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MasterGear

Freemium#2 of 25 in Sega Master System EmulatorsGame Gear Emulators

MasterGear: A mature Sega emulator with NetPlay, debugging, cheats, and broad 8-bit console support. Ranked #2 of 25 in Sega Master System Emulators by our editors (9.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for users prioritizing mature SMS features and NetPlay.

9.0/10Editor score

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At a glance

Editor score
9.0 / 10
Pricing
Free plan
Best for
Users prioritizing mature SMS features and NetPlay
Free plan
Yes
Supported platforms
Windows, Linux, Android
Founded
1996 · Winchester, Massachusetts, United States
Facts checked
21 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Supports Master System, Game Gear, SG1000, and related Sega systems
- Includes built-in debugging, NetPlay, save states, and cheat tools
- Offers configurable video options, FM sound, and serial EEPROM emulation
Where it doesn't
- Android access is paid, while Windows and Linux versions are free
- Does not include game ROMs
- Not open source and has no AI features

Our verdict on MasterGear

MasterGear is an emulator for Sega Master System software and a broad group of related 8-bit systems, including Game Gear, SG1000, SC3000, SF7000, Mark II, and Mark III. It is aimed at players and preservation-focused users who provide their own legally obtained game files. Its feature set also suits users who want more than basic playback, with save and load states, cheat support, network multiplayer, and a built-in debugger.

Platform coverage is practical rather than universal: current downloads are listed for Windows, Linux, and Android. The Windows and Linux versions are free, while Android is offered as a paid app. MasterGear does not require a BIOS, and it supports configurable video scaling, scanlines, and fullscreen modes. Its sound features include FM sound emulation and MIDI soundtrack recording, while serial EEPROM emulation and multiple cartridge formats add support for different software requirements.

The main strength is breadth within Sega's early console and computer hardware, combined with NetPlay, Cheatopedia and GameGenie features, and save-state sharing on Android. That makes MasterGear a strong fit for users who value mature Master System support, debugging, and network play in one application. It is less suitable for users who require open-source software, a wider range of modern platforms, or bundled game content. Anyone choosing it should also plan to supply legally obtained ROM files, since the emulator does not include them.

Your product? Our editors can test MasterGear in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →

MasterGear pricing

Plans Free planFreemium A usable free plan; paid tiers unlock the limits above. Prices checked 21 Sep 2026.

See plans on fms.komkon.org

All 1 MasterGear plans and prices →

MasterGear fact sheet

Free plan	Yes
Paid from	Not verified
Supported platforms	Windows, Linux, Android
Source available	No
Built-in debugger	Yes
Netplay support	Yes
Cheat support	Yes
BIOS required	No
Deployment	Desktop, Mobile
Platforms	Windows, Linux, Android
Support	Email, Community, Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business (editorial estimate)
Pricing	Free plan (source)
Website	fms.komkon.org
Facts checked	21 Sep 2026

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MasterGear vs the competition

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Also Ranked In

MasterGear is ranked in 2 of our directories.

#9Game Gear Emulators31 tools ranked

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Featured on iTechGuides

MasterGear is listed in our Sega Master System Emulators directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update