SMS Plus GX
SMS Plus GX: A free SMS and Game Gear core with flexible saves, controls, cheats, and video options. Ranked #8 of 25 in Sega Master System Emulators by our editors (7.9/10); pricing: Free plan; best for android and Linux users wanting practical SMS tools.
At a glance
- Editor score7.9 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forAndroid and Linux users wanting practical SMS tools
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Supported platformsAndroid, Linux
- Facts checked21 Sep 2026
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
Our verdict on SMS Plus GX
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 through a compatible libretro frontend such as RetroArch. Supported content includes .sms, .bin, .rom, .gg, and .col files, while the Master System BIOS is optional. Its GPLv2 license and source availability also fit users who prefer open-source software.
Its feature set focuses on practical emulation controls rather than a broad platform suite. Save files and save states support flexible progress management, and rewind can help recover from mistakes. Controller remapping accommodates different input setups, while configurable hardware and region options provide additional control over how software is presented. RetroArch cheat support and Blargg NTSC video filtering add further configuration for users who want to adjust gameplay or image presentation. For Master System and Game Gear use, this is a focused collection of useful tools rather than an oversized feature list.
The main trade-off is its format: SMS Plus GX is a libretro core, not a standalone consumer application, so users need a compatible frontend to access it. It also does not provide netplay. ColecoVision support remains experimental, and ColecoVision software requires separate BIOS support, making that platform a less straightforward use case. Pick SMS Plus GX if Android or Linux support, open-source availability, common cartridge formats, save features, and configurable controls are priorities. Choose an alternative if you need a standalone emulator, built-in netplay, or a more mature ColecoVision experience.
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SMS Plus GX pricing
SMS Plus GX fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported platforms | Android, Linux |
| Source available | Yes |
| Built-in debugger | Not verified |
| Netplay support | No |
| Cheat support | Yes |
| BIOS required | No |
| Deployment | Mobile, Desktop |
| Platforms | Android, Linux |
| Support | Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business (editorial estimate) |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | github.com |
| Facts checked | 21 Sep 2026 |
Alternatives to SMS Plus GX
- GearsystemA free, broad-platform emulator with debugging, cheats, rewind and no BIOS requirement.9.4
- MasterGearA mature Sega emulator with NetPlay, debugging, cheats, and broad 8-bit console support.9.0
- EmuliciousA free, developer-focused emulator for Master System work and multi-system testing.8.8
See all SMS Plus GX alternatives →
SMS Plus GX vs the competition
- SMS Plus GX vs Gearsystem
- SMS Plus GX vs MasterGear
- SMS Plus GX vs Emulicious
- SMS Plus GX vs vibe-sms
- SMS Plus GX vs Dega
- SMS Plus GX vs Genesis Plus GX
Compare SMS Plus GX with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
SMS Plus GX is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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