pico-smsplus
pico-smsplus: A focused board-based emulator for Sega Master System, Game Gear, and SG-1000 games. Ranked #25 of 31 in Game Gear Emulators by our editors (6.3/10); pricing: Free plan; best for embedded Sega emulation on supported boards.
At a glance
- Editor score6.3 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forEmbedded Sega emulation on supported boards
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Supported platformsRaspberry Pi Pico, Pico W, Pico 2, Pico 2 W, Adafruit Feather RP2040 with DVI, Adafruit Fruit Jam, Adafruit Metro RP2350, Pimoroni Pico Plus 2, Waveshare RP2040/RP2350 boards, Murmulator M1/M2
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Supports Master System, Game Gear, and SG-1000 emulation
- Includes save states, SD-card saves, and a ROM selection menu
- Provides HDMI or DVI output, USB drive mode, and two-player support
Where it doesn't
- Requires compatible RP2040 or RP2350 hardware
- Not a desktop or mobile emulator
- No verified video recording, replay, debugger, or shader features
Our verdict on pico-smsplus
pico-smsplus is open-source firmware for emulating Sega Master System, Game Gear, and SG-1000 games on supported RP2040 and RP2350-based boards. Its documented hardware includes Raspberry Pi Pico models, several Adafruit, Pimoroni, Waveshare, and Murmulator boards, plus other compatible configurations. ROM files are loaded from FAT32 or exFAT SD cards, with video and sound delivered through HDMI or DVI depending on the board. This makes it a fit for projects centered on dedicated embedded hardware rather than desktop or mobile emulation.
The feature set is practical for a compact console-style setup. A game-selection menu manages SD-card ROMs and shows recently played games, while save states and battery-backed saves support different ways to preserve progress. USB drive mode provides a method for managing SD-card contents without removing the card. Compatible games can use two-player controllers, and supported RP2350 configurations add YM2413 FM sound emulation. The firmware also supports audio recording on RP2350 boards with PSRAM, with the repository documenting approximately 30 seconds of recording.
Its main trade-off is its narrow platform focus. Users need one of the supported boards and an appropriate display, storage, and controller arrangement; it is not positioned as a general-purpose emulator for common computer or mobile operating systems. The documented scope also leaves out verified video recording, input recording, replay, debugger, and shader features. Choose pico-smsplus for open-source Sega emulation built around compatible embedded boards, SD-card management, and physical display output. Choose another option if you need a desktop-style emulator, broader system coverage, or advanced development and graphics tools.
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pico-smsplus pricing
pico-smsplus fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported platforms | Raspberry Pi Pico, Pico W, Pico 2, Pico 2 W, Adafruit Feather RP2040 with DVI, Adafruit Fruit Jam, Adafruit Metro RP2350, Pimoroni Pico Plus 2, Waveshare RP2040/RP2350 boards, Murmulator M1/M2 |
| Save states | Yes |
| Game Gear debugger | Not verified |
| Recording tools | Not verified |
| Master System support | Yes |
| Shader support | Not verified |
| Source available | Yes |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to pico-smsplus
- RetroArchA free, open-source emulator frontend with broad platform coverage and deep configuration options.9.4
- GearsystemA broad Sega emulator with unusually deep debugging and Game Gear tools.9.1
- ProvenanceA feature-rich Apple emulator with free access, optional sync upgrades, and BIOS requirements.8.9
See all pico-smsplus alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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