The ZX Spectrum has a passionate fanbase, and emulation provides an accessible way to experience its rich library of games and software without original hardware. Here are some of the most popular and reliable ZX Spectrum emulation options:
Fuse (Free Unix Spectrum Emulator): Fuse is one of the most widely used and accurate ZX Spectrum emulators available. It supports a broad range of Spectrum models and offers features like save states, joystick support, and advanced display options. Fuse is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux.
Spectaculator: Spectaculator is a polished, feature-rich ZX Spectrum emulator for Windows and mobile platforms. It’s known for its user-friendly interface, high compatibility, and support for enhanced features like multiplayer, cheats, and high-quality sound emulation.
ZX Spin: ZX Spin is a versatile Windows-based Spectrum emulator with a strong focus on accuracy and customization. It includes advanced debugging tools, making it popular among developers and enthusiasts who want to experiment with Spectrum software.
Retro Virtual Machine: This multi-system emulator offers excellent ZX Spectrum support alongside other classic systems. It features a sleek interface, CRT monitor effects, and highly accurate emulation.
Browser-Based Emulators: Sites like “JSpeccy” and “Archive.org” offer web-based ZX Spectrum emulators, allowing quick and easy access to Spectrum games directly from your browser without installing any software.
We like The pico-zxspectrum project, developed by GitHub user fruit-bat, emulates the classic ZX Spectrum 48k/128k computers using the Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller. Designed for ease of prototyping, it allows enthusiasts to recreate the ZX Spectrum experience with modern hardware.
Key Features:
- Video Output: Supports DVI over HDMI, LCDs (ST7789/ILI9341 320×240), and VGA (RGB332, RGB222, RGBY1111) displays.
- Input Devices: Compatible with USB and PS/2 keyboards, as well as matrix keyboards.
- Audio: Provides HDMI, PWM, and I2S DAC audio for the 48k buzzer and AY-3-8912 sound chip emulation, along with audio input for tape loading.
- Storage and Loading: Features 12 quick save slots and supports loading from .z80 snapshot files, as well as reading from .tap and .tzx tape files.
- User Interface: Includes an on-screen menu system and emulates Kempston and Sinclair joysticks, along with Kempston mouse support.
Recent Updates:
- February 10, 2025: Enhanced menu navigation and adjusted the on-screen keyboard to fit LCD panels, particularly benefiting the original PICO ZX board by bobricius.
- December 28, 2024: Introduced a build with 50Hz CVBS output, credited to svofski.
- December 27, 2024: Added support for the MURMULATOR 2 platform and implemented PIO PWM mono audio.
- November 23, 2024: Improved beeper sound quality.
- October 16, 2024: Released builds for the RP2350 microcontroller, organizing firmware into separate folders for RP2040 and RP2350 platforms.
Supported Hardware Platforms:
- Breadboard setups with HDMI or VGA.
- Custom boards like PICO ZX48/128, PICOZX2 LCD, PICOZX, RetroVGA, PicomputerMax, and PicomputerZX by bobricius.
- Pimoroni’s Pico DV and Pico VGA boards.
- MURMULATOR and MURMULATOR2 platforms.
- Waveshare’s RP2040-PiZero Development Board.
For detailed information, updates, and source code, visit the project’s GitHub repository. GitHub