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openMSX

Free#38 of 53 in Multi-System Emulators

openMSX: A specialized, free emulator for MSX users who need control beyond basic gameplay. Ranked #38 of 53 in Multi-System Emulators by our editors (6.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for MSX users needing debugging and scripting.

6.0/10Editor score

Visit openMSX

openMSX6.0 Visit openMSX

At a glance

Editor score
6.0 / 10
Pricing
Free plan
Best for
MSX users needing debugging and scripting
Free plan
Yes
Paid from
Free
Facts checked
22 Sep 2026

Where it wins
- Supports MSX through turboR systems and experimental related systems
- Includes reverse execution, breakpoints, watchpoints and Tcl scripting
- Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux and Android with media recording
Where it doesn't
- Full emulation of many machines requires system ROMs
- Android support details vary by package version
- Its focus is specialized around MSX and related systems

Our verdict on openMSX

openMSX is an open-source emulator focused on MSX home computers, covering MSX, MSX2, MSX2+ and turboR systems. It also offers experimental emulation for ColecoVision, Spectravideo SVI-318/SVI-328 and Sega SG-1000. The product suits solo users and small teams who want an emulator for classic MSX software, machine configuration work, debugging or scripted control rather than a broad, general-purpose emulation suite.

Its strongest distinction is the depth of its control and inspection features. Save states and reverse execution support iterative work, while the built-in debugger provides watchpoints and breakpoints. Tcl scripting and an external command interface add automation options. Multiple machine configurations and simultaneous machines are available, and the built-in graphical user interface keeps those capabilities accessible through graphical controls. Support for disk, hard-disk, tape and ROM images covers several common MSX media formats, while video scaling algorithms, scanlines, blur effects, and video and audio recording extend its usefulness for presentation and documentation.

openMSX is free and open source, with desktop downloads for Windows, macOS and Linux plus an Android deployment. The published details identify Android 4.1+ support for the 0.15.0 Android package, while desktop downloads are version 21.0. Full emulation of many real MSX machines requires system ROMs; C-BIOS is included for supported default configurations. Choose openMSX if MSX accuracy, debugging, scripting, media handling and configurable machines matter most. Users seeking a less specialized emulator should consider a product with broader system coverage.

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

openMSX pricing

Plans Free planFree Free to use — no paid tier required for the core job.

See plans on openmsx.org

openMSX fact sheet

Free plan	Yes
Paid from	Free
Supported systems	Not verified
Android support	Yes
Arcade support	Not verified
Netplay	Not verified
BIOS required	Yes
Shader/upscaling	Yes
License	Open-source
Deployment	Desktop, Mobile
Platforms	Windows, macOS, Linux, Android
Support	Docs
Built for	Solo, Small business (editorial estimate)
Pricing	Free plan
Website	openmsx.org
Facts checked	22 Sep 2026

Alternatives to openMSX

See all openMSX alternatives →

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Featured on iTechGuides

openMSX is listed in our Multi-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