ESPectrum vs zx_go
ESPectrum
github.comzx_go
github.comSide by side
| Figure | ESPectrum | zx_go |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · ZX Spectrum Emulators | 7.8 (#9) | 7.8 (#11) |
| License | The GitHub repository identifies the project license as GPL-3.0. | The project is MIT licensed; its embedded FPGA loader is GPLv3, and NextZXOS system ROMs have separate licensing. |
| Media formats | The emulator supports tape and snapshot files, including TAP, TZX, SNA, Z80 and SP, plus Betadisk TRD and SCL disk files. | Supported formats include SNA, Z80, SZX, TAP, TZX, multiple disk formats, MDR, NEX, and RZX recordings. |
| Support | The project directs users to its README, release notes and public ESPectrum Telegram group for help. | The README asks users to open a GitHub issue when a Spectrum Next game misbehaves and links to a user manual and troubleshooting documentation. |
| What it does | ESPectrum emulates Sinclair ZX Spectrum computers on Espressif ESP32 boards. | zx_go is a Go emulator for Sinclair 8-bit computers, including ZX80, ZX81, classic ZX Spectrum models, Pentagon, SAM Coupé, and Spectrum Next. |
Plans
In their own words
ESPectrum
ESPectrum is free, GPL-3.0 emulator firmware for Sinclair ZX Spectrum computers on Espressif ESP32 boards. It emulates Spectrum 48K, 128K, +2A, and Pentagon 128K systems, plus Microdigital TK90X and TK95 models. Supported boards include Lilygo TTGo VGA32 and Olimex ESP32-SBC-FabGL. Video output offers standard VGA, machine-rate VGA, and 15 kHz CRT modes in 16:9 or 4:3. Emulation includes the Z80, AY-3-8912 sound, beeper and microphone behavior, contended memory, and floating-bus effects. Users can connect PS/2 keyboards, joysticks, DB9 joysticks through a converter, and a PS/2 mouse acting as a Kempston mouse. It reads TAP, TZX, SNA, Z80, SP, TRD, and SCL files. Installation uses an online web flasher or release binaries. A FAT16- or FAT32-formatted micro SD card stores programs, disks, snapshots, and captures. PlatformIO builds are described for Windows, GNU/Linux, and MacOS/X.
zx_go
zx_go is an emulator for Sinclair 8-bit computers, including the ZX80, ZX81, classic ZX Spectrum models, Pentagon, SAM Coupé, and Spectrum Next. Classic-machine emulation is described as mature, with cycle-accurate Z80 emulation and memory and port contention. Spectrum Next mode follows its boot chain into NextZXOS and implements hardware such as Layer 2, sprites, tilemap, Copper, and MMU. Next game compatibility is still developing: some titles work, some have bugs, and many are unverified. The emulator handles tape, snapshot, disk, microdrive, NEX, and RZX formats, with loading and saving varying by format. Emulated sound includes beeper, AY, DACs, and Next audio; peripherals include disk interfaces, mouse, printer, and joysticks. Debugging options include visual and telnet tools, plus headless tracing. Binaries are listed for Linux, macOS, and Windows; Windows ARM64 is experimental. The emulator is free and MIT-licensed. Spectrum Next use requires licensed ROMs that are not bundled. Building from source requires Go 1.25 or later, a C compiler, and OpenGL libraries.