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ESPectrum
What it is
ESPectrum is open-source emulator firmware for running Sinclair ZX Spectrum computers on Espressif ESP32 boards. It supports Spectrum 48K, 128K, +2A, and Pentagon 128K systems, as well as Microdigital TK90X and TK95 models. The project lists Lilygo TTGo VGA32 and Olimex ESP32-SBC-FabGL among supported boards. Video options include standard VGA, machine-rate VGA, and 15 kHz CRT modes, with 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios. Emulation features include Z80, AY-3-8912 sound, beeper and microphone emulation, contended memory, and floating-bus effects. It supports tape, snapshot, and Betadisk disk files, along with PS/2 keyboards, joysticks, a PS/2 mouse, and other listed peripherals. A FAT16- or FAT32-formatted micro SD card is used for program and disk files, snapshots, and screen captures. Installation is available through an online web flasher or by flashing release binaries to a compatible board. The project is free under GPL-3.0.
For and against
For
- Emulates several Spectrum and Microdigital models
- Supports VGA and CRT display modes
- Reads tape, snapshot, and Betadisk files
- Free and open source under GPL-3.0
Against
- Requires an Espressif ESP32-powered board
- Micro SD card must use FAT16 or FAT32
The verdict
ESPectrum offers a broad set of Spectrum models, media formats, and peripherals for compatible ESP32 boards. Its hardware requirement makes it a specialized choice rather than a general desktop or mobile emulator.
Who it suits
It suits retro-gaming enthusiasts with compatible ESP32 hardware who want to run classic Spectrum games. Users should have a supported board and peripherals for their intended setup.
Plans and prices
ESPectrum
Emulator firmware for compatible ESP32 boards
Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
On the record
- Development platforms
- The README describes compiling and flashing with PlatformIO on Windows, GNU/Linux and MacOS/X.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Display
- Video output supports standard VGA, machine-rate VGA and 15 kHz CRT modes, with 16:9 and 4:3 aspect ratios.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Hardware
- The project lists Lilygo TTGo VGA32 and Olimex ESP32-SBC-FabGL among supported boards.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Input devices
- It supports PS/2 keyboards, joystick emulation, two physical joysticks through a DB9-to-PS/2 converter, and a PS/2 mouse as a Kempston mouse.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Installation
- Users can install firmware with the online web flasher or flash release binaries directly to a compatible board.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- License
- The GitHub repository identifies the project license as GPL-3.0.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Media formats
- The emulator supports tape and snapshot files, including TAP, TZX, SNA, Z80 and SP, plus Betadisk TRD and SCL disk files.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Sound and emulation
- Features include Z80 emulation, AY-3-8912 sound, beeper and microphone emulation, contended memory and floating-bus effects.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Storage requirements
- A micro SD card should be formatted as FAT16 or FAT32; the README lists it for program and disk files, snapshots and screen captures.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Support
- The project directs users to its README, release notes and public ESPectrum Telegram group for help.zxespectrum.speccy.org · read 8 Oct 2026
- Supported models
- It emulates Spectrum 48K, 128K, +2A and Pentagon 128K, as well as Microdigital TK90X and TK95 models.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- What it does
- ESPectrum emulates Sinclair ZX Spectrum computers on Espressif ESP32 boards.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Who it is for
- The maker describes the project for retro-gaming enthusiasts who want to run classic Spectrum games on ESP32 hardware.zxespectrum.speccy.org · read 8 Oct 2026
