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ZEsarUX

API—OSS—FREEyesDOCS4/5
ZE5.9#7 of 21
—WeboutWindowsoutMacoutLinux—Android—iOS

Ranked in ZX Spectrum Emulators ·Free plan

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About

ZEsarUX is a free, open-source emulator for Sinclair computers and a range of other systems, including ZX Spectrum, ZX80, ZX81, QL, Z88, Amstrad, MSX, ColecoVision, and Sega machines. It is distributed under GNU GPL v3 and costs nothing to use. Its listed Spectrum features include timing emulation, undocumented Z80 flags and registers, contended memory, and ULA timing behavior. Media support covers tape, snapshots, floppy, microdrive, MMC/SD, IDE, and cartridge formats; audio and video can be captured to files. Debugging tools include reverse debugging, CPU history, breakpoints, watches, assembler and disassembler views, and memory inspection. ZEsarUX Network Gaming supports multiplayer across up to 16 emulator instances or through a central online server. A remote command protocol works with a telnet client, and the project notes enhanced debugging from Visual Studio Code via DeZog. Accessibility options can send captured game text to text-to-speech software and make the emulator menu readable that way. Binary releases are listed for several operating systems, and a Docker image is linked. Third-party included content is outside the GPL license.

Who it is for

ZEsarUX suits users seeking to emulate the listed classic systems, with debugging, multiplayer, or accessibility tools. Developers can also use its remote command protocol and DeZog integration.

What is good

  • GNU GPL v3 source code and binaries
  • Built-in debugger includes reverse debugging
  • Network Gaming supports up to 16 instances
  • Supports multiple tape and snapshot formats
  • Menu can be read by text-to-speech software

What to know first

  • Third-party ROMs and media are outside the GPL
  • Use may require consulting included installation documents

Verdict

ZEsarUX combines broad system and media support with detailed debugging features. Review its installation documents and the separate licensing status of third-party content before use.

Compared on ZX spectrum emulators

Free plan
Yesgithub.com
Host platforms
GNU/Linux, FreeBSD, Haiku, macOS, Windows, Raspberry Pi, Cygwingithub.com
Tape formats
RWA, SMP, WAV, TZX, PZX, CDT, TAP, P, P81, O, CASgithub.com
Snapshot formats
ZSF, ZX, Z80, SP, SPG, NEX, SNA, P, P81, O, Z81, ACEgithub.com
Built-in debugger
Yesgithub.com
Open source
Yesgithub.com
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 DataDrivegithub.com

Facts

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
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
Accuracy
The feature list includes Spectrum timing emulation, undocumented Z80 flags and registers, contended memory, and ULA timing behavior.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
Debugging
Debug tools include reverse debugging, CPU history, breakpoints, watches, assembler and disassembler views, and memory inspection.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
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
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
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
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
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
Latest release
The GitHub releases page lists ZEsarUX 13.0, released on June 9, 2026.github.com · 30 Sept 2026

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