remote debug protocol for source-level debugging of SGDK and other C or C++ projects. The maker describes it as fast enough for older PCs and accurate enough for demanding demos. Most Sega CD and 32X games are playable, but compatibility is not perfect. Yamaha Copera emulation is incomplete: games generally lack music, though Copera-specific ADPCM samples play. The listed macOS download is x86-64 and not notarized; the page directs ARM users to Homebrew.
Nostalgist.js
Nostalgist.js has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.