Genesis Plus GX vs openMSX
Genesis Plus GX
github.comopenMSX
openmsx.orgSide by side
| Figure | Genesis Plus GX | openMSX |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Spec score · Multi-System Emulators | 8.3 (#11) | 8.3 (#13) |
| Downloads | The repository links to the latest official standalone GameCube/Wii port and compiled GameCube/Wii and RetroArch builds, with the latter noted as Windows 32-bit only. | The download list includes Windows, macOS, Linux x86 64-bit, Android ARM and source code builds; listed release versions differ by platform. |
| Emulated systems | It emulates SG-1000, Mark-III, Master System, Game Gear, Genesis/Mega Drive, and Sega/Mega CD hardware, including backwards compatibility modes. | It emulates almost all MSX systems, including MSX, MSX2, MSX2+, and turboR generations. |
| Security and compliance | The project pages opened provide no security certification or compliance claim. | The official site does not provide security or compliance claims on the pages reviewed. |
| Support | The project directs users to its manual, startup guide, FAQ, and issue reporting for games that do not run accurately. | Users can ask questions in the Discord channel or IRC, use the openMSX forum, or file bugs and feature requests in GitHub’s issue tracker. |
Plans
In their own words
Genesis Plus GX
Genesis Plus GX is a free, open-source emulator for Sega's 8-bit and 16-bit systems, including SG-1000, Mark-III, Master System, Game Gear, Genesis/Mega Drive, and Sega/Mega CD. It supports backward-compatibility modes and describes its CPU, video, and sound emulation as highly accurate, with cycle-accurate CPU and sound synchronization. The emulator reads raw and interleaved ROMs, as well as CUE+BIN, ISO+WAV, and ISO+OGG CD images. Emulated peripherals include 2-, 3-, and 6-button pads, multitaps, the Sega Mouse, and light guns; supported cartridge hardware includes SVP DSP, EEPROMs, Game Genie, Action Replay, and Lock-On. Standalone builds are available for GameCube and Wii, and the project lists access through frontends such as RetroArch, BizHawk, and OpenEmu. It describes compatibility with released software for its supported systems, while noting that it cannot test every game from start to finish. Some Master System games depend on particular hardware or VDP modes. The multi-platform core source is under a non-commercial license.
openMSX
openMSX is a free, open-source emulator for the MSX home computer system, with an aim of 100% accuracy. It emulates almost all MSX, MSX2, MSX2+, and turboR systems, plus some others experimentally. The project lists over 230 machine configurations and over 110 extension hardware configurations. A built-in graphical interface works across supported operating systems. Users can control the emulator with Tcl scripts or a command interface over pipes or a UNIX domain socket, and external applications can connect through that interface. The built-in debugger provides watchpoints, breakpoints, viewers, and real-time data display; save states and a reverse feature support replay or stepping back through time. MIDI connectivity is available through host frameworks on Windows, Mac, and Linux. Downloads include Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android builds, though listed versions differ by platform. Version 20.0 and later requires OpenGL 2 support. Android support is listed only through version 0.15.0, and the default C-BIOS machine does not provide all functionality for a complete MSX machine. Catapult is deprecated; the project recommends its built-in GUI.