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Head-to-head · Sega Master System Emulators

Genesis Plus GX vs Nexen

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 3 checks side by side
Higher score Genesis Plus GX #6 in Sega Master System Emulators 8.2/10 Free plan Free plan✓ 2 of 5 features Try Genesis Plus GX
Nexen #7 in Sega Master System Emulators 8.0/10 Open source ✓ 1 of 5 features Visit Nexen

Genesis Plus GX leads on 0 checks, Nexen on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreGenesis Plus GX · 8.2/10
  • Free planonly Genesis Plus GX
  • Most featuresGenesis Plus GX · 2 of 5

Genesis Plus GX scores higher on our rubric for sega master system emulators: 8.2 against 8.0 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #7.

Genesis Plus GX is the better fit for retroArch users wanting broad Sega emulation. Nexen is the better fit for TAS and multiplayer-focused desktop users.

  • Genesis Plus GX fits best

    RetroArch users wanting broad Sega emulation

  • Nexen fits best

    TAS and multiplayer-focused desktop users

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Side by side

Feature Genesis Plus GX 8.2/10 Visit ↗ Nexen 8.0/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 8.2 8.0
Ranking #6 in Sega Master System Emulators #7 in Sega Master System Emulators
Best for RetroArch users wanting broad Sega emulation TAS and multiplayer-focused desktop users
Pricing model Free Free
Starting price Free plan Open source
Free plan ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Free trial — —
Deployment Desktop Desktop
Platforms Windows Windows, macOS, Linux
Support Docs Community, Docs
Built for Solo, Small business Solo, Small business
Features Genesis Plus GX 2/5 · Nexen 1/5
Source available Not checked yet Not checked yet
Built-in debugger Not checked yet Not checked yet
Netplay support ✓ ✓
Cheat support ✓ (best) Not checked yet
BIOS required Not checked yet Not checked yet
Specs
Supported platforms Windows; GameCube; Wii; RetroArch-based platforms Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • Covers Master System, Game Gear, Genesis, Mega CD, and SG-1000
  • Supports save states, netplay, cheats, and display filters
  • Integrates with RetroArch, BizHawk, and OpenEmu
  • Rollback netplay supports multiplayer across Windows, macOS, and Linux.
  • Frame-by-frame TAS editing includes undo/redo and greenzone support.
  • Timestamped save states, debugger tools, shaders, and recording add depth.
Cons
  • Sega-focused scope does not cover non-Sega console families
  • Sega PICO emulation remains preliminary
  • Platform access is split between standalone ports and frontend integrations
  • It is limited to Windows, macOS, and Linux desktop computers.
  • Its broad system coverage may exceed the needs of SMS-only users.
  • Several additional systems remain under development.
Our verdict

Genesis Plus GX is an open-source emulator focused on Sega's 8-bit and 16-bit systems. It is aimed at players who want Master System and Game Gear support alongside Genesis/Mega Drive, Sega/Mega CD, SG-1000, and preliminary Sega PICO…

Read the review →

Nexen is an open-source multi-system emulator for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It supports Sega Master System and Game Gear alongside NES, SNES, Game Boy, Game Boy Advance, PC Engine, WonderSwan, and Atari Lynx. That makes it a fit for…

Read the review →
  1. Genesis Plus GXSega Master System Emulators 8.2Free plan
  2. NexenSega Master System Emulators 8.0Open source

Strengths and trade-offs

  • Genesis Plus GX — where it wins

    • Covers Master System, Game Gear, Genesis, Mega CD, and SG-1000
    • Supports save states, netplay, cheats, and display filters
    • Integrates with RetroArch, BizHawk, and OpenEmu

    Where it doesn't

    • Sega-focused scope does not cover non-Sega console families
    • Sega PICO emulation remains preliminary
    • Platform access is split between standalone ports and frontend integrations

  • Nexen — where it wins

    • Rollback netplay supports multiplayer across Windows, macOS, and Linux.
    • Frame-by-frame TAS editing includes undo/redo and greenzone support.
    • Timestamped save states, debugger tools, shaders, and recording add depth.

    Where it doesn't

    • It is limited to Windows, macOS, and Linux desktop computers.
    • Its broad system coverage may exceed the needs of SMS-only users.
    • Several additional systems remain under development.
  • Genesis Plus GX8.2/10 · Free plan

    A broad Sega emulator with Master System support, save states, cheats, filters, and frontend integrations.

    Try Genesis Plus GXFull verdict →
  • Nexen8.0/10 · Open source

    A strong desktop choice for Sega Master System TAS work and rollback multiplayer.

    Visit NexenFull verdict →

More comparisons

All sega master system emulators comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update