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ZX-Poly Emulator
What it is
ZX-Poly Emulator is a free, open-source proof-of-concept emulator for a multi-CPU 128k ZX-Spectrum platform. Its design runs four ZX-Spectrum 128 systems in parallel, with each CPU handling one color component. The emulator starts in ZX-Poly mode, while standard ZX-Spectrum 128 mode is selectable in options. Video modes include 256×192 graphics with 16 colors per pixel and 512×384 graphics with two colors per pixel. Supported files include Z80, SNA, SZX, ZXP and Spec256 ZIP snapshots, ROM and PROM images, TZX, TAP and WAV tape files, plus TRD and SCL files. Gamepads and joysticks are supported with configurable mappings. The separate ZX-Poly Sprite Corrector imports Z80 and SNA snapshots, edits image data and creates ZXP snapshots. The project targets adapting older Spectrum games by editing graphics. Spec256 emulation is restricted, and some games may not work correctly. The project and its components use GNU GPL-3.0. The zxpoly-emul module requires Java 22 or newer.
For and against
For
- Free and open source
- Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux
- Supports many snapshot and tape formats
- Includes joystick and gamepad mapping
- Separate sprite-editing utility
Against
- Spec256 emulation is restricted
- Some games may not work correctly
- Requires Java 22 or newer
- Linux controller access may need configuration
The verdict
ZX-Poly Emulator offers an unusual four-system color architecture with broad file support and a companion sprite tool. Its proof-of-concept status, Spec256 limits and Java requirement are central considerations.
Who it suits
It suits users exploring a multi-CPU ZX-Spectrum 128 concept or adapting older games’ graphics. Developers and enthusiasts should note the Java requirement and limited Spec256 compatibility.
Plans and prices
Free
GNU GPL-3.0 · prebuilt desktop downloads and cross-platform JAR
Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
On the record
- Architecture
- The concept runs four ZX-Spectrum-128 systems in parallel, with each CPU handling a dedicated color component.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Color modes
- ZX-Poly video modes include 256×192 graphics with 16 colors per pixel and a 512×384 mode with two colors per pixel.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- File formats
- It supports Z80, SNA, SZX, ZXP, Spec256 ZIP snapshots, ROM and PROM images, TZX, TAP, WAV, TRD, and SCL files.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Game controllers
- The emulator supports gamepads and joysticks, with controller mapping available in Service → Game controllers.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Intended users
- The project describes adapting older ZX-Spectrum games, especially those without complex sprite output or packed sprites, by editing their graphics elements.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Known limitations
- The project lists incorrectly colored graphics in Knight Lore and lost colorization in some Bubbler elements as known Spec256 issues.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- License
- The concept, emulator, and its parts are published under the GNU GPL-3.0 license.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Linux controller access
- On Linux, access to /dev/input/event* for controllers may require the input group or udev rules.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- ZX-Poly Emulator is a proof-of-concept emulator for a multi-CPU ZX-Spectrum 128 platform.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Spec256 support
- Spec256 emulation is restricted, and the project says some games may not work correctly.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- Sprite editing
- The separate ZX-Poly Sprite Corrector can import Z80 and SNA snapshots, edit image data, and generate ZXP snapshots.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- System requirement
- The zxpoly-emul module is built for Java 22 or newer.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
- ZX-Spectrum mode
- The emulator starts in ZX-Poly mode by default, and ZX-Spectrum 128 mode can be selected through options.github.com · read 8 Oct 2026
