ZEsarUX

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What ZEsarUX is

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 suits

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 it does well

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.

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
ZEsarUX	Free software · use costs nothing · optional donations	Free

As github.com lists them, read 30 Sept 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

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.

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.

Questions

Does ZEsarUX cost anything?

The ZEsarUX plan is 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.

Facts from ZEsarUX's own pages

Accessibility: Print-character traps can capture game text and send it to text-to-speech software, and the emulator menu can also be read by text-to-speech software. · github.com, 30 Sept 2026
Accuracy: The feature list includes Spectrum timing emulation, undocumented Z80 flags and registers, contended memory, and ULA timing behavior. · github.com, 30 Sept 2026
Debugging: Debug tools include reverse debugging, CPU history, breakpoints, watches, assembler and disassembler views, and memory inspection. · github.com, 30 Sept 2026
Developer integration: The ZEsarUX remote command protocol can be used with a telnet client, and the project mentions enhanced debugging from Visual Studio Code via DeZog. · github.com, 30 Sept 2026
Latest release: The GitHub releases page lists ZEsarUX 13.0, released on June 9, 2026. · github.com, 30 Sept 2026
License: The source code and binaries are distributed under GNU GPL v3, and the project says it is free software that costs nothing to use. · github.com, 30 Sept 2026
Media support: It supports tape, snapshot, floppy, microdrive, MMC/SD, IDE, and cartridge formats, with audio and video capture to files. · github.com, 30 Sept 2026
Multiplayer: Its ZEsarUX Network Gaming protocol supports multiplayer through up to 16 emulator instances or a central online server. · github.com, 30 Sept 2026
Operating systems: The maker lists binary releases for GNU/Linux, FreeBSD, Haiku, macOS, Windows, and Raspberry Pi, and also links a Docker image. · github.com, 30 Sept 2026
Other tested systems: The project says it has also been tested on AROS, FiwixOS, Minix3, and Sortix. · github.com, 30 Sept 2026
Purpose: ZEsarUX is an emulator for Sinclair computers and other machines, including ZX Spectrum, ZX80, ZX81, QL, Z88, Amstrad, MSX, ColecoVision, and Sega systems. · github.com, 30 Sept 2026
Support: The repository asks users to read the included feature, installation, and history documents; it provides a YouTube channel and donation link. · github.com, 30 Sept 2026
Third-party content: The project notes that included third-party ROMs, media, programs, and games are not covered by the GNU GPL license. · github.com, 30 Sept 2026

Where ZEsarUX stands on Freedom251

ZX Spectrum Emulators#11 of 23