DSP Emulator vs MasterGear

DSP Emulator is a free emulator project for arcade games and home computers, with source code and downloadable binaries in its repository. The listed computer systems include ZX Spectrum, Amstrad CPC, Commodore 64, Oric Atmos, and MSX 1; arcade drivers include systems and titles such as Galaxian, CPS1, and Sega System 16B. The changelog describes automatic tape loading for several computers, including support for TZX, TSX, CAS, and WAV formats on MSX 1. Input handling covers keyboard, joystick, and arcade controls, with joystick button remapping. Users can type a game name in the selection window to choose it. Other described tools include snapshots for supported systems, saved DIP switch values, and exporting ROM and sample file information from drivers. The latest listed version is 0.24WIP3, dated 11/11/25, and marked work in progress; its listed binaries are for Windows and Linux. The project also lists macOS support. Repository documentation includes a compilation guide and a short user guide.

MasterGear emulates 8-bit SEGA consoles and computers, including MasterSystem, GameGear, SG1000, SC3000, SF7000, Mark2, and Mark3. It runs on Windows, Linux, and Android. The maker says hobbyists can use it to debug software without rare development hardware. Documentation reports support for about 98% of the maker’s SMS, GG, SF7000, SC3000, and SG1000 cartridge and disk images, while noting compatibility is not complete. Emulated hardware includes the Z80 CPU, console video processors, SN76489 sound, and Mark3 YM2413 FM sound. It can save and load emulation states, but state files are not guaranteed to work across versions on different hardware. Other listed features include automatic GZIP ROM handling, MIDI soundtrack logging, a built-in debugger, cheat support, and NetPlay. Windows and Linux are free; the Android plan costs 430.00 USD once. Game ROM images are not included, and source code is not publicly available.