Head-to-head · Sega Master System Emulators
Dega vs SMS Plus GX
Dega leads on 0 checks, SMS Plus GX on 0, and 5 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 5 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreDega · 8.4/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresSMS Plus GX · 2 of 5
Dega scores higher on our rubric for sega master system emulators: 8.4 against 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #5 and #8.
Dega is the better fit for dedicated SMS users wanting scripting tools. SMS Plus GX is the better fit for android and Linux users wanting practical SMS tools.
- Dega fits best
Dedicated SMS users wanting scripting tools
- SMS Plus GX fits best
Android and Linux users wanting practical SMS tools
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.
Side by side
| Feature | Dega 8.4/10 Visit ↗ | SMS Plus GX 7.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.4 | 7.9 |
| Ranking | #5 in Sega Master System Emulators | #8 in Sega Master System Emulators |
| Best for | Dedicated SMS users wanting scripting tools | Android and Linux users wanting practical SMS tools |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Mobile, Desktop |
| Platforms | Windows, Linux | Android, Linux |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Features Dega 1/5 · SMS Plus GX 2/5 | ||
| Source available | ✓ | ✓ |
| Built-in debugger | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Netplay support | Not checked yet | — |
| Cheat support | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| BIOS required | Not checked yet | — |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | Windows, *NIX | Android, Linux |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Our verdict | Dega is a desktop emulator for Sega Master System, Sega Mark III, and Game Gear software. It is aimed at dedicated users who want more than ROM loading, including save states, movie recording, memory tools, scripting, sound-chip support,… Read the review → |
SMS Plus GX is an open-source libretro emulator core for Sega Master System and Game Gear software, with experimental ColecoVision support. It suits Android and Linux users who want a free way to run supported retro cartridge image formats… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Dega — where it wins
- Supports Master System, Mark III, and Game Gear software
- Adds Python scripting with access to game RAM
- Includes save states, movie tools, and frame controls
Where it doesn't
- Targets Windows and Unix-like desktop systems
- Free use is limited to noncommercial purposes
- Source-based distribution may require compilation
SMS Plus GX — where it wins
- Supports Sega Master System and Game Gear software
- Includes save states, rewind, cheats, and controller remapping
- Offers configurable hardware, region, and video filtering options
Where it doesn't
- Requires a compatible libretro frontend such as RetroArch
- Netplay is not supported
- ColecoVision support is experimental and requires a separate BIOS
- Dega8.4/10 · Free plan
A free, focused SMS emulator with scripting, movie tools, and memory features.
Visit DegaFull verdict → - SMS Plus GX7.9/10 · Free plan
A free SMS and Game Gear core with flexible saves, controls, cheats, and video options.
Visit LibretroFull verdict →
More comparisons
- Gearsystem vs Dega
- Gearsystem vs SMS Plus GX
- MasterGear vs Dega
- MasterGear vs SMS Plus GX
- Emulicious vs Dega
- Emulicious vs SMS Plus GX
- vibe-sms vs Dega
- vibe-sms vs SMS Plus GX
All sega master system emulators comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update