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ZEsarUX
What it is
ZEsarUX is free software for emulating Sinclair computers and other systems, including ZX Spectrum, ZX80, ZX81, QL, Z88, Amstrad, MSX, ColecoVision, and Sega machines. Its Spectrum features include timing emulation, undocumented Z80 flags and registers, contended memory, and ULA timing behavior. It supports tape, snapshot, floppy, microdrive, MMC/SD, IDE, and cartridge media, and can capture audio and video to files. Debugging tools include reverse debugging, CPU history, breakpoints, watches, assembler and disassembler views, and memory inspection. Its Network Gaming protocol supports play among up to 16 emulator instances or through a central online server. Text-to-speech software can read the menu and game text captured through print-character traps. The remote command protocol can be used with a telnet client, and the project describes enhanced debugging through Visual Studio Code with DeZog. Releases are listed for several operating systems, and a Docker image is linked. Source code and binaries use GNU GPL v3; included third-party material is not covered by that license.
For and against
For
- Free software under GNU GPL v3.
- Emulates a range of Sinclair and other systems.
- Includes reverse debugging and memory inspection.
- Network Gaming supports up to 16 emulator instances.
- Text-to-speech options cover menu and captured game text.
Against
- Third-party ROMs, media, programs, and games are outside the GPL license.
- Supported media and emulated machines vary by format and system.
The verdict
ZEsarUX combines a broad range of emulated systems with media support, debugging, and multiplayer features. Note that the GPL license does not cover included third-party content.
Who it suits
ZEsarUX suits people who want to run Sinclair and other listed machine emulations, as well as developers who need debugging or remote-command tools. Its text-to-speech options may also suit users who want the menu or captured game text read aloud.
Plans and prices
ZEsarUX
Free software · use costs nothing · optional donations
Read 30 Sep 2026 · github.com
On the record
- Accessibility
- Print-character traps can capture game text and send it to text-to-speech software, and the emulator menu can also be read by text-to-speech software.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Accuracy
- The feature list includes Spectrum timing emulation, undocumented Z80 flags and registers, contended memory, and ULA timing behavior.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Debugging
- Debug tools include reverse debugging, CPU history, breakpoints, watches, assembler and disassembler views, and memory inspection.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Developer integration
- The ZEsarUX remote command protocol can be used with a telnet client, and the project mentions enhanced debugging from Visual Studio Code via DeZog.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Latest release
- The GitHub releases page lists ZEsarUX 13.0, released on June 9, 2026.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- License
- The source code and binaries are distributed under GNU GPL v3, and the project says it is free software that costs nothing to use.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Media support
- It supports tape, snapshot, floppy, microdrive, MMC/SD, IDE, and cartridge formats, with audio and video capture to files.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Multiplayer
- Its ZEsarUX Network Gaming protocol supports multiplayer through up to 16 emulator instances or a central online server.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Operating systems
- The maker lists binary releases for GNU/Linux, FreeBSD, Haiku, macOS, Windows, and Raspberry Pi, and also links a Docker image.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Other tested systems
- The project says it has also been tested on AROS, FiwixOS, Minix3, and Sortix.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- ZEsarUX is an emulator for Sinclair computers and other machines, including ZX Spectrum, ZX80, ZX81, QL, Z88, Amstrad, MSX, ColecoVision, and Sega systems.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Support
- The repository asks users to read the included feature, installation, and history documents; it provides a YouTube channel and donation link.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
- Third-party content
- The project notes that included third-party ROMs, media, programs, and games are not covered by the GNU GPL license.github.com · read 30 Sep 2026
