ZEsarUX is a free emulator for Sinclair computers and other machines, including ZX Spectrum, ZX80, ZX81, QL, Z88, Amstrad, MSX, ColecoVision, and Sega systems. Its listed Spectrum features cover timing behavior, undocumented Z80 flags and registers, contended memory, and ULA timing. It supports tape, snapshot, floppy, microdrive, MMC/SD, IDE, and cartridge formats, with audio and video capture to files. Debugging tools include reverse debugging, CPU history, breakpoints, watches, assembler and disassembler views, and memory inspection. ZEsarUX Network Gaming supports play through up to 16 emulator instances or a central online server. A remote command protocol can be used with a telnet client, and the project notes enhanced debugging from Visual Studio Code via DeZog. Accessibility features can send captured game text to text-to-speech software and make the emulator menu readable by such software. Releases are listed for GNU/Linux, FreeBSD, Haiku, macOS, Windows, and Raspberry Pi, with a Docker image also linked. The source and binaries use GNU GPL v3; included third-party material is outside that license.
Who it is for
It suits people looking to emulate the listed Sinclair and other systems, including users who need debugging tools, multiplayer, or text-to-speech support. Developers can also use its remote command protocol and documented DeZog integration.
What is good
- Emulates a broad set of Sinclair and other systems.
- Includes reverse debugging and memory inspection.
- Network gaming supports up to 16 emulator instances.
- Supports audio and video capture to files.
- Free software under GNU GPL v3.
What to know first
- Included third-party content is not covered by the GPL.
- The project directs users to its included documentation for installation and features.
Verdict
ZEsarUX brings emulation, debugging, media support, and accessibility options together across a wide range of systems. Users should distinguish the project's GPL-licensed software from included third-party content.
Get started with ZEsarUX
- Open the ZEsarUX project website.
- Choose a binary release for a listed host platform or use the linked Docker image.
- Consult the included installation and feature documents for setup guidance.
- Use the emulator menu to select a system and work with supported media.
Questions about ZEsarUX
Does ZEsarUX cost anything?
The ZEsarUX plan is 0.00 USD per free. The project describes it as free software, with optional donations.
Is ZEsarUX open source?
Yes. Its source code and binaries are distributed under GNU GPL v3. Included third-party ROMs, media, programs, and games are not covered by that license.
Which systems can it run on?
The maker lists GNU/Linux, FreeBSD, Haiku, macOS, Windows, Raspberry Pi, and Cygwin as host platforms. A Docker image is also linked.
What media formats does it support?
Listed media types include tape, snapshots, floppy, microdrive, MMC/SD, IDE, and cartridges. The project lists multiple tape and snapshot formats.
Does it include a debugger?
Yes. Tools include reverse debugging, CPU history, breakpoints, watches, assembler and disassembler views, and memory inspection.
Does ZEsarUX support multiplayer?
Its Network Gaming protocol supports multiplayer through up to 16 emulator instances or a central online server.
ZEsarUX plans and pricing
All plansCompared on ZX spectrum emulators
- Free plan
- Yes
- Host platforms
- GNU/Linux, FreeBSD, Haiku, macOS, Windows, Raspberry Pi, Cygwin
- Tape formats
- RWA, SMP, WAV, TZX, PZX, CDT, TAP, P, P81, O, CAS
- Snapshot formats
- ZSF, ZX, Z80, SP, SPG, NEX, SNA, P, P81, O, Z81, ACE
- Built-in debugger
- Yes
- Open source
- Yes
- Peripheral support
- joysticks, steering wheel, ZX Printer, light guns, light pen, Kempston mouse, ZX Microdrive, MMC/SD interfaces, IDE interfaces, DivMMC, DivIDE, Dandanator, SamRam, LEC Memory, HiLow DataDrive
