TotalSMS

What TotalSMS is

TotalSMS is a free emulator for Sega Master System, Game Gear, and SG-1000 software. Its web version is an Emscripten build with a control for loading a ROM. The project also documents an SDL2-based example that loads a ROM from a file path, with a ZIP path shown as an example. Its keyboard mappings use X for A, Z for B, and the arrow keys for directions; Ctrl+S saves a state and Ctrl+L loads one. The documented SDL2 build uses CMake 3.18 or higher and SDL2, and the README says any SDL2 version can be used. The resulting binary is named TotalSMS_SDL2 and is placed in build/bin. Listed supported platforms include Web (Emscripten), Nintendo 3DS, PSP, and PS Vita. The repository source is available under the MIT license. For problems, the project asks users to open an issue; for graphics bugs, it requests a screenshot or video when possible. The listed platform access includes web, and there is no free trial because the project is free.

Who it suits

TotalSMS may suit people looking for a free emulator for Sega Master System, Game Gear, or SG-1000 software. The web build offers a browser-based route, while the documented SDL2 example is for users building the project themselves.

Getting started

1. Open the TotalSMS project website
2. Use the Emscripten build and choose its ROM-loading control
3. For SDL2, install CMake 3.18 or higher and SDL2
4. Build the example to produce TotalSMS_SDL2 in build/bin
5. Load a ROM path and use the documented keyboard controls

Verdict

TotalSMS offers a free emulator with a web build and a documented SDL2 build path. Users should check the build requirements if they plan to compile the SDL2 example.