SMS Plus GX review
A free SMS and Game Gear core with flexible saves, controls, cheats, and video options.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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.
SMS Plus GX pros and cons
- 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
SMS Plus GX fact sheet, pricing and score →
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