RustZX is a free, open-source emulator for the ZX Spectrum, written in Rust and listed for Linux and Windows. It emulates the Spectrum 48K and 128K, including Z80 processor, AY chip, and beeper sound emulation. It supports TAP tapes, SNA and SZX snapshots, and SCR screenshots. Input options include Kempston and Sinclair joysticks and a Kempston mouse; quick save and load use F1 and F2. The project also includes a separate no_std core library intended to help adapt the emulator to other environments. Its repository identifies an MIT license. The README’s installation command is `cargo install rustzx`; building requires a C compiler and CMake for bundled SDL2. Linux installations also need the libasound2-dev development package. Sinclair-created ROMs are included in the core library, with an option to omit them by disabling the embedded-roms feature. The releases page lists v0.16.0 as the latest release.
Who it is for
RustZX suits people looking to run ZX Spectrum 48K or 128K software on Linux or Windows. Its supported tapes, snapshots, and joystick and mouse inputs may help users working with those formats and peripherals.
What is good
- Emulates the ZX Spectrum 48K and 128K.
- Supports TAP, SNA, SZX, and SCR formats.
- Offers Kempston and Sinclair joystick support.
- Quick save and load use F1 and F2.
- Includes a separate no_std core library.
What to know first
- Building requires a C compiler and CMake.
- Linux also requires libasound2-dev.
- Listed platforms are Linux and Windows.
Verdict
RustZX covers two Spectrum models, several media formats, and common input emulation options. Installation involves build requirements, including an additional development package on Linux.
Get started with RustZX
- Open the RustZX GitHub repository.
- Install Rust tooling needed to run the cargo installation command.
- On Linux, install required development packages including libasound2-dev.
- Install RustZX with `cargo install rustzx`.
- For building, provide a C compiler and CMake for bundled SDL2.
Questions about RustZX
How much does RustZX cost?
RustZX is listed as free and open source.
Which platforms does RustZX support?
The listed host platforms are Linux and Windows. The README describes RustZX as cross-platform.
Which ZX Spectrum models does it emulate?
It emulates the ZX Spectrum 48K and 128K.
What input devices and save options does it support?
It supports Kempston and Sinclair joysticks, a Kempston mouse, and quick save/load using F1 and F2.
What license does RustZX use?
The repository identifies an MIT license.
How do I install it?
The README gives `cargo install rustzx` as the installation command. Building requires a C compiler and CMake for bundled SDL2, and Linux also requires development packages including libasound2-dev.
Compared on ZX spectrum emulators
- Host platforms
- Linux, Windows
- Tape formats
- TAP
- Snapshot formats
- SNA, SZX
- Built-in debugger
- Yes
- Open source
- Yes
- Peripheral support
- Kempston joystick, Sinclair joystick, Kempston mouse
