zx_go is a Go emulator for Sinclair 8-bit computers, including the ZX80, ZX81, classic ZX Spectrum models, Pentagon, SAM Coupé, and Spectrum Next. The project describes its classic-machine emulation as mature and stable, with cycle-accurate Z80 emulation and memory and port contention. Spectrum Next mode boots into NextZXOS and implements custom hardware such as Layer 2, sprites, tilemap, Copper, and MMU, but game compatibility is still developing: some titles work, others have bugs, and many are unverified. Supported media include tape, snapshot, disk, microdrive, NEX, and RZX files, with load and save support varying by format. Emulated peripherals include disk interfaces, mouse, printer, and joysticks; sound includes beeper, AY, DACs, and Next audio. Debugging tools include a visual debugger, a scriptable telnet debugger, and headless tracing. It runs on Linux, macOS, and Windows, with pre-built binaries for x64 and ARM64 systems; Windows ARM64 is experimental. Building from source requires Go 1.25 or later, a C compiler, and OpenGL libraries. Spectrum Next mode also requires licensed ROMs that are not bundled.
Who it is for
zx_go suits users who want to emulate Sinclair 8-bit computers on Linux, macOS, or Windows, particularly the classic machines the project describes as mature and stable. Spectrum Next users should expect compatibility to still be developing and provide licensed ROMs.
What is good
- Emulates a wide range of Sinclair 8-bit computers.
- Classic emulation includes cycle-accurate Z80 behavior.
- Supports tape, snapshot, disk, and other formats.
- Includes visual, telnet, and headless debugging tools.
- Pre-built binaries are available for Linux, macOS, and Windows.
What to know first
- Spectrum Next game compatibility is still developing.
- Licensed Spectrum Next ROMs are not bundled.
- Windows ARM64 binaries are experimental.
- Source builds require Go 1.25 or later, a C compiler, and OpenGL.
Verdict
zx_go offers broad Sinclair machine and peripheral emulation, with the classic line described as the mature part of the project. Spectrum Next game support is still developing, and that mode requires licensed ROMs not included with the emulator.
zx_go plans and pricing
All plansCompared on ZX spectrum emulators
- Host platforms
- Windows, macOS, Linux
- Tape formats
- .tap, .tzx
- Snapshot formats
- .sna, .z80, .szx
- Built-in debugger
- Yes
- Open source
- Yes
- Peripheral support
- +3 FDC, Beta Disk, Opus Discovery, Interface 1/2, DISCiPLE, Multiface, Kempston mouse, ZX Printer, joysticks
