Head-to-head · Sega Master System Emulators
Genesis Plus GX vs SMS Plus GX
Genesis Plus GX leads on 1 check, SMS Plus GX on 0, and 4 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 scoreGenesis Plus GX · 8.2/10
- Free planboth
Genesis Plus GX scores higher on our rubric for sega master system emulators: 8.2 against 7.9 out of 10; our editors rank them #6 and #8.
Genesis Plus GX offers netplay support; SMS Plus GX doesn't.
Genesis Plus GX is the better fit for retroArch users wanting broad Sega emulation. SMS Plus GX is the better fit for android and Linux users wanting practical SMS tools.
- Genesis Plus GX fits best
RetroArch users wanting broad Sega emulation
- SMS Plus GX fits best
Android and Linux users wanting practical SMS tools
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Side by side
| Feature | Genesis Plus GX 8.2/10 Visit ↗ | SMS Plus GX 7.9/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.2 | 7.9 |
| Ranking | #6 in Sega Master System Emulators | #8 in Sega Master System Emulators |
| Best for | RetroArch users wanting broad Sega emulation | 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 | Android, Linux |
| Support | Docs | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo, Small business |
| Features Genesis Plus GX 2/5 · SMS Plus GX 2/5 | ||
| Source available | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Built-in debugger | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Netplay support | ✓ (best) | — |
| Cheat support | ✓ | ✓ |
| BIOS required | Not checked yet | — |
| Specs | ||
| Supported platforms | Windows; GameCube; Wii; RetroArch-based platforms | Android, Linux |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| 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 → |
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
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
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
- 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 → - 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 →
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All sega master system emulators comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update