zx_go vs ZX2040

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.

ZX2040 has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.