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Nuked-SMS

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What Nuked-SMS is

Nuked-SMS is a free, source-available Sega Master System emulator project hosted on GitHub. It aims to model the console chipset accurately, using photographs of decapped chips as part of that work. The current target is the US Sega Master System Model 1. Emulated components include a Zilog Z80 CPU, Yamaha YM2602B video display processor, and Sega 315-5216 I/O chip. The project also emulates the YM2413 sound chip. Its repository describes development as a work in progress and lists source files plus a README rather than releases or packaged downloads. SMS2 and Game Gear VDP extensions are outside its stated support. The repository includes the GNU General Public License, version 2, credits contributors, and links to references about Sega chips, the Z80, and decapping research.

Who it suits

It suits readers interested in accurate hardware-focused emulation of the US Sega Master System Model 1 and source code. It is less suited to users needing SMS2 or Game Gear VDP extensions.

What it does well

  • Free plan and source available
  • Targets US Sega Master System Model 1
  • Emulates Z80, YM2602B, and Sega I/O
  • Includes YM2413 sound emulation
  • GPL version 2 license

What to know first

  • Work in progress
  • SMS2 extensions unsupported
  • Game Gear VDP extensions unsupported
  • No releases or packages listed

Limits

The project currently targets the US Sega Master System Model 1 and does not support SMS2 or Game Gear VDP extensions. The repository lists source files and a README, with no releases or packages.

Getting started

  1. Open the Nuked-SMS GitHub repository
  2. Read the project README
  3. Review the listed emulator source files
  4. Use the repository’s GPL version 2 source

Verdict

Nuked-SMS focuses on detailed emulation of one Sega Master System model and its listed chips. Its work-in-progress status and unsupported extensions define a narrow compatibility scope.

Questions

Is Nuked-SMS free?

Yes. The project is free and includes a GNU General Public License, version 2.

What system does it target?

It currently targets the US Sega Master System Model 1.

Which chips are emulated?

The listed components are the Zilog Z80 CPU, Yamaha YM2602B VDP, and Sega 315-5216 I/O chip, plus YM2413 sound emulation.

Does it support SMS2 or Game Gear VDP extensions?

No. SMS2 and Game Gear VDP extensions are not supported.

Is source code available?

Yes. The GitHub repository lists emulator source files and a README.

Who are the credited contributors?

The repository credits @nukeykt, @ogamespec, and @andkorzh, with special thanks to @HardWrMan.

Facts from Nuked-SMS's own pages

Additional audio chip
The README says the YM2413 is also emulated. · github.com, 8 Oct 2026
Compatibility limit
SMS2 and Game Gear VDP extensions are not supported. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Contributors
The repository credits nukeykt, ogamespec, and andkorzh, and gives special thanks to HardWrMan. · github.com, 8 Oct 2026
Emulated chips
The listed system components are a Zilog Z80 CPU, Yamaha YM2602B VDP, and Sega 315-5216 I/O chip. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Emulated components
The README identifies the Zilog Z80 CPU, Yamaha YM2602B VDP, and Sega 315-5216 I/O chip as the system components. · github.com, 8 Oct 2026
Goal
The project aims to emulate the Sega Master System chipset as accurately as possible using photos of decapped chips. · github.com, 8 Oct 2026
License
The repository includes the GNU General Public License, version 2. · github.com, 8 Oct 2026
Product
Nuked-SMS is a cycle-accurate Sega Master System emulator project. · github.com, 8 Oct 2026
Project status
GitHub describes the project as a Sega Master System emulator (WIP). · github.com, 8 Oct 2026
References
The README links to Sega chip research and decapped-chip references, including SEGAChips and siliconpr0n pages. · github.com, 8 Oct 2026
Research references
The README lists chip decapping references and other sources related to the Z80 and Sega chips. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Sound emulation
The project additionally emulates the YM2413. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Source code
The repository page lists emulator source files and a README; it does not list releases or packages. · github.com, 8 Oct 2026
Target model
Nuked-SMS currently targets the US Sega Master System model 1. · github.com, 4 Oct 2026
Target system
Nuked-SMS currently targets the US Sega Master System Model 1. · github.com, 8 Oct 2026
Unsupported extensions
SMS2 and Game Gear VDP extensions are not supported. · github.com, 8 Oct 2026

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