GZX
What it is
GZX is an emulator for ZX Spectrum computers, supporting the 48K, 128K, +2, and +2A models. It runs on Windows, Linux, and HelenOS, and includes Kempston joystick emulation. For tape media, it can read, write, and convert TZX, TAP, and WAV formats; snapshot support covers Z80, SNA, and AY. Graphics features include double-line mode, ULAplus, and Spec256 emulation. GZX also emulates the built-in MIDI port of the 128K Spectrum. It can record audio to WAV files and capture data sent to I/O ports, and includes a built-in debugger. Most of the project—including source code, binaries, font, and documentation—is free software under an MIT-style license, although ZX Spectrum ROM files are excluded. The 2019.1 binary release supports 64-bit Linux and Windows. Building requires a GNU toolchain and SDL 1.2 development package on Linux or a similar operating system. Some games do not work, and many turbo-loading games from TZX fail to load.
For and against
For
- Emulates four ZX Spectrum models.
- Reads, writes, and converts three tape formats.
- Includes a built-in debugger.
- Most of the project is free software.
Against
- Some games do not work.
- Many turbo-loading TZX games fail to load.
- Building requires GNU toolchain and SDL 1.2 development package.
The verdict
GZX offers broad Spectrum model and media support, plus a debugger and graphics options. Its stated game compatibility limits and build requirements are important considerations.
Who it suits
GZX may suit ZX Spectrum enthusiasts who want to run supported models on Windows, Linux, or HelenOS. Its tape, snapshot, and debugger features may also interest users working with Spectrum software and media.
Plans and prices
Free software
MIT-style license · ZX Spectrum ROM files excepted
Read 1 Oct 2026 · github.com
On the record
- Build requirements
- Building requires a GNU toolchain and SDL 1.2 development package on Linux or a similar operating system.github.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Debugger
- The emulator includes a built-in debugger.github.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Graphics
- Features include double-line mode, ULAplus emulation and Spec256 emulation.github.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Joystick
- It provides Kempston joystick emulation.github.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Known limitation
- Some games still do not work and many turbo-loading games from TZX fail to load.github.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- License
- Most of the emulator, including source code, binaries, font and documentation, is free software under an MIT-style license.github.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- MIDI
- It emulates the built-in MIDI port of the 128K Spectrum.github.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Operating systems
- The emulator runs in Windows, Linux and HelenOS.github.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Recording
- It can record audio to WAV files and data sent to I/O ports.github.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Release support
- The 2019.1 binary release supports 64-bit Linux and Windows.github.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Snapshot formats
- It supports Z80, SNA and AY snapshots.github.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Supported models
- It emulates ZX Spectrum 48K, 128K, +2 and +2A models.github.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- Tape formats
- It can read, write and convert TZX, TAP and WAV tape formats.github.com · read 1 Oct 2026
- What it does
- GZX is a ZX Spectrum emulator.github.com · read 1 Oct 2026
