SMS
What it is
SMS is a free, open-source Sega Master System emulator for Linux, written in Go and published as a public GitHub repository under the MIT license. It provides complete Zilog Z80 emulation and is described as concurrent. Graphics are handled through an SDL backend, with a 2x scaler and fullscreen support. Keyboard controls map the arrow keys to joypad directions, X to Fire 1, and Z to Fire 2. The README documents a Go installation command and shows how to launch an SMS ROM, including a Sonic The Hedgehog example. SMS focuses on running Sega Master System software rather than providing a general game platform. The project lists sound support as a todo, and writing more tests is also listed as unfinished work. Its source availability allows users to inspect and work with the code under the stated MIT terms. The listed plan is free and open source at no cost.
For and against
For
- Free and open-source MIT-licensed project
- Complete Zilog Z80 emulation
- SDL backend with 2x scaler
- Fullscreen display support
- Documented keyboard controls and ROM launch
Against
- Sound support is listed as a todo
- Writing more tests is listed as a todo
- Linux is the listed platform
The verdict
SMS provides a focused Sega Master System emulator for Linux with documented installation, controls, and display options. Its unfinished sound support and testing work are important limitations for prospective users.
Who it suits
SMS suits Linux users who want a Go-based Sega Master System emulator with public source code. It is also relevant to users comfortable installing software with Go and using keyboard controls.
Plans and prices
Free and open source
MIT licensed · install and run with Go
Read 9 Oct 2026 · github.com
On the record
- Concurrency
- The project lists concurrency as a feature.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Controls
- Arrow keys control joypad directions, X maps to Fire 1, and Z maps to Fire 2.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Display
- The project lists a 2x scaler and fullscreen support.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Emulation
- It provides complete Zilog Z80 emulation.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Graphics
- It has an SDL backend, a 2x scaler, and fullscreen support.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Graphics backend
- The project lists an SDL backend.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Input
- The README maps the arrow keys to joypad directions, X to Fire 1, and Z to Fire 2.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Installation
- The quick-start instructions use `go get -v github.com/rafaelmdcarneiro/sms_go/` to install SMS.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Language
- SMS is written in Go.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- License
- The repository describes SMS as free and open source under the MIT license.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Notable limitation
- The README lists sound support as a todo item.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Processor emulation
- The listed features include complete Zilog Z80 emulation.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Product
- SMS is a free and open-source Sega Master System emulator written in Go.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Project status
- The README lists writing more tests as a todo item.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- SMS is a Sega Master System emulator.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Run a game
- The quick-start example launches the `roms/Sonic The Hedgehog (USA, Europe).sms` file with `./sms`.github.com · read 9 Oct 2026
- Sound
- The project lists sound support as a todo.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
- Source availability
- The repository is public on GitHub.github.com · read 4 Oct 2026
